Eureka! Five-Year STEM & Leadership Program for Girls Opens 2026 Applications

The Eureka! Program, a nationally recognized five-year STEM and leadership initiative, has officially opened applications for girls who will enter 8th grade in Fall 2026. Operated by YWCA Minneapolis Girls Inc., the program supports girls from middle school through high school graduation, preparing them for college, careers, and long-term success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Applications are open until March 31, 2026, with interviews scheduled for April. Participation is completely free, and selected students will be notified by email.

What Is the Eureka! Program?

Eureka! is a long-term academic and personal development program designed for girls with an interest in STEM, leadership, and community building. The program combines summer learning, school-year enrichment, mentorship, and real-world exposure to help participants confidently navigate their educational journey.

Participants join a cohort of girls from across the Twin Cities, forming strong peer connections while exploring career interests and future goals in a supportive environment.

Who Can Apply?

Girls are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Current 7th graders (entering 8th grade in Fall 2026)

• Interest in STEM and career development

• Willingness to commit to a five-year program

• Excitement about building sisterhood and leadership skills

YWCA Minneapolis Girls Inc. welcomes youth who identify as girls, including transgender girls and non-binary individuals.

Program Structure: Five Years of Growth

Summer Programs

Each summer focuses on a new stage of academic and career readiness:

• Year 1 & 2 (Rising 8th & 9th graders):
  Day camp at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, featuring STEM labs led by university professors and students.

• Year 3 (Rising 10th grader):
  Future-ready summer focused on career exploration and skill development.

• Year 4 (Rising 11th grader):
  Internship summer providing real-world professional exposure.

• Year 5 (Rising 12th grader):
  College and career readiness summer preparing participants for post-secondary success.

School-Year Programming

During the academic year, participants attend monthly workshops, enrichment events, and field trips that reinforce learning and mentorship.

What Participants Receive

Girls selected for the Eureka! Program benefit from:

• Hands-on STEM labs and activities

• Swimming lessons and health & wellness programming

• Field trips and leadership development

• Internships and career exposure

• Snacks and lunches during program activities

• Monetary stipends for participants who complete program milestones

The program is offered at no cost to families.

Program Impact

Eureka! has a strong track record of positive outcomes:

• 96% of participants say the program helped them think about their future

• 98% report having an adult who believes in their success

• 98% plan to attend college

These results highlight the program’s role in building confidence, academic motivation, and long-term aspirations.

2026 Summer Schedule

• Dates: June 29 – July 24, 2026

• Monday–Thursday: 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM

• Friday: 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Locations:

• YWCA Midtown

• University of Minnesota

Drop-off and pick-up take place at:
YWCA Midtown, 2121 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

How to Apply

• Application deadline: March 31, 2026

• Applicants will be notified by email

• Interviews conducted in April

• Space is limited

Apply online at ywcampls.org/eureka or scan the official QR code.

For questions:
📧 [email protected]
📞 612-215-4369

Why Eureka! Matters

STEM exposure, mentorship, and confidence-building at an early age can shape lifelong opportunities. The Eureka! Program offers girls a structured, supportive pathway to explore their potential, develop leadership skills, and prepare for college and careers with purpose.

For girls entering 8th grade in Fall 2026, Eureka! represents a powerful first step toward a future in STEM—and beyond.

Download Eureka Flyer

For more opportunities, click here.