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College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS)

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Program

Home > Colleges & Schools > CAENS > °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Program

About Us

STEM Achievers Program Every student deserves access to a better future. That’s why °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ is happy to provide an engaging, hands-on program developed to enrich learning through design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality, social entrepreneurship, and mentorship. This program creates a more diverse pipeline for future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math).

The program is part of a joint initiative to address barriers to digital inclusion and help move the world forward by equipping marginalized youth with digital skills training. The °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Program empowers underserved middle school students to explore STEM subjects.

Additionally, the program is aligned with project-based learning opportunities connected to real world challenges and invites STEM learning, career exploration, and personal development. The program is inclusive and welcomes all genders and non-binary youth. The 2026 program is a 2-week in-person summer session, taking place June 29 – July 10, 2026. Food and transportation will be provided!

Applications for teaching assistants/mentors (undergraduate and graduate students) and program instructors (middle and high school educators) for the 2026 summer program are now being accepted.

 

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Program Information

Overview

 

The 2026 program is a 2-week in-person program for middle school boys and girls. There is NO COST to participants and includes meals, snacks, transportation, program, and learning materials. The °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers program provides students from under-resourced middle schools with a supportive STEM-enrichment educational experience. Additionally, the program is aligned with project-based learning opportunities connected to real world challenges and invites STEM learning, career exploration, and personal development. 

Program Duration

 

The 2026 VIL STEM Achievers Summer Program will run:

June 29 – July 10, 2026

(8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily)

Meals, transportation, and supplies are provided at no cost to participants.

The program consists of a structured 2-week in-person STEM immersion experience

Stipend

 

Program participants with at least an 80% attendance rate have a chance to receive an $100 stipend at the completion of the program.

Teaching assistants, mentors, and program instructors will also receive compensation through the program’s hiring process.

Eligibility

 

Applicants must:

  • Be entering grades 6–8
  • Submit a completed application and required supplemental documents
  • Be interested in STEM learning, creativity, problem solving, and hands-on activities

All genders, including non-binary youth, are welcome.

Application Deadlines

 

Applicants must:

  • Be entering grades 6–8
  • Submit a completed application and required supplemental documents
  • Be interested in STEM learning, creativity, problem solving, and hands-on activities

How to Apply

How to Apply

STEP 1 — Complete the Online Application

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Application
(Parent or guardian must complete)

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Program 3-Week Summer Session Application

STEP 2 — Submit Supplemental Documents

  • Recommendation Form (1 required; must not be a family member)
    Add the restored recommendation form link here once available: Recommendation Form
  • One-Page Handwritten Essay on lined paper describing educational goals and reasons for wanting to join the program

Submission Options

Fax: (334) 724-4451

Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com

Mail:
°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ STEM Achievers Program
Attn: Lakiah Clark
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall

Contact Information

Lakiah Clark
Project Coordinator
°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ- CAENS
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall
Tel: (334) 724-4218
Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com

Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller
Principal Investigator & Project Director
°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ- CAENS
110 Henderson Hall
Tel: (334) 727-8403
Email: oboldentiller@tuskegee.edu

FAQs

Is the program free to attend?

Yes. The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program is completely free. Meals, transportation, supplies, and instructional materials are included at no cost.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade as of August 2025 are eligible. The program is inclusive and welcomes all genders, including non-binary youth.

Do applicants need prior STEM experience?

No. The program is designed for students at all levels, including beginners. Activities are hands-on and guided by trained instructors and mentors.

How many students can the program accept?

The 2025 program aims to enroll up to 100 middle school participants.

What documents are required for a complete application?

Applicants must submit:

  • One Recommendation Form (not from a family member)
  • One handwritten one-page essay on lined notebook paper describing educational goals and reasons for wanting to join the program
How are supplemental documents submitted?

Documents may be submitted via:

Fax: (334) 724-4451
Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com
Mail:
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program
°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall / 110 Henderson Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088

Is transportation provided?

Yes. Transportation is provided daily for all participants as part of the program.

Are meals provided?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day during the 3-week summer program.

What are the program dates?

The 2025 summer program will run June 30 – July 18, 2025, Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily.

Can returning students participate again?

Yes. Returning students may be considered if space is available and the updated application is submitted.

Can parents or guardians get help completing the application?

Yes. Program staff are available to assist families in completing the online application and gathering supplemental documents.

Who can I contact for more information?

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Leadership Team

Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller – Program Director
Lakiah Clark – Program Coordinator

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall / 110 Henderson Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088

Tel: (334) 724-4605 or (334) 727-8564
Fax: (334) 724-4451
Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com

Participating Institutions

 

°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ

Other Summer Programs

Tuskegee university has various summer program. CLICK HERE for more information.