If you are a high school student, navigating the world of STEM before college can be both exciting and challenging. With multiple online STEM programs available, you now have the opportunity to deep dive into subjects like computer science, physics, engineering, biology, and more—all from the comfort of your own home, without the financial and logistical hassles that come with an in-person program. These programs not only help develop advanced skills in specific subject areas but also offer practical experience with tools and technologies used in these fields.
Below, we've curated a list of 13 of the best online STEM programs for high schoolers that include camps, internships, mentorship opportunities, and pre-college experiences to help students level up their expertise.
1. Horizon's Academic Research Program - STEM tracks
Cost: The participation fees vary based on research projects. To learn the exact cost, submit an interest form here.
Application Deadline: September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
Program Dates: June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024 (Summer seminar); October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025 (Fall seminar); Flexible Lab dates, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Subject Areas: Biophysics, data science, machine learning, environmental health and engineering, biotechnology, neuroscience, chemistry, network science, and more!
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide with >3.67/4.0 GPA.
Horizon provides trimester-long research opportunities for high school students in fields like data science, machine learning, biology, chemistry, and neuroscience. It stands out as one of the few programs that allow students to choose between quantitative and qualitative research methods, catering to different academic interests and skill sets. Participants select a subject track and research approach, then partner with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university who guides them throughout their research journey. By the end of the program, students will have developed a 20-page, university-level research paper that they can submit to esteemed journals, showcasing their work at a high academic standard. Additionally, each student receives a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on their project, which can be valuable for future research endeavors and college applications. Apply now!
2. Veritas AI
Cost: AI Scholars Program: $2,290 (10-week boot camp); AI Fellowship: $5,400 (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship); Combined AI Scholars + Fellowship: $6,900. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Vary by cohort. Upcoming deadlines: October 20th for winter.
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python Programming
Eligibility: High school students with a basic understanding of coding. For the AI Fellowship, applicants must complete the AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience in AI and Python.
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard alumni, offers two specialized programs for high school students keen on exploring the field of artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is designed for collaborative learning, where students delve into AI applications through a structured curriculum. For those seeking a more personalized experience, the AI Fellowship pairs students with Ph.D. mentors to guide individual research projects. In the AI Fellowship, participants explore AI's transformative impact on various industries, such as finance, medicine, and gaming. Students have the chance to work on projects with real-world relevance, like developing AI-driven medical tools, educational technologies, or gaming algorithms, with potential opportunities to publish or present their work. Participants learn to build AI models using tools like TensorFlow and Python, enhancing their programming and analytical skills.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - STEM Track
Cost: $2,990 for a 12-week program; $5,900 for a 16-20 week program. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Vary by cohort. Upcoming deadlines: November 24th for winter.
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Robotics, Environmental Science, Bioinformatics, STEM.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, offers high school students an opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors on independent research projects. You will receive expert guidance to develop a university-level research paper, along with additional support from writing coaches to refine their academic writing skills. You can select from a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program concludes with a research symposium, where participants present their findings with the potential for their work to be published.
Cost: $2490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost: Approximately $4,000 per course
Application Deadline: March 29, 2024
Program Dates: Session One -Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 28, 2024; Session Two - Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 19, 2024.
Subject Areas: Bioscience, Computer Science, Engineering, and Math.
Eligibility: Advanced high school students (grades - 8-11) with a strong academic record
Stanford's Pre-Collegiate Studies offers over 60 online summer courses that provide interactive and in-depth exploration of academic material. The courses cover a wide range of subjects, including computer science, mathematics, and engineering. These courses are ungraded and do not award academic credit, focusing instead on engaging students in rigorous and immersive learning experiences. Stanford's program offers rigorous coursework that challenges students to explore advanced concepts in STEM. The hands-on projects, especially in cryptography and genetics, enable participants to gain experience with scientific software and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
Cost: Free (application required)
Application Deadline: Apply online during the fall semester of junior year in high school.
Program Dates: June to December 2024
Subject Areas: Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, Astrophysics, Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, Science Writing and Communication.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors with US citizenship or permanent residence.
MITES Semester offers an immersive and interactive online experience where participants dive deep into STEM, expanding their knowledge throughout the semester. Beyond academics, the MITES Semester prepares students for college and their future careers by developing essential skills, providing personalized college application guidance, and offering in-depth support like essay reviews, mock interviews, and school selection advice. You will also have the opportunity to engage with admissions counselors during a dedicated college fair, gaining valuable insights into prestigious universities. The program includes an in-person conference at MIT, fostering connections with peers and mentors in a supportive community. As the only national online pre-college program of its scale, MITES Semester stands out for its comprehensive approach—all offered entirely free of charge.
Cost: $2,450 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Available on request.
Program Dates: June - August
Subject Areas: Bioinformatics, Scientific Research, Computational Thinking
Eligibility: High school students with a keen interest in STEM
The Summer STEM Institute (SSI) is a pre-collegiate virtual summer program for top international scientists and leaders. SSI offers an intensive curriculum where students learn to conduct independent research in computational biology, utilizing software like R and Python for data analysis. The focus on scientific communication skills prepares participants for presenting their findings professionally.
Cost: Common Application Fee: $50; EEI: Tuition fees: $3,575 + Lab Kit Fee: $247.12. BMEI: Tuition fees: $3,575 + Lab Kit Fee: $296.20.
Application Deadline: May 17, 2024
Program Dates: June - August 2024
Subject Areas: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. You should have As and Bs in your high school math and science classes, have completed Algebra II, a course covering trigonometric functions (including sine, cosine, tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem), and a full year of high school chemistry and/or physics with a lab component.
Johns Hopkins Online Program allows you to work independently on projects and assignments while submitting the work for evaluation every day or two. If you're looking for an online engineering course, consider exploring Engineering Innovation (EEI)or Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI). Both courses provide hands-on learning experiences, where you'll use a lab kit to conduct engaging experiments and activities right from home. You will have the opportunity to join optional real-time study sessions throughout the week, providing a platform to interact with classmates, instructors, and teaching assistants. Additionally, students can engage in discussions or seek help by posting questions and ideas on Microsoft Teams at any time. This program introduces students to the principles of engineering through projects in areas like circuit design and chemical reactions. You can engage in virtual labs and problem-solving tasks using simulation tools commonly used in engineering studies.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Contact Natalie Hatcher ( nhatcher@andrew.cmu.edu )
Program Dates: Summer
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a background in STEM
Carnegie Mellon AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in the field of AI by offering a deep dive into machine learning algorithms and robotic systems. The program gives rising juniors and seniors the chance to study AI with CMU faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. You will gain practical experience using coding platforms and explore the ethical implications of AI technology.
Cost: $8248 to $13,448
Application Deadline: June 2024
Program Dates: July 5 and August 9, 2024.
Subject Areas: Oceanography, Calculus, Ideas in Mathematics
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
UPenn’s pre-college program provides a robust introduction to subjects like Oceanography, Calculus, and Ideas in Mathematics emphasizing laboratory skills and data interpretation. The Pre-College Programs are tailored for academically driven high school students seeking the intellectual rigor of Ivy League academics. You will be enrolled in credit-bearing undergraduate courses across various disciplines, taught by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars, and attend classes alongside current Penn undergraduates. Most courses carry a value of 1 credit unit (c.u.), with courses that include a required lab typically offering 1.5 c.u. You will use simulation software to explore scientific theories and experimental results.
Cost: $3,094 to $5,998, depending on course time.
Application Deadline: Varies based on course selected.
Program Dates: July 17 to July 26, 2024
Subject Areas: Course-Based Research Experiences (CREs), Biological and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Literature, Writing, and Communications, Medical and Health Studies, Physical Sciences and Math
Eligibility: High school students globally
Summer@Brown Online has over 80 courses that offer rigorous and engaging learning experiences, inspired by the breadth of Brown’s Open Curriculum. Led by innovative instructors, these courses allow you to learn in various formats—whether asynchronously, mostly asynchronously, or in a blended style—depending on the course selected. Summer@Brown Online provides both academic challenges and personalized feedback, accessible from anywhere in the world. Beyond the coursework, you can participate in a variety of informative activities and workshops, further enhancing your learning experience. This program allows you to engage with college-level academics in a supportive environment that emphasizes learning without the pressure of formal grades or credits. You’ll study under instructors dedicated to your growth, alongside equally motivated and engaged peers.
Cost: $1,300 - $2,000 per workshop
Application Deadline: Varies based on course selected.
Program Dates: June to August depending on the subject selected.
Subject Areas: Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry, and Medical Bioinformatics.
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in biology
The Rosetta Institute’s workshops are geared toward students passionate about the biomedical field. You will engage in molecular biology techniques and use bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic data, preparing them for future careers in health sciences. The Summer Online Workshops offer a range of learning opportunities in STEM for students aged 12-18. The Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Medicine runs from June 10 to June 21 with sessions available in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night, for 2 hours per day, Monday through Friday. The Medicinal Chemistry workshop is available in two sessions: June 17 to June 28 (morning or afternoon) and July 8 to July 19, for 3 hours per day, Monday through Friday, targeting students aged 14-18. The Medical Bioinformatics workshop takes place from June 24 to July 6 and again from July 22 to August 2, running 5.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday, for ages 13-18.
Cost: Approximately $6,830. Contact the university for more details.
Application Deadline: May 23, 2024
Program Dates: Late June to mid-August. Online courses may run on a different schedule than the standard High School Honors schedule.
Subject Areas: Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Computational Neurobiology and more.
Eligibility: High school juniors with Honors and/or AP courses.
High School Honors Online offers rising juniors and seniors to enroll in up to two courses and earn college credit from Boston University—all from the comfort of your laptop. You will engage with rigorous coursework led by BU's top instructors, engage with advanced topics, and connect with both undergraduates and fellow high school students worldwide. The format includes online lectures, discussion boards, and flexible schedules designed for curious minds ready to tackle new challenges. This program is ideal for independent learners with sharp time management skills, but be ready for a fast-paced academic experience. Keep in mind that online courses may have different start dates, and all live classes will run on Boston time (EDT).
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Cost: 1-Week: $2,810 per session and 2-Week: $3,960.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session.
Program Dates: The program offers three sessions: Session A (2 weeks) from July 1 to July 12, 2024, Session B (2 weeks) from July 15 to July 26, 2024, and Session C (1 week) from August 5 to August 9, 2024.
Subject Areas: Robotics, Environmental Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
Columbia University’s Summer Online program offers high school students the chance to dive deep into STEM subjects with courses designed to challenge and inspire. Students can explore fields such as robotics, environmental science, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering. The program features hands-on projects and interactive lectures led by Columbia faculty, giving participants a real taste of college-level coursework.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.