Free math summer programs for high school students provide a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and build advanced skills in mathematical fields. These programs, often fully funded, ensure accessibility while some may also also carry a level of prestige due to competitive admissions.
You will participate in rigorous coursework, tackle challenging problem sets, and explore areas such as applied mathematics, data science, and mathematical theory. With resources and guidance from experienced educators, you will engage in meaningful work that encourages collaboration and independent thought, giving you a solid foundation in advanced math and insights into potential academic and career pathways.
Here are 12 free summer math programs that high school students can attend in 2024–2025!
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, mathematics, and more!
In Horizon’s summer program on theoretical mathematics, you’ll delve into knot theory, a branch of topology with applications in fields such as DNA analysis. This course focuses on using knot theory to explore causality and event relationships. You’ll study knot and link models in 2+1-dimensional spacetimes and work with computable link invariants to investigate how these tools might help in detecting causality between points or events.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. 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 for college applications.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, STEM, Economics, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Theory, History
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 10, 2024 for the winter cohort, and February 9, 2025 for the spring 2025 cohort
Program Dates:
- The winter seminar starts on December 2, 2024, while the spring seminar starts on March 3, 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) are eligible. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Cost: Financial aid available
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Math Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research experience designed specifically for high school students. In this 12-week program, you’ll work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to develop your independent research project, gaining insight and guidance tailored to your interests. By the program’s end, you’ll have completed a full research paper on a topic you choose, with options spanning applied math, computer science, AI, and other fields. This opportunity allows you to explore complex concepts in-depth and gain valuable experience in academic research.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15. Find more details about the application here!
Program Dates:
- Summer cohort runs from June to August, Fall cohort from September to December, Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
- Duration options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
3. Veritas AI
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers programs that introduce you to the fundamentals of AI and computer science while providing hands-on experience through real-world projects. This experience is particularly relevant for students interested in mathematics, as you will engage with mathematical concepts critical to data science and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT to develop unique, personalized projects that deepen your understanding of mathematical applications in technology.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Finance, Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines based on the cohort selected. The summer cohort deadline is typically in April. Currently, the winter cohort is accepting applications until December 1, 2024. Apply here!
Program dates: Variable based on the cohort and type of program selected. The summer cohort of the AI scholars program is typically between June and August
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
Ladder Internships offers virtual internship opportunities tailored specifically for high school students, allowing you to work with startups and nonprofits from around the globe across various industries, including mathematics. You have the freedom to select the industry that interests you most and gain practical experience through hands-on projects relevant to your host organization.
You may engage in tasks such as collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data sets. Your work could involve statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and creating visual representations of your findings. Throughout your internship, you’ll benefit from a dual mentorship system: your manager at the organization will provide direct support, while a dedicated Ladder coach will serve as a secondary mentor to help you navigate your professional journey. This comprehensive approach not only allows you to contribute meaningfully to your projects but also helps you develop essential skills for your future career.
Subject areas: Technology, Business, Finance, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Medicine, Software Engineering, and more
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Starting from $2,490. Financial assistance is available
Application Deadline: Typically April for the Summer cohort. TBA for 2025
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including a summer cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–15 hours/week for 8–12 weeks are welcome to apply. High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students can apply!
SAMS provides high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds with a chance to advance in higher-level math and science while earning college credits. This six-week, fully funded program at Carnegie Mellon University is guided by university faculty and includes an intensive curriculum of classroom learning, research projects, and courses for professional and academic growth. The program wraps up with a Symposium, where you’ll present your research in STEM. Strong applicants are those with a genuine interest in math, active involvement in extracurriculars, and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in education. Students from low-income backgrounds, underrepresented groups, or schools with limited access to elite institutions are especially encouraged to apply.
Note: For dedicated involvement, SAMS students cannot engage in conflicting programs, whether virtual or in-person!
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 21 – August 2, 2025
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the program start date, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be in 11th grade of high school at the time of application submission
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry
RSI at MIT is a prestigious fully-funded summer STEM program that combines theoretical coursework on campus with intensive off-campus research. Each year, about twelve students focus on mathematics, developing research projects under the guidance of an MIT faculty advisor and a graduate student mentor. You’ll work closely with Professor David Jerison and Professor Ankur Moitra to explore advanced topics in mathematics through daily mentorship and feedback. This supportive, collaborative environment is designed to help you build meaningful expertise in mathematics research.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: December 11, 2024
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer, specific dates TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students about to enter their last year of high school (juniors/11th grade)
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Humanities
The Simons Summer Research Program is a highly competitive opportunity that allows high school students to participate in advanced research across science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines. As a participant, you’ll be paired with experienced mentors and integrated into research groups, working on specific projects that culminate in presentations, such as abstracts or posters. This program provides hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and methodologies, giving you a taste of life at a research university.
With an acceptance rate of only 5% to 12%, admission is selective, requiring a school nomination and two letters of recommendation. This rigorous application process highlights the program’s reputation for promoting academic excellence, making it a good choice for students who want to explore mathematical research or other scientific fields.
Subject Areas: Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Atmospheric Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Informatics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology and Evolution, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and more
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free, although students are responsible for their own transportation and residential costs. At the program’s closing symposium, students receive a stipend
Application Deadline: Information regarding the Summer 2025 application cycle, most likely including the application deadline, will be posted on December 1, 2024
Program Dates: Jun 30 – Aug 8, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. You must be nominated by your high school to apply
This six-week program in mathematical biology at UC Irvine gives you the chance to work on a computational biology research project under the guidance of a principal investigator. You’ll gain experience with university-level instruction and explore computational biology through practical applications. Alongside your project work, you’ll attend workshops to strengthen your skills in mathematical research, modeling, presentation, and research writing. This experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world research, deepening your understanding of computational biology.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Computational Biology
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Cost: Fully funded, students are responsible for their own transportation and housing
Application Deadline: April 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 17 – July 25, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
The Math Modeling Camp is a free program designed for high school students interested in the practical applications of mathematics. Throughout the camp, you’ll work with mathematical models to analyze real-world scenarios, such as the effects of traffic on bridges and the impact of climate on natural resources. This non-residential camp emphasizes problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail over an extended period. It’s particularly beneficial for those considering careers in civil or mechanical engineering, and its affiliation with the University of Minnesota can provide valuable insights for students aiming to apply to STEM programs in college.
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: Usually takes place in June, TBD for 2025
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a year-long singe variable calculus course, including graduating seniors
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
The free 5-day summer workshop at RIT is designed for high school students seeking to enhance their mathematical skills with the support of RIT math professors. Throughout the program, you’ll explore a variety of topics, including probability, functions, mathematical biology, the Sisyphus function, the grocery shopper’s problem, and creative strategies for escaping the executioner. This workshop challenges you to expand your mathematical thinking, encouraging you to think beyond traditional solutions and computational methods when faced with complex problems.
Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025
Program Dates: July 1 – 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students who will not be graduating in the Spring
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Probability, Functions, Mathematical Biology,
11. Mathroots at MIT
Mathroots is a two-week summer program by MIT-PRIMES designed for high school students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds who are passionate about math. In this fully funded program, you’ll dive into unique topics in mathematics, sharpening your problem-solving skills through an engaging mix of classes, group work, and lectures. Led by instructors skilled in research and competition math, Mathroots offers a collaborative environment where you’ll explore new mathematical concepts and build a deeper understanding of the subject.
Location: Massachusetts Institue of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded, students are responsible for transportation. Need-based travel scholarships are available
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 28 – July 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or students attending high school in the U.S. (before the last year of high school) between the ages of 14–18
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Research Mathematics, Competition Mathematics
Harvard University, in collaboration with edX, offers a selection of free, self-paced online mathematics courses for high school students to take during the summer. One of the courses, “Calculus Applied!”, focuses on utilizing single-variable calculus to develop and analyze mathematical models relevant to social, life, and physical sciences. Another option, “Data Science: Inference and Modeling,” introduces you to key statistical concepts in data analysis. While you can take these courses for free, you can also opt to cover the certification cost if you would like to highlight these courses in your college applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost. However, for certification, the costs vary based on the courses
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Variable based on the course. Most often, there is open enrollment!
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Calculus, Data Science
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.