If you’re a high school student in Alaska, you may be wondering what programs are available and whether they are a right fit for you. High school is the perfect time to explore and begin to dive deep into a field of interest, but it may be difficult to find what opportunities are of interest to you.
Luckily, we compiled a list of promising programs within this state with a variety of specialty areas, so continue reading to learn more!
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 24, 2024 – September 2, 2024
- Fall: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024 (Summer), September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
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 college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) | $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided.
You can work in subject areas like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program will end with a symposium and give students a potential chance at publication.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: AI, Coding, Computer Science
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Application Deadline: Upcoming winter cohort deadlines - Oct 20, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates:?
Cost: AI Scholars - $1790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship - $4900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $5900
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Subject Areas: STEM, Writing, and Leadership Development
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from rural Alaska, particularly Alaska Native students
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: May 25 - July 11, 2025
Cost: Free
The Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) is a rigorous six-week program designed for rural Alaskan and Alaska Native high school students interested in sharpening their academic and leadership skills while transitioning toward higher education. Students immerse themselves in college-level courses like biology, physics, and math, earning credits along the way. The program doesn't just cover STEM subjects; it also emphasizes writing and leadership, preparing students for both university life and beyond.
Subject Areas: Robotics, Computer Programming, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Location: University of Alaska Anchorage
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) with an interest in engineering
Application Deadline: Varies by session (typically in early June)
Program Dates: July 2024 (exact dates TBD)
Cost: $300 - $600 (varies by session)
The University of Alaska Anchorage Summer Engineering Academy is an immersive program designed for high school students eager to explore various branches of engineering. Participants can dive into areas such as robotics, computer programming, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering through interactive projects and challenges. Whether you're coding autonomous robots or designing model bridges, this program equips you with practical problem-solving skills while exposing you to real-world engineering applications. Working in university labs, students gain exposure to professional-grade software and tools, giving them a head start for college and careers.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Biology, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Technology
Location: University of Alaska Anchorage
Eligibility: Alaska Native high school seniors who are graduating
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
The ANSEP Summer Bridge Program is an intensive summer experience aimed at Alaska Native high school seniors transitioning to college. It provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on work experience in STEM fields by placing students in paid internships with real-world companies and organizations. In addition to internships, participants will take a college math course to get a head start on their degree. The program focuses on developing practical skills in fields such as engineering, biology, and environmental science while also offering students a strong support system through mentorship and peer networks.
Subject Areas: Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Science, Outdoor Leadership, Wilderness Skills
Location: Various locations across Alaska’s national parks and wilderness areas
Eligibility: High school students (ages 13-18)
Application Deadline: TBA – should apply before spots are filled
Program Dates: June – August 2024 (varies by expedition)
Cost: Free
Alaska Geographic Youth Expeditions offers high school students the chance to explore Alaska’s wild landscapes while participating in conservation projects. These expeditions take place in some of Alaska's most iconic national parks and wilderness areas, where students study ecology, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Participants gain practical experience in field research, wildlife monitoring, and ecosystem management while learning wilderness survival skills and leadership techniques. Consider applying if you're passionate about environmental science or simply love the outdoors.
Subject Areas: Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Legislative Process
Location: Alaska State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in government and politics
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2024
Program Dates: September 4, 2024 - January 24, 2025
Cost: Paid based on an annual salary of $25,605
The Alaska State Legislature High School Page Program gives high school juniors and seniors a front-row seat to the legislative process in action. As a legislative page, you’ll work directly with Alaska's lawmakers, assisting with daily tasks such as delivering messages, distributing bills, and preparing legislative documents. This experience provides a deep understanding of how state government functions, as well as insight into public policy and the intricacies of lawmaking. With a focus on political science and public service, this program offers students interested in government a unique opportunity to participate in the legislative session while developing professional skills and networking with policymakers.
Subject Areas: Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, Creative Writing, Film, Digital Arts
Location: Sitka, Alaska
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) interested in the arts
Application Deadline: First come, first serve
Program Dates: June 29 – July 13, 2025
Cost: Dorm Student Tuition: $2400 | Day Student Tuition: $950
The Sitka Fine Arts High School Camp offers a two-week immersive experience for high school students passionate about the arts. Whether you're interested in visual arts, music, theater, or digital arts, this program provides intensive training in your chosen field. Students work with professional artists and instructors to develop their skills through workshops, rehearsals, and creative projects. In addition to honing your technical abilities, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with peers across artistic disciplines, pushing the boundaries of your creativity. Whether it's mastering new techniques in painting, composing original music, or performing on stage, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp aims to nurture its students’ artistic growth.
Subject Areas: Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Science, Leadership
Location: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Kodiak Island, Alaska
Eligibility: Junior and high school students (7th-12th grade) interested in wildlife conservation and environmental science
Application Deadline: April 20, 2024
Program Dates: June 2024 – August 2024
Cost: Free
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Youth Leadership Program offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to work in the field of wildlife conservation. Participants will engage in real-world activities such as habitat monitoring, wildlife surveys, and environmental education initiatives. This program also emphasizes leadership development, giving students the chance to guide younger participants and contribute to conservation projects that benefit the refuge. By working directly with wildlife biologists and conservation professionals, students gain practical skills in ecological research and learn the importance of preserving Alaska's natural ecosystems.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Marketing, Finance
Location: TBA
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) interested in business and entrepreneurship
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: $195
Alaska Business Week is a week-long intensive program designed to teach high school students the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship. Students form teams, each acting as a company, and participate in business simulations where they make real-time decisions about marketing, finance, and product development. Throughout the week, participants learn about business strategy, teamwork, and leadership from industry professionals, while developing critical skills such as problem-solving and communication.
Subject Areas: Earth Science, Geophysics, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Data Analysis
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) with an interest in earth science and technology
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Unlisted
The T3 Student Summer Program provides high school students with exposure to earth sciences, focusing on topics like geophysics, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring. Participants work alongside scientists and use advanced tools like drones and sensors to gather and analyze data on Alaska's dynamic landscapes. This program emphasizes data analysis and fieldwork, allowing students to apply their STEM knowledge to real-world environmental problems.
Subject Areas: Theater, Acting, Playwriting, Stagecraft, Musical Theater
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) interested in performing arts
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, but early registration is encouraged
Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout June and July 2024
Cost: $125 - $590 per session (depending on the specific academy; scholarships available)
The Performing Arts Academies, hosted by TBA Theatre, offer a series of specialized summer camps focused on different aspects of the performing arts. High school students can dive into intensive sessions on acting, musical theater, playwriting, and stagecraft, working with professional directors and instructors. Whether you’re honing your acting skills, developing original plays, or learning the technical side of theater production, these academies provide a hands-on environment to explore your creativity. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals, workshops, and performances, gaining a deeper understanding of both the creative and technical elements of theater.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.