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George Mason University

VALHEN STEM Academy

Valhen2024

The 2026 VALHEN STEM Academy application will open on February 1, 2026.

George Mason University is proud to host the 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 facilities. VSA’s fun, innovative format connects today’s high school students* to the STEM majors and interdisciplinary careers of tomorrow.

Who is eligible to apply?*

Rising high school juniors (10th grader at the time of application) who are:

  • Enrolled in a public or private high school (or homeschooled) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • In good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or higher).
  • Not attending any other VALHEN summer program in 2026.
  • Not an alumnus of the 2025 STEM Academy (VSA) or Leadership Academy (VLA).

When: Late-July/Early-August TBD
Where: George Mason University's Fairfax Campus

The 2026 STEM academy theme is Exploring Grand Challenges in STEM & Sustainability. Participants design solutions to address complex, global STEM problems while developing essential research, problem-solving, and science communication skills.

What to expect:

  • Attend university lectures and complete hands-on STEM challenges facilitated by George Mason University faculty.
  • Collaborate with VSA Guides and fellow VSA scholars on a research-intensive group project addressing a real-world global STEM or sustainability challenge.
  • Explore 21st Century STEM postsecondary and career pathways.
  • Connect with STEM faculty and professionals, and VSA peer guides.
  • Connect with VSA scholars 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.  No transportation assistance is available – all students must provide their own transportation to/from the VALHEN STEM Academy.

Who Thrives at the VALHEN STEM Academy?

VSA is an immersive, three-day experience designed for students who are ready to dive headfirst into the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our program is fast-paced, hands-on, and intellectually challenging, offering a unique opportunity to explore STEM pathways alongside like-minded peers.

Students who excel in VSA demonstrate:

  1. Passion for STEM: A genuine curiosity and excitement for exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics beyond the classroom.
  2. High Energy and Enthusiasm: The ability to stay fully engaged across three long, activity-filled days of workshops, experiments, and project development.
  3. Commitment to Participation: A willingness to bring their best effort, maintain focus, and actively participate in every session from start to finish.
  4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Comfort working with new peers, sharing ideas, and contributing to group challenges and presentations.
  5. Perseverance and Growth Mindset: The determination to tackle complex problems, try new things, and learn from both successes and mistakes.

If this sounds like you, the VALHEN STEM Academy is the perfect place to challenge yourself, connect with university faculty and industry professionals, and take your first steps toward a successful future in STEM.

How we select our VSA cohort:

Selection for VSA is based on the following factors*:

  • Academic Standing: Applicant is a current 10th grader in good academic standing who is enrolled (or homeschooled) in a high school program in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Application Completion: Applicant has submitted a complete application, following all instructions and providing all required information.
  • STEM/STEAM/Health Interest: Applicant demonstrates strong interest in STEM/STEAM (STEM plus arts) or health, as described in their application.
  • Future Goals: Applicant effectively articulates how participating in VSA will support their future goals and aspirations.
  • Originality and Integrity: All application materials are prepared by the student. Essays are not AI-generated or drafted by a third party (caregiver).
  • Strength of Recommendation: A strong, non-biased recommendation (preferably from a teacher, counselor, or coach/community leader) is submitted on behalf of the applicant.

 

*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.