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GRILL® Challenge Problem Submissions
GRILL® Challenge Problem Submissions
Submit your idea for 2026!
Submit your idea for 2026!
Each summer, Wright Scholars and other summer interns work on challenge problems. This program results in a prototype for the sponsor's simulation and modeling needs, while also providing students valuable STEM experience. The 8-week Summer STEM program at the GRILL is a great opportunity for teams of 3-4 students to learn new technologies, gain key STEM skills, and present their challenge problem to the public at the end of the program. Please review the guidance below and submit your challenge problem via the Google form, Microsoft Form, or contact us for other ways to submit.
To be considered for summer 2026, please submit your challenge problems by COB 27 March 2026. Any challenge problems submitted after this will be considered for the following year.
Guidance for Challenge Problems:
Clear and concise goal
Feasible within 8-weeks (prototype or proof of concept)
Use of AR/VR technologies or game engines
A POC to work with the students and act as the customer
No monetary or equipment requirement (excluding equipment we already have and equipment you are willing to provide for us)
STEM-ply The Best! Summer Camp
STEM-ply The Best! Summer Camp
What is the STEM-ply the Best! Summer Camp?
What is the STEM-ply the Best! Summer Camp?
STEM-ply the Best! Summer Camp is accepting rising 3rd - 8th grade students for several exciting opportunities. These are students who are passionate about STEM and getting hands-on with their learning. Students that meet the criteria are invited to apply through the links for each camp. Click the camp name for more information, dates, and application link!
We are accepting applications through JUNE 1ST, 2026. Limited space may apply.
Summer-Camp-Flyer-2026.pdfFeel Free to Download Our 2026 Brochure!
Feel Free to Download Our 2026 Brochure!
DC Motor Cars
DC Motor Cars
What? Campers will explore the fundamentals of the engineering design process by engaging in hands on activities, including taking measurements, wiring DC motors, building simple circuits, and working with LED lights. They’ll also get an introduction to using soldering irons in a safe and supervised environment.
When? June 9- 11, 9:00am-12:00pm
Who?
A/B Students entering into grades 7-8 (limited space of 10 students)
STEM interest
Willingly and actively follows directions
Able to work with others
Where? The Dayton Regional STEM School (enter through STEM School, Door C)
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, Ohio, 45420
How do I apply? Please fill out this form!
SPACE Camp
SPACE Camp
What? This camp will provide an introduction to the engineering design process and scientific inquiry as it relates to Space. Learning activities include designing a Mission Patch and adding sewable circuits, Solar sails, Mystery Tubes, Hot Air Balloons, Astrobotany (What will we grow to eat on Mars?) Rocketry and Sphero robotics.
When? June 10- 12, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Who?
A/B Students entering into grades 5-6 (limited space of 12 sutdents)
STEM interest
Willingly and actively follows directions
Able to work with others
Where? The Dayton Regional STEM School (enter through STEM School, Door C)
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, Ohio, 45420
How do I apply? Please fill out this form!
LEGO Robotics
LEGO Robotics
What? Join us for an exciting hands-on adventure with SPIKE Essential LEGO Robotics! This camp is perfect for young innovators who love to create, problem-solve, and bring their ideas to life. Designed for curious minds, this camp fosters creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking through engaging robotics projects.
When? June 16-18, 9:00am-12:00pm
Who?
A/B Students entering into grades 3-5 (space is limited to 10 students)
STEM interest
Willingly and actively follows directions
Able to work with others
Where? The Dayton Regional STEM School (enter through STEM School, Door C)
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, Ohio, 45420
How do I apply? Please fill out this form!
3D Design Divas Camp - New for 2026!
3D Design Divas Camp - New for 2026!
What? This all-girls camp fosters creativity and confidence through hands-on engineering and design. Campers will learn 3D modeling to create custom printed objects, such as purses and keychains, and will also design a wearable circuitry bracelet. The program empowers girls to see themselves as designers and engineers, building technical skills and confidence in a collaborative environment.
When? July 16-18, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Who?
A/B Students entering into grades 5-6 (space is limited to 12 students)
STEM interest
Willingly and actively follows directions
Able to work with others
Where? The Dayton Regional STEM School (enter through STEM School, Door C)
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, Ohio, 45420
How do I apply? Please fill out this form!
The Magic of Coding
The Magic of Coding
What? Welcome, young witches and wizards, to a land where magic meets coding! This camp will provide an introduction to block coding. Students will master essential coding “spells” (sequencing, loops, conditionals, functions, etc.) and embark on a mystifying journey. NO computer required.
When? July 23-25, 9:00am-12:00pm
Who?
A/B Students entering into grades 4-6 (space is limited to 16 students)
STEM interest
Willingly and actively follows directions
Able to work with others
Where? The Dayton Regional STEM School (enter through STEM School, Door C)
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, Ohio, 45420
How do I apply? Please fill out this form!
Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program
Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program
What is the Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program?
What is the Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program?
The Wright Scholar Research Assistant program is an Air Force Research Laboratory initiative designed to expose high school juniors and seniors to various disciplines of engineering and science in an effort to further their interest in future STEM career options. Wright Scholars are competitively selected to work as full-time, paid interns for 8 weeks during the summer. Selected students are assigned to a workplace and mentor to work on a research project for the duration of their internship. The GRILL is one of the workplaces where Wright Scholars are assigned to work. Wright Scholars that have expressed interest in computer science, engineering, and aerospace often are assigned to the GRILL.
What do Wright Scholars do at the GRILL?
What do Wright Scholars do at the GRILL?
While at the GRILL, Wright Scholars get to choose a simulation to develop from a list of projects. Then that Wright Scholar, along with the others who chose that project, work together using commercial off-the-shelf gaming technology such as Unreal Engine and Unity to create their simulation. All projects given to Wright Scholars are real projects, which have been requested by customers of the GRILL. Wright Scholars must communicate with the customer, implement the customer's requests in their simulation, and turn in a final copy to the customer at the end of the season. You can see previous projects done by Wright Scholars in our projects page. (Note: Not all projects listed were done by AFRL Scholars)
Example of a Wright Scholar Project
Example of a Wright Scholar Project
Over the summer of 2020, Wright Scholars made this VR simulation of the laser dazzle effect. The user must perform tasks normally, then perform them again with a virtual laser shining in their eyes intermittently.
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