Harvey Mudd College Launches ASPIRE, An Immersive STEAM Summer Academy for High Schoolers

Harvey Mudd College is proud to announce the launch of ASPIRE (Advanced STEAM Pre-collegiate Immersion for Research and Exploration), a premier residential summer program designed to equip the next generation of STEM leaders with technical rigor and ethical purpose.

Set to begin July 12, 2026, the two-week program invites rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders to the Harvey Mudd campus for a deep dive into hands-on research, collaborative design and humanistic inquiry.

“ASPIRE is designed to give high-achieving students an early glimpse into what it means to study STEM at Harvey Mudd,” says Cindy Martinez, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Working closely with our faculty and receiving mentorship from current Harvey Mudd students, participants will experience the collaborative learning culture that defines the Mudd community.”

ASPIRE is fully residential. Participants will live in Harvey Mudd’s residence halls, eat at the highly rated Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons and take part in “career treks” to Southern California companies working at the intersection of technology, creativity and entrepreneurship.

“The residential component is critical,” Martinez adds. “What makes the Harvey Mudd experience special is the way students learn together—supporting one another, exploring ideas and building community both inside and outside the classroom. We want ASPIRE participants to get a genuine glimpse of what it feels like to be part of the Mudd community.”

Application Details

ASPIRE is open to both domestic and international students. The all-inclusive cost of $5,500 covers everything from instruction and materials to weekend excursions and roundtrip airport transportation.

The extended priority application deadline is March 31, 2026; applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter. Prospective students and parents can learn more and apply on the ASPIRE webpage.

About Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is the premier liberal arts college of engineering, science and mathematics. The College’s mission is to educate engineers, scientists and mathematicians of the highest ability who also have a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society.