Chemistry Summer Camp
Spend a week doing real chemistry in a real university lab. Middle and high school students get five days of hands-on experiments, college mentors and a first taste of life as a scientist.
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A Week That Can Change Everything
Sometimes all it takes is one experience, one mentor or one week to change the direction of a young person's life. That belief is what started the UofL Chemistry Summer Camp.
The camp began with a simple observation: the department's undergraduate teaching labs — some of the best-equipped in the region — sat mostly empty over the summer. Meenakshi Bansal, General Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator and the camp's founder and program director, saw an opportunity to open those doors to the next generation of scientists, physicians, engineers, pharmacists and researchers.
The first camp launched in Summer 2025 with seven students. One year later, 83 middle and high school students from across the region spent a week at the bench — conducting experiments, exploring chemistry up close and, for many, stepping into a university laboratory for the very first time.
What Campers Do
Campers spend five full days in the same laboratories where UofL undergraduates train, running hands-on experiments guided by a team of undergraduate student leaders who serve as instructors, mentors and role models. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and all instructional materials are included in the registration fee.
No experience is required — just curiosity.
Camp by the Numbers
campers in Summer 2026 — up from 7 in the camp's first year
students received full or partial scholarships in 2026
full days of hands-on lab experiments, meals and materials included
Science for Every Student
The $250 fee covers the full week — and helps fund scholarships for campers who couldn't otherwise attend. With partners like Clariant, the camp provided full or partial assistance to 29 students in 2026. Cost should never keep a kid from science.
Lead the Next Generation
UofL undergraduates power the camp — teaching experiments, mentoring campers and modeling what a future in STEM looks like. It's paid teaching experience and a chance to spark a love of science. Contact the program director to get involved.
Help Us Grow
The vision: reach more students across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, expand scholarships and launch a free Girls in STEM camp funded by community and industry support. Alumni, local industry and donors make that growth possible.
Interested?
Reach out to Program Director Meenakshi Bansal for more information about next summer's camp, scholarships, volunteering as a camp leader or supporting the program.