Registration open for mining summer camp at Penn State University Park campus

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Registration is now open for the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering’s annual "MINING ROCKS!" summer camp. The camp will be held on Penn State's University Park Campus on July 12–17.

Coordinated by the Mining Engineering program, the five-day camp is designed for 20 high school students between the 10th and 12th grades to provide firsthand lab experience with mining technology and even includes a visit to a local mining company and quarry. The limited number allows more time for students to learn the fundamentals of mining, mineral processing, and sustainability from one of the top-ranking mining programs in the world

The five-day schedule includes labs on rock mechanics and mine design projects, as well as lectures on topics ranging from critical minerals to environmental, social and governance in mining. Though the camp focuses on mining, experiments with automation and basic programming help build foundational competencies with broader applications. Campus tours, including a visit to the Energy Institute, also allow students to see how research is conducted in real-world lab environments.

This year, the camp introduces "MINI ROCKS!," a one-day camp for ten younger students between the fourth and sixth grade, to join in on the activities that include a visit to a local mining company, mineral processing lab and the Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum & Art Gallery.

“We're excited to share the camp with younger miners-to-be to get them thinking about where things come from,” said Barbara Arnold, chair and professor of practice of mining engineering. “Events like this are not just a fun way to spend a summer day, but can help young aspiring engineers find a career in an industry that will help the world solve our supply chain issues as we move toward more and more electrification.”

In 2024, Arnold testified to a U.S. congressional committee about the importance of critical minerals and the United States’ need for mining engineers. With the recent developments in AI and data centers, Arnold said the need is even greater and sees a future with many opportunities for employment and long careers in mining.

For additional information and to register, visit the summer mining camps website. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. June 29, 2026, or until the limited availability is filled. Registration for both camps is funded by alumni and friends of the Mining Engineering program, as well as sponsorship by mining companies and affiliates.