If you’re looking for the most prestigious summer research programs with low acceptance rates, you’ll quickly notice that these programs are designed for students who demonstrate strong academic preparation, curiosity, and the ability to work independently. Many receive thousands of applications every year while admitting only a small cohort, making them some of the most selective opportunities available to high school students.
Unlike general summer enrichment programs, the most prestigious summer research programs with low acceptance rates place you in university laboratories, research institutes, or advanced academic environments where you’ll investigate real research questions under the guidance of faculty members, graduate students, or professional researchers. Depending on the program, you may conduct laboratory experiments, analyze datasets, write code, review scientific literature, or contribute to ongoing research projects.
This guide covers 25 of the most prestigious summer research programs with low acceptance rates. For more opportunities, you can also explore our guide to summer research programs for high school students here.
What do summer research programs for high school students include?
Summer research programs are structured academic experiences where you work on a research project under the supervision of university faculty, research scientists, graduate students, or other experienced mentors. Unlike internships, which typically focus on contributing to an organization’s day-to-day work, these programs emphasize learning how research is conducted and how evidence is generated within a discipline.
The skills and tools you’ll use depend on the subject area. In life science programs, you may perform laboratory techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, bacterial culture, DNA extraction, or protein analysis. Computational research programs often involve Python, R, MATLAB, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn for data analysis, machine learning, and scientific computing. Mathematics programs commonly emphasize proof writing, number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, and abstract algebra, while engineering programs may introduce CAD software, robotics platforms, circuit design, or computational modeling.
Across disciplines, you’ll also learn how to search academic literature using databases such as PubMed, arXiv, JSTOR, or Google Scholar, and interpret scientific papers. You’ll also maintain research documentation, analyze experimental results, and communicate findings through posters, technical presentations, abstracts, or scientific papers.
Key Takeaways
- These 25 programs represent some of the most selective research opportunities available to high school students, with several admitting only a handful of applicants each year out of thousands who apply.
- Program formats range from residential experiences on university campuses to virtual research tracks, giving you options depending on how much you want to relocate or commit to in-person work.
- Many of these programs pair you directly with a faculty mentor, graduate student, or professional researcher and expect you to produce a tangible research output, whether that’s a paper, poster, or symposium presentation.
- Subject coverage spans computational research, laboratory science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences, so there’s a track here regardless of your academic focus.
- For students who want a longer, mentored research experience that results in an independent paper rather than a fixed-length summer program, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a path toward a formal academic paper across 600+ specializations, including data science, machine learning, and political theory.
25 Most Prestigious Summer Research Programs with Low Acceptance Rates
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA
Cost: Free to attend (all educational costs covered)
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 80 students selected from around 3,000 applicants | ~2.7% acceptance rate
Dates: Six-week summer program (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Early- to mid-December
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (must be at least 16) with exceptional achievement in mathematics, science, or engineering; open to U.S. and international students
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of the world’s most prestigious summer research programs for high school students. Hosted at MIT and administered by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI combines advanced coursework with intensive research under the guidance of MIT faculty, graduate students, and researchers. You spend the first week attending university-level STEM lectures before transitioning into individual research projects. You work closely with mentors to conduct original research and present your findings at the end of the program. Alumni frequently earn top honors in competitions such as Regeneron STS and ISEF, and many later attend leading universities worldwide.
2. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY
Stipend: Stipend awarded upon successful completion of the program
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 29–August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th grade) at the time of application | Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program provides academically motivated high school students with the opportunity to conduct hands-on research in science, mathematics, or engineering at Stony Brook University. Participants, known as Simons Fellows, are matched with faculty mentors and join active research groups working on real projects. Throughout the program, you learn research methods, laboratory techniques, and analytical skills while gaining exposure to university-level research. Fellows also attend faculty lectures, workshops, campus events, and research seminars. The program concludes with students presenting their work through a written research abstract and a research poster at a closing symposium.
3. Summer Science Program (SSP) – Astrophysics
Location: Albion College, Albion, MI | Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA | Linfield University, McMinnville, OR University of Wisconsin–River Falls, River Falls, WI | Colby College, Waterville, ME | Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA | Knox College, Galesburg, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free for participants with a family income of $75,000 or less, and participants with a family income under approximately $140,000 will qualify for a discount | Stipends of $3,000 is provided to select participants
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10–15% acceptance rate
Dates: Varies by location | Check here
Application Deadline: January 29 (international applicants) | February 19 (domestic applicants)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will have completed physics and precalculus by June (or calculus if their school does not offer physics) | Must be at least 15 years old, and not yet 19 during the program
The Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics is a residential research program where high school students investigate near-Earth asteroids using astronomy, physics, mathematics, and computer programming. You work in small teams to collect astronomical observations, analyze data, and calculate asteroid orbits using Python. Throughout the program, you learn topics such as celestial mechanics, statistics, calculus, scientific computing, and observational astronomy while using professional-grade telescopes and research tools. The research project focuses on asteroid orbit determination, with student-generated data contributing to the NASA-funded Minor Planet Center. In addition to research, you take college-level STEM coursework and collaborate closely with peers who share an interest in science and mathematics.
4. Summer Science Program (SSP) – Bacterial Genomics
Location: Albion College, Albion, MI | Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA | Linfield University, McMinnville, OR University of Wisconsin–River Falls, River Falls, WI | Colby College, Waterville, ME | Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA | Knox College, Galesburg, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free for participants with a family income of $75,000 or less, and participants with a family income under approximately $140,000 will qualify for a discount | Stipends of $3,000 is provided to select participants
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10–15% acceptance rate
Dates: Varies by location | Check here
Application Deadline: January 29 (international applicants) | February 19 (domestic applicants)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will have completed biology and Algebra II by June | Must be at least 15 years old, and not yet 19 during the program | Self-study courses do not qualify
The Summer Science Program (SSP) in Bacterial Genomics is a residential research program focused on genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics. You work in teams to study how non-pathogenic bacteria evolve resistance to environmental stressors through a process known as directed evolution. You gain hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, genome sequencing, and microbial culturing while also learning computational methods for analyzing genomic data. The research project investigates the genetic basis of stress resistance, with students identifying mutations that emerge as bacteria adapt to increasingly challenging conditions. Throughout the program, you learn to read scientific literature, analyze experimental results, and present your findings through research papers and posters.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
6. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend | Participants receive a stipend
Acceptance Rate: 12 students selected annually | Acceptance rate typically below 5%
Dates: June 21–August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in research | Must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week summer research program that provides students with the opportunity to conduct intensive, hands-on research under the guidance of faculty mentors at Texas Tech University. You are paired with a researcher to work on an individual project in a field ranging from engineering and the natural sciences to the humanities and the social sciences. In addition to conducting research, you attend seminars, presentations, and academic activities designed to introduce you to the research process. The program culminates in a formal research presentation where you share your findings with faculty and peers.
7. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend | A limited number of need-based stipends are available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 50 students selected annually
Dates: June 8–July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors |Must be at least 16 years old by June | Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently living in and attending high school in the United States | Selection heavily favors students from the San Francisco Bay Area
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week biomedical research program that places high school students in Stanford research labs to work on medically oriented projects. You conduct hands-on research under the guidance of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and laboratory staff. Research areas span biology, medicine, bioengineering, neuroscience, immunology, and genetics. You gain experience with scientific methods, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and the research process while contributing to ongoing projects. The program is designed to help students explore careers in medicine and the biological sciences through direct exposure to academic research.
8. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY
Cost: No cost to participate
Acceptance Rate: 32 students selected annually
Dates: June 22–August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and can commit to full-time participation
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a full-time, team-based research program that gives high school students the opportunity to conduct hands-on scientific research in a laboratory setting. You are placed into one of four research teams led by scientists from the Tri-Institutions: The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine. You work with mentors to develop research questions, conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your findings at the end-of-program symposium. In addition to laboratory research, scholars attend workshops, guest lectures, networking events, and elective courses. The program mirrors the structure of a professional research lab and requires approximately 35 hours of participation per week throughout the summer.
9. MITES Summer (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA
Cost: Free to attend
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Six weeks (late June through early August)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open during the fall of junior year
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are current high school juniors
MITES Summer is a six-week residential STEM enrichment program designed for high school juniors interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You live on MIT’s campus and take five intensive courses, including math, physics, life sciences, humanities, and a project-based elective such as machine learning, genomics, architecture, or engineering design. In addition to coursework, you participate in lab tours, workshops, college admissions advising, and social activities. The program provides exposure to college-level academics and research while helping students develop problem-solving, collaboration, and academic skills. You also receive written evaluations from instructors that can be used as supplemental material for college applications.
10. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University, California, CA (Residential) and Online
Cost: Online: $3,750 | Residential: $8,950 | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: 40 residential students | 64 online students
Dates: Online Session 1: June 15–July 3 | Online Session 2: July 6–24 | Residential Session: June 21–July 17
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (grades 10–11 at the time of application) with a strong interest and background in advanced mathematics
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is an intensive mathematics enrichment program for high school students interested in exploring advanced topics beyond the standard high school curriculum. You study subjects such as abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology through lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. You complete challenging problem sets and final research projects while working closely with instructors and teaching assistants. The program is offered in both residential and online formats, with the same academic content and rigor. In addition to mathematics coursework, students engage with a community of peers who share a strong interest in mathematical thinking and research.
11. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, CT
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based program; need-based financial aid and scholarships available (no stipend)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Session I: June 21–July 3 | Session II: July 5–17 | Session III: July 19–31
Application Deadline: Typically in November (Early Action) and January (Regular Decision)
Eligibility: High school students from around the world | Specific grade-level requirements vary by application cycle
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a two-week academic enrichment program for high school students interested in exploring interdisciplinary subjects in a global learning environment. You choose from one of three academic tracks: Innovations in Science & Technology (IST), Politics, Law & Economics (PLE), or Solving Global Challenges (SGC). The program brings together participants from more than 150 countries and all 50 U.S. states to engage in seminars, lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects on Yale’s campus. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and exposure to university-level topics. You also take part in residential activities and build connections with peers from diverse backgrounds around the world.
12. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Residential program hosted at Telluride Association partner campuses in the United States
Cost: Free (tuition, books, housing, meals, field trips, and facilities fees covered; travel assistance and additional financial aid available if needed)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 21–July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors), ages 15–17 | Both U.S. and international students are eligible to apply, though international applicants studying outside the U.S. must be sophomores
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a six-week residential humanities and social sciences program for high school students interested in critical thinking, discussion, reading, and writing. You choose between two academic tracks: TASS-CBS, which focuses on the intellectual and cultural contributions of people of African descent, and TASS-AOS, which examines how power and privilege shape social structures. You attend a three-hour college-level seminar each weekday, complete readings and essays, and engage in discussions led by university faculty. Outside the classroom, you engage in community governance, public speaking, service projects, and collaborative decision-making. The program emphasizes academic inquiry, democratic community living, and the development of strong analytical and communication skills without assigning grades.
13. PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists)
Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, MA
Cost: Program fee up to $8,000 for the six-week residential program | Need-based financial aid is available, including full funding for many eligible students | Domestic students from families earning under $80,000 annually can attend free of charge
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 80 high school students each summer
Dates: June 28–August 8
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Students must be 14–18 years old, have completed at least 9th grade (or equivalent), and not yet be enrolled as full-time college students
PROMYS is a six-week intensive mathematics program for highly motivated high school students interested in exploring advanced mathematical concepts beyond the standard school curriculum. You work through challenging problem sets, attend lectures, collaborate with peers, and develop proof-writing and mathematical reasoning skills. The program emphasizes deep, creative thinking and independent discovery rather than competition-based mathematics. You live on the Boston University campus and become part of a community of approximately 80 young mathematicians from around the world. Applications require a challenging set of mathematics problems, a letter of recommendation, a transcript, and short-answer responses.
14. Ross Mathematics Program
Location: Otterbein University, Westerville (Columbus Area), OH | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $7500 | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 14–July 24
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Motivated pre-college students with a strong interest in mathematics | Primarily designed for high school students
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential summer program focused on developing mathematical thinking through deep exploration of fundamental concepts. You spend the summer immersed in challenging mathematics, working on problem sets, attending lectures, and engaging in collaborative discussions with peers who share a passion for the subject. The program emphasizes logical reasoning, creativity, and independent discovery rather than competition-based mathematics. You live and learn together in a supportive academic environment designed to encourage curiosity and intellectual growth. Ross is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous summer mathematics programs for high school students in the United States.
15. Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA
Stipend: Paid (eight weeks of full-time paid research)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 15–July 31
Application Deadline: Application opens in October
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in high school or undergraduate studies | Have a strong interest in science and research | Be eligible to work in the United States | Reside in the greater Philadelphia area (including Camden, New Jersey)
The Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is an eight-week paid summer research experience that places students alongside Monell scientists to conduct biomedical research. You work full-time on structured research projects while gaining exposure to scientific methods, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. The program also includes lectures on scientific topics, public speaking and communication workshops, discussions on research ethics, and career exploration opportunities in medicine and science. At the end of the program, you present your research findings at a public conference attended by scientists, family members, and peers. MSAP is designed to encourage students, particularly those from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM, to explore careers in biomedical research and healthcare.
16. Stanford STaRS (Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery) Summer Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 15–August 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and community college students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program | Must be U.S. residents (international applicants are not eligible) | Students must be able to attend the full eight-week program and arrange their own housing and transportation
The Stanford STaRS Summer Program is an eight-week biomedical research internship that introduces students to careers in medicine, scientific research, and healthcare. You work alongside Stanford clinician-scientists and research teams on hands-on projects related to biomedical science and reconstructive surgery. Throughout the program, you learn laboratory techniques such as histology, imaging, and genotyping while attending workshops, lectures, and mentorship sessions. Interns gain experience conducting research, collaborating with peers, and communicating scientific findings. The program concludes with a final research presentation, allowing students to showcase the work they completed during the summer.
17. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free (fully funded)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 20–August 11
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors) | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Must be at least 16 years old by the program start date
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a residential STEM enrichment program hosted by Carnegie Mellon University. Designed to mirror the academic intensity of a first-year college experience, the program combines rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, research exposure, and collaborative projects. You participate in mathematics, science, and engineering-focused activities while living on campus and engaging with peers who share similar academic interests. You’ll apply programming, experimental methods, mathematical modeling, and scientific analysis while strengthening technical writing, problem-solving, and scientific communication through coursework and a final research symposium.
18. DNA Science (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center)
Location: Multiple locations across New York and New Jersey
Cost: $700
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Week-long summer sessions | Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Application Deadline: Varies by session and location
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
DNA Science is a hands-on molecular biology summer program that introduces high school students to laboratory techniques commonly used in genetics and biotechnology research. Over the course of a week, you learn core molecular biology methods such as bacterial transformation, restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, plasmid construction, and DNA analysis. You repeatedly practice key laboratory procedures to build technical proficiency and gain experience working with recombinant DNA. The curriculum aligns with AP Biology laboratory concepts while exposing students to techniques typically encountered in college-level coursework and research settings. The program also serves as a foundation for more advanced DNA Learning Center courses in genomics, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics.
19. Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)
Location: Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, MA
Cost: $7,208 program fee | Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 28–August 8
Application Deadline: Applications due April 17 | HCCSiM Interesting Test submissions due April 25
Eligibility: Talented and highly motivated high school students with a strong interest in mathematics
HCSSiM is a six-week residential mathematics program that immerses high school students in advanced, college-level mathematical thinking. You spend much of your time actively solving problems, exploring mathematical ideas, and developing proofs. The program includes four hours of morning classes six days a week, daily theorem discussions, and evening problem-solving sessions. Outside the classroom, you collaborate with peers, interact closely with faculty, and participate in recreational and community activities. HCSSiM emphasizes deep mathematical exploration, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative learning, making it a popular option for students interested in pursuing higher-level mathematics.
20. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend | $3,600 stipend plus partial transportation reimbursement
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 29–August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance of the Broad Institut | Have earned at least a B in science and math courses | Must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with employment authorization
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week research internship that places high school students in research groups at the Broad Institute. You work alongside scientists on projects in areas such as cancer biology, computational biology, genetics, infectious disease, chemical biology, and psychiatric research. In addition to conducting original research, you attend scientific seminars, explore STEM career pathways, participate in a college fair, and present your findings in a scientific poster session at the end of the program. The program also provides training in scientific communication, exposure to both computational and laboratory techniques, and opportunities to connect with other students interested in science. No prior research experience is required.
21. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program (SSP)
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine and Farmington, Connecticut, CT
Cost/Stipend: $7,500 stipend plus room, board, and travel support
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Bar Harbor Campus: May 30–August 7 | Farmington Campus: May 30–August 10
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and graduating high school seniors with a strong interest in genetics, genomics, and biomedical research.
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program (SSP) is a residential research program that gives students the opportunity to work alongside scientists on genetics and genomics research projects. You join active research laboratories, contribute to ongoing scientific investigations, and gradually take on greater independence throughout the summer. In addition to laboratory work, you attend professional development sessions covering topics such as genetic testing, data visualization, science communication, and peer review. The program also includes journal clubs, career exploration events, and interactions with professionals across a range of scientific careers. At the end of the program, you present your research findings to the JAX scientific community, fellow participants, and family members.
22. Young Scientist Program (YSP) Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, WA
Cost/Stipend: Scholars receive a $4,800 (pre-tax) stipend.
Acceptance Rate: 15–18 students annually
Dates: June 1–July 24
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois)
The Young Scientist Program (YSP) Summer Focus is an eight-week biomedical research internship for high school students interested in science. You are paired with a research mentor and a tutor to work on an independent laboratory project while receiving academic and professional guidance. Research areas vary each year and may include genetics, neuroscience, cancer biology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, and other STEM fields. In addition to laboratory work, you take courses in science communication, college preparation, and professional development. The program concludes with a research symposium where students present their findings to mentors, family members, and the scientific community.
23. HK Maker Lab (Columbia Engineering Outreach Programs)
Location: New York City, New York, NY
Cost: Free to participate | Students who successfully complete the program may become eligible for a paid internship the following summer
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 6–August 7
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: December 22 | Regular Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors attending a NYC Department of Education public or charter school | Must demonstrate an interest in STEAM and meet economic or educational disadvantage criteria outlined by the program
HK Maker Lab is an engineering design-focused summer program offered in collaboration with Columbia Engineering for New York City high school students. You learn core engineering concepts through hands-on projects, design challenges, and coursework focused on innovation and problem-solving. The program emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and practical applications of engineering principles while providing mentorship from experienced instructors. You develop technical and professional skills through project-based learning and collaboration with peers. Those who successfully complete the program may have the opportunity to apply for a paid research or healthcare internship the following summer, providing an additional pathway into STEM-related experiences.
24. Boston University RISE Practicum Track
Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, MA
Cost: Tuition: $5,930 | Service Fees: $485 | Housing & Dining: $3,978–$4,320 | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 28–August 7
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (students entering 12th grade) with a strong interest in science, engineering, or research | Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
The RISE Practicum Track is a six-week pre-college research program that combines instructor-led coursework with hands-on laboratory experiences. You could choose between Computational Neurobiology and Data Science, exploring topics through lectures, structured lab activities, and collaborative research projects. You learn core research skills, scientific ethics, research communication, and data analysis while working closely with instructors and peers. The program also includes industry visits, research talks, and interactions with scientists from universities, biotech companies, and research institutions throughout the Boston area. At the end of the summer, students present their findings at the RISE Poster Symposium alongside participants from the program’s internship track.
25. Summer Science Program (SSP) – Biochemistry
Location: Albion College, Albion, MI | Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA | Linfield University, McMinnville, OR University of Wisconsin–River Falls, River Falls, WI | Colby College, Waterville, ME | Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA | Knox College, Galesburg, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free for participants with a family income of $75,000 or less, and participants with a family income under approximately $140,000 will qualify for a discount | Stipends of $3,000 is provided to select participants
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10–15% acceptance rate
Dates: Varies by location | Check here
Application Deadline: January 29 (international applicants) | February 19 (domestic applicants)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will have completed biology and chemistry by June. Strong algebra skills are recommended | Must be at least 15 years old, and not yet 19 during the program | Self-study courses do not qualify
The Summer Science Program (SSP) in Biochemistry is a residential research program that introduces students to modern biochemical research through a project focused on fungal pathogen control. Working in teams of three, you study enzyme structure and function, conduct laboratory experiments, and use computational tools to model proteins and design potential enzyme inhibitors. The research project centers on characterizing fungal enzymes linked to crop infections and developing molecules that could reduce fungal damage to agricultural crops. You gain experience with techniques such as chromatography, gel electrophoresis, enzyme kinetics, molecular modeling, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis. The program concludes with participants presenting their findings through a research poster and a written scientific report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these summer research programs so selective?
Most of these programs receive far more applications than they can accept, with some like RSI admitting under 3% of applicants. Selectivity comes from a combination of factors, including strong academic records, demonstrated interest in research, faculty and mentor capacity, and, for residential programs, limited housing spots. Programs like the Clark Scholars Program and SSRP admit only a dozen to a few dozen students each year, so a competitive application matters as much as meeting the baseline eligibility requirements.
Do you need prior research experience to apply?
No, prior research experience typically isn’t required, though it can strengthen your application. Programs like the Broad Summer Scholars Program explicitly state that no prior research experience is necessary, and many others are designed to teach research methods, lab techniques, and scientific communication from the ground up. What matters more is a strong academic record in relevant subjects, like physics and precalculus for SSP Astrophysics or biology and chemistry for SSP Biochemistry, along with genuine curiosity and the ability to work independently.
Are these programs free, or do most charge a fee?
It varies significantly by program. Many, like RSI, MITES Summer, SAMS, and the Broad Summer Scholars Program, are fully funded and free to attend, sometimes with a stipend included. Others, like SUMaC, PROMYS, and the Ross Mathematics Program, charge a program fee but offer need-based financial aid, so cost alone shouldn’t rule out an otherwise strong-fit program.
Can international students apply?
Some can, but many of these programs are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. RSI and Yale Young Global Scholars are notable exceptions that welcome international applicants, and Telluride Association Summer Seminar accepts international students as long as they’re entering their sophomore year. Programs tied to federal funding or specific state residency requirements, like the Broad Summer Scholars Program or HK Maker Lab, tend to have the tightest citizenship or geographic restrictions.
What’s the difference between a research program and a general STEM enrichment program?
Research programs like RSI, Simons Summer Research Program, and SSRP place you in an active lab or research group where you contribute to a real, often ongoing, research question under a mentor’s guidance. Enrichment programs like MITES Summer or SAMS combine coursework, workshops, and lighter project-based work to expose you to college-level academics without necessarily producing an original research output. If your goal is to develop a specific research paper or dataset, a dedicated research program is the closer fit.
Which programs focus on mathematics specifically?
If pure mathematics is your focus, SUMaC, PROMYS, the Ross Mathematics Program, and Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM) are all built around proof writing, abstract algebra, number theory, and other advanced topics rather than applied or laboratory research. These programs tend to emphasize independent problem-solving and mathematical reasoning over experimental work, and several, like PROMYS and Ross, are residential and highly selective.
Is there a way to pursue independent research through a flexible, non-residential program?
Yes. If you want a mentored research experience without relocating for a fixed summer term, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication, entirely online. The program runs across Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, so you have more flexibility in timing than a single-summer residential program, and it also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback. You can find the application here.
When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the academic year, so it’s worth building a calendar early. The earliest deadlines fall in December, including RSI, Telluride Association Summer Seminar, and the priority deadline for HK Maker Lab, while several more cluster in January, such as SSRP, the Broad Summer Scholars Program, and Jackson Laboratory SSP. February brings a wave of deadlines, including Simons, Clark Scholars, SIMR, SUMaC, and SAMS, while HCSSiM and Boston University RISE run later, with deadlines in April and February respectively. Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.
Image source: Stony Brook University