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!
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.
| 🌍 The Origins of Life Through the Lens of a Physicist: Why Biodiversity Matters: 5/22/26 (All Ages) |
Date: Friday, May 22
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: How did life begin on Earth — and why does it take so many forms? In recognition of the International Day of Biological Diversity, physicist Dr. Emilio Cobanera explores the origins of life from a scientific perspective, connecting physics, chemistry, and biology to explain how simple matter evolved into the extraordinary diversity of living organisms we see today. This engaging, family-friendly talk will spark curiosity about our place in the universe and the forces that shaped life on our planet.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Friday, May 22 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 💃🏻🕺🏻 Salsa Dance Lessons for Beginners: Session One: 5/28/26 (All Ages) |
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, 2nd Floor, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Instructor: Dr. Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: There is nothing more freeing than dancing. This introductory ballroom dancing class offers a fun and welcoming environment where beginners can learn the basic steps and techniques. Join us and immerse yourself in Latin rhythms and beats of Salsa. This lesson, offered by our experienced instructor, Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Ph.D., focuses on rhythm, footwork, and partner connection. No age limit and no prior dance experience or partner is required, making it the perfect opportunity to gain confidence on the dance floor while enjoying social interactions. Please bring a pair of shoes with smooth bottom. Let the Latin party get started!
Fee: $10 per person
Deadline: Register by Thursday, May 28 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 💃🏻🕺🏻 Salsa Dance Lessons for Beginners: Session Two: 6/4/26 (All Ages) |
Date: Thursday, June 4
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, 2nd Floor, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Instructor: Dr. Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: There is nothing more freeing than dancing. This introductory ballroom dancing class offers a fun and welcoming environment where beginners can learn the basic steps and techniques. Join us and immerse yourself in Latin rhythms and beats of Salsa. This lesson, offered by our experienced instructor, Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Ph.D., focuses on rhythm, footwork, and partner connection. No age limit and no prior dance experience or partner is required, making it the perfect opportunity to gain confidence on the dance floor while enjoying social interactions. Please bring a pair of shoes with smooth bottom. Let the Latin party get started!
Fee: $10 per person
Deadline: Register by Thursday, June 4 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 💃🏻🕺🏻 Salsa Dance Lessons for Beginners: Session Three: 6/11/26 (All Ages) |
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, 2nd Floor, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Instructor: Dr. Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: There is nothing more freeing than dancing. This introductory ballroom dancing class offers a fun and welcoming environment where beginners can learn the basic steps and techniques. Join us and immerse yourself in Latin rhythms and beats of Salsa. This lesson, offered by our experienced instructor, Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Ph.D., focuses on rhythm, footwork, and partner connection. No age limit and no prior dance experience or partner is required, making it the perfect opportunity to gain confidence on the dance floor while enjoying social interactions. Please bring a pair of shoes with smooth bottom. Let the Latin party get started!
Fee: $10 per person
Deadline: Register by Thursday, June 11 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 💃🏻🕺🏻 Salsa Dance Lessons for Beginners: Session #4: 6/18/26 (All Ages) |
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, 2nd Floor, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Instructor: Dr. Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: There is nothing more freeing than dancing. This introductory ballroom dancing class offers a fun and welcoming environment where beginners can learn the basic steps and techniques. Join us and immerse yourself in Latin rhythms and beats of Salsa. This lesson, offered by our experienced instructor, Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Ph.D., focuses on rhythm, footwork, and partner connection. No age limit and no prior dance experience or partner is required, making it the perfect opportunity to gain confidence on the dance floor while enjoying social interactions. Please bring a pair of shoes with smooth bottom. Let the Latin party get started!
Fee: $10 per person
Deadline: Register by Thursday, June 18 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Register Now!
| 🏀 Boys and Girls Basketball Camp: 6/29/26 - 7/2/26 (Pre-Collegiate Athletic Camp, Ages 7-14) |
Date: Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Rob Schoener and Jessica Skelton, Head Basketball Coaches for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Come join the SUNY Poly Men's & Women's Basketball Coaches for four days of basketball fun! Days will consist of small group instruction in areas such as shooting, passing, defense & other skills. Team games will take place culminating in camp championships and there will be various contests & competitions throughout the week. Lunch in the Student Center is included in the cost of registration.
Fee: $200.00 per person
Deadline: Register by Friday, June 27 at Noon
Participants: 120 (Max)
Age Range: 7 years old - 14 years old
Register Now!
| 💪🏻 Strength and Conditioning Summer Camp: 7/20/26 - 7/23/26 (Pre-Collegiate Athletic Camp, Ages 14-18) |
Date: Monday, July 20 – Thursday, July 23
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, 2nd Floor, Fitness Center, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Patrick Hanlon, CSCS, M.S., SCCC, Athletic Performance Coach and Fitness Center Coordinator at SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Get a look into how a college strength and conditioning program is run. With supervised work on speed and agility sessions, weight training with focuses on form and technique, and a look into how college athletes condition for their sport. This camp gives you a unique opportunity to work with Coach Patrick and see how SUNY Poly's athletes train both in season and out of season to be the best athletes they can be.
Fee: $150.00 per person
Deadline: Register by Sunday, July 19 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
Age Range: 14 years old - 18 years old
Register Now!
| 🏐 Women’s Volleyball Camp: 8/17/26 – 8/20/26 (Athletic Camp, Ages 14-18) |
Date: Monday, August 17 – Thursday, August 20
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: 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: $200.00 per person
Deadline: Register by Monday, August 10 at Noon
Participants: 120 (Max)
Age Range: 14 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 60 (Max) & 20 (Min)
Register Now!
| 🏐 Men’s Volleyball Camp: 8/17/26 – 8/20/26 (Athletic Camp, Ages 14-18) |
Date: Monday, August 17 – Thursday, August 20
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: 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: $200.00 per person
Deadline: Register by Monday, August 10 at Noon
Participants: 120 (Max)
Age Range: 14 years old - 18 years old
Participants: 60 (Max) & 20 (Min)
Register Now!
