If you’re looking for an interdisciplinary program in STEM, consider a summer program in environmental science! Environmental science is an engaging field involving the study of many converging subject areas, such as biology, chemistry, atmospheric science, geography, geology, ecology, physics, and more. If you are a high school student interested in environmental science, consider applying to a summer program to understand the challenges and innovations in the field, and pick up advanced skills on the way.
An environmental science program will help you work on skills that you can transfer to advanced research projects at university, or apply to internships. These skills include collaboration with peers, analytical thinking, problem-solving, as well as the use of certain specialized software. Developing such experience in the field will support you in your college applications and university-level projects.
Now, take a look at this list of 14 of the best environmental science summer programs for high school students.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)- Environmental Science Track
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
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.
Horizon offers trimester-long quantitative and qualitative research programs for high school students across subject areas, including environmental science. This track focuses on environmental problems about engineering solutions, with topics including organic farming, city infrastructure, urban environments, hydroponic and vertical farming, marine ecosystems, renewable energy, and lots more.
Once you select your 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.
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: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Philadelphia (or nearby) high school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11 and have a GPA of at least 3.0
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Dates: July 8, 2024 - August 5, 2024
Cost: Free, but students must arrange daily transportation
The TREES program offers hands-on environmental research opportunities to high school students. Around 8 high school students are accepted into this program.
If selected, you will receive laboratory training and move on to undertaking an independent research project which includes one-on-one mentorship, library research, training in scientific methodology, fieldwork, and bench science. At the end, you will produce a report and deliver a presentation to guests. Weekly research seminars, field trips, workshops, and social and cultural activities are also included.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Eligibility: Current U.S. grade 11 students who are at least 15 years old
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Dates: July 28, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Cost: Free, including tuition and housing. Students who require financial assistance for travel will receive additional funds.
The Young Innovators Climate and Energy Program is a one-week enrichment program for students interested in climate and energy policy. The program features classes, discussions, lectures, readings, activities, tours, guest speakers, career development workshops, and collaborative hands-on projects.
You will learn from accomplished faculty at the Energy Policy Institute (UChicago), the Climate Impact Lab, and the Becker Friedman Institute. You will further obtain solid career insights through the industrial experience of the program’s partners—the Polsky Foundation and Invenergy (a renewable and clean energy company).
Location: Usually within a 45-minute commute of students’ homes
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ and residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Pacific Islands, or Mexico
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in January.
Dates: June-August (8 weeks)
Cost: No cost. Participants are offered a stipend of $3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit.
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides participants with an awareness of and experience in conservation, aquatic systems, and habitat restoration and protection.
You will work both in the field and the lab, working on data processing, water quality testing, microscopic examination, electrofishing, snorkeling, surveying fish populations, and establishing aquatic vegetation. At the end of the program, you will attend the Hutton Scholars Summit featuring guest speakers, college preparation advice, and tips for getting involved with the AFS.
Location: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors or graduating high school seniors
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: July 14, 2024 - July 27, 2024
Cost: $3,900 (includes tuition, room, and board)
The ESSYI offers college-level courses to 50 students on environmental issues and how to address them using interdisciplinary means, such as scientific, philosophical, political, ethical, social, and economic perspectives. You will collaborate and interact with faculty and students, conduct group projects and activities, and document and analyze issues in the natural areas of the Adirondack region of New York.
The curriculum includes questions and discussions about science and the environment, research, examining the environment from complex and diverse perspectives, and using advanced tools to develop sustainable solutions.
6. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Environmental Science Track
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June-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, pairs you with a PhD mentor who will offer advice and insight into the field and its career avenues while also guiding you on an independent research project. You will regularly meet your mentor and work on your research while attending sessions with a Lumiere writing coach.
By the end of the program, you will have a completed college-level academic paper in your hands. Publication and fellowship programs are also available.
7. Ladder Internships - Environmental Science Track
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students (and undergraduates and gap year students) who can contribute 5-15 work hours per week for 8-16 weeks
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in April.
Dates: Summer cohorts run in June-August.
Cost: $1,990. Full and partial need-based financial aid is available.
Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, Ladder Internships allows high school students to work on real-world projects for leading startups like IPMD, Billion Dollar Startup Ideas, Fair Opportunity Project, JuneBrain, and more. You will attend weekly sessions with the host company, execute and finalize your project, and present deliverables and the final project to the company. You can also opt for a longer research internship for writing and publication support.
One of the tracks you can choose from includes environmental science!
Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11 (or advanced 9th grade students) with a minimum 3.80 GPA
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Cost: $4,975 (commuter) | $11,874 (residential). Some scholarships are available.
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program pairs students with a graduate student, faculty, or postdoctoral researcher to work on a university-level research project. Alongside lab work, you will attend lectures, workshops on research techniques, professional development sessions, social and cultural activities, and more.
As part of your research experience, you will conduct fieldwork, lab work, data collection, and analysis. You will present your project at the program’s final symposium. Some areas in which you can conduct research include ecology, earth science, geography, environmental policy, marine biology, and biology.
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Eligibility: High school students nominated by their high schools, WYSE alumni, or George Mason University
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: June 23, 2024 - June 28, 2024
Cost: $2,500 (including tuition, residence, and most meals). Limited need-based scholarships are available.
The WYSE is hosted by George Mason University and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. You will experience hands-on learning through projects and research while attending guest talks and lectures by industry leaders, research scientists, international conservation experts, and government insiders. Field trips, simulations, activities, and group sessions are also included.
The program will conclude with the National Youth Delegates dinner where you will hear from expert speakers and network with both professionals and peers.
300 students are selected for this program.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors aged 16-18
Application Deadline: November (early deadline) | January (regular deadline)
Dates: June 23, 2024 - July 5, 2024 (session I) | July 7, 2024 - July 19, 2024 (session II) | July 21, 2024 - August 2, 2024 (session III)
Cost: $6,500. Financial aid is available.
SGC at Yale focuses on developing solutions to global problems (like the climate crisis and environmental sustainability) using interdisciplinary means. Problems connected to each issue are also discussed, such as global health, poverty, inequality, gender, and green technologies. You will participate in small workshops and large lectures taught by leading Yale faculty and industry experts. Many collaborative opportunities are also offered, such as a mentored capstone project.
You will also attend seminars, discussions, and career development sessions.
Location: Alaska, Eastern Sierras, or Rhode Island
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10-12, aged 16-18
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Dates: July-August (11-14 days)
Cost: $6,958 (Alaska and Eastern Sierras) | $5,716 (Rhode Island). Scholarships are available.
The Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL) are offered in Alaska (off-campus), Eastern Sierras (off-campus), and Rhode Island (on-campus). BELL exposes you to a combination of concepts in ecology, environmental studies, and leadership, nurturing an experience of reflection, learning, collaboration, and community.
The program itinerary will differ depending on the location, but you can expect field trips, visits to local ecologies, examinations of ecosystems, research, data collection and analysis, presentations, and more. At the end of the program, you will develop an Action Plan to apply your knowledge practically.
Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 15 years old
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Dates: June 10, 2024 - July 17, 2024 (5 weeks)
Cost: $3,500. Need-based scholarships are available.
UT Austin’s HSRA allows students to participate in group research projects in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) laboratories. You can choose from various disciplines, including environmental science, biology, ecology, and others. You will learn about various research techniques and obtain insights into the career and field from accomplished faculty and graduate students.
Weekly seminars, peer collaborations, and social activities are offered in this program. The program will culminate in a symposium where you will present your project.
Location: Washington
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, or 11th grade students from the Riverview School District
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in May.
Dates: June 27, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Cost: No cost. Students will receive a stipend of $1,800.
YESS is organized by the Greenway National Heritage Area, allowing students to carry out ecological restoration along a salmon stream. You will receive safety training, knowledge about native and invasive plants, and experience working as part of a restoration crew.
You will also interact with experts from the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and formal organizations like the U.S. Forest Service, King County, and the WA Department of Natural Resources. Career exploration, discussions on social justice and equity, and a final presentation of a Restoration Project Proposal are part of the program.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: June-August (2 weeks)
Cost: $4,095 (residential). Scholarships are available.
NSLC’s Environmental Science and Sustainability Program involves hands-on workshops and lectures that cover sustainable practices and conservation strategies. You will design and construct a model of a green home while learning about the carbon cycle, wind turbines, soil and water properties (through lab testing), and environmental justice.
You will also participate in guest lectures, talks, field trips, presentations, and social activities.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.