Summer research camps for high school students give you a structured environment to dive deep into advanced topics in science, technology, and other fields. Unlike longer-term mentorship programs, these camps are short, highly focused, and often center on a single field of study. They typically combine lectures, lab work, and guided projects to help you build a technical skill set, from coding in specialized software to conducting wet-lab experiments.
Some camps also include networking with researchers, structured workshops, and exposure to academic tools that aren’t typically available in high school classrooms. If you want to test out research in a particular discipline while developing technical skills, these 15 summer research camps are options you can explore:
1. IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp
Location: Minneapolis, MN with limited online options for MN students
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23–27
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students who will have completed a year of single-variable calculus by the end of the school year; seniors who just graduated are eligible.
This one-week program introduces you to applied mathematics through the lens of practical problem solving. You will work on building and analyzing mathematical models for systems such as traffic flow, disease spread, and climate impacts. The camp emphasizes both theoretical reasoning and computational techniques, requiring participants to collaborate on problem sets and present solutions. Daily lectures and team-based sessions sharpen skills in calculus-based modeling, differential equations, and quantitative reasoning, with feedback from faculty mentors.
2. Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC)
Location: San Marcos, TX
Cost: $6,600
Program Dates: June 15 – July 26
Application Deadline: Rolling, with rounds closing Feb 15, Mar 15, and Apr 16
Acceptance Rate: ~15% for first-year applicants
Eligibility: High school students; first-time applicants must apply to the first-year program.
HSMC is a six-week residential program designed for mathematically gifted high school students who want to push beyond the standard curriculum. You will study advanced topics through daily lectures, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and research projects under faculty mentorship. The camp places strong emphasis on building proof-writing, communication, and independent thinking skills. With its multi-summer structure, HSMC allows you to return for deeper research experiences in subsequent years, making it one of the most rigorous pre-college math programs in the U.S.
3. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Cost: $6,000
Program Dates: June 29 – August 3
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 with strong mathematical talent and interest
Mathcamp is a five-week residential program that allows mathematically gifted students to explore advanced topics beyond the standard high school curriculum. You will engage with courses ranging from abstract algebra and topology to combinatorics and theoretical computer science, taught in a flexible, lecture-and-seminar format. A key feature is the Qualifying Quiz, which emphasizes creative problem-solving rather than rote knowledge. The program emphasizes independent exploration and community-driven learning, making it a hub for students seeking deep engagement with higher mathematics.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round (Spring: Mar–Jun, Summer: Jun–Aug, Fall: Sep–Dec, Winter: Dec–Feb)
Application Deadline: Rolling, with deadlines for each cohort (Spring: Jan, Summer: May, Fall: Sep, Winter: Nov)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records (avg. admitted GPA ≥ 3.3/4.0)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity where you work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete an independent research project. Over 12 weeks or longer for extended options, you will learn how to conduct a literature review, design methodologies, and write a formal research paper. The program spans a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, computer science, data science, economics, chemistry, and more. By the end, you will have produced an original paper suitable for conferences or competitions, while also gaining technical research skills and personalized mentorship.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by track; financial aid available
Program Dates: Spring & Fall cohorts (15 weeks); Summer cohort (10 weeks, June–September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance (avg. admitted GPA ≥ 3.67/4.0); most participants are 10th–11th graders; some tracks have prerequisites
The Horizon Academic Research Program is a selective research opportunity where you complete a full-length research paper (≈20 pages) under the guidance of a Ph.D. scholar or professor. You will select from tracks spanning social sciences, data science, machine learning, international relations, and more, with the option to pursue either quantitative or qualitative research. Throughout the program, you receive one-on-one mentorship, structured feedback, and detailed guidance on academic writing. The program culminates in a paper you can submit to journals or conferences, alongside a formal recommendation letter from your mentor.
6. GenCyber Camp
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Camp 1: July 22–26, Camp 2: July 29–August 2
Application Deadline: Varies; check UMKC GenCyber website for updates
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders; no prior cybersecurity experience required
Sponsored by the NSA’s GenCyber program, this one-week camp introduces you to cybersecurity fundamentals through interactive lectures, group discussions, and lab activities. You will learn topics such as cryptography, password security, steganography, blockchain, deepfakes, and ethical hacking. Each day includes both morning and afternoon sessions with hands-on exercises, allowing you to experiment with network scanning, scripting, and game-building. Taught by UMKC professors and experienced computer science educators, the camp emphasizes both technical skills and ethics in cybersecurity.
7. AlphaStar Summer Math Camp
Location: Cupertino, California & Online
Cost/Stipend: Online: $875–$2300; In-person: $1425–$3250
Program Dates: Camp 1: June 9 – June 27; Camp 2: July 14 – August 1; AMC 10 Booster: July 21–25 or July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling (super early discounts by March 1; early discounts by May 1)
Eligibility: Grades 4–12, depending on placement level, MC15–MC45; AMC 10 Booster for middle and high schoolers
AlphaStar Summer Math Camp is designed to prepare you for prestigious math competitions including MathCounts, AMC 8/10/12, AIME, and USA(J)MO. You will follow a structured curriculum at your level, with Fundamental Courses covering algebra, counting, geometry, and number theory, or AMC 10 Booster Courses focused on exam strategies and timed practice tests. In-person camps feature full-day instruction with complimentary lunch, while online camps follow a half-day schedule with access to recorded lectures for review. Throughout the camp, you’ll work through homework assignments, practice problems, and a final exam at your own pace, while also joining fun math activities.
8. √mathroots – MIT PRIMES
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: July 1 – July 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students with strong interest and potential in mathematics; priority given to those who have demonstrated resilience and initiative in overcoming barriers to learning
√mathroots is a 14-day summer program hosted by MIT PRIMES that serves as a mathematical talent accelerator for high-potential high school students. You will explore advanced problem-solving techniques and creative areas of mathematics through lectures, workshops, and group activities led by MIT faculty and researchers. The program emphasizes not only mathematical depth but also resilience, collaboration, and access for students who may not have had traditional opportunities in math. Held in-person at MIT, the program provides a rigorous yet supportive environment where you can challenge yourself, connect with peers, and learn directly from experts in the field.
9. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Location: Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: July 10 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: U.S. high school graduates; international students ages 16–18 from select countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago); strong academic performance in STEM, leadership experience, curiosity for learning, and intent to pursue a STEM career
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a prestigious three-week residential program that brings together top STEM students from across the U.S. and the Americas. You will attend lectures, hands-on seminars, and field studies led by scientists and experts while engaging in research discussions, leadership development, and outdoor adventure activities. Delegates are selected competitively, two per U.S. state plus international representatives, based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The camp emphasizes full immersion: you’ll live in a collaborative community with limited internet access, focusing entirely on scientific exploration and cultural exchange. With opportunities to present your own seminar and learn directly from distinguished professionals, NYSCamp offers a transformative experience at no cost to participants.
10. Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: FAU SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, Florida
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 9 – June 12
Application Deadline: Rolling till filled
Eligibility: Students ages 14–17; limited to 30–40 participants
The Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop introduces you to research in fluid mechanics, robotics, and naval architecture at FAU’s SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility. You will learn basic programming skills and apply them by assembling and coding small robotic carts and drones for autonomous tasks. The workshop also covers naval design principles, where you’ll construct miniature boats and test them in a final team-based race. Alongside hands-on engineering projects, you’ll gain exposure to applications of scientific studies that impact everyday life. Guided by FAU faculty and researchers, the program provides an immersive STEM experience in a collaborative setting.
12. Camp Business
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Varies by commuter or residential option; overnight accommodations provided for residential sessions
Program Dates: Residential Blue Session: July 13 – July 18, Commuter Session: July 20 – July 25, Residential Gold Session: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Drexel LeBow’s Camp Business gives you an intensive introduction to college-level and corporate business education in an engaging and interactive format. You will explore core disciplines such as accounting, marketing, finance, and management while also developing leadership, teamwork, and professional communication skills. Sessions include hands-on exposure to business tools like stock market analysis, financial documents, and strategy development. Residential sessions provide a full campus living experience, while the commuter session offers daytime programming with optional local accommodations. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion, recognizing your achievement in this immersive summer business experience.
13. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz
Cost/Stipend: Tuition required; financial aid available for eligible students
Program Dates: Four weeks in Summer
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California high school students (grades 8–12) with strong academic performance (typically GPA 3.5+); must live on campus during the program
COSMOS is a prestigious four-week residential summer program for California high school students who excel in STEM. You will study advanced science, technology, engineering, and math topics in a university environment while working directly with UC faculty, researchers, and graduate students. Each UC campus offers specialized clusters that reflect its faculty’s unique expertise, allowing you to engage in lab-intensive, hands-on learning experiences not typically available in high school. With about 160–200 participants per campus, admission is highly competitive and based on academic merit and interest. As a COSMOS student, you’ll live on campus, collaborate with peers who share your passion for STEM, and gain valuable mentorship while preparing for future STEM studies and careers.
14. DACCPM Summer Research Program
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; academic enrichment and mentorship provided
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 18 – January 20
Eligibility: High school students (18+), undergraduates, and MS1 medical students in good academic standing with proof of enrollment; U.S. students only (international students not accepted)
The DACCPM Summer Research Program at MD Anderson provides a 10-week mentored research experience in both basic science and clinical research. You will be matched with a faculty mentor and assigned a project in areas such as chemotherapy-induced pain, perioperative immune function, or cancer recurrence. The program begins with a Cancer Biology boot camp using Robert Weinberg’s The Biology of Cancer and continues with training in lab safety, research ethics, and data interpretation. Alongside research, you will participate in professional development sessions on graduate school preparation and diverse career paths. The program culminates in a poster symposium and abstract publication in the CATALYST Summer Program abstract book, giving you the chance to showcase your work to the MD Anderson research community.
15. GSTEM Summer Research Program
Location: New York, New York
Cost/Stipend: $5,500; optional housing and meal plan $3,840; financial aid available
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Varies; check NYU GSTEM website for updates
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with strong aptitude in STEM; U.S. students only (international students not eligible unless already on an F-1 visa); 40 students admitted each summer
NYU’s GSTEM program offers a six-week research experience for high school students with a passion for STEM, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. After a week-long orientation, you will work alongside a faculty mentor on an intensive five-week STEM research project. Beyond research, the program includes weekly field trips to organizations like Google and the Museum of Math, as well as workshops on scientific writing, programming, and presentation skills. You will also meet pioneering women in STEM who share their research and career journeys. You will finish the program with an official NYU transcript and a strong peer network of like-minded students.
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, California
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: One week during summer
Application Deadline: February–May
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12; requires teacher recommendation
Hosted by SDSU’s SMILE Lab and Talent Search program, Robotics Camp offers a free, week-long introduction to robotics, coding, and engineering for middle and high school students. You will learn coding in Scratch and Python, explore artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, and practice hands-on robotics by assembling and programming MBot Mega robots. The camp also introduces drone flight and programming, with plenty of opportunities to apply your skills in challenges and competitions. Beyond the lab, you’ll tour SDSU’s engineering facilities, meet faculty, and hear from guest speakers working in STEM fields. The camp culminates in team-based activities, helping you gain technical experience and teamwork skills while building a strong foundation for future STEM pathways.
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