UTRGV to host nation’s largest transportation-focused STEM summer camps
Photo above: Join the UTCRS STEM Summer Camps this June at UTRGV. K-12 students will explore robotics and engineering challenges while learning about careers in transportation engineering. Sessions run from June 2-26 in Edinburg. (UTRGV Archival Photo by Silver Salas)
By María González
EDINBURG, TEXAS – The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) at UTRGV will host its annual UTCRS STEM Summer Camps in June, welcoming K-12 students from across the Rio Grande Valley.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as one of the largest transportation-related STEM camps in the nation, this hands-on program introduces students to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with a focus on transportation engineering.
The 2025 camps will run in one-week sessions from June 2-26 at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus.
Participants will explore robotics, magnetic levitation and real-world engineering challenges using interactive tools such as LEGO MINDSTORM, SPIKE Prime and Pi-Top Robotics.
“The UTCRS STEM Summer Camps aim to introduce participants to careers in STEM with emphasis on transportation engineering,” said Dr. Constantine Tarawneh, Louis A. Beecherl, Jr. Endowed Professor and UTCRS director. “Participants will have a chance to engage, learn and innovate in a fun, interactive setting while building confidence, teamwork skills and a stronger interest in STEM.”
Interested parents are encouraged to attend one of three orientation sessions in May. The orientation dates are as follows:
- Friday, May 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The camps will conclude with a final competition and closing ceremony on June 27.
The cost to attend the camp is $100 per student, unless it is covered by the school district.
Registration is available at https://www.utrgv.edu/youthprograms.
For more information, contact the UTCRS office at 956-665-8164 or email [email protected].