Summer programs for high school students in Kentucky offer unique opportunities to enhance advanced skills and acquire focused experience in a variety of fields. These programs typically combine hands-on learning with theoretical instruction, allowing youto explore areas such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in engaging environments.
By participating in workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, you canenhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities while delving into subjects that pique your interest. Theseexperiences not only equip you with practical knowledge but also foster a deeper understanding of your chosen disciplines, preparing you for future academic programs or internships
Here are 12 of the best Kentucky summer programs for high school students.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort.
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- 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, more details of which can be found here.
The Brown-Forman INSPIRE summer enrichment program offers students from underrepresented backgrounds a week-long residential experience focused on engineering. This fully funded program lets participants stay on campus and are provided with all essential needs. The program combines college preparation, introductory engineering concepts, and career guidance through workshops led by university faculty and staff. You will also visit local industry sites to explore engineering career paths and collaborate on a design challenge under the guidance of a student mentor. The program culminates in a final presentation and ceremony.
Location: J.B. Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, Kentucky
Cost: Fully funded. This includes lodging, meals, and extracurricular activities
Application Deadline: Applications have closed for 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Jul 14 — Jul 21, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: The program is open to all students, with a focus on African American, Hispanic, Native American, and female students from Louisville-area public or private high schools. Applicants must complete a program application and be recommended by a math or science teacher or other school personnel.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a selective online research experience tailored for motivated high school students interested in academic inquiry. Established by scholars from Harvard and Oxford, the program pairs students with Ph.D. mentors who guide them through a rigorous research process. You get to develop an independent research project, allowing them to engage deeply with advanced topics in areas such as computer science, law, engineering, and social sciences.
This program is ideal for students who are keen to expand their knowledge and skills while still in high school. The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation further supports diversity by providing full need-based financial aid to talented students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds.
Through hands-on experience in research methodologies and critical thinking, you address complex academic challenges with the guidance of experienced mentors. By the conclusion of the program, students will have produced a thorough research paper that showcases their intellectual capabilities and interests.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (Financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; final deadline for the Summer 2024 cohort is May 12, 2024.
Program Dates: 12 weeks, with Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions.
Eligibility: High school students with a passion for research can apply.
4. Veritas AI
Veritas AI offers high school students an introduction to artificial intelligence through its structured programs, designed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. These include the AI Scholars program, which emphasizes group learning and hands-on projects, and the AI Fellowship, a more advanced option where students work one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors from top universities.
In the AI Fellowship, you dive into AI research with applications in fields like finance, medicine, and gaming. Students develop individual projects, exploring real-world challenges and presenting their findings to academic or professional audiences. Previous projects have included AI solutions in healthcare, educational tools, and game algorithms.
Veritas AI’s programs focus on mentorship and personal growth, providing students with the support they need to tackle complex AI concepts while refining their technical abilities. These offerings are ideal for those interested in exploring the intersection of computer science and its practical uses. To apply, students can fill out the application form!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,490 for the AI Scholars program (10-week boot camp) | $4,200 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1–1 mentorship). Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: September 8, 2024 for the Fall cohort. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Rolling. Spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts are available. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students.
The UK College of Medicine’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics offers a summer research fellowship for high school students interested in science. This program selects at least four students to work in research labs for approximately 25 hours per week over eight weeks, with a $2,500 stipend.
You will work closely with graduate students or research scientists, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and conducting independent experiments by the program’s end. The fellowship also includes a final oral presentation of their research. This opportunity offers valuable lab experience for students looking to explore scientific research.
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $2500 provided.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Jun 3, 2024 — Aug 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2024, and have taken advanced classes in both Biology and Chemistry. Applicants must have an active bank account in their name for electronic deposits.
The University of Kentucky offers high school students across the state an opportunity to engage in research projects under the guidance of UK faculty. This program allows students to work closely with faculty mentors, either for academic credit or as an extracurricular activity, providing hands-on experience in a range of disciplines. Historically, these research collaborations have been a way for students to explore advanced topics while gaining practical skills and mentorship from university faculty.
One notable aspect of the program is the chance for you to present their research at the annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, held each April. This event allows high school students to share their findings with a broader academic community, receive constructive feedback, and practice public speaking — valuable experiences that enhance both their research and presentation skills.
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025
Program Dates: Variable based on the laboratory selected.
Eligibility: High school students from Kentucky can check with high school regarding information on this.
The Frazier History Museum offers Kentucky high school students a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience as volunteers or interns over the summer. By contributing to the organization of exhibitions and other museum activities, you can engage directly with historical content while developing skills in project management, teamwork, and communication.
The experience allows students to explore behind-the-scenes aspects of museum operations, making it a meaningful way to spend their summer while contributing to their community. Additionally, this opportunity provides a deeper appreciation for history and cultural preservation.
Location: Frazier International History Museum, Louisville, KY
Cost/Stipend: No cost, information about stipend unavailable.
Application Deadline: No specified deadline. Currently accepting applications here!
Program Dates: Most likely from June to August 2025. Specific dates are unspecified.
Eligibility: Students must be turning 13 during the calendar year and should be under 18 to apply.
The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program offers high school students a focused, hands-on educational experience in forestry, entomology, or wildlife. You get to choose one of these tracks for a concentrated week of learning but will also collaborate across tracks to reflect real-world natural resource management.
Students engage in activities like tree identification, forest management, insect collection, and wildlife surveys. The program is intensive, offering practical skills and insights into Kentucky’s natural ecosystems, making it a solid summer option for those interested in environmental science and resource management.
Location: University of Kentucky’s Robinson Forest, Clayhole, Kentucky
Cost: $500 covering programming costs and room and board.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Jun 2– Jun 7, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
The High School Student Congress is a weeklong summer program designed for rising high school seniors interested in politics, leadership, and public policy. Fifty students are selected to engage in an intensive curriculum that covers various political and public policy issues, with past themes exploring Henry Clay’s role as a legislator and diplomat.
You can engage with lawmakers, community leaders, and officials, gaining real-world insights into the complexities of leadership in public policy. The program encourages open dialogue among students with differing viewpoints and emphasizes cooperation, leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. It offers a practical, immersive experience for students interested in political careers.
Location: Henry Clay Center, Lexington, Kentucky
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors are eligible to apply.
VAMPY is a three-week residential camp held at Western Kentucky University between June and July for high-ability students who have completed grades 7–10. The program allows you to focus on a single subject through six hours of class each weekday, plus an hour of nightly study hall. Classes are taught by WKU faculty and high school teachers who are experienced in working with motivated students. Participants come from across Kentucky, the U.S., and internationally, creating a diverse learning environment. VAMPY provides an opportunity for gifted students to engage in academic challenges while connecting with peers who share similar interests.
Location: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Cost: $3,600 including room and board, instructional program, books, and activities outside class. A $300 deposit must be included with the completed application. Need-based financial assistance is available.
Application Deadline: No specified deadline. However, the deadline for the application deposit is May 30, 2025. Additionally, the deadline to apply for financial aid is April 30, 2025.
Program Dates: Jun 22 — Jul 12, 2025.
Eligibility: To be eligible, students must complete grades 7, 8, 9, or 10 by the end of the current school year and provide qualifying ACT or SAT scores, with specific score requirements listed in each course description. Score reports must be included with the application.
The Kentucky Department of Parks offers a summer internship program for high school juniors, seniors, and college students enrolled full-time at accredited institutions in Kentucky. This internship program provides a hands-on opportunity to work within the state’s park system, where interns can expect to engage in a variety of tasks, including park maintenance, event planning, guest services, and environmental conservation. It’s an excellent choice for you if you’re interested in gaining practical experience in fields like hospitality, environmental science, or recreation management, while also enjoying the natural beauty of Kentucky’s parks.
Location: Various locations throughout Kentucky.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Program Dates: Depending on the role, the program dates are variable, but also take place during the summer.
Eligibility: Must be a full-time junior or senior in high school, compliant with child labor laws regarding age and work hours, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and remain in good standing with the school. Additionally, the student must be sponsored by an educational institution for participation in the Co-op/Intern Program. More information on eligibility criteria here.
Lexington’s Summer Youth Job Training Program (SYJTP) provides high school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grades with valuable work experience and skill development. You have the chance to explore various career interests while earning $15 per hour for part-time work, up to 20 hours per week, with salaries funded by the city government. The program fosters partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, creating a supportive environment for youth. Additionally, you benefit from preparatory skills sessions designed to enhance your readiness for summer positions, making it a strong opportunity for those looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Cost: No cost, stipend of $15 provided.
Application Deadline: Feb 28, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Jun 10 — Jul 19, 2024
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grades can apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.