If you’re a high school student looking to explore STEM without spending a dime, free online STEM programs are a solid choice. These programs give you the chance to learn in-demand skills like coding, data analysis, and scientific research from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re into computer science, engineering, or environmental studies, these programs help you explore advanced topics while working on real-world problems.
Through these programs, you’ll get hands-on experience with tools like Python, R, and MATLAB, the same software used by professionals in data science, machine learning, and engineering. You could learn to build algorithms, analyze complex data sets, or model scientific phenomena. The best part is that these programs are completely free and accessible online, so you can join from anywhere.
Here’s a list of 10 free online STEM programs for high school students!
10 Free Online STEM Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields like physics, pathology, data science, political theory, chemistry, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and psychology. With over 600 research specializations, the program lets you choose between qualitative and quantitative research methods, helping you build a strong foundation in research design and analysis.
After selecting your subject and research approach, you’ll work closely with a professor or PhD scholar from a recognized university. Through one-on-one mentorship, you’ll learn essential skills like formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, analyzing data, and presenting findings. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a 20-page research paper that demonstrates your ability to apply these skills in an academic context. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950 (Financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer cohort deadline is March 23.
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites.
2. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) gives high school students serious research experience in fields like neuroscience, bioengineering, and environmental science. You’ll work with university faculty on real projects, learning lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy.
You’ll also pick up data analysis skills using Python and R, along with statistical modeling and scientific writing. This program is all about building practical research skills. You’ll design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results, the kind of work scientists do every day. You’ll also get better at literature reviews, forming research questions, and presenting your findings.
Location: Remote and in-person at George Mason University
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Mid-February (tentative)
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students must be 15 years of age or older
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research-intensive experience for high school students, focused on building strong independent research skills. You’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor, exploring a subject of your choice, whether it’s data science, physics, economics, engineering, or sociology. The program also offers support from a writing coach to help you structure and present your research effectively.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn essential research techniques: designing a research question, conducting a literature review, and applying qualitative or quantitative methods. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a detailed, university-level research paper that reflects your ability to synthesize complex ideas and present original findings.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $2,990 (Financial aid is available)
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I priority application deadline is March 9!
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with strong academic performance (unweighted GPA of 3.3/4). No prior knowledge of the field is required.
4. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a challenging, high-energy program for high school juniors and seniors who are all about advanced math. You’ll explore abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology through lectures, research projects, and problem-solving sessions.
The curriculum is like a college-level math experience, with assignments that keep you digging deeper into math theories even when you’re not in class. You’ll also get a look at how mathematical concepts have evolved and how they’re applied in real-world science, giving you a clearer picture of how math drives major discoveries.
Location: Online or Residential at Stanford University, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: Online session 1: June 16 – July 4 | Session 2: July 7 – July 25 | Residential: June 22 – July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11
5. MITES Semester
MITES Semester is a six-month virtual STEM program for high school students, running from June to December. You’ll take two advanced courses in fields like Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, or Astrophysics, along with a project-based course and a core course in subjects like Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing. The program blends in-depth online courses with weekly webinars, social events, and workshops, all aimed at strengthening your skills in problem-solving, research, and technical analysis across various STEM fields.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentative, based on the previous year)
Program Dates: June-December
Eligibility: High school juniors
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual Experience
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a free, five-week virtual research program for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented communities. You’ll gain hands-on experience in neuroscience through research projects, scientific seminars, and mentorship from Johns Hopkins researchers.
You’ll also learn lab techniques such as electrophysiology and imaging, data analysis, and scientific writing, helping you develop key research skills. The program includes seminars on neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental design, along with professional development workshops on scientific writing, research ethics, and career pathways in neuroscience.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: 5 weeks from July to August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from across the United States
7. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a free, three-week virtual summer program for high school girls interested in advanced physics research. You’ll learn Python and use it for data analysis and simulations in physics projects, developing both your programming and analytical skills.
The program includes lectures by Stanford researchers on cutting-edge physics breakthroughs, small-group projects where you’ll solve real-world problems, and workshops on college applications and STEM career planning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 7 – July 25 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students between 9th to 11th grade
8. MIT’s PRIMES-USA
MIT PRIMES-USA is a year-long, fully funded mathematics research program for high school students across the U.S. You’ll work on advanced research projects in areas like number theory, combinatorics, and algebraic geometry, with guidance from mentors at MIT, Stanford, Penn State, and other top institutions.
For sophomores, the program includes virtual group projects, while juniors focus on individual research. You’ll use teleconferencing and online collaboration tools to meet with mentors, discuss your progress, and refine your research. The program wraps up with a final research paper, and exceptional work may be submitted to national math competitions or published in professional journals.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: November 18
Program Dates: Year-long mentorship starting in January
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores
9. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare offers high school students free access to advanced courses in engineering, physics, and mathematics. With self-paced learning, you can build a solid foundation in STEM, develop analytical skills, and prepare for college-level coursework. The flexibility lets you explore complex topics at your own pace, making it a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and gain an edge in STEM fields.
In addition to core subjects, MIT OCW offers specialized courses in fields like computer science, biology, economics, and artificial intelligence, allowing you to explore a wide range of topics. The platform includes lecture notes, assignments, and video lectures, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: Self-based
Eligibility: Based on the course you take. Multiple programs are available for high school students.
10. Girls Who Code Summer Program
Girls Who Code offers two summer programs for high school girls interested in computer science and software development. In the Summer Immersion Program, a two-week live virtual experience, you’ll learn game design principles, code interactive projects, and connect with industry leaders for college and career guidance.
The Pathways Program is a six-week self-paced course where you’ll explore key programming languages like Python, Java, and HTML/CSS through interactive tutorials and hands-on projects. You’ll develop computational thinking, algorithm design, and debugging skills, gaining practical experience in web development, app design, and game programming.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 11
Program Dates: Pathways: June 30 – August 8 | SIP: July 7 – July 18 and July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: High school girls
Image source: George Mason University
