STEM Programs for Grades 3–8

STEM Programs for Grades 3–8 includes activities such as Saturday STEM for students in grades 3–8, summer camps, and entrepreneurship and makerspace education. The program is part of a broader set of offerings that also includes Middle School Online Programs, High School Online Programs, the PROMISE Program, and the Learning Enrichment Engine.

• Ages: 8–13 years old

STEM Programs for Grades 3–8 is offered by the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), a public residential Academy and teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois. IMSA is an independent state agency governed by an appointed Board of Trustees, and its budget is part of the Illinois higher education system. IMSA provides professional development training and turnkey STEM curricula, as well as student enrichment such as summer camps and entrepreneurship and makerspace education. Its mission is “To ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.” IMSA is ranked the #1 college preparatory public high school in Illinois and the #1 STEM high school in Illinois by Niche.com, and it has been named among the top 40 public and private college preparatory institutions in the world by The Wall Street Journal. IMSA and its programs have been profiled by NBC-TV’s Dateline, CNN’s Science and Technology News, USA Today, the New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. IMSA serves as a catalyst for the advancement of STEM teaching and learning statewide through Educator Development and Youth Outreach Programs. The institution’s leadership team includes Dr. Evan M. Glazer, President; April Wells, Director of Admissions; Clarissa Jimenez, Admissions Specialist; Simone Alexander, Admissions Counselor; and Lisa Linsner, Administrative Assistant. IMSA states a Notice of Nondiscrimination that it prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates.

Last updated February 5, 2026.