Build. Code. Compete. Think Like an Innovator.
BEAR: Business, Engineering, AI & Robotics
BEAR (Business, Engineering, AI & Robotics) is a hands-on summer program where students build robots, explore AI, and connect technology to real-world business challenges.
Business + Engineering + AI + Robotics
What is BEAR?
BEAR is a two-week summer program where middle and high school students explore the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and business problem-solving.
Through the STEM “X” Framework — eXperience, eXperimentation, eXecution — students don’t just learn technology, they discover how to apply it to real-world challenges and industries.
Business: Understand how technology creates value in the real world
Engineering: Build and test technology with hands-on problem solving
AI: Explore automation, coding, and smart decision systems
Robotics: Compete in team missions and challenges
Who Is It For?
BEAR is for students in grades 6–12 whose parents want them to gain real-world skills in robotics, AI, and business innovation—building confidence, teamwork, and career readiness in a safe, guided environment.
4+
Serving counties
15+
University professors & staff
100%
Mission based
BEAR: Build, Create, Connect, and Lead the Future.
BEAR Summer Camp 2025–2026 is just $200 per five-day track, covering VEX IQ Beginner, VEX IQ Intermediate, LEGO Spike, Entrepreneur, and IoT. While other camps in Michigan and Northwest Indiana range from $350–$500 or focus only on robotics or general STEM, BEAR uniquely combines robotics, AI, IoT, and business innovation—delivering more value at a lower cost.
BEAR – VEX IQ
BEAR – VEX IQ introduces middle school students to robotics through the VEX IQ system. Participants design, build, and program robots while learning teamwork, problem-solving, and the basics of engineering in a fun, challenge-driven environment.
- BEAR VEX IQ Beginner (June 15-18, 2026)
- BEAR VEX IQ Intermediate (June 22-26, 2026)
BEAR – LEGO Spike
BEAR – LEGO Spike is perfect for younger students or beginners. Using LEGO Education Spike, students engage in creative builds and block-based coding that make robotics approachable, playful, and highly interactive.
- BEAR LEGO Beginner (July 6 -10, 2026)
- BEAR LEGO Intermediate (July 13-17, 2026)
BEAR – Entrepreneur
BEAR – Entrepreneur takes students beyond building robots to explore how technology connects to real-world business problems. They learn to think like innovators, using startup tools, teamwork, and pitching to transform their ideas into simple, impactful solutions.
- BEAR Entrepreneur (July 20-24,2026)
BEAR – IoT
BEAR – IoT (Internet of Things) brings middle school students into the exciting world of connected technology. They experiment with sensors, devices, and simple coding to understand how everyday objects—like smart lights, trackers, or wearables—communicate and solve real problems. This track makes IoT concepts accessible and fun, preparing students to see the bigger picture of how technology shapes the world around them.
- BEAR IoT (July 27 – 31, 2026)
Melissa W.
Parent of Reagan W.
BEAR’s VEX IQ camp was the highlight of our summer. My daughter came home talking about gears, sensors, and coding—things she had never been exposed to before. The hands-on approach and supportive instructors gave her so much confidence, and she can’t wait to continue in robotics at school.
Stephanie R.
Student (Beginner & Intermediate cohort)
I loved building and programming my VEX robot! At first I was nervous, but by the end of the week I was competing in challenges with my team and we actually won one of the missions. It made me want to join a robotics club and keep learning more.
Ackley W.
Dept. Chair of Computing
As an educator, I was impressed with how BEAR’s VEX IQ camp blended creativity, teamwork, and technical skills in such a short time. The students weren’t just building robots—they were problem-solving, collaborating, and gaining confidence in STEM. Several of my students returned to school this fall eager to join our robotics club, and I credit BEAR with sparking that enthusiasm.
Give Your Child a Summer That Lasts a Lifetime
Give your student a summer that builds more than memories. At BEAR, they’ll gain hands-on robotics skills, discover the power of AI, and learn how technology connects to the real world of business—all for just $200 per week. Spots fill quickly, so secure your child’s place today!