Events and Outreach

There's a vibrant science and engineering community in the Black Hills, and its heart is South Dakota Mines. 

We host a variety of events and activities to bring together a wide audience of academics, professionals, and students. And we take seriously our role in outreach to future generations of scientists and engineers, extending opportunities to elementary, middle-school and high-school students to learn more about math, science, and engineering and envision themselves following this important path. From professional conferences, to local science fairs, South Dakota Mines plays a consistent role as a key regional STEM resource.

Summer Camps for High School Students

South Dakota Mines summer camps for high schools students introduce inquisitive and capable young minds to the possibilities of a future in science and engineering. A variety of disciplines and formats meet the needs of both local and non-local students. Most camps anticipate that the student will stay on campus for a week of science events, social events and exploring local attractions. Need-based scholarships available in some cases.

 

Summer Camps Website

 

STEAM Café

South Dakota Mines has partnered with South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Hay Camp Brewing Company to host the STEAM Café, a series of free informal talks by South Dakota Mines faculty and staff on topics ranging from cutting edge research to history.

STEAM Café, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, will be held at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month, at Hay Camp Brewing Company. Details about each talk will be posted on the South Dakota Mines Event Calendar as well as social media.
Check the Event Calendar

E-Week (Engineer's Week)

South Dakota Mines has a long tradition of celebrating National Engineers Week. This national event raises public awareness of the essential contributions of engineers to all aspects of life. Key events through the week include: luncheons, awards presentations, engineering presentations and competitions. An eagerly-awaited week each year at South Dakota Mines.
Learn More and Register for Events

High Plains Science and Engineering Fair

Hundreds of regional middle and high school students participate each year in the High Plains Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held at South Dakota Mines. Students compete against their peers with projects in biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and engineering. Medals and cash prizes are awarded to the winners. The High Plains Regional Science & Engineering Fair is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Learn More and Register  

Junior Bladesmithing Championship

The Junior Bladesmithing Championship makes concepts such as heat transfer, coke combustion, forging, welding and quenching come to life for high school students. The competition challenges teams from around the United States to produce a blade by hand hammering or trip hammer forging.  The competition is open to all high school students (9-12th grades). Individual students and teams up to three students are eligible. The deadline for application for the Junior Bladesmithing Competition is November 15.
Learn more

West River Math Contest

High school students put their math skills to the test. Divisions include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Advanced Math. This competition is held on the South Dakota Mines campus in May each year.
Learn More.

K-12 Education Resources