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13 Most Prestigious Summer Programs for High School Students

September 20, 2024

If you’re looking for a rigorous program, hosted by a prestigious institution, and runs in the summer, check out our list below!

Prestigious summer programs for high school students are recognized for their exceptional quality and opportunities. This label is based on several key factors: the programs often offer fully funded spots, making them accessible without financial barriers; they have highly competitive application processes, ensuring that only the most motivated and talented students are selected; and they provide a rigorous and immersive learning environment. These programs bring together driven peers and expert mentors, allowing participants to deeply explore their fields of interest and develop advanced skills.

Participants engage in challenging coursework, hands-on projects, and collaborative activities that push them to refine their abilities and gain a profound understanding of their chosen field, equipping them with expertise that can shape their future academic and professional pursuits.

 

1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

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!

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 Research Science Institute by the CEE, hosted at MIT is a distinguished program for high school students, renowned for its global reach, rigorous curriculum, and close affiliation with the CEE and MIT. Attracting a highly competitive applicant pool, with an acceptance rate as low as 5%, RSI is recognized for its exceptional mentorship and research opportunities. Participants engage in a comprehensive research experience, beginning with an intensive week of classes followed by five weeks of guided research and laboratory work. This immersive journey, culminating in a final presentation of findings, fosters deep scientific understanding and reflects your dedication and commitment, making it a solid experience.

Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend of $500 provided

Application deadline: January for US citizens and March for international students (tentative, based on previous years)

Program Dates: 2 months between June and August (tentative, based on previous years).

Eligibility: High school juniors, including international students, are eligible to apply. Recommended scores are 740+ for PSAT Math, 700+ for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, 33 for ACT Math, and 34 for ACT Verbal. If your scores are lower, you must provide other indicators of academic excellence.

 

The Laboratory Learning Program offers New Jersey high school students a full-time research immersion in the sciences or engineering, allowing them to actively contribute to ongoing research initiatives. Under the close guidance of Princeton faculty and research staff, you will participate in tailored research opportunities designed to align with your mentors’ schedules. Notably, the program does not provide housing, so you must arrange for your transportation and accommodations.

In the 2024 Engineering track, research topics included “Large Language Model Applications in Environmental Sustainability,” where students used advanced computational models to tackle environmental challenges. The Natural Sciences track featured the project “Fossil Size Database: Analyzing the Animal Size Response to Past and Ongoing Climate Variability,” offering students the chance to explore the impact of climate change on animal sizes, both historically and in the present. These projects provide an immersive experience in cutting-edge scientific research, driving significant discoveries in their respective fields.

Subject areas: Engineering & Natural Sciences

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (commuter program for statewide residents).

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was March 15, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: 5–6 weeks over the summer. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students between the ages of 16–18 and be New Jersey residents.

 

SIMR is a highly competitive and prestigious program where 50 high school students engage in a six-week research experience in Stanford labs, working alongside faculty, postdocs, and researchers. You get to immerse yourself in medically-focused projects across diverse fields, including bioengineering, stem cell research, genetics, neurobiology, immunology, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and cancer biology.

The program provides you with essential skills in laboratory safety, research techniques, and the complexities of conducting rigorous scientific investigations. Guided by expert mentors in cutting-edge laboratories, you embark on an immersive journey in medical research. The experience culminates in a poster presentation, where participants showcase their scientific findings, highlighting their growth and contributions to the field.

Subject Areas: Medicine, biotechnology, diseases, and genomics.

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, but all applicants must pay an application fee. Participants receive a minimum stipend of $500 for the program with students receiving a minimum of $1,500. Neither meals nor housing is provided.

Application Deadline: TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: 8 weeks, typically from June to August.

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged at least 16 with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are eligible to apply!

 

The highly selective research program at Texas Tech University admits only 12 high school students each year, maintaining rigorous standards with an acceptance rate of less than 3%. This program offers you the chance to conduct in-depth research under the mentorship of distinguished faculty across a broad range of disciplines, including nutritional science, computer science, mechanical engineering, and history. You will engage in real-world research projects that enhance your understanding and skill set.

This immersive experience not only provides invaluable hands-on learning but also positions participants as strong candidates for college admissions or future research projects. 

Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, a stipend of $750 provided.

Application deadline: TBD for 2025

Program Dates: 7 weeks, typically from mid-June to August.

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years of age.

 

ARISE at NYU offers 10th and 11th graders from New York City a unique, seven-week summer program that is completely free of charge. Participants immerse themselves in hands-on research alongside NYU’s esteemed faculty, delving into dynamic fields like computer science, machine learning, and robotics.

The program is divided into two phases: the first two weeks consist of immersive workshops, followed by five weeks of intensive lab work under the guidance of experienced mentors. ARISE provides a solid opportunity to engage in college-level research, foster professional development, participate in colloquiums, and contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge laboratory projects.

Subject Areas: Computer science, Machine learning, Robotics. You can view all subject areas over here!

Location: New York University Campus, NY (Specific Area depends on subject area/ lab choice.

Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided.

Application Deadline: TBD for 2025, typically in March.

Program Dates: 7 weeks from June to August, tentatively based on the previous year’s schedule.

Eligibility: Rising juniors and rising seniors based in New York City are eligible to apply.

 

YSP offers Massachusetts high school juniors, and soon-to-be seniors, a hands-on research experience within Northeastern University’s Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences departments. This six-week, no-cost program immerses you in laboratory research and provides exposure to various faculty-led projects.

Participants gain practical insights and contribute to ongoing research in diverse areas such as agent-based modeling, model compression algorithms, battery chemistry, and cancer therapies. The program also includes direct collaboration with professors, participation in seminars across multiple engineering disciplines, and engagement in career counseling sessions, offering an early introduction to advanced scientific inquiry and professional development.

Subject Areas: STEM

Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend provided

Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was Mar 15th, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks from Jun — Aug, dates for 2025 TBD.

Eligibility:

  • High school juniors who are based in Massachusetts are eligible.
  • Strong academic credentials and a well-rounded balance of extra-curricular activities.

 

The JHIBS 5-week virtual research program provides a unique opportunity for talented high school students from underrepresented communities to explore the neurological sciences. Committed to promoting inclusivity, the program offers participants the chance to engage in guided research under the mentorship of prominent researchers, gaining hands-on experience through projects, scientific seminars, and personal development sessions. Interactions with leading neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University further enrich the experience, culminating in oral or poster presentations where you showcase their research findings and contributions to the field.

Subject Areas: Neuroscience

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.

Application Deadline: March 1, every year.

Program Dates: 5 weeks, July 2024 — August 2024 (virtual)

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.

 

The Jackson Laboratory’s Summer Student Program offers fellowships to talented high school students interested in conducting independent, mentored research in genetics and genomics. Each year, 40 students are selected to develop and execute research projects, perform experiments, analyze data, and present their findings. Research areas include bioinformatics, cancer, genomics, immunology, metabolic diseases, and other specialized fields.

Designed for both high school and undergraduate students, the program provides a challenging academic environment and a rigorous application process. You should note that owing to these eligibility criteria, being selected as a high school student is super prestigious! With a generous stipend and a prestigious reputation, participation in the SSP represents a significant opportunity to advance one’s research experience and academic credentials.

Subject Areas: Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Cancer, Immunology, Metabolic Diseases

Location: The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, a $6,500 stipend is provided

Application deadline: TBD for 2025

Program Dates: 9 weeks, typically from June to August

Eligibility: Seniors who have completed 12th grade and are at least 18 years old can apply!

 

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring journalists to deeply engage with the craft through a combination of online workshops, lectures, and an immersive residential institute. During July, participants take part in virtual sessions led by experienced journalists, exploring the intricacies of the field and analyzing current media issues.

On campus, the program features visits to leading news organizations, hands-on reporting of local stories, digital content creation, and investigative journalism exercises, culminating in the production of The Princeton Summer Journal. Emphasizing a liberal arts perspective, the program not only develops technical skills but also includes discussions on humanities, arts, culture, social events, and history.

Subject Areas: Journalism

Location: Online and in-person on campus (Princeton, NJ)

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: The application deadline for 2024 was February 15. Dates TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: A multi-week, hybrid summer intensive beginning with online workshops in July and culminating in a 10-day residential experience on Princeton’s campus from July 26 to August 5, 2024.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a junior in high school at the time of application, live in the U.S. and intend to attend college here, have a minimum unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0, have an interest in journalism, and meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed here!

 

The Telluride Association Summer Seminars (TASS) is a highly competitive program for high school students, with an acceptance rate between 3% and 5%. Over six weeks, TASS provides an immersive academic experience centered on creative problem-solving, community engagement, and intellectual enrichment.

TASS offers two distinct study tracks:

  • TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies): This track explores the history, politics, literature, art, and cultural contributions of individuals of African descent.
  • TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies): This track examines systems of power and oppression, such as white supremacy, patriarchy, and classism, and investigates strategies for societal transformation through critical analysis and scholarly discourse in the humanities and social sciences.

Participants attend daily college-level classes totaling three hours, complemented by lectures, discussion sessions, and collaborative group projects. The program also includes experiential learning activities, such as organizing community service projects and managing a budget for program-related initiatives.

Subject Areas: History, Politics, Literature, Art

Location: University of Maryland, Cornell University, and University of Michigan

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: January 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: June 23 — August 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Open to all high school sophomores and juniors. TASS also encourages applications from students of color and underrepresented ethnic groups to help promote diversity and support underrepresented communities in each year’s cohort.

 

Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a rigorous pre-college program dedicated to STEM disciplines and related fields. Led by the university’s distinguished faculty, SAMS offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom instruction, lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects, with regular interactions with faculty and staff mentors.

The program is divided into two phases: an initial virtual session focused on skill development and program orientation, followed by a six-week intensive in-person experience. During this period, you participate in courses and collaborative sessions, working on projects under the guidance of faculty or graduate student supervisors. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your projects, showcasing academic accomplishments and research contributions.

Subject Areas: Math and science

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Cost: Fully funded; this is a fully-funded program.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Program Dates: June 22, 2024 — August 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

 

Founded by PhDs from Harvard and Oxford, Lumiere offers a highly selective research program designed specifically for high school students. Participants work closely with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper, with the flexibility to explore various disciplines including social sciences, STEM, and humanities.

The program’s personalized, one-on-one approach keeps you engaged with the latest research advancements and enhances your technical skills, regardless of your initial proficiency. Lumiere provides an ideal environment for those interested in interdisciplinary research, allowing them to deeply immerse themselves in their chosen field.

Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences

Location: Virtual

Cost: Lumiere Individual Research Program — $2,800 | Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program — $4,800 | Lumiere Research Fellowship — $8,400.

Application Deadline: Rolling, Cohort based. Applications for the summer fall are open till September 8, 2024. You can apply here!

Program Dates: The start date for the fall cohort is September 2024.

Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply!


 David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.