If you’re a high school student in Louisiana, summer programs for high schoolers, especially in-person programs, offer hands-on experience in various fields. Whether you’re interested in STEM, engineering, music, ecology, astronomy, architecture, or art, summer programs such as the ones in the list below give you the chance to explore these subjects in-depth.
They can provide specialized training, mentorship, and real-world exposure. In Louisiana, many universities, organizations, and labs offer summer programs to students based in the state — this is a solid opportunity for students looking to explore local and more affordable options than out-of-state programs.
Here’s our list of the 14 best summer programs for high school students in Louisiana!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Students can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods.
After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply here for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, data science
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple year-round cohorts
- Winter seminar: December 2 onwards
- Spring seminar: March 3 onwards
- 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 few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort.
2. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
Subject Areas: Artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, finance, medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: Programs start at $2,290
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches.
You can choose subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication.
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
4. University of New Orleans’ AMRI High School Summer Research Program
This 8-week full-time summer program places you in research labs, working alongside scientists on projects related to nanomaterials, battery materials, 3-D printing, catalysis, environmental remediation, and more. You’ll either begin your own research or join a larger team contributing to major objectives within the lab. Beyond lab work, you’ll attend seminars and tutorials covering lab safety, career paths in materials science, ethics, and key skills like management. You’ll also explore topics like nanomaterials, electron microscopy, and computational methods.
Subject Areas: Materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, psychology, mathematics
Location: University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Cost: No cost, stipend of $2,000 provided
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater New Orleans area
Application Deadline: March 21
5. Tulane Science Scholars Program
The Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) offers college-credit courses in science and engineering during various sessions at Tulane University. You’ll attend lectures and labs with Tulane faculty, experience campus life, and engage with undergraduates majoring in science and engineering.
Course subjects include musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics, Python programming, experimental mathematics, and creative music technology. In the neuroscience course, you’ll have the chance to examine animal brains, and the creative coding class will teach beginners how to use a JavaScript library.
Subject Areas: Science, engineering
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July, see details here
Cost: $895 – $5,995, depending on commuter or residential. Financial aid available, priority given to Louisiana residents
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 14 years old. International students must meet additional requirements available here
Application Deadline: April 25. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, so it’s best to apply early
6. Louisiana State University’s Pre-College Programs
LSU Pre-College Programs offer courses in fields such as 3D printing, cybersecurity, Esports, computer science, AI, engineering, anatomy, mathematics, robotics, health, and environmental studies. Each course provides hands-on experience and explores career paths. Costs and eligibility vary, with additional fees for residential options. At the program’s end, you will demonstrate what you’ve learned through a task or project, applying your skills and knowledge.
Subject Areas: Multiple subjects
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Program Dates: Between June to July, exact dates vary by course
Cost: $500 – $1,450 depending on the course. Plus $1,500 for residential options
Eligibility: Students in grades 1-12, each course has specific requirements
Application Deadline: Varies, typically in April or June.
7. Louisiana State University’s College of Art + Design – Architecture Camp
Aspiring architects in Louisiana can attend this week-long residential program at LSU, which introduces you to the fundamentals of architecture. You’ll build models and structures to experience the field firsthand, interact with LSU Architecture students and faculty, and tour construction sites and architectural firms. You’ll also have the chance to participate in lectures and seminars, and meet professional architects so you can learn about their career paths.
Subject Areas: Architecture
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Program Dates: June 1 – 6
Cost: $980 (financial aid is available)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; financial aid is due May 16.
8. University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Summer Design Camp
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s School of Architecture and Design Summer Design Camp introduces high school students to the design profession. This one-week program offers field trips to design firms, lectures, and hands-on projects. You’ll also visit design studios and have the chance to engage with faculty and undergraduate and graduate students, gaining insight into the world of design.
Subject Areas: Design
Location: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA
Program Dates: June 8 – 14
Cost: $625 for non-residential and $925 for residential
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
9. Xavier University of Louisiana’s Star Programs
The XULA Star Programs give middle and high school students a three-week intensive academic experience to build foundational skills in a subject before taking the same course in high school. For instance, students taking Algebra I in the fall are eligible for MATHStar I: Algebra I. Star programs are available for biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, and geometry. You’ll participate in a rigorous learning environment focused on getting ahead of your high school curriculum. The program ends with an award ceremony.
Subject Areas: Math, chemistry, physics, biology
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Program Dates: Various sessions depending on chosen program
Cost: $500 or $550, depending on the course. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Students in 7th – 12th grade who are enrolling in a corresponding high school course in the fall
Application Deadline: Typically in May
10. Tulane University’s Newcomb Summer Session
This program offers a college preview focused on gender issues and social change. You’ll choose from courses like DIY Feminisms, Media & Reproductive Rights, New Orleans Music and Gender, and Women’s Advocacy, which aim to address gender inequality and inspire social progress.
In the DIY Feminisms course, you’ll have the chance to access the Newcomb Archive, which documents feminist and LGBTQ+ movements. In the media course, you’ll analyze how the media depicts reproductive justice issues. Through seminars, workshops, and projects, you’ll develop leadership skills and strategies to tackle real-world issues while working on your college applications.
Subject Areas: Gender, advocacy, sociology
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Program Dates: Varies depending on specific course
Cost: $895 – $5,995, depending on commuter or residential. Financial aid available, priority given to Louisiana residents
Eligibility: Rising 9-12 graders
Application Deadline: April 25. Admissions are on a rolling basis, so it’s best to apply early
11. Southern University’s BAYOU Summer Program
Southern University’s College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences offers a program for rising high school seniors and incoming college freshmen interested in careers in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, business, or natural sciences. You’ll participate in campus tours, industry site visits, college-level classes, and a brief research project. The program is valuable for those considering agricultural sciences, offering both lab work and industry exposure to help you make informed career decisions.
Subject Areas: Agriculture, business, science
Location: Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
Program Dates: June 1 – 8
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Students who have completed 11th grade with a GPA above 2.5. Graduating seniors must meet additional requirements listed here
Application Deadline: April 1
12. City of Baton Rouge’s Student Internship Program
This internship offers high school and college students in Baton Rouge the chance to work with City-Parish departments and gain hands-on experience in the civil service system. This program provides practical experience in public administration, government, and civil service, helping you build valuable skills for your future career. To apply for an internship, you have to use the parish’s job portal.
Subject Areas: Civil Services
Location: East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Program Dates: Various opportunities throughout the year
Cost: No cost; interns are typically paid an hourly wage
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 who are at least 16 years old, enrolled in a secondary educational institution in the East Baton Rouge Parish, and recommended by their school counselor. Students older than 18 must meet additional requirements listed here
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
13. LSU College of Engineering’s High School Summer Research Program
LSU’s College of Engineering’s High School Summer Research program allows high-achieving high school students to engage in real-world research in engineering, computer science, and construction management. You will collaborate with university research teams to explore these fields and learn about pursuing engineering in college and beyond. In addition to research, you’ll participate in workshops on safety, research skills, ethics, and communication. The program concludes with a poster presentation, where you will present your findings.
Subject Areas: Engineering, computer science, construction management
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Program Dates: 6-8 weeks in the summer
Cost: Unpaid internship
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum GPA of 3.5
Application Deadline: February 7
14. Dillard University’s Pre-Freshman Engineering Summer Program
This program aims to enhance your skills in science, math, and computer science while introducing you to engineering. Over five weeks, you’ll engage in hands-on experiments, scientific demonstrations, and math problem-solving. You’ll also receive computer science training and participate in science and engineering fairs to present your work. Educational trips offer further exploration of science and engineering fields.
Subject Areas: Science, engineering, computer science, math
Location: Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
Program Dates: June 9 – July 11
Cost: $450
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-10
Application Deadline: June 4
Image source – Dillard University
