STEM programs offer high school students great opportunities to strengthen technical skills and gain experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics early on. STEM summer programs help you explore potential career interests and build academic foundations that go beyond the standard curriculum, all without clashing with your school year.
In Massachusetts, a wide range of organisations and universities host STEM programs tailored for high schoolers. Several institutions regularly offer structured summer and year-round research or enrichment experiences. For Massachusetts residents, choosing a local program can be a cost-effective option, avoiding expenses related to travel or housing. These programs often include lab work, mentorship, and project-based learning. To help students navigate their options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous academic opportunity created specifically for high school students. It offers personalised, one-on-one research experiences across a wide range of academic fields that students can pursue at the high school level. You will be paired with Ph.D. mentors and collaborate closely to complete an individual research project. Over the course of the 12-week program, you will develop a full-length research paper on your selected topic. Research disciplines include areas such as psychology, physics, economics, computer science, data science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and others. To learn more about the application process, you can visit the program’s application page.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, developed by Harvard graduate students, provides specialised programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. For those new to AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program offers you a 10-session boot camp introducing essential concepts through practical, real-world projects. More experienced students may consider the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, which involves one-on-one mentorship with experts from top universities. In this program, you will design and complete an individual research project under professional guidance. One key benefit is access to Veritas AI’s in-house publication team, which helps students submit their work to high school research journals. You can view examples of past student projects here.
3. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall; over the age of 14 by the program’s start
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed to introduce high school students to applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You’ll attend technical lectures covering fundamental AI topics and their implementation in medical contexts, while also receiving daily mentorship and participating in group research projects. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government will discuss emerging technologies in the healthcare sector. Career-focused “Lunch and Learn” sessions offer insights into pathways where medicine and technology intersect. Following the core program, you have the option to continue with additional research opportunities. Upon completing the internship, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion recognising your participation.
4. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school senior/ recent high school graduate living or studying in Massachusetts at the time of the program
Gain exposure to the field of neurology through a full-time, paid summer internship offered by Mass General’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program. Aimed at high school students, the 6 to 8-week program features lab-based research, one-on-one mentoring, and weekly educational workshops. You’ll begin with a boot camp designed to develop your lab techniques and communication abilities. You will be paired with experienced neurologists and contribute to research projects. At the program’s conclusion, you’ll present your research findings to both peers and experts in neurology. Ongoing mentorship and academic support are provided even after the internship ends.
5. AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: $60 application fee + $5,370 (tuition) + $75 service fee
Application Deadline: Applications close once slots are filled
Program Dates: Commuter: June 30 – July 18; Residential: June 29 – July 18
Eligibility: Junior or senior year of high school in the Fall
The AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology program offers a practical introduction to conducting psychological research. Across three weeks at Boston University’s Charles River campus, you’ll attend morning seminars focused on research design and methodology. In the afternoons, you’ll collaborate in teams to run experiments, analyse results, and present your findings. You’ll also engage with BU faculty and professionals to learn about current research and careers in the field. Throughout the program, you’ll build skills in communication, teamwork, and data analysis. This experience gives you a glimpse into the mindset and practices of a working psychologist.
6. MEDscienceLAB Forensics
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,800
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – July
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application; At least 16 years old at the start of the program
MEDscienceLAB Forensics is a one-week, full-day program held at Harvard Medical School for high school students. You’ll dive into crime scene investigation by gathering evidence, examining samples, and collaborating in teams to solve a simulated case. The experience includes access to advanced laboratory facilities and instruction in methods such as PCR, ELISA, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis. You’ll also engage with research experts during MEDchats to gain insight into careers in the biomedical sciences. By the conclusion of the program, you’ll be ready to present your forensic analysis as if participating in a real investigative process.
7. Summer Science & Engineering Program at Smith College
Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
Cost: $4,864 – $9,728 + $50 application fee
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: Session 1: July 5–18; Session 2: July 20–August 2
Eligibility: Students entering 9th-12th grade in the fall
The Summer Science & Engineering Program (SSEP) at Smith College is a two-week academic experience for high school students interested in science and engineering. You’ll choose from lab-based courses like Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Novel Bacteriophage Discovery, and Designing Intelligent Robots. Each course includes experiments, with small groups working directly with Smith faculty and supported by undergraduate interns. Class sizes are capped at 17 students to ensure focused collaboration and instruction. Learning happens in the lab, in the field, and through informal discussions that encourage active inquiry. The program is designed to help you explore scientific methods through hands-on activities.
8. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: 6 weeks from late June through early August
Eligibility: High school juniors
MITES Summer is a six-week residential program held on MIT’s campus for high school students from across the United States. You’ll take five challenging courses in math, science, and the humanities, with electives covering topics like Machine Learning, Architecture, and Genomics. The curriculum includes STEM content not typically offered in high school classrooms. You’ll also take part in lab tours, social events, and receive guidance through college admissions counselling. Each student receives a written evaluation from instructors that details academic strengths, growth areas, and contributions to class discussions. The program helps you explore STEM careers while building essential academic and personal skills.
9. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 11
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors
At MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI), you’ll participate in a six-week intensive program focused on advanced STEM research. The experience begins with a week of in-depth lectures delivered by distinguished professors, followed by a five-week research placement under the guidance of a mentor in an active lab setting. You’ll review current scientific literature, carry out original research, and prepare both written and oral reports in a professional format. Throughout the program, you’ll join evening seminars featuring prominent scientists, offering insights into groundbreaking research and opportunities to strengthen your presentation abilities. RSI is highly competitive, selecting 100 students from around the world.
10. RISE Internship / Practicum
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Tuition: $5,700; Service Fees: $485; Room & Board: $3,276 (14 meals/week) or $3,600 (19 meals/week); Application Fee: $60 (nonrefundable); Limited need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
At Boston University, you’ll join a select group of students in RISE, a six-week program designed for those interested in scientific research. You’ll conduct laboratory or computational research under the mentorship of faculty or experienced scientists. Internship participants engage in full-time research across a range of scientific fields. Practicum students, on the other hand, attend daily lectures and collaborate on group projects in data science or computational neurobiology. You’ll also take part in weekly academic workshops and have the chance to connect with professionals in the biotech industry. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium where you’ll present your summer research.
11. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12; students of all genders are welcome to apply, with a focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds in physics.
SPINWIP is a three-week virtual summer program offered by Stanford University that encourages high school girls to explore physics. You’ll learn Python and use it to explore topics like astrophysics and quantum computing through lectures and collaborative projects. The program includes mentorship from Stanford faculty and undergraduates, as well as workshops on college readiness and STEM career paths. Sessions are designed to be interactive and are open to students with no prior experience in programming or physics. The program is entirely online and free to attend.
12. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer between June and August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online research program. It covers a range of neuroscience topics through engaging sessions and structured educational content. You’ll study areas like brain development, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental health while learning about basic laboratory procedures and how to design experiments. You’ll apply essential lab skills, contribute to research-based projects, and receive guidance through mentorship and career support. The internship provides a solid introduction to the field of brain science. After finishing the program, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion.
13. Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online at John Hopkins
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,170 | None
Dates: Summer Session: June 23 – August 1 | Fall Sessions: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: May 28
Eligibility: Current high school student; talented 9th-graders (rising sophomores) may be considered | For academic prerequisites, see here.
Johns Hopkins University’s Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online is a three-credit course designed for high school students interested in exploring how engineering applies to biological systems. You’ll build a biosensor, create models of the human arm and circulatory system, and complete an independent project—choosing between a literature review, experimental design, or biomedical device prototype—which ends with a virtual poster presentation. The course focuses on interactive, project-based learning in an online environment. You’ll engage with hands-on assignments designed to deepen your understanding of biomedical engineering. To learn more, you can review past course syllabi.
14. Boston Leadership Institute – Biotech Research: Online
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,200; competitive need-based scholarships and full tuition scholarships are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students
The Biotech Research: Online program provides high school students with a competitive summer opportunity focused on molecular biology. During the program, you’ll carry out hands-on lab experiments at home using kits delivered to your door. These include a bacterial transformation to alter DNA, a micropipetting exercise to strengthen lab techniques, and a simulated ELISA test to identify COVID-19 antibodies. You’ll also examine the global economic impact of biotechnology through a workshop on Big Pharma and investment trends. The program concludes with a self-directed research project on a genetic disorder of your choice, which you’ll present to fellow participants at a final ceremony.
15. Boston Leadership Institute – Biomedical and Surgical Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,200; competitive need-based scholarships are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
The Biomedical and Surgical Research Program is a rigorous three-week course for students interested in hospital care, surgery, and medicine. You’ll practice foundational surgical techniques like knot tying and more advanced procedures, such as mock operations and diagnostic testing. In lab sessions and dissections, you’ll study body systems, simulate pacemaker implantation, and manage trauma care cases. You will also explore the structure and function of the nervous, skeletal, and digestive systems. Research plays a key role in the program, and you’ll present findings on diseases that can be treated surgically. You’ll gain experience working with cow hearts, mammalian organs, and fetal pig specimens.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Boston Leadership Institute