If you're a high school student in Oklahoma looking to develop new skills this summer, consider joining a summer program. These programs give you the chance to dive into subjects that interest you, gain hands-on experience, and build valuable connections.
Several universities and research centers in Oklahoma offer programs that provide insight into industry trends, enhance your skills, and allow you to learn from experts. These experiences not only boost your academic profile by showing your ability to tackle advanced topics but also help you explore career options and shape your future academic choices.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Oklahoma, spanning areas like business, STEM, art, marketing, college prep, and more.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You 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 now for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts, including in the summer. Upcoming dates are:
- Winter seminar: December 2, 2024 onwards
- Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 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 according to cohort. November 10, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort, and February 9, 2025 for the spring cohort
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
3. 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, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
- Need-based financial aid is available
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. December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
The Young Founder's Lab is a start-up boot camp led by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you'll build a revenue-generating start-up that tackles a real-world problem with guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from companies like Google and Microsoft.
Alongside developing your start-up, you'll engage in interactive classes on business fundamentals, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. This program is a great chance to explore the business world in high school, offering a space to learn both theoretical and practical approaches to creating a successful business. Check out the program’s brochure for more details.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Winter cohort starts in December
Cost: The total cost to attend the 3-week program is $2,900. There is need-based financial aid
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 24, 2024 for the upcoming Winter cohort. You can access the application form here!
Ladder Internships is a selective program for high school students to intern with high-growth startups across various industries, including health tech, AI, and marketing. These startups have raised over a million dollars, with some founders being YCombinator alumni or former employees of companies like Microsoft and Google. During the 8-week virtual internship, you'll work closely with managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, presenting your work to the company. The program also includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, plus group sessions with other interns.
Subject areas: Technology, Business, Finance, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Medicine, Software Engineering, and more
Location: Remote
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial aid is available
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort: May 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s STEM Summer Camp is a week-long program where high school students gain hands-on experience in renewable energy. You will learn about electricity, electronics, and robotics, with a focus on renewable energy generation. Activities include using simulators, operating nacelles, and visiting wind turbines and solar fields. The camp covers solar, wind, and hydroelectric power through labs, facility tours, and presentations led by industry professionals.
Subject Areas: Renewable Energy
Location: Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva, OK
Program Dates: June 1 – 6, 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Oklahoma students who will be in grades 9-12 in the fall
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
The Drone Xperience Summer Day Academy at Northeastern State University is a hands-on program for 8th to 12th graders focused on drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will build and fly drones while exploring STEM career paths. During the five-day camp, you will attend academic classes, training seminars, and participate in activities like Fly Days and drone photography. Instructors from technical institutions and police agencies will guide you in drone construction, piloting, and understanding the broader applications of drones.
Subject Areas: Aircraft Systems
Location: Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK
Program Dates: July 22 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 8–12
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
The STEM Engineering Discovery for Girls camp is a week-long program designed to inspire young women in STEM. You will explore engineering through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and problem-solving challenges. Throughout the camp, you will work on real-world engineering problems. Daytime sessions focus on learning and projects, while evening activities promote networking and recreation. By the end of the week, you will have a deeper understanding of how engineering can shape your future and address global challenges. Although the camp is aimed at girls, students of all gender identities can apply.
Subject Areas: Engineering
Location: Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Program Dates: June 10 – 14, 2025 (tentative, based on previous years)
Cost: $199
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
Application Deadline: No information available
Oklahoma City University’s Pre-College Intensive prepares high school students for college-level musical theater, acting, or vocal performance auditions. You will learn how to navigate both online and in-person auditions, including self-taping techniques, choosing repertoire, and interacting with admission panels. The program includes dance and acting classes, private voice lessons, one-on-one coaching, and faculty masterclasses. You will also receive resources to help you prepare for college admissions, such as a guide to the FAFSA application and a guide to planning for college.
Subject Areas: Musical Theater, Acting, Vocal Performance
Location: Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK
Program Dates: June 22 – July 5, 2025
Cost: $3,300; includes tuition, meals, and housing. A $50 application fee is also required
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9-12, with a particular focus on rising juniors
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with audition submissions starting November 1, 2024
NanoExplorers at Cameron University is a hands-on STEM program where high school students learn nanotechnology through practical applications in chemistry and physics. You will build aquatic drones, use DNA for forensic science, and explore the physics of amusement parks. The first week covers nanotechnology basics and nanostructure applications. In the seconde week, you will learn about polymers and build your own circuit. You will also have the chance to explore career opportunities within nanotechnology.
Subject Areas: Chemistry, Physics
Location: Cameron University, Lawton, OK
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. The program was offered in two sessions in 2024:
- June 16 – 21, 2024
- June 23 – 28, 2024
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Oklahoma residents who are rising freshmen, sophomores, or juniors in high school
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Honors Summer Academy at Oklahoma Christian University is a one-week program. Courses cover fields like engineering, cyber security, cell biology, and microbiology. These courses are divided by your incoming high school year. In Introduction to Engineering for freshmen, you’ll attend lectures and participate in lab activities to understand electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. The cybersecurity course for juniors will introduce you to malware, cryptography, and open source intelligence. The final project is a Sherlock Holmes escape room, where you’ll work in groups to use cybersecurity technology to solve the puzzle.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Microbiology, Cybersecurity, Cell Biology
Location: Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, OK
Program Dates: July 13 – 18, 2025
Cost: $600
Eligibility: High school students in 9th–11th grade with one of the following:
- A 21 ACT
- 1040 on the new SAT
- 1020 on the new PSAT (including Reading, Math, Writing)
- or 20 on the preACT
- If you haven’t taken these tests, you can apply with a teacher or counselor recommendation
Application Deadline: No information available
OMRF’s Fleming Scholars program pays you to work in biomedical research labs on individual projects under the guidance of senior scientists. For 8 weeks, you’ll tackle real scientific problems, contributing to research that could impact the fight against human diseases. You’ll write a scientific paper summarizing your findings and give a research presentation. You will also have the chance to attend seminars and professional development workshops.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research
Location: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25, 2025
Cost: Scholars who complete the full summer program will be paid $5,000
Eligibility: High school seniors who are Oklahoma residents, at least 16 years of age, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
OU Engineering offers a summer day camp series for rising high school juniors and seniors to explore various engineering disciplines through hands-on projects. The first day of the series is called Exploratory Engineering, and it introduces you to several engineering disciplines so you can decide what interests you most. The remaining days are dedicated to different fields such as mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, environmental engineering, and more. Each session is led by university faculty, and you can choose which days you want to attend.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Engineering: Aerospace and Mechanical, Biomedical, Chemical, Biological, Materials, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Computer, Industrial & Systems
Location: The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Program Dates: Several one-day events throughout June 2025, exact dates TBA
Cost: $25/day
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: No information available
14. Mash Camp
MASH Camp (Math and Science in Health Careers) is a 4-day summer camp for students in 9th–12th grades. The camp offers hands-on activities in math, science, and multidisciplinary studies to explore various healthcare careers. This camp is a good option for students who want to understand how different fields are applied in healthcare.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Science, Healthcare
Location: University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK
Program Dates: June 17 – 20, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: No information available
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th graders
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.