Continuing, Professional and Online Education

Pre-College STEM Program

Hands-On Research and Learning for Middle and High School Students

At Stony Brook, students can build confidence, explore college-level research, and prepare for STEM careers

The Pre-College STEM (PC-STEM) Program at Stony Brook University offers middle and high school students the opportunity to explore cutting-edge STEM topics through hands-on, project-based learning. Guided by Stony Brook faculty and graduate mentors, students engage in real-world problem-solving, gain exposure to college-level learning, and build confidence in STEM pathways. The program partners with local school districts through Eastern Suffolk BOCES to provide an enriching after-school experience that supports college and career readiness.

 

What Students Experience

  • Experiential, project-based courses showcasing Stony Brook's unique academic and research opportunities
  • Exposure to a wide range of STEM majors and interdisciplinary fields
  • Small-group mentorship led by PhD students, faculty, and research scientists
  • Exploration of diverse STEM career pathways through real-world applications
  • Strong school partnerships connecting students to SBU enrichment and college readiness resources

 


For More Information

Haiwen Lu

Haiwen Lu
Director
Pre-College STEM Program
Haiwen.Lu@stonybrook.edu

Students posing with their volcano project

Sample Topics

Each semester features a different STEM topic, allowing students to explore a broad range of disciplines over time. Sample topics include:

  • Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Robotics, Computer Science
  • AI & Applied Computing
  • Linguistics & Neuroscience

Program Pathways

High School Program (Grades 10-12)

A three-year program designed to engage students in different aspects of STEM learning and research each year. Students visit the Stony Brook campus for five after-school sessions (3 to 5 pm) on Wednesday or Thursday during the fall semester and five sessions during the spring semester. Participants work in small groups with dedicated mentors and learn in an authentic college environment.

Middle School Program (Grades 7-8)

The middle school program introduces foundational STEM concepts through hands-on, project-based curriculum. Mentors visit participating schools for five after-school sessions (3 to 5 pm) during the fall and spring semesters on Wednesdays or Thursdays, allowing students to develop curiosity, confidence, and essential skills for advanced STEM learning.

PC-STEM in the News

Pre-College STEM students participated in the IceCube Masterclass, diving into neutrino physics research. Working with real data from detectors at the South Pole, students analyzed cosmic particles and connected directly with scientists conducting research in one of the world's most extreme environments.

The experience showcased the kind of authentic research opportunities that define our program.


Read the full story → 

Students building a cloud chamber

 

 

How To Participate

The Pre-College STEM Program is offered through a partnership with Eastern Suffolk BOCES and participating school districts. The program is coordinated and reimbursed through Eastern Suffolk BOCES, with each district providing a teacher or chaperone to accompany students.

For more information about bringing this program to your school district or to learn about participation opportunities, contact Haiwen Lu, Program Director.

 

 

In partnership with

Eastern Suffolk BOCES Logo