If you’re a high schooler interested in math, math programs offer a solid opportunity to develop an advanced skill set and gain in-depth experience in specialized areas such as algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics. These programs provide a structured environment to explore complex mathematical concepts beyond standard curricula, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By engaging in rigorous coursework, you can deepen your understanding of mathematical theory and its applications, preparing you for future internships and research opportunities in math!
With that, here are 16 awesome math programs for high school students!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) — Mathematics track
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 on 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.
RSI at MIT is a fully-funded summer STEM program that combines on-campus theoretical coursework with off-campus research. Each year, around 12 students engage in mathematics research projects, working under the supervision of an MIT faculty advisor and a graduate student mentor. Projects are tailored to your strengths and interests, offering a focused and individualized research experience.
With regular guidance, RSI provides a structured environment for high school students to advance their understanding of mathematical research. RSI faculty advisors Professors David Jerison and Ankur Moitra oversee the mathematical projects, with André Dixon serving as the program assistant, ensuring students receive detailed and personalized mentoring throughout the program. We’ve detailed how to build a strong application to get into RSI here!
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided, $40 application fee with a need-based refund.
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. To be announced for 2025.
Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks between July and August. Specific dates to be announced for 2025.
Eligibility: High School Juniors only (U.S. and International).
SAMS provides high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds with an opportunity to engage in advanced math and science while earning college credit. This six-week program, hosted at Carnegie Mellon University, is free of charge and led by university faculty. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, and courses focused on academic and professional development. The program concludes with a Symposium, where students present their STEM research findings.
Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in mathematics, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to diversity in education. The program strongly encourages applications from students from low-income families, underrepresented groups, and those attending schools with limited access to advanced academic resources. Participation in conflicting programs is not permitted, ensuring full commitment to SAMS. More about this program can be found in our blog here.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was March 1, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: As per the previous program’s dates, most likely 6 weeks from the end of June to August.
Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors from high school and underrepresented communities.
4. PRIMES USA
PRIMES-USA is a year-long, tuition-free research program in mathematics for high school students across the U.S. Participants work under the mentorship of graduate students and faculty from universities, including MIT. The program is divided into four phases over the academic year. In Phase 1, you engage in advanced readings. Phase 2 involves conducting research with guidance from mentors. Phase 3 emphasizes independent study, and in Phase 4, you complete your project and present your findings at the PRIMES Fall-Term conference in October. Additionally, you are required to write a final paper summarizing your research, with the potential for submission to research journals and competitions.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: The deadline for receiving applications and letters of recommendation for the 2024 cycle was November 30, 2023! For the 2025 cycle, a new problem set will be posted and admissions will open on October 1, 2024.
Program Dates: Year-Round, from January 1 to December 31 of the calendar year.
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores (including home-schooled) residing in the United States are eligible if they live no closer than 50 miles from Boston (Students residing within driving distance from Boston should apply to the MIT section of PRIMES).
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers a selective 7-week summer research opportunity for high school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in mathematics. Open to 12 students, the program allows you to engage in focused research on specific mathematical topics, working closely with faculty members to gain practical experience. At the end of the program, you submit a research project report and receive a $750 stipend in recognition of their work. Learn more about this program in our blog here!
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
Cost: No cost, the program provides a $750 stipend. On-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities/programming are covered. Travel to and from the program location, personal expenses, and medical expenses are not covered.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was February 15, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: As per the previous program’s dates, most likely 7 weeks from June to August.
Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024 (U.S. and International)
6. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Math Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the chance to engage in independent research under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants work closely with their mentors on a research project in a wide range of fields, including applied mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. By the end of the program, students complete an independent research paper, gaining valuable experience in academic research. The program provides a structured yet flexible environment for exploring advanced topics in STEM and beyond. Access the application form here!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year. Summer cohort runs from June to August, Fall cohort from September to December, Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June. Applications for the summer cohort are now open!
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
7. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs tailored for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
- $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
- $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
- $6,900for both
- Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
8. MITES Summer
MITES is a six-week residential program designed to promote diversity in STEM fields. It selects 80 high-achieving high school juniors to participate in an academically intensive experience. Students take five challenging courses across mathematics, science (with topics including Machine Learning, Architecture, and Genomics), and the humanities. The program also includes lab tours, social activities, and college admissions counseling, providing a comprehensive academic and developmental experience.
Location: Residential, MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None. Students will have to arrange their own transportation to the MIT campus.
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025. Please check here for updates.
Program Dates: 6 weeks from late June through early August (based on the previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: High school juniors from minority backgrounds and other underrepresented segments of the population. Must be a U.S. citizen.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements offers paid internships at various locations across the U.S., providing high school students with a strong interest in mathematics the opportunity to contribute to active projects within the agency. Interns work closely with NASA mentors on tasks related to applied mathematics, data analysis, and mathematical modeling.
One specific internship focuses on data visualization, modeling, and analysis of snow season data from 2017 to 2020. Interns are responsible for identifying and correcting errors, preparing data for archival, and generating metadata, charts, and presentation materials. Proficiency in data analysis and scripting is preferred, as interns will contribute to introducing the data to the snow research community.
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based on the cities they are in.
Cost/Stipend: No application cost. A stipend is provided, based on academic level and session length.
Application deadline: The office also offers internships in the Summer, Fall, and Spring, deadlines for which are different. Check for updates!
Program Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August) Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May)
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and are US citizens.
The MathQuantum Summer Research Program offers a fellowship that includes an internship stipend, focused research opportunities, and individualized mentorship, with no application fee. It targets two groups: mathematics students looking to enter quantum information science (QIS) and those with varying experience in QIS seeking to strengthen their mathematical foundation. For participants with limited exposure to QIS, the program provides an introduction to the field, while also emphasizing professional development, networking, and proposal writing. Additionally, one-on-one career mentoring is provided to support individual growth and skill enhancement.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Fall and Spring fellows receive a stipend of $2,500 along with an additional $1,000 allocated for conference or workshop attendance. Summer fellows, with an intensive 8-week commitment, enjoy a stipend of $5,200, housing at the UMD College Park campus, $1,000 for conference or workshop attendance, and an additional $500 to cover travel for those outside Washington DC.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2024–25.
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the Spring, or Fall, and 8 weeks in Summer. Specific dates are unspecified.
Eligibility:
- Must be working/interested in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Physics and interested in quantum.
- Fall and Spring fellows must be UMD College Park students or students at a local institution able to commute to campus while Summer fellows can be from anywhere.
- Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (non-U.S. persons may apply but cannot receive a stipend).
11. Mathroots at MIT
Mathroots, a 14-day summer program hosted by MIT-PRIMES, is designed for high school students from underrepresented or underserved communities with a strong interest in mathematics. The program provides an immersive experience, focusing on innovative mathematical topics and enhancing problem-solving skills. Led by experienced instructors with backgrounds in both research and competition mathematics, Mathroots includes a variety of activities such as lectures, group sessions, and classes. Participants explore new mathematical concepts and deepen their understanding of the subject throughout the program.
Location: Residential, MIT, MA.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the 2024 session was March 1st, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: As per the previous program’s schedule, 2 weeks from June to July.
Eligibility: US citizens or students attending high school in the US (before the last year of high school) who are between the ages of 14–18.
SUMaC offers a highly selective program for mathematically talented high school students, admitting fewer than 10% of applicants. Each year, the program hosts 40 students for a three-week in-person experience, alongside an online cohort of 64 students. Prior curriculums have focused on two core areas: Abstract Algebra & Number Theory and Algebraic Topology.
In Abstract Algebra, students explore topics such as the limitations of geometric constructions, pattern classification, error-correcting codes, cryptography, and symmetry analysis. The Algebraic Topology course introduces techniques for using algebraic methods to examine topological properties of shapes. Participants engage in collaborative problem-solving, take part in challenging academic sessions, and gain exposure to key areas of mathematical research.
Location: Residential, Stanford University, Stanford, CA; Online
Cost: Online: $3,550 | Residential: $8,250
Application deadline: Based on this year’s deadlines, the applications close in early February each year. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: TBD for 2025
Eligibility: All high school sophomores and juniors, including international applicants.
PROMYS is a six-week intensive program designed for high school students with a strong interest in mathematics. The program emphasizes mathematical exploration and discovery through lectures, advanced seminars, collaborative problem sets, and opportunities for research. Each year, around 80 high school students, aged 14 and older, are admitted, along with 25 undergraduate counselors. PROMYS is committed to increasing diversity in STEM and encourages applications from students who identify as female, African American, Hispanic, or other underrepresented groups.
Location: Residential, Boston University
Cost: The program is free for students whose annual family income is under $80,000. For students whose family income surpasses this amount, the program tuition ranges from $2000-$6000, depending on the program’s predetermined income brackets.
Application deadline: March 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: June 30 — August 10, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students that are at least 14 years old, have completed 9th grade, and are not yet enrolled as a full-time college or university student.
COSMOS is a four-week residential summer program for high school students with a strong interest in STEM, including mathematics. The program offers an academically challenging environment where students collaborate with faculty, researchers, and scientists, focusing on lab-intensive, hands-on learning. COSMOS provides insight into educational and career opportunities in STEM fields. The program is organized into ‘Clusters’ across UC campuses at Davis, Irvine, San Diego, and Santa Cruz. Math-specific clusters include topics such as Tissue and Tumor Biology, Mathematical/Computational Modeling, Machine Learning, Number Theory, Discrete Math, and the Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems.
Location: Residential, choice between UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.
Cost: $4,770 program tuition.
Application deadline: February 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: 4 weeks from July to August. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: California State students who are rising 8th-11th graders.
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program offers a competitive summer research opportunity for high school students interested in interdisciplinary mathematics research. Participants select projects from various STEM fields and collaborate closely with mentors, gaining practical experience in research methods and exploring potential professional paths. The program is particularly beneficial for students interested in the intersections of STEM with other disciplines, providing a focused and meaningful research experience at the university level.
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option) | $6,599 (housing option)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 — August 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA, can apply.
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential summer program designed for highly motivated high school students with a focus on Number Theory. Participants engage in ten hours of class per week, consisting of five hours of lectures and five hours of small-group sessions, while the rest of the time is dedicated to independent work on complex mathematical problems. Topics covered include Euclid’s Algorithm, Quadratic Number Fields, Polynomials, and Gaussian Integers. The Ross Program offers a structured and collaborative environment for students to deepen their understanding of advanced mathematical concepts.
Location: Residential, Otterbein University or the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (depending on which session you choose).
Cost: $6,000 program tuition.
Application deadline: TBD for 2025. Typically in March.
Program dates: Otterbein University: June 9 — July 19, 2024 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: June 16 — July 26, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 years.
The Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship Track at Boston University provides an opportunity for high school students interested in mathematics and statistics to engage in hands-on university research. By exploring departmental websites and faculty profiles, students can identify professors whose research aligns with their mathematical interests. As part of the RISE Internship, students participate in research projects that help develop technical and analytical skills. The program culminates in a Poster Symposium, where students present their findings, with the potential for some to submit their work to national competitions such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Location: Boston University, MA
Cost/Stipend: $5,350 for tuition not including room and board, $3,120 / $3,426 for meals, $50 application fee. Financial aid is available. Find more information on costs here. Information on stipend not specified.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2024–25
Program Dates: TBA for 2024–25
Eligibility: Must be entering their senior year of high school the same year they attend the program.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.