The world of STEM is evolving faster than ever, and Scouting America recognizes this shift. Whether you’re interested in robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or environmental science, there’s never been a better time to earn STEM merit badges online. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about earning STEM badges remotely, including the best online resources, time-saving strategies, and how to ace your requirements without leaving home.
If you’re looking to strengthen your Eagle Scout application or simply explore a passion for technology and science, online STEM badges offer flexibility and real-world learning that traditional meetings sometimes can’t provide.
What Are STEM Merit Badges?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. According to Scouting America, there are 18 official STEM merit badges available, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (new in 2025)
- Cybersecurity (new in 2025)
- Programming
- Robotics
- Digital Technology
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Chemistry
- Astronomy
- Geology
- Oceanography
- Animal Science
- Plant Science
- Inventing
- Game Design
- Composite Materials
- Energy
- Mammal Study
STEM merit badges teach Scouts critical skills needed for careers in high-demand fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are growing 13% faster than non-STEM jobs, making these badges valuable for college applications and future opportunities.
Why Earn STEM Badges Online?
Flexibility on Your Schedule
Online STEM badge programs let you work at your own pace. No need to wait for your troop’s meeting schedule or trek to summer camp. You can complete requirements whenever it fits your schedule—whether that’s early morning, late night, or weekends.
Access to Expert Resources
Many online platforms connect you with subject-matter experts through video tutorials, webinars, and interactive workshops. Scouting America’s partner organizations provide high-quality instruction that rivals in-person merit badge universities.
Real-World Applications
Online STEM badges often include hands-on projects you can complete at home. For example, the Programming badge lets you build actual code, the Artificial Intelligence badge lets you interact with AI tools like Scoutly, and the Cybersecurity badge teaches you practical security skills.
Strengthen Your Eagle Application
Scouts who earn multiple STEM badges demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and career readiness—all qualities that stand out in Eagle Scout boards of review.
The Hottest New STEM Badges for 2025
Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge
Launched October 2025, the AI merit badge is one of the most buzzed-about additions to the program. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- AI Basics & History: Different types of AI and how it’s used in daily life
- Ethics & Impact: Data privacy, unfair AI systems, bias in algorithms, and job impacts
- Career Exploration: Future opportunities in AI development, machine learning, and related fields
- Hands-On Projects: Work with AI chatbots, analyze AI systems, and explore responsible technology usage
Best Online Resource: Scouting America’s official tutorial with Scoutly AI Chatbot walks you through real-world AI applications.
Cybersecurity Merit Badge
Also new in October 2025, the Cybersecurity badge is perfect for security-minded Scouts. You’ll learn:
- Finding Cyber Threats: Recognize viruses, phishing emails, and system vulnerabilities
- Real Security Skills: Create strong passwords, use firewalls, protect personal data, and secure networks
- Online Safety: Understand deepfakes, cyberbullying, intellectual property theft, and digital privacy
- Career Pathways: Explore cybersecurity careers, from security experts to ethical hackers to digital crime investigators
Best Online Resource: Scouting America’s official cybersecurity tutorial emphasizes hands-on practice over theory, making it ideal for online learners.
Best Online Resources for STEM Badges
Official Scouting America Resources
- Scouting America Merit Badge Hub: Free access to all merit badge requirements and resources at
scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/ - Scoutly AI Chatbot: Get instant answers about merit badge requirements and navigate the advancement process
- Digital Merit Badge Pamphlets: Download free PDF guides for reference
Third-Party STEM Learning Platforms
Khan Academy – Offers free courses aligned with STEM badge requirements, including:
- Physics and Engineering basics
- Environmental Science concepts
- Computer Science fundamentals
Coursera – Partner courses often connect to badge requirements; some are free to audit
CodeCombat or Code.org – Excellent for Programming, Digital Technology, and Game Design badges
iCode STEM Programs – Offers Girl Scout and Boy Scout badge completion with hands-on virtual instruction
Codecademy – Interactive coding courses perfect for Programming and Cybersecurity badges
NASA’s Official Website – Free resources for Astronomy and Environmental Science badges
Project Gutenberg & Science Journals – Free research materials for Chemistry, Geology, and Plant Science
Step-by-Step: How to Earn a STEM Badge Online
Step 1: Choose Your Badge
Pick a STEM badge that genuinely interests you. Don’t just chase the easiest one—Scouts who work on topics they care about finish faster and score better at board of review.
Step 2: Connect with a Merit Badge Counselor
This is critical. Before you start any requirement, contact your unit leader and request a merit badge counselor for your chosen badge. Your counselor must:
- Approve your choice
- Review your work as you progress
- Sign off when you complete all requirements
Pro Tip: Many councils have online directories of merit badge counselors. If you can’t find one locally, ask your Scoutmaster for help—they can often connect you with counselors outside your troop.
Step 3: Download Requirements & Create a Tracking Sheet
Go to scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/ and download the latest requirements. Create a simple checklist so you can track progress. Many Scouts use Google Sheets or Notion for this.
Step 4: Complete Requirements Using Online Resources
Use the resources listed above to complete each requirement. Keep detailed notes—your counselor will want to see evidence of your work.
Step 5: Document Your Progress
Take screenshots, save certificates, write summaries, and photograph any projects. Documentation is especially important for online work since your counselor can’t observe you in person.
Step 6: Meet with Your Counselor
Once you’ve completed all requirements, schedule a virtual or in-person meeting with your counselor. Bring your documentation and be ready to discuss:
- What you learned
- How you completed each requirement
- Why this badge matters to you
- Real-world applications of the skills
Step 7: Get Sign-Off
Your counselor will review everything, ask follow-up questions, and—if satisfied—sign your blue card. Submit the signed card to your unit leader, who will report your completion to Scouting America.
Time-Saving Tips for Online STEM Badges
Batch Similar Requirements
If your badge has multiple coding projects, do them back-to-back while your brain is in “code mode.” This prevents context-switching and boosts efficiency.
Use Official Merit Badge Universities
Many councils host online merit badge universities specifically for STEM topics. These intense workshops compress hours of work into a few focused sessions. Check your council’s website for upcoming events.
Connect with Other Scouts
Join online Scouting communities (Reddit’s r/BSA, Discord servers, Facebook groups) to:
- Ask questions when you’re stuck
- Share resources and tips
- Find accountability partners
- Learn from Scouts who already earned the badge
Record Video Explanations
If a requirement asks you to “explain” something, record a 2-3 minute video explaining the concept. This deepens your understanding and gives your counselor clear proof of mastery.
Start Early
STEM badges take time. Don’t wait until the last month before your Eagle project deadline. Start 3-4 months out so you have breathing room for revisions.
Real Scout Stories: Success with Online STEM Badges
Marcus, Life Scout (Age 15)
Marcus earned the Programming badge entirely online over 8 weeks using Code.org and YouTube tutorials. He built a simple game as his final project and documented everything with screenshots. His counselor was impressed by the breadth of his work. “Online learning gave me the freedom to go deeper into topics I cared about,” Marcus says. “I probably learned more than I would have at summer camp.”
Keisha, Star Scout (Age 14)
Keisha completed the Environmental Science badge using Khan Academy, NASA resources, and a local online environmental webinar. She tracked her learning in a Google Slides presentation with images, data, and reflections. Her counselor commended her self-directed approach and recommended her for an environmental leadership opportunity at camp.
Common Online STEM Badge Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Choosing a Badge Just to Check a Box
STEM badges require genuine engagement. If you’re not interested, you’ll rush through requirements and fail to develop real skills. Your board of review will notice the difference.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Merit Badge Counselor
Never start a badge without counselor approval. Some Scouts try to complete badges on their own and later discover they did requirements incorrectly or in the wrong order. Connect with your counselor first.
Mistake #3: Not Documenting Your Work
“I did it, but I can’t prove it” doesn’t fly. Keep screenshots, save links, take photos, and write reflections. Your documentation is your proof.
Mistake #4: Using Free Trial Courses That Expire
If you start a course on a free trial, make sure you have enough time to finish before the trial ends. Many Scouts get stuck mid-badge because they run out of access.
Mistake #5: Ignoring the Fine Print on Requirements
Read the exact wording of each requirement. Online resources sometimes teach concepts slightly differently than the official requirement asks. Align your learning with the requirement, not just the resource.
FAQs: Online STEM Merit Badges
Q: Can I really earn a merit badge completely online?
A: Yes, but with the caveat that you must work with a counselor who approves your online approach. Some requirements are better suited to online learning than others—for example, Artificial Intelligence and Programming work great online, while some outdoor-based badges are harder to complete virtually.
Q: Do colleges care about online merit badges?
A: Colleges care about the skills and knowledge you’ve gained, not necessarily the delivery method. If you can articulate what you learned and how it applies to your goals, an online badge carries the same weight as an in-person badge.
Q: How long does an online STEM badge typically take?
A: Most STEM badges take 20-40 hours of work, depending on your prior knowledge and how many requirements you already partially completed at summer camp. Plan for 8-12 weeks if you’re working on it as your primary project.
Q: What if I get stuck on a requirement?
A: Contact your counselor immediately. They’re there to help clarify requirements and suggest resources. Don’t guess or cut corners—STEM badges reward thorough work.
Q: Can I use YouTube videos to complete requirements?
A: Yes, but verify the creator is credible. Look for channels affiliated with universities, official organizations, or industry experts. Cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Next Steps: Your Online STEM Badge Roadmap
- This Week: Browse the STEM badge list and pick two that genuinely interest you
- Next Week: Contact your merit badge counselor and get approval
- Week 3-4: Complete half of your first badge using online resources
- Week 5-8: Finish requirements and document your progress
- Week 9: Meet with counselor and get sign-off
- Week 10+: Start your second STEM badge and repeat the process
Earning STEM merit badges online gives you competitive advantage, flexibility, and real skills that matter in today’s digital world. Take action today and get started on your path to Eagle.
Related Resources
Keywords: STEM merit badges, online merit badges, Scouts BSA, artificial intelligence badge, cybersecurity badge, programming badge, robotics badge, online learning Scouts, merit badge counselor
