College of Eastern Idaho Offers Free Summer STEM Program for High Schoolers

Program provides college credits, field experiences at Idaho National Lab

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A repeating grid pattern of a stylized laptop computer icon in bright, neon-like colors, conveying the technology-focused nature of the STEM program.A vibrant pop art representation of the technology and digital focus of the College of Eastern Idaho's free summer STEM program for high school students.Idaho Falls Today

The College of Eastern Idaho is launching a new free summer STEM program for high school students, allowing them to earn 5-6 college credits over 8 weeks. The program includes courses in network security and math, as well as field experiences at the nearby Idaho National Laboratory facilities. The goal is to give students a preview of college-level expectations while exposing them to potential STEM career pathways in the region's growing advanced energy, cybersecurity, and engineering sectors.

Why it matters

This program aims to build a stronger local pipeline of STEM-skilled workers to support the expansion of critical industries in eastern Idaho, including the Idaho National Laboratory, one of the nation's leading nuclear research facilities. By providing high school students with an early college experience and connections to regional employers, the program hopes to accelerate their readiness for in-demand technical jobs.

The details

The College of Eastern Idaho's inaugural Summer STEM Bridge Program will run for 8 weeks from June 2 to July 23 on the college's Idaho Falls campus. High school sophomores, juniors, and graduating seniors can participate and earn 5-6 college credits at no cost. Students will take two college-level courses - Fundamentals of Network Security and a math class - taught by CEI faculty and industry experts. They will also build academic and career portfolios and go on two field experiences at Idaho National Laboratory facilities.

  • The program will run from June 2 to July 23, 2026.
  • An information session for students and parents is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

College of Eastern Idaho

A community college located in Idaho Falls, Idaho that is launching the free Summer STEM Bridge Program.

Idaho National Laboratory

One of the nation's leading nuclear research facilities, located in eastern Idaho, that is partnering with CEI on the STEM program and providing field experiences for participants.

Mary Stephenson

The associate vice president for K-14 and rural initiatives at the College of Eastern Idaho, who is overseeing the new Summer STEM Bridge Program.

Hope Morrow

The manager of workforce and economic programs at the Idaho National Laboratory, which is supporting the STEM program as a way to prepare students for technical jobs in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Students will engage in rigorous coursework, receive high-quality support, build connections and gain a real-world perspective on the opportunities available to them in our local workforce.”

— Mary Stephenson, Associate Vice President, College of Eastern Idaho

“Innovative workforce programs like these not only prepare students for real-world jobs, but they accelerate their access to them, strengthening Idaho's workforce and supporting the region's critical industries.”

— Hope Morrow, Manager of Workforce and Economic Programs, Idaho National Laboratory

What’s next

Students interested in the program can join the interest list or learn more at the College of Eastern Idaho's website. An information session for students and parents is scheduled for April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

This free summer STEM program at the College of Eastern Idaho represents an innovative partnership between the college and the Idaho National Laboratory to build a stronger local pipeline of skilled technical workers. By providing high school students with an early college experience and connections to regional employers, the program aims to accelerate their readiness for in-demand jobs in eastern Idaho's growing advanced energy, cybersecurity, and engineering sectors.