Applications Open for Free 2026 Summer Physics Camp in Santa Fe

Applications are being accepted for the FREE 2026 Summer Physics Camp in New Mexico, a no-cost day camp set for June 9–19, 2026, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at NMSA in Santa Fe. The program targets students who live in New Mexico, New Mexico Tribal Communities, or East Hawai‘i Island and who have completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course; the application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

Organizers at the New Mexico Consortium and Los Alamos National Laboratory emphasize inclusivity and long-term opportunity. “Acceptance to the camp is not based on GPA, but on how this experience can help shape your future,” the announcement states. “All students are welcome to apply, and one of our goals is to engage those who may not normally see themselves as future scientists.” Students who complete the program will earn a $350 stipend and “have the opportunity to join the national SAGE Journey program, a community that sparks creativity, innovation, and future leadership in science and technology.”

The camp is primarily a day program with lunches and snacks provided daily. A limited number of free residential spots will be available to selected students living more than 60 miles away from Santa Fe and unable to commute to the camp each day. Residential attendees receive free breakfast and dinner in addition to the day meals. Sessions also cover career skills: “Camp sessions also cover professional development skills, including how to write a resume and perform well in interviews,” Los Alamos National Laboratory materials note.

Prospective applicants should prepare an online application and allow time to secure supporting documents. “Students should give themselves time to complete an online application form, as well as secure a letter of recommendation and school transcripts for the application,” the LANL guidance advises. The New Mexico Consortium directs applicants to the camp page’s Apply tab for eligibility details and submission. For more information, organizers say to email spcyw-nm@lanl.gov; Los Alamos National Laboratory Public Affairs can be reached at media_relations@lanl.gov.

Separate procedural advice from another university offering summer camps recommends no application fee, using a desktop or laptop for essay questions, and watching inboxes for updates; Constructor University provided those tips for its own programs and they are listed as application best practices rather than official camp instructions. Volunteer opportunities are referenced on the New Mexico Consortium site under a Volunteer tab for those interested in helping.

For Los Alamos County families, the camp offers a cost-free pathway to hands-on physics and career skills during the summer, plus a modest stipend and a link into the national SAGE Journey community. Apply via the New Mexico Consortium Apply tab or contact spcyw-nm@lanl.gov to confirm application links, the precise number of residential spots, and any final eligibility details before the April 1 deadline.