If you’re a high schooler looking for a short, structured way to explore a STEM subject outside of the classroom, consider a fall program!
What are fall STEM programs for high school students?
Fall STEM programs for high school students offer a unique opportunity for you to engage in various activities related to your chosen field, in a shorter and more accessible format. These programs are affordable, less intensive, and require a shorter time commitment than traditional programs.
If you’re looking to pad up your resume and build advanced skills in a STEM field, fall programs can offer a valuable foundation for building your skill set and gaining in-depth insights, without the logistics that come with a summer program (that is often longer and more expensive)!
To get you started, here are 11 fall STEM programs for high school students to help you further your academic and professional pursuits!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts $2,990 for the Individual Research Program
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Various deadlines based on the cohort. Fall cohort deadline is typically in September
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school, and 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 research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Various deadlines throughout the year. The fall cohort deadline is typically in September
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, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None. Internships may be paid or for academic credit
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship. Internships are offered year-round
Eligibility: You must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution, be eligible to work in the U.S. and must reside in one of the states where APA is already registered as an employer
American Psychological Association (APA) offers internships in various positions, including research, policy, communications, publishing, and operations. Your learning outcomes will depend on the department and office you work in, and on your role. These internships provide a platform to apply your theoretical knowledge in practical situations while gaining deeper insights into professional psychology working environments.
As an intern, you will report to your supervisor for your daily tasks and also benefit from networking opportunities with activities such as workshops, discussions, group projects, and various other tasks. You will also learn about topics relevant to young professionals, such as conducting research, applying to graduate school, creating a resume and cover letter, and federal advocacy.
4. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual or in-person at NASA facilities across the U.S. Depends on the internship
Cost: Free; Internships may be paid
Program Dates: Fall Session: 16 weeks, typically from late August or early September to mid-December
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old at the time of application, have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and are U.S. citizens
NASA’s OSTEM internships empower students to gain hands-on experience as they work alongside engineers, research scientists, and other mentors. These internships contribute to NASA’s mission in advancing science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.
As an OSTEM intern, you’ll work alongside NASA professionals on projects that align with your academic interests and career goals. You will engage in a variety of tasks, including research, engineering, and business operations, depending on your placement. You can explore all the available opportunities and use the filter to find what suits your interests.
5. U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Program Dates: Fall internship runs from September to December.
Application Deadline: June for fall internships. All internship opportunities will be announced on www.usajobs.gov.
Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen, and must be enrolled in an accredited institution throughout the duration of the internship
Treasury student internships will expose you to various federal careers and pathways in the public sector while offering work experience aligned with your interests. You will collect, analyze, and present data, as well as attend Congressional hearings and conferences to gain firsthand insights into the workings of the government. Additionally, you will research and summarize academic literature and news, creating drafts, reports, and other materials for leaders and stakeholders of the Treasury.
6. Field Biology Internships (FBI) at Alley Pond Environmental Center
Location: Alley Pond Park + other locations in Queens, NY
Cost: $150 participation fee. Financial aid is provided on request, without documentation.
Program Dates: Typically takes place weekly from October to November
Application Deadline: August 1
Eligibility: You must be at least 14 years old, a current high school student, and able to participate in outdoor activities for at least two hours.
This internship will introduce you to the world of environmental science, biology, natural sciences, sustainability, and related fields. It is a great option if you are interested in pursuing a major in these subjects or learning about local ecosystems. As a participant, you’ll get the chance to develop research and experiment design skills, which can aid you in future pursuits.
You will visit Alley Pond Park and other areas in Queens, NYC, to learn about the local flora and fauna in various urban environments. You will also interact with local professionals as you collect field data and maintain records, while also developing your research and public speaking skills as you present your findings.
7. Internship Opportunities at Dolphin Research Center
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, FL
Cost: None
Program Dates: 16–18 weeks (varies by term)
Application Deadline: June (Fall term)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who have English language proficiency and are physically fit (due to the nature of the work)
The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) Internship Program offers an immersive opportunity for those passionate about marine mammal care and research. It allows you to interact closely with dolphins and various marine animals, acquiring practical experience in the everyday functions of a leading marine mammal facility.
DRC internships span 16 to 18 weeks, demanding a full-time dedication of 40 hours per week. Interns are placed in a specific department, such as Animal Care and Training, Education, IT, or Medical, for four days. On the fifth day, you rotate across various departments, providing a comprehensive perspective on the center’s operations and the different roles essential for running a marine mammal facility.
8. Wildlife Conservation Society’s Project TRUE
Location: WCS Headquarters, Bronx, NY
Cost: None; $350 stipend for fall interns
Program Dates: Every Saturday from September through December
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors in good standing who are residents of the Bronx and are able to attend all the sessions.
In this program, you will work at the Bronx Zoo and receive mentorship from WCS educators, along with graduate and undergraduate students from Fordham University. You will undergo comprehensive training in planning, conducting, and presenting authentic research, culminating in a presentation of your findings to the scientific community.
In addition to your own project, you will contribute to ongoing projects, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the local wildlife and green spaces. This program also offers assistance in college applications and financial aid applications.
9. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: Textron Aviation facilities, primarily in Wichita, KS
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend
Program Dates: Summer, fall, and spring internships available.
Application Deadline: Applications open in April for the Fall program
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-19 who are U.S. citizens
Textron Aviation specializes in manufacturing and engineering, catering to military, government, and commercial aviation needs. You can choose from a variety of internship opportunities, including IT, flight operations, engineering, and manufacturing.
The program seeks to provide an engaging and hands-on learning experience that familiarizes you with the aviation industry. This six-week program can enhance your comprehension of various engineering disciplines.
10. NYU Pre-College
Location: Virtual or in-person at New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Varies; see the full cost breakdown here. Limited need-based scholarships are available.
Program Dates: Typically 14 weeks from September to December for the Fall program
Application Deadline: August for the Fall program
Eligibility: Rising/current 11th and 12th grade students
NYU Precollege provides high school students with the opportunity to experience university life while earning college credits toward a future degree. You will take undergraduate courses across a variety of disciplines, such as journalism, engineering, business, and foreign languages, guided by NYU’s faculty, allowing you to explore potential majors or discover new academic interests. You can also choose from STEM subjects such as Creative Coding, Calculus I, Calculus II for Engineers, Basic Statistics, Introduction to Computer Programming, and Introduction to Science and Technology Studies.
This program also provides access to NYU resources, events, and services, along with free workshops that educate you about the college admissions process, study skills development, applying for financial aid, and more.
One more option in the fall – 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: New York University
