If you are a high school student looking for an opportunity to explore science outside the classroom, consider a science summer camp! These camps allow high school students to dive deep into a subject or activity of choice in practical, focused, and collaborative ways. At camp, you will find opportunities to develop an advanced skill set while conducting lab experiments, working with industry-grade equipment, or tackling real-world scientific challenges that also deepen your understanding of science.
Camps differ from regular programs in that they are shorter and often focused on a single subject, topic, or discipline, giving you a more immersive, targeted learning experience in a condensed timeframe. Science summer camps can serve as a launchpad, helping you explore career paths in science, strengthen your college applications, and build a network of like-minded learners. Camps also come with opportunities to learn within a group of like-minded peers and mentors, helping you build collaboration skills.
To help you with your search, here’s our curated list of 15 science summer camps for high school students.
1. Engineering Summer Camp @ University of Illinois
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application deadline: Typically early spring (check official site for current dates)
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago campus, IL
Cost: $500
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers high school students opportunities to explore various engineering subfields and topics through its Engineering Summer Camp. Here, you will spend five days learning about the vast field of engineering through projects, challenges, college prep sessions, and lab tours. You will explore topics in various areas, including biomedical, chemical, software, and mechanical/industrial engineering, as well as environmental sustainability planning. You will work within a team to tackle engineering challenges. The camp’s hands-on activities include experimenting with simple applications, designing wireframes, building games, developing plans for a community, writing computer code, engaging in experiments, and participating in a mock town hall meeting.
2. UTSA Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application deadline: Rolling until filled
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $550 (day) | $750 (overnight); reduced rates of $250 (day) and $450 (overnight) for financial assistance recipients
Eligibility: High school students; no prior robotics experience required.
This week-long intensive camp offers an introduction to robotics engineering and applied artificial intelligence through full-cycle project work. You will design, assemble, and program a robotics system from scratch, working through circuitry, control algorithms, and coding logic with mentorship from UTSA’s Robotics and Automation Society. Faculty-led workshops explore AI applications in industry and research, while lab tours give you exposure to cutting-edge robotics platforms. The camp balances mechanical build work with software implementation, giving you practical experience in integrating hardware and AI systems. You will conclude the week with a competitive showcase, presenting and testing your completed robots.
3. University of Georgia Summer Academy Camps: Advanced Engineering
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: TBA
Location: University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Cost: $530
Eligibility: Students, ages 15–17
Hosted in collaboration with the UGA College of Engineering, the Advanced Engineering camp is a project-based program that can help you explore the engineering process from concept to prototype. Over five days, you will learn about multiple disciplines from mechanical, electrical, civil, and more by designing, fabricating, and testing solutions using professional-grade tools, fabrication equipment, and engineering software. Instruction includes engineering graphics, computational methods, and design thinking, with guidance from faculty like Dr. Ben Thomas and undergraduate mentors from the National Society of Black Engineers. Hands-on projects, cross-disciplinary challenges, and friendly competitions are also part of the experience.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Dates: Vary based on the cohort you choose; summer cohorts typically begin in June/July.
Application deadline: Multiple cohorts are scheduled in a year with different application deadlines; summer cohort applications are typically due in May/June.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students usually have a GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is meant for high schoolers interested in exploring an area of interest through research. Here, you will get to work on an independent research project under the one-on-one mentorship of a Ph.D.-level expert. You can choose from various research areas, including psychology, health, chemistry, economics, and engineering. Then, you, along with your mentor, can decide on a topic in the chosen track. During the program, you will have access to a writing coach who will help you understand the research process and scientific writing. By the end of the session, you will have a complete research paper! You can learn more about the program formats and research areas on the application form here.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program
Dates: Vary by cohort; the spring and fall cohorts run for 15 weeks, and the summer cohort runs for 10 weeks (June – September)
Application deadline: Several deadlines throughout the year for the spring, summer, and fall cohorts.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Eligibility: High school students with good academic performance (>3.67/4.0 GPA); a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs to high school students across subject areas, including engineering. Here, you have a choice to conduct either quantitative or qualitative research on a topic in science that interests you. Once you select a topic and track, Horizon pairs you with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who will act as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will get to develop a 20-page college-level research paper that you can submit to prestigious journals for publication. Additionally, the program offers a letter of recommendation and project feedback, which you can use to work on future projects.
6. University of Georgia Summer Academy Camps: Mini Medical School 2
Dates: July 14–18
Application deadline: TBA
Location: University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Cost: $530
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–17
Offered via the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership, this weeklong camp offers an introduction to the foundations of medical science and the path to becoming a physician. You will study the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems through lectures, lab-based activities, and dissections of organ specimens, linking anatomy and physiology with disease mechanisms. Instruction from current medical students will help you gain technical knowledge and firsthand insights into medical training. The camp focuses on helping you build diagnostic reasoning and gain exposure to medical technologies to get a realistic glimpse into medical school learning.
7. CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. @ Georgia Institute of Technology
Dates: Various one-week sessions in June and July
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until the Wednesday before each session (first-come, first-served)
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $400–$650 depending on session length; scholarships available
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
CEISMC’s Summer P.E.A.K.S. (Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM) offers themed, weeklong experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. High school tracks cover subjects like aerospace engineering, biomedical sciences, coding and game design, robotics, and environmental science, each offering access to project-based learning and hands-on labs. You will work with Georgia Tech faculty, researchers, and STEM professionals while accessing campus resources and research facilities. The program emphasizes applied problem-solving, technical tool use, and collaboration, mirroring the interdisciplinary approach of modern STEAM fields. Sessions run on campus with optional extended care available for campers.
8. Exploring Mechanical Science and Engineering Camp (EAGER) @ University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dates: July 20–26
Application deadline: March 30
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Cost: Residential: $1,000 fee + $25 deposit | Commuter: $600 fee + $25 deposit; scholarships available
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12
Hosted by the Grainger College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, EAGER is a weeklong residential and commuter camp that focuses on introducing high schoolers to mechanical engineering concepts through design and fabrication projects. Activities include constructing 3D printers, building bio-inspired robots, designing prosthetic devices, and practicing micro-manufacturing while patterning silicon wafers for electronics. You’ll gain exposure to research labs, field trips to industry sites, and mentorship from faculty and engineering students. The curriculum develops technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and collaborative design experience while giving you insight into real-world mechanical engineering careers.
9. The Ohio State University’s Camp CAR
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: TBA; application window typically opens in early spring
Location: Center for Automotive Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students; ~25 participants accepted each year
Hosted by Ohio State’s Center for Automotive Research, Camp CAR introduces you to the fundamentals of automotive engineering and mobility research. Throughout the week, you will engage in hands-on activities such as building and testing automotive systems, interacting with crash test dummies, exploring vehicle dynamics, and touring cutting-edge research facilities. Faculty, engineers, and graduate students guide you through both the theoretical and applied aspects of transportation technology. Open to a small cohort, the camp offers direct mentorship and a deep dive into how engineering innovations are shaping the future of mobility.
10. Summer Health AI Bootcamp @ Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI)
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 28
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 program participation fee + $40 application fee; full and partial scholarships available
Eligibility: High school students who are entering grades 9–12 in the fall, are at least 14 years old by the start date, and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those with valid visa status and a U.S. address for program participation
This selective two-week virtual bootcamp is designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of machine learning in healthcare. The curriculum includes online learning modules, group discussions, breakout activities, and social events, as well as “Career Lunch and Learn” sessions with guest speakers from academia, industry, government, and non-profit sectors. You will explore topics like the core principles of AI in the context of healthcare, evaluation metrics, ethical considerations, and machine learning applications like medical imaging, diagnostics, and population health. The program integrates foundation models and generative AI into the curriculum, giving you a forward-looking perspective on the future of healthcare technology. Around 50 students are accepted each year.
11. SAGE Camp California
Dates: Berkeley National Laboratory (Day Camp): June 9 – 13 | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Residential Camp): June 8 – 14 | SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (Residential Camp): June 22 – 28
Application deadline: March 21
Cost: Free
Location: Various CA sites, including in Berkeley, Livermore, and Menlo Park/Palo Alto, CA
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students in Northern California (including homeschooled students) who are under 18 at the end of camp
SAGE (Science Accelerating Growth and Engagement) Camp is a one-week, fully funded summer program hosted by scientists and engineers at Department of Energy National Laboratories. At camp, you will engage in job shadowing, project work, professional development sessions, and networking events to connect with STEM professionals, gaining insights into scientific careers. Each location has its own format: Berkeley hosts a day camp, while Lawrence Livermore and SLAC offer residential experiences. You will also join the SAGE community, which provides ongoing opportunities like internships, jobs, and leadership development after camp.
12. Stanford Neurodiversity Project – Research, Education, and Advocacy Camp for High Schoolers (SNP-REACH)
Dates: Cohort #1 (Hybrid): July 6 – 17 | Cohort #2 (In-person): July 20 – 31
Application deadline: April 16
Cost: $2,320 for remote participation | $2,730 for in-person participation (food and housing not included); need-based scholarships available for ~10–20% of attendees
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California (hybrid and In-person formats available)
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through current seniors in high school (including international students) who are under 18 by the end of camp
SNP-REACH blends lectures on neurodiversity with hands-on small group projects using design thinking to foster advocacy and allyship. You will learn from Stanford professors, visiting lecturers, clinicians, and neurodivergent advocates, and collaborate to create projects aimed at making communities more accommodating of neurodivergence. Selected campers may present their final projects at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit, joining a lineup of world-class speakers. The program attracts 100+ students from across the U.S. and internationally, offering you a chance to connect with a diverse cohort of peers.
13. TryEngineering Summer Institute Engineering Camp
Dates: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): June 29 – July 7 or July 11 – 19 | University of San Diego (San Diego, CA): June 11 – 19 or June 24 – July 2 | Rice University (Houston, TX): June 29 – July 7 or July 11 – 19 | Columbia University (New York, NY): July 12 – 20 or July 24 – August 2
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Cost: $4,095 (most locations) | $4,295 (Columbia University, New York, NY); a limited number of need-based scholarships available for U.S. residents
Location: Various campuses—University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; University of San Diego, CA; Rice University, Houston, TX; Columbia University, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school students; international students accepted
The TryEngineering Summer Institute is a 10-day residential engineering camp hosted at top U.S. universities where students explore mechanical, civil, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Each track offers opportunities to learn through instruction and activities. For instance, the mechanical engineering track includes the Hydraulic Robot Arm Challenge, where you will design and build a hydraulic arm for competitive challenges. You will also gain exposure to real-world engineering through exclusive field trips, guest lectures from practicing engineers, and access to university STEM facilities. While living on campus alongside like-minded peers, you will build problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills while discovering potential STEM career paths.
14. UCF’s Laser & Photonics Summer Camp
Dates: July 7 – 11 | July 14 – 18 | July 21 – 25
Application deadline: June 15
Location: The College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL
Cost: Early bird registration (before April 30): $550 | Regular Registration (May 1 – June 15): $650; need-based financial aid available
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 – 12
The University of Central Florida’s Laser & Photonics camp introduces high school students to the field of optics and photonics through hands-on activities. At the weeklong camp, you will work in a lab learning about and working with lasers, prisms, and equations to understand the properties of light and light-based technology. Professor-led lectures are also part of the program. You may also get to engage in activities like making a circuit board, soldering, and aligning lasers. Throughout the camp, you will learn about careers in photonics engineering and optics.
15. Introduction to Engineering Program @ University of Notre Dame
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 12 | Session 2: July 13 – July 26
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $2,650 (includes housing, meal plans, registration, field trips, and incidentals)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors entering their senior year in the fall
The Introduction to Engineering Program (IEP) is a two-week residential summer camp designed to immerse rising high school seniors in the world of engineering through lectures, activities, lab tours, and career discussions. At camp, you will explore diverse engineering disciplines, from aerospace and mechanical to chemical, electrical, civil, environmental, and geological engineering. IEP includes engineering design projects, computer programming workshops, access to state-of-the-art university facilities, and interactions with Notre Dame faculty and professional engineers. You will also experience college life, network with peers from across the country, and gain insights into potential STEM career paths.
Image source – University of Notre Dame