Summer Programs to Run August 3–14, 2026
These programs are FREE to students entering grades 5-12 who are currently attending school in Manchester. The goal of the camp is to cultivate interest and excitement around subjects related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) through interactive, hands-on activities. The emphasis is on problem solving, creative thinking and having fun! All levels of experience welcome!
If you have questions, please contact Shannon McCracken-Barber at shannon.mccrackenbarber@unh.edu.
Offered through the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Manchester Tech Camp provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and award-winning faculty. The program is affiliated with UNH Tech Camp on the Durham campus, a popular summer program that has been inspiring students for close to two decades. An important component of the Tech Camp mission is to foster a learning community that makes STEM education available to students from all ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Manchester Tech Camp is a day program that runs 8:30–4pm, Monday-Friday, at UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street, Manchester, New Hampshire.
Please note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in public schools within the Manchester school district: Hillside Middle School, McLaughlin Middle School, Middle School at Parkside, Southside Middle School, Central High School, Memorial High School, Manchester School of Technology, and West High School. Students from outside Manchester can apply to the camp but will be placed on a waiting list until May 15, 2026, and accepted on a space-available basis thereafter.
Funding for Manchester Tech Camp is provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of a national Build Back Better Regional Challenge award.
Week 1: August 3 – August 7, 2026
All weeklong programs are held on the UNH Manchester campus and open to students of all STEAM skill levels! Programs are offered at no cost to participants. Space is limited.
TechSplorers (Grades 5-8)
This program cycles through a variety of fun-filled science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) topics, including activities such as forensic science, circuit-building, the science of sound, kitchen science, freshwater ecology, and more! All of these topics are explored through collaborative, hands-on activities. Each day is a new adventure! Open to all levels of experience! Lead Teacher: Cathy Goodwin.
TechVoyagers: Forensics in Action (Grades 7-10)
Do you love a good "Whodunit"? In this camp, students will enhance their scientific skills and explore the types of evidence and techniques used in forensic science to solve crimes. Students process a mock crime scene to solve the crime while learning about fingerprinting, blood typing, fiber analysis, chemical analysis, and DNA fingerprinting. Lead Teacher: Sophia Sheehan.
TechVoyagers: Body Builders (Grades 9-12)
Have you ever wondered how the human body functions? In this program, students explore the inner workings of several body systems and organs. They’ll apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to create functional models of these systems, combining art and electrical engineering to “build” a human body! Lead Teacher: Sydney Rollins.
Week 2: August 10 – August 14, 2026
All weeklong programs are held on the UNH Manchester campus and open to students of all STEAM skill levels! Programs are offered at no cost to participants. Space is limited.
TechSplorers (Grades 5-8)
This program cycles through a variety of fun-filled science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) topics, including activities such as forensic science, circuit-building, the science of sound, kitchen science, freshwater ecology, and more! All of these topics are explored through collaborative, hands-on activities. Each day is a new adventure! Open to all levels of experience! Lead Teacher: Cathy Goodwin.
TechVoyagers: AI for Models (Grades 9-12)
Dive into the world of AI with this exciting program where students become the innovators! Explore AI models and use them to verify real lab data collected through hands-on experiments and electronics. Using tools such as sensors and cell cultures, students create and train AI models to achieve peak accuracy. Code like a pro, just like Karlie Kloss — but no need to be 5'10"! Get ready for a fun, engaging, and challenging experience grounded in practical applications and AI testing. Lead Teacher: JayCee Chitturi.
TechVoyagers: Zoom Lens (Grades 9-12)
Microscopes enable us to visualize the hidden world around us. Imagine being able to turn your cell phone into a handheld microscope! Antonie van Leeuweknhoek was a microscopist who was the first to observe bacteria and protozoa. In this project, you will explore Leeuwenhoek microscopes and build your own prototype using custom-made lenses that attach to your phone. This involves 3D modeling and 3D printing your designs to turn your phone into a high-magnification custom microscope! Lead Teacher: Dr. Mark Scimone.
Students who successfully complete all assignments associated with this program will earn 0.5 science credits. This Extended Learning Opportunity is available to students within the Manchester School District. For questions or more information, please contact Shannon McCracken-Barber at shannon.mccrackenbarber@unh.edu.
Manchester Tech Camp Application & Enrollment
The process for enrolling in a Manchester Tech Camp program is slightly different from other UNH Youth Programs. We have a two-part process that starts with the submission of an application.
Once you have officially applied, a member of the Manchester Tech Camp team will reach out within the next three-week period via email to provide enrollment information if accepted into a program. This is done through the centralized UNH Youth Programs website.
Submitting an application does not automatically enroll the student into the program.
