The SUNY Poly Spotlight Series is a robust collection of camps for kids and teens as well as events and workshops for people of all ages. Showcasing the expertise of SUNY Poly faculty and staff and our Mohawk Valley community, the series provides opportunities for fun and learning in the areas of STEM, the arts, athletics, wellness, and more.
Have an idea for an event? Email us at events@sunypoly.edu and let us know!
Spring 2025 Events and Workshops
The gold listings are workshops or camps for middle and/or high school students with specific age ranges.
The green listings are athletic camps for middle and/or high school students with specific age ranges.
The blue listings are events and workshops for community members of all ages.
| 🧪 Griffiss Institute STEM Circuit4 Chemistry Camp: 7/21/25 – 7/25/25 (Pre-Collegiate Camp, Ages 8-12) |
Date: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Room, 2144, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: Scientific method, batteries and chemical composition, lemon battery, potato battery, squishy circuits, basic measurement chemicals to form new materials. Light snacks and a lunch will be provided. If you have questions, email STEM@griffissinstitute.com. For more information please visit https://www.griffissinstitute.org/stem.
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (Thanks to the generous support of Griffiss Institute, Empire State Development, and M&T Bank)
Deadline: Registration opens on Monday, May 19 at Noon and will close at Midnight on Wednesday, May 21. If capacity is exceeded during the open application period, camp placements will be made by lottery. Applicants will be notified via email by Griffiss Institute of their registration status.
Age Range: 8 years old - 12 years old
Participants: 25 (Max)
Register Now!
| ⌨️ Griffiss Institute STEM Circuit4 Coding Camp: 7/28/25 – 8/1/25 (Pre-Collegiate Camp, Ages 8-12) |
Date: Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Ground Floor, Room 172, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: Scientific method, batteries and chemical composition, lemon battery, potato battery, squishy circuits, basic measurement chemicals to form new materials. Light snacks and a lunch will be provided. If you have questions, email STEM@griffissinstitute.com. For more information please visit https://www.griffissinstitute.org/stem.
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (Thanks to the generous support of Griffiss Institute, Empire State Development, and M&T Bank)
Deadline: Registration opens on Monday, May 19 at Noon and will close at Midnight on Wednesday, May 21. If capacity is exceeded during the open application period, camp placements will be made by lottery. Applicants will be notified via email by Griffiss Institute of their registration status.
Age Range: 8 years old - 12 years old
Participants: 25 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🧱 Griffiss Institute Lego Robotics Camp: 8/4/25 – 8/8/25 (Pre-Collegiate Camp, Ages 10-14) |
Date: Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Ground Floor, Room G172, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: Students learn how to command robots to do their bidding. But first, students must speak their robot’s native language. Over the course of 5 days, students will design and build their robot, program it to solve challenges on a LEGO game board and fix their robot’s code, or even attachments when it inevitably does not do what they expected it to do the first time.
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (This STEM program is funded and led by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, located in Rome, NY.)
Deadline: Registration opens on Monday, May 19 at Noon and will close at Midnight on Wednesday, May 21. If capacity is exceeded during the open application period, camp placements will be made by lottery. Applicants will be notified via email by Griffiss Institute of their registration status.
Age Range: 10 years old - 14 years old
Participants: 12 (Max)
Register Now!
| 👩🏻🔧 Build Your Own Electronics: 8/4/25 – 8/7/25 (Pre-Collegiate Camp, Ages 13-18) |
Date: Monday, August 4 – Thursday, August 7
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Room 2144, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Instructors: CASMAD
Description: Curious about how electronics really work? Join us this summer at SUNY Poly for a hands-on electronics and semiconductor fabrication camp designed for middle and high school students. You'll explore the science of electricity, experiment with semiconductor materials, and design your own circuits. Along the way, you'll learn to program microcontrollers and build a working semiconductor gadget to take home. No experience needed. Perfect for high school students who love to build, tinker, and innovate!
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (Thanks to the generous support of Center for Advanced Semiconductor Materials and Device; CASMAD)
Deadline: Register by Monday, July 28 at Noon
Age Range: 13 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 20 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🛸⚽ Drone Soccer: Aviation is a Team Sport: 8/4/25 – 8/7/25 (Pre-Collegiate Camp, Ages 12-18) |
Date: Monday, August 4 – Thursday, August 7
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Instructors: CNY Drones
Description: Take flight in one of the most exciting and educational team-based STEM experiences available! The U.S. Drone Soccer STEM Camp introduces students to the cutting-edge world of drone technology through the fast-paced, full-contact sport of Drone Soccer. This program challenges students to build, program, and fly professional-grade quadcopters enclosed in protective exoskeletons designed specifically for collisions and competitive play. Working in teams, participants fly their drones within a netted arena where they must protect their goal and strategically support their “striker,” the only drone eligible to score by flying through a suspended hoop. Students gain hands-on experience with aerodynamics, electronics, programming, and engineering, while also strengthening vital soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. No prior drone flying experience is required, just a willingness to learn.
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Assured Information Security; AIS)
Deadline: Register by Monday, July 28
Age Range: 12 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 20 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🎙️ From Nervous to Natural: Public Speaking with Confidence: 8/7/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Thursday, August 7
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Alumnus Gaetano Viti, Founder of the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Casual Debate Club
Description: Discover the tools and techniques to transform your fear of public speaking into clarity and confidence. “From Nervous to Natural” is a fun, interactive workshop (designed for all ages) to build speaking skills, boost self-assurance, and communicate with impact. Participants will kick things off with introductions, followed by a fun improv exercise using random prompts, a light-hearted mini debate, and a collaborative group project culminating in a short presentation on a topic of their choice.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, August 6 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🏐 Women’s Volleyball Camp: 8/11/25 – 8/14/25 (Athletic Camp, Ages 15-18) |
Date: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Coaches: Dan Short, Head Men's & Women's Volleyball Coach for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Come join the SUNY Poly Men's and Women's Volleyball Coaches for four days of volleyball learning and fun! Days will consist of small group instruction in areas serving, passing, hitting & other skills. Plenty competitive games will take place throughout the four days ending in a large amount of six-on-six play. If you have more than one child that you’d like to register, please contact Dan Short at shortdk1@sunypoly.edufor a discount.
Fee: $180.00 per person (Eventbrite Fees: 3.7% & $1.79 per ticket + 2.9% Credit Card Processing Fee)
Deadline: Register by Monday, August 4 at Noon
Age Range: 15 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 60 (Max) and 20 (Min)
Register Now!
| 🏐 Men’s Volleyball Camp: 8/11/25 – 8/14/25 (Athletic Camp, Ages 15-18) |
Date: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Coaches: Dan Short, Head Men's & Women's Volleyball Coach for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Come join the SUNY Poly Men's and Women's Volleyball Coaches for four days of volleyball learning and fun! Days will consist of small group instruction in areas serving, passing, hitting & other skills. Plenty competitive games will take place throughout the four days ending in a large amount of six-on-six play. If you have more than one child that you’d like to register, please contact Dan Short at shortdk1@sunypoly.edufor a discount.
Fee: $180.00 per person (Eventbrite Fees: 3.7% & $1.79 per ticket + 2.9% Credit Card Processing Fee)
Deadline: Register by Monday, August 4 at Noon
Age Range: 15 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 60 (Max) and 20 (Min)
Register Now!
| 🥾 Ecosystems Explorers Camp: 8/16/25 (Pre-Collegiate Workshop, Ages 11-14) |
Date: Saturday, August 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Ground Floor, Room G172, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Justin Jablonski, Adjunct Lecturer at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Come join us for a two-hour adventure in the wild side of science! Participants will become ecosystem explorers by investigating local habitats, identifying common plants and animals, and discovering how everything connects in a living food web. The experience blends biology, environmental science, and ecological education, offering a fun and educational morning perfect for curious minds ages 11 and up. Whether your student loves science, nature, or just getting outside, this camp is a great way to explore STEM in action. As a hands-on highlight, each attendee will create and take home their own terrarium—a miniature ecosystem they can continue to observe and care for. The event will begin and end indoors, with outdoor exploration depending on weather conditions. Please bring a water bottle, appropriate footwear, and clothing for being outside.
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (Thanks to the generous support of NYSTEC)
Deadline: Register by Friday, August 15 at Noon
Age Range: 11 years old - 14 years old
Participants: 20 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🥎 SUNY Poly Baseball Prospect Clinic: 8/20/25 (Athletic Camp, Ages 15-18) |
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Peter A. Spina Baseball Field, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Coaches: Paul Ludden, Head Baseball Coach for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: During the SUNY Poly Baseball Prospect Clinic, you will have a chance to showcase your skills to members of the current SUNY Poly Baseball coaching staff. The beginning of the clinic will include an instructional portion broken down by position, followed by a showcase portion of the clinic which will include running, fielding, and throwing. The last portion of the clinic will include gameplay with live pitching wrapped up by a recruiting talk, and a chance for questions.
Fee: $75.00 per person (Eventbrite Fees: 3.7% & $1.79 per ticket + 2.9% Credit Card Processing Fee)
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, August 19 at Noon
Age Range: 15 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 50 (Max), 10 (Min)
Register Now!
| 🖼️ Fire and Framed: Create Your Own Fused Glass Art w/ Penny Veschusio and Marie Joyce of Songbyrd Street Studios: 9/10/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Wednesday, September 10
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Penny Veschusio and Marie Joyce of Songbyrd Street Studios
Description: Unleash your creativity in this hands-on fused-glass workshop! With their guidance, participants will design and decorate a pre-cut piece of glass using various types and colors of fusible glass, crafting their own vibrant fused-glass artwork. Penny and Marie will bring the artwork back to their studio to be fired in the kiln and will also frame them. The framed fused-glass artwork will then be brought back to SUNY Poly the following week. They can be picked up in Institutional Advancement, located on the 2nd floor of Kunsela Hall (B234), the week of Monday, August 11 – Friday, August 15, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit songbyrdstreetstudios.com.
Fee: $65
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, September 10 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| ⚫ How to Jump Into a Black Hole: Cosmic Curiosity for the Brave and the Bold: 9/15/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Monday, September 15
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Robert Penna, Theoretical Physicist and Assistant Professor of Physics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: So, you want to jump into a black hole? In this one-hour talk, you'll learn everything you need to know, including where to find a black hole, the difference between the event horizon and the singularity, what you can do once you are inside, and much more!
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, September 15 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🍄 Make & Take Workshop: Wool Felting for Beginners - Create Your Own Wool Felted Mushroom: 9/22/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Monday, September 22
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Eric Freeman, Wool Felt Artist
Description: Celebrate National Mushroom Month with a hands-on “Make & Take” workshop where you’ll craft your very own wool felted mushroom! Learn the basics of needle felting and leave with a whimsical, one-of-a-kind creation. No experience needed — just bring your imagination and mushroom-loving spirit!
Fee: $50.00 + Eventbrite Fees
Deadline: Register by Friday, September 19 at Noon
Participants: 40 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🐝 Buzz Into Pollination: The Secret Life of Bees: 9/27/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Room 2151, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Margarita Orlova, Assistant Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Discover the fascinating world of pollination and the vital role bees play in our ecosystems. This “hands-on” talk in the will feature real specimens (no live bees), and—weather permitting—a guided walk outdoors to see pollinators in action. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Friday, September 26 at Noon
Participants: 24 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🐒 Leaping into the Wild: The Secret Life of Lemurs: 10/27/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Monday, October 27
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Adam T. McLain, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Join us for a wild adventure into the treetops of Madagascar as we explore the fascinating world of lemurs – leaping, lounging, and laughing all the way! From their quirky behaviors to their fight for survival, this playful presentation shines a spotlight on why these unique primates deserve our attention and protection.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, October 27 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 💻 From Hackathon to Leadership: Facing the Fear, Finding Your Strength: 10/30/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Thursday, October 30
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Linda Paredes ‘20, UX/UI Designer and Coding Teacher at East Elite
Description: What’s scarier than a haunted house? Leading a team for the first time—or stepping up in the middle of chaos. But just like in a hackathon, the best growth happens when you embrace the unknown. In this spirited pre-Halloween workshop, we’ll explore how collaborative challenges build real-world leadership skills. I’ll share my own journey, including some frightful flops and thrilling wins, and we’ll uncover practical strategies to help you lead with confidence—even when it feels a little scary.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, October 29 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🗣️ 😁 Interpersonal Communication & Relationship Building Workshop: 11/12/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Mark I. Cushman, Certified Organizational Development Coach
Description: Get ready to engage, interact, and transform the way you communicate! This dynamic workshop isn’t just a lecture – it’s a fully immersive experience. Through real-time communication-style assessments, group exercises, and powerful role-playing activities, you’ll uncover how others perceive you and discover practical tools to improve your active listening, verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, November 12 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🎄👽 SETI Part 2: Aliens, AI & the Holiday Paradox - A Cosmic Winter: 12/9/25 (All Ages) |
Date: Tuesday, December 9
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Emilio Cobanera, Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for Safe and Secure AI Robotics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: This holiday season, journey through the stars without leaving campus! As humanity cozies up to artificial intelligences like ChatGPT and Gemini, we must revisit one of science’s greatest mysteries: where are all the aliens? In this festive edition of his thought-provoking talk, Dr. Emilio Cobanera unwraps the Fermi Paradox in the age of AI and explores how our new relationship with intelligent machines could offer fresh insight into alien cognition, robotic civilizations, and our place in a possibly quiet galaxy.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, December 9 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
