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George Mason University

VALHEN STEM Academy

Valhen2024

The 2025 VALHEN STEM Academy application cycle is now open.  The application deadline has been extended to 11:59 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025. Submit your application HERE.

George Mason University is excited to host the 2025 VALHEN STEM Academy.  This unique pre-college experience offers selected participants a series of interactive and hands-on sessions across a wide range of STEM disciplines, held in Mason’s cutting-edge labs and facilities. VSA’s fun, innovative format connects today’s high school students to the STEM majors and careers of tomorrow.*

Who is eligible?

Any rising high school sophomore or junior enrolled in a public or private high school (or homeschooled) in Virginia (9th and 10th graders at the time of application who will advance to the next grade level in 2025-26).  Students who attended any VALHEN Academy program (STEM Academy or Leadership Academy)) are not eligible.

When: July 30 through August 1, 2025
Where: George Mason University's Fairfax Campus

The 2025 STEM academy theme is STEM & Sustainability in Action. Participants will design solutions to complex, global challenges, developing essential research, problem-solving, and science communication skills.

Participants in this program will:

  • Attend university lectures and complete hands-on STEM challenges across science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, facilitated by George Mason University faculty.
  • Collaborate with VSA Guides and fellow students on group research projects addressing real-world global challenges such as hunger, access to clean water, pollution, and climate change.
  • Explore 21st Century STEM postsecondary and career pathways.
  • Connect with STEM faculty and professionals, and VSA peer guides.
  • Connect with students from across Virginia who are equally passionate about STEM and sustainability.

This program is free for selected students. Participants reside overnight on campus for two nights (double occupancy in a suite dormitory setting with an interior, shared bathroom). A limited number of non-residential (day-only) slots are also available. Bed linens, meals, and a daily snack are provided for the duration of the program.  Selected students must provide their own transportation to/from the VALHEN STEM Academy.

How we select our VSA cohort:

Selection for VSA is based on the following factors*:

  • Academic Standing: Applicant is a current 9th or 10th grader enrolled in Virginia, in good academic standing, and will be entering the 10th or 11th grade in the 2025-26 academic year.  
  • Application Completion: Applicant has submitted a complete application, following all instructions and providing all required information.
  • STEM/Health Interest: Applicant demonstrates an interest in STEM or health-related fields, as described in their application.
  • Future Goals: Applicant effectively articulates how participating in VSA will support their college and career aspirations.

 

*Race/ethnicity and GPA are not factors in the VSA selection process.

Questions? Please contact the STEM Academy Director, Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon at khilkerb@gmu.edu.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.