FOCUS provides hands on experiences in STEM fields to help grow students' interest in technical education and careers.
The FOCUS program gives high school students hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through classwork and team projects led by BAE Systems employees – allowing them explore STEM careers in depth before choosing any one path.
The program demonstrates the basic principles and applications of software, mechanical, and electrical engineering through a small scale robotics competition.
Guided by experienced engineers, FOCUS projects simulate a real-world atmosphere, where students work through various elements of a project lifecycle - including development, production, testing, finance, and project management.
Program highlights
- Team building and Collaboration
- Project Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Presentation Skills
- Design Reviews
Schedule and eligibility
Nashua, NH
- Eighteen students per session
- Three, 11-week sessions offered per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring)
- Sessions held Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. in Nashua, NH
Austin, TX
- 12 students per session
- Two, 11-week sessions offered per year (Fall and Spring)
- Sessions held Tuesdays, from 6-8 p.m. in Austin, TX
Students applying for FOCUS must be enrolled in high school (freshman – senior) and have an interest in science, technology, engineering and/or math. FOCUS' attendance policy requires that students do not miss more than two sessions during the 11-week program. Students should be sure that other extracurricular activities do not conflict with the FOCUS program schedule. Reliable transportation to and from the program is required.
At FOCUS, I was able to improve collaboration and team leadership skills along with expanding technical know-how. Additionally, the volunteers at FOCUS helped me gain a greater insight into real-world job scenarios and career pathsSuryam Gupta, FOCUS program participant
FOCUS is a program that exposes you to the areas of engineering and allows you to use your creative to create a robot that works in a specific game.Connor Lord, FOCUS program participant
Nashua, NH
Spring 2026 Session: April 1st through June 10th
Applications being accepted through February 9, 2026
Austin, TX
Winter 2026 Session: January 27 through April 21th
Applications being accepted through January 13, 2026
We are now utilizing Tallo, an online portal that connects students with opportunities to host our program applications. Students can create a free profile in Tallo and will be able to access program applications. If you have difficulty accessing Tallo or would like to register manually please contact us.
Program Lead