Illinois Tech Youth Programs
Illinois Institute of Technology, 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
About
Illinois Tech Youth Programs include events, camps, clubs, science cafes, and tutoring. Activities in these programs include Block City Community Building Day, the Aero-STEM Expo, flight simulators, mini-drones, and robots. SMASH Academy is part of Illinois Tech Youth Programs and includes a three-year STEM-focused residential college prep program.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: Starting the summer after ninth grade, SMASH Illinois students live and study at Illinois Tech for five weeks
• Price: SMASH Academy is described as "a free, three-year STEM-focused residential college prep program"
The programming that the Office of Community Affairs provides to children in Bronzeville and the surrounding communities seeks to bring them together with Illinois Tech faculty, students, and staff to foster an affinity for science and STEM programs. Community Affairs’ science cafes bring children together with Illinois Tech faculty members for a scientific presentation—be it in-person or virtually—to highlight how science works and why it is fun. Block City Community Building Day is an annual family event that features attendees building a city out of LEGO blocks. The Aero-STEM Expo is held annually and introduces Chicago students to the aviation and aerospace fields; past expos have included flight simulators, mini-drones, and robots, and industry professionals are on hand to provide mentoring opportunities. Illinois Tech’s summer camps offer high school students the chance to learn more about technology, business, architecture, science, engineering, or computers. SMASH Academy is a free, three-year STEM-focused residential college prep program in which, starting the summer after ninth grade, students live and study at Illinois Tech for five weeks to build core technical skills in computing, form a robust community of peers, connect with STEM professionals, and gain access to college and work readiness opportunities. Founded in 1890, Illinois Institute of Technology has a 130-year legacy of excellence in academics, research, and innovation. Illinois Tech has partnered with SMASH Academy to help create pathways to STEM careers.
Last updated July 30, 2026.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: Starting the summer after ninth grade, SMASH Illinois students live and study at Illinois Tech for five weeks
• Price: SMASH Academy is described as "a free, three-year STEM-focused residential college prep program"
The programming that the Office of Community Affairs provides to children in Bronzeville and the surrounding communities seeks to bring them together with Illinois Tech faculty, students, and staff to foster an affinity for science and STEM programs. Community Affairs’ science cafes bring children together with Illinois Tech faculty members for a scientific presentation—be it in-person or virtually—to highlight how science works and why it is fun. Block City Community Building Day is an annual family event that features attendees building a city out of LEGO blocks. The Aero-STEM Expo is held annually and introduces Chicago students to the aviation and aerospace fields; past expos have included flight simulators, mini-drones, and robots, and industry professionals are on hand to provide mentoring opportunities. Illinois Tech’s summer camps offer high school students the chance to learn more about technology, business, architecture, science, engineering, or computers. SMASH Academy is a free, three-year STEM-focused residential college prep program in which, starting the summer after ninth grade, students live and study at Illinois Tech for five weeks to build core technical skills in computing, form a robust community of peers, connect with STEM professionals, and gain access to college and work readiness opportunities. Founded in 1890, Illinois Institute of Technology has a 130-year legacy of excellence in academics, research, and innovation. Illinois Tech has partnered with SMASH Academy to help create pathways to STEM careers.
Last updated July 30, 2026.
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