Headwaters Science Institute

Headwaters Science Institute offers summer camps with day and overnight options, virtual research experiences, 1-on-1 mentoring, multi-day programs, single day programs, and overnight programs. Students can take part in hands-on field research, design and present original research projects, and work with a professional scientist mentor.

Programs

• Summer camps (day and overnight options) — grades K-12 · Offered for students who want to dig deeper into science outside the classroom. Financial assistance is available.
• Virtual research experiences — grades K-12 · A virtual, semester-long program where high schoolers design an original research project with a professional scientist mentor and see it through to a published paper.
• 1-on-1 mentoring — grades 6-12 · One-on-one mentoring with a professional scientist, built around science fair projects, coursework help, or building research skills. Purchased in hour blocks.
• WWCUSD Programs — TK–6th grade · Free, hands-on summer science camps for local TK–6th grade students through a partnership with West Contra Costa Unified School District.
• Multi-Day Programs — elementary through high school students · A 3-day or 5-day in-depth research program where students design, run, and present an original field research project.
• Single Day Programs — elementary through high school students · A single day of hands-on field research at a school or nearby field site.
• Overnight Programs — elementary through high school students · A 3-day immersive research trip to the Donner Summit field site.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old

About the provider

Headwaters Science Institute has operated since 2014. It partners with West Contra Costa Unified School District to offer free, hands-on summer science camps for local TK–6th grade students.

Financial assistance is available. Student-to-instructor ratio is about 12:1. Programs are customized to academic and scheduling needs. Programs are certified accomplished by STEMworks at WestEd. Currently booking for Fall 2026 and beyond. The cost for multi-day programs is $200 per student for a 5-day program. Multiple class volume discounts are available. Financial aid is available to low-income schools.

Last updated November 7, 2026.