If you’re a high schooler with more curiosity than time, diving into new subjects early can give you a significant edge. Academic summer camps offer a rare opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects in depth, without the drag of a full semester. Unlike traditional programs that skim across topics over months, academic summer camps are created with deliberate intensity. They are designed to be short, highly structured, and laser-focused on a single field. Think of them as intellectual bootcamps for the inquisitive!
These programs aren’t just about sitting through lectures in classrooms. They’re carefully curated experiences where students engage in hands-on projects, research, workshops, and presentations, often hosted by top-tier universities or specialized institutions.
We’ve curated a list of 28 such academic summer camps that should be on your radar if you’re a high schooler. We’ve covered a range of disciplines so that there’s something for everyone.
28 Academic Summer Camps for High School Students
1. Research Science Institute | Center for Excellence in Education
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost: None, except a $65 application fee
Dates: June 22 – August 2 (tentative for 6 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 years of age by July 1 of the program year
RSI is one of the most prestigious research programs for high schoolers. The reason why it’s made it to this round-up up although it’s not strictly a camp, is because it has a lot of elements of the camp-style learning in terms of the structure, collaboration, and duration. RSI is co‑sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education and hosted on the MIT campus. You begin with intensive seminars in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics before moving into a mentored research internship, where you design and carry out an original project under the guidance of MIT faculty and graduate researchers. Beyond research, you will collaborate with leading scientists, visit cultural and scientific institutions in the Boston area, and refine your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, culminating in the presentation of your work in a conference-style setting.
Acceptance to RSI is incredibly competitive: sources report that around 100 students are selected from among thousands of applicants, making the acceptance rate comparable to elite university admissions. Alumni of the program have gone on to distinguished outcomes (Rhodes, Marshall Scholars, major scientific contributions), so this is not just a summer camp, but a launch pad.
2. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: 2 locations – Cornell University and the University of Maryland
Cost: None
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors | At least age 15 and no older than age 18 at the start of the program
This six-week residential program integrates academic study with community engagement. You can choose to focus on Critical Black Studies (TASS-CBS) or Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS), exploring history, politics, literature, and systems of power through daily college-level seminars. You will develop advanced skills in reading, writing, and critical analysis while engaging in sustained discussions, drafting essays, and receiving direct feedback from instructors. Beyond the classroom, you will practice democratic decision-making, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving while contributing to a self-governing learning community. The program emphasizes both intellectual rigor and collective responsibility, culminating in opportunities to present your ideas and reflections in academic and community settings.
3. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Online
Cost: $4,000; financial aid available
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current 9th-graders or rising 10th-graders in the summer | Over 14 years by the start of the program
The Stanford AI4ALL Summer Program is a two-week online course designed to introduce you to both the technical and societal dimensions of artificial intelligence. You will study core areas such as robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, and medical AI through faculty-led lectures, coding sessions, and guided research projects. Working closely with Stanford researchers and mentors, you will gain hands-on experience applying AI methods to real-world challenges while also examining the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, giving you opportunities to engage directly with professionals and develop technical and critical thinking skills.
4. NYU Tandon’s Summer Camp for Machine Learning
Location: NYU’s Washington Square Park campus
Cost: $3,050 tuition + $638 housing + $398 mandatory meal plan
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 18; Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ who have completed Precalculus and have some programming experience
NYU Tandon offers a two-week Summer Camp in Machine Learning that introduces high schoolers to the foundations of artificial intelligence and ML, including concepts such as neural networks, regression models, and algorithm design. It examines how machine learning powers innovations like self-driving cars, speech recognition systems, and healthcare technologies. Sessions combine theory with hands-on projects, and instruction is delivered by Tandon faculty with support from graduate assistants for individualized guidance. Though academically rigorous, the program provides an accessible entry point into rapidly evolving fields at the intersection of technology and society.
5. Stanford University Mathematics Camp
Location: Virtual and residential on the Stanford University Campus
Cost: $3,580; additional course materials may cost up to $100; financial aid is available
Dates: Session One (Online): June 16 – July 4; Session One (Residential): June 22 – July 18; Session Two (Online): July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (current grades 10–11)
In this program, you will explore challenging topics through two courses: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory, focusing on foundational problem-solving, and Algebraic Topology, which applies algebraic methods to topological concepts. The program emphasizes collaborative learning with live sessions, daily problem sets, and guidance from Stanford teaching assistants, along with insights from guest lectures by mathematicians and professionals in related fields. With a rigorous curriculum and a collegiate-level workload, SUMaC fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing students for future academic pursuits in mathematics. Admission is competitive, and financial aid is available for eligible applicants.
6. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus
Cost: $5,500 + $75 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Current rising high school seniors | Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
This program offers students the chance to experience college-level business education by exploring various business functions, leadership strategies, and career paths. Through interactive classes, workshops, and group projects, you will learn how successful companies operate, engage in action-based learning, and gain real-world business insights. This program will help students enhance their resumes by demonstrating their commitment to business education and providing exposure to high-level academic work. The opportunity to interact with Michigan Ross faculty, business professionals, and industry experts will allow students to gain valuable networking experience and a deeper understanding of the business world.
7. USC Viterbi CS@SC Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and in-person
Cost: $200 for Virtual classes and $600 for In-Person classes; financial aid is available
Dates: June 23 – July 11 (In-Person) and July 7 – August 1 (Virtual)
Application Deadlines: Summer camp registrations are open now. Click here to apply
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9 – 12
The CS@SC Coding Camps, offered through the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, give K-12 students the chance to explore areas of computer science not typically found in standard school curricula. You can study topics such as programming, web and game development, mobile app creation, and robotics. High school participants can choose advanced courses in Cyber Security, Game Design, Java, Mobile App Development, Python, and Web Development. These camps are structured to provide practical, hands-on experience and help students build a strong foundation in computer science and engineering concepts.
8. Engineering Summer Camp, College of Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago
Location: University of Illinois Chicago
Cost: $500 per student
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: All high school students
This five-day camp introduces high school students to the fundamentals of engineering across five key areas: Biomedical, Chemical, Software, Environmental Sustainability Planning, and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. You will learn core engineering concepts through hands-on projects in real research labs, such as designing medical devices, creating sustainable processes, coding software applications, building robotics, and developing urban sustainability plans. Each day combines practical challenges, team-based problem-solving, and guidance from UIC faculty, graduate mentors, and undergraduate chaperones, giving you exposure to both technical skills and professional collaboration. In addition to applied learning, you will explore potential career paths in cutting-edge engineering fields, participate in campus and lab tours, and present your project work.
9. SEE Camp
Location: University of Michigan
Cost: $700; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: July 6 –12
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students of all genders going into grades 10-11, especially those with limited access to engineering resources
This week-long residential program is designed to introduce rising 10th and 11th-graders to the breadth of engineering fields and their real-world applications. You will explore disciplines such as chemical, civil, electrical, and marine engineering through guided lab activities, facility tours, and hands-on workshops. A central feature of the program is a week-long design challenge, where you will apply the engineering design process in teams to develop practical solutions, gaining experience in problem-solving, collaboration, and project development. The camp also includes structured opportunities to engage with faculty, researchers, and student panels, offering insight into academic pathways and professional engineering practice.
10. ASU Underwater Robotics Camp
Location: Arizona State University – Polytechnic Campus
Cost: $600
Dates: June 3 – 8
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders who are either Arizona residents or are residing in Arizona over the summer with family
The ASU Underwater Robotics Camp introduces high school students to engineering concepts through the design and construction of underwater robots. You will learn technical skills such as buoyancy control, electrical wiring, and autonomous navigation while working collaboratively on a team project that culminates in competing at the National Underwater Robotics Competition. Guided by ASU engineering faculty, you will gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and project development while also engaging with professional engineers and touring state-of-the-art laboratories on campus. The program concludes with an opportunity to present your work in a competitive setting, giving you both practical engineering skills and exposure to real-world applications of robotics.
11. Interlochen Summer Arts Camp
Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts, Michigan
Cost: $2,050 for a 1-week session; $7,265 for a 3-week session; $10,350 for a 6-week session; need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships are available (except for 1-week camp)
Dates: One-week camp: June 20 – 26; Three-week camp: June 28 – July 18, July 19 – August 9; Six-week camp: June 28 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: All high school students
The Interlochen Arts Camp, offered by the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, provides high school students with summer programs across disciplines, including music, theatre, visual arts, dance, creative writing, film and new media, and interdisciplinary arts. At this camp, you will learn to refine technical skills in your chosen field, experiment with new artistic methods, and gain hands-on experience through rehearsals, workshops, and performances. The program emphasizes collaboration with faculty artists and visiting professionals, allowing you to engage in constructive feedback and understand professional standards in the arts. Beyond studio and classroom work, you will also take part in group projects and public showcases.
12. Data Science Academy – Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Philadelphia, USA (on campus)
Cost: $9,799 (scholarship opportunities available)
Dates: Jul 13 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10-11 | Strong background in math and coding
In this program, you will learn essential skills like data visualization, data wrangling, and modern machine learning methodologies, with a focus on the R programming language, widely used in academia and industry. Guided by expert Wharton instructors and supported by undergraduate and graduate TAs, you will analyze real-world data, engage with guest speakers from the field, and collaborate on a team project presented to peers. Graduates earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion. Sessions include themes and topics like Essentials of Finance, Leadership in the Business World (LBW), Data Science Academy, Moneyball Academy, Product Design Academy, Management & Technology Institute (M&TSI), etc.
13. University of Georgia Summer Media Academy (Grady College)
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Grady College campus)
Cost: Day Camp $530; Residential Camp $1,255 (financial aid available)
Dates: Week-long sessions between June 9–20
Application Deadline: Open January 15; rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students (ages 13-17)
This weeklong program at UGA’s Grady College offers several tracks, including multimedia journalism, broadcast journalism, advertising and public relations, and entertainment and media studies. Depending on the track you choose, you’ll engage in activities such as team broadcast productions, podcast creation, media campaign development, or investigative storytelling. Local media professionals and faculty lead workshops and guest lectures, and you’ll have the chance to visit active media sites like The Red & Black newsroom and WUOG radio station. The program concludes with final projects and opportunities to receive feedback on your work.
14. Data Science Boot Camp, University of the Pacific
Location: University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus
Cost: $3,650 + $500 non-refundable deposit; $500 discount available to Pacific Alumni and other privileged groups
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 12; Session 2: June 17 – 27
Application Deadline: Typically 15 days to a month before the respective session’s start
Eligibility: All high school students
This data science camp introduces high school students to the basics of artificial intelligence and data analysis. Throughout the course, you will learn Python programming, data processing and transformation, pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and creating impactful data visualizations. Topics covered include Python, machine learning, predictive modeling, and storytelling through visual data. The program is designed for beginners and requires no prior experience, though its fast pace may be demanding for those new to coding or data science. It provides a strong foundation for students interested in exploring AI and its practical applications.
15. NYLF Medicine & Health Care High School Student Summer Program | Envision
Location: Multiple locations all over the US (mentioned in the description)
Cost: Residential $4,499 – $4,599; Commuter $3,999
Dates: Various dates from June 25 to July 11 (based on locations)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: All high school students
This program, offered at universities such as Yale University, Emory University, Rice University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Michigan, provides a rigorous introduction to medical training and healthcare careers for high school students. You will learn core clinical skills through hands-on experiences such as medical rotations, triage response exercises, and outdoor emergency care simulations designed by experts in emergency and wilderness medicine. Over the course of eight days, you will also explore anatomy, diagnostics, and patient care while working closely with medical professionals and advisors, gaining insight into both the technical and human sides of healthcare. The program culminates in opportunities to present your work.
16. JCamp – Asian American Journalists Association
Location: Seattle, Washington (takes place in a different city every year)
Cost: None
Dates: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
This camp provides intensive training in reporting, writing, multimedia production, and ethical decision-making, with instruction from experienced journalists and media executives. You will learn to research and develop stories, conduct interviews, and produce news packages for JCamp Live, the program’s digital platform. The curriculum emphasizes cross-cultural communication, newsroom diversity, and leadership, while also building skills in collaboration, project management, and persuasive communication. Throughout the week, you will engage in workshops, field reporting, and discussions with industry professionals, gaining both hands-on newsroom experience and insight into how diverse perspectives shape accurate media coverage. The program also includes opportunities to present your work and receive feedback from professionals.
17. Summer Physics Camp – New Mexico Consortium
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe
Cost: None
Dates: June 2 – 13
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students living in New Mexico, New Mexico tribal communities, or East Hawaii Island | Completed Algebra I or a high-level math course, and are looking to explore careers in STEM
This two-week camp integrates physics with engineering, chemistry, bioengineering, computer programming, and cybersecurity. You will gain hands-on experience through multi-day engineering projects and experiments focused on energy and energy security, while also exploring renewable and non-renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power. The camp includes lab tours, technical demonstrations, and collaborative projects that highlight how scientific methods address infrastructure and sustainability challenges. Alongside technical training, you will learn professional skills such as resumé writing, interview preparation, and exploring career pathways in STEM fields. A core part of the experience is working directly with scientists and engineers.
18. Dollars and Sense Camp
Location: Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University
Cost: $299
Dates: August 4 – 8
Application Deadline: Open until full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8-12
This week-long program introduces high school students to the foundations of financial literacy and decision-making. You will learn how to build and manage budgets, understand credit, assess debt, and analyze job offers while applying these concepts in the Greenleaf Trust Trading Room, a professional environment designed to simulate financial planning in practice. Through team-based projects and problem-solving exercises, you will develop strategies for long-term financial stability and practice applying classroom concepts to real-world scenarios. The program also provides opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry professionals in financial planning, while refining your ability to present your work and communicate informed financial choices.
19. University of Buffalo’s CSExplore Camp
Location: University of Buffalo North Campus
Cost: None
Dates: August 5 – 8
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: All high school students
This three-day program, designed for high school students with minimal background in computer science or engineering, provides an engaging, practical introduction to the field. Through hands-on exploration, you delve into topics from basic circuitry and hardware to software development. Past sessions have involved exciting projects like programming robots and designing video games. The camp also includes trips to cutting-edge research labs that apply computing to solve real-world problems. The emphasis is on building logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative, low-pressure environment, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all participants.
20. Summer Entrepreneurship Institute | University of Michigan-Flint School of Management
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia
Cost: $50. Need-based scholarships are available; a $25 scholarship is available for students with family ties to UM-Flint
Dates: June 16 – 18
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students who will be juniors or seniors in the Fall
The Summer Entrepreneurship Institute is a three-day camp for rising high school juniors and seniors, hosted at the University of Michigan–Flint in the School of Management’s Riverfront Center classrooms. You will learn the foundations of entrepreneurship through hands-on workshops, team projects, and problem-solving exercises designed to build critical thinking and leadership skills. The program emphasizes collaboration as you work alongside peers and faculty to develop innovative business ideas. Throughout the program, you will build skills in market analysis, financial planning, and strategic communication. Need-based scholarships are available, making the camp accessible to motivated students interested in exploring business and entrepreneurship.
21. Tufts Pre-College Coding Academy
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: $4,225 (commuter) | $5,750 (residential); limited need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Typically mid July – early August
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12; additional eligibility requirements may be added
In this program, you will study Python and apply it to areas such as data science, modeling, and user interface design, while also being introduced to topics like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. Daily schedules combine faculty-led lectures with coding labs and small-group project work, culminating in a final project presentation. You will also gain exposure to the professional technology landscape through “Tech Treks” to Boston-area companies such as Google, HubSpot, and Fidelity, as well as guest lectures on the history and ethics of computing. Alongside technical training, you will strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills while collaborating with faculty, peers, and industry professionals.
22. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / $300 needs-based grant available for eligible students
Dates: Typically mid‑June to early August, depending on cohort
Application Deadline: Typically April (deadlines vary by year)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 (girls and non-binary)
This two-week program features live, virtual classes on game design, covering coding basics, UX design, and the game development process, with sponsorship from industry leaders like Bank of America and Logitech. You’ll engage in live, virtual classes, learning core programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python through hands-on game design and web development projects. Beyond coding, Girls Who Code instills confidence and leadership qualities in its participants, nurturing a sense of belonging in the tech world. By bridging the gender gap and building a community of like-minded young women, this program is paving the way for the next generation of female technologists and innovators.
23. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Online and in-person (Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., London, NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis)
Cost: None
Dates: June 2 – 13; July 7 – 18; July 21 – August 1; August 4 – 15 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Typically late March
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive students ages 13–18. No prior coding experience required
The Kode With Klossy Summer Camp, a free two-week program offered across the U.S., is designed for high school students from underrepresented genders in STEM to build technical and creative coding skills. You can choose one of four tracks: web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; artificial intelligence and machine learning with Python and natural language processing; mobile app development with Swift and Xcode; or data science using SQL, Python, and visualization tools. Through daily coding labs, collaborative projects, and design-thinking exercises, you will strengthen your ability to solve problems, analyze data, and design functional digital products.
24. Carnegie Mellon University – AI Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: None
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (grades 11–12) who are 16 years by the program start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This fully funded, four-week residential summer program for rising high school seniors immerses them in the field of artificial intelligence. You will study machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing through faculty-led lectures, hands-on research projects, and applied team-based challenges. Guided by CMU researchers and industry mentors, you will develop technical expertise while collaborating with peers to design AI solutions for real-world societal problems, culminating in a presentation at a symposium. In addition to technical skills, you will engage in college readiness workshops, gain exposure to professional practices in AI, and build meaningful connections with mentors and fellow aspiring technologists.
25. Health Science Summer Camps – School of Health Sciences – Oakland University
Location: Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Cost: $480
Dates: June 16 – 20 (Section 1); June 23 – 27 (Section 2)
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis, until full
Eligibility: High school students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades
This camp introduces you to the wide range of disciplines that shape modern healthcare. Over the course of the program, you will study areas such as interdisciplinary health sciences, clinical and diagnostic practices, human movement science, and public and environmental wellness. Through simulations, interactive workshops, and faculty-led sessions, you will develop practical skills in clinical diagnostics, rehabilitation methods, and approaches to public and environmental health. You will also engage with healthcare professionals, asking questions about career paths, and considering how fields like medical imaging, exercise science, and nutrition connect to broader health challenges. The camp concludes with opportunities to reflect on your learning and present your work.
26. NYU Tandon Cyber Security for Computer Science
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC or Nassau County residents currently in 10th–11th grade
The Cybersecurity Summer Program at NYU Tandon is a four-week immersive experience for high school students where you will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity through hands-on coursework, coding exercises, and lab projects. You will learn to apply concepts in cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, and ethical hacking while tackling real-world security challenges. Guided by faculty and industry professionals, you will gain practical skills in system security analysis, collaborate on team-based exercises, and enhance communication and teamwork through theater-based workshops. The program culminates in opportunities to present your findings, combining technical expertise with professional presentation experience.
27. REACH Northwestern University
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $2500 for Core Program ++ $1500 for REACH Further; partial or full tuition waivers are available
Dates: Core Programs (Session 1: June 16 – July 3; Session 2: July 7 – 25); REACH Further (Session 1: July 7 – 25; Session 2: July 28 – August 15)
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students who are in grades 10-12
In this program, you will learn to use Python and astronomy-specific programming tools to conduct mini research projects aligned with current work at CIERA. Through hands-on training, collaborative team projects, and mentorship from professional astronomers, you will develop problem-solving and research skills while exploring a range of astronomy topics. The program also includes opportunities for observing celestial phenomena, attending career panels, and presenting your findings, fostering both technical expertise and professional communication. For those continuing in the REACH Further extension, you will dive into an independent research project under close faculty mentorship, further strengthening your experience in scientific investigation and collaboration.
28. Python Data Science Summer Program NYC: High School Summer Camps
Location: In-person in NYC with an online option
Cost: $2,195
Dates: Multiple dates from June 29 – August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students with a strong interest in coding
Over the span of two weeks, this data science camp gives high schoolers an introduction to Python, a widely used programming language recognized for being both powerful and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by learning core Python concepts before moving into practical projects that apply libraries such as Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn to explore, visualize, and make sense of data. The camp is open to anyone with basic computer knowledge; no prior coding background is required, but the fast pace may feel demanding if you are completely new to technical material. It’s especially suited for those curious about how programming can connect to fields like finance, marketing, journalism, or technology.
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 – Oakland University