Earth sciences summer programs give you a chance to explore topics like geology, climate, and environmental systems through hands-on activities, fieldwork, and research. You’ll learn how to observe natural processes, collect data, and use scientific tools, which can help you build practical skills and understand how the earth works.
Applying to a summer program is also a smart way to explore your academic interests outside of school. It can help you figure out if you’d like to study environmental science or geology in college, and it shows initiative on college applications. You’ll also meet other students who care about the same things you do—and maybe even work with professors or researchers in the field.
With that, here are 15 earth science programs open to high school students:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Environmental Science Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,990 (financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), Fall (September-December), Winter (December-February), and Spring (March-June).
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school. No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research with the support of a Ph.D. mentor. If you’re interested in earth science, you can choose the environmental science track, where you’ll explore topics related to climate, ecosystems, sustainability, or related areas. With guidance from your mentor, you’ll design a project, carry out research, and write a full-length paper by the end of the program. Lumiere also offers tracks in fields like psychology, economics, physics, and international relations. Details about how to apply can be found here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Environmental Science Track
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 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.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in a range of subjects, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and environmental science. If you’re interested in earth science, you can choose the environmental science track, which allows you to explore topics such as climate change, environmental policy, conservation, renewable energy, and human impacts on natural systems. Within each subject area, you can select either a quantitative or qualitative research focus. Once you choose your track, you’ll be matched with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university who will mentor you throughout the research process. You’ll work toward completing a 20-page research paper that may be eligible for submission to academic journals. The program also provides detailed feedback on your project and a letter of recommendation to support future academic goals.
3. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote
Cost: None, but the application costs $25 (which may be waived based on financial needs)
Application deadline: February 2
Program dates: June 18 - August 8
Eligibility: Anyone who is at least 15 years old at the start of the program can apply. This applies to remote internships.
George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an 8-week research opportunity for high school and undergraduate students. You’ll work with a faculty mentor on a project aligned with your interests, with some mentors offering remote participation options. The program includes mentors from various fields, including Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, where research topics may involve areas such as wildfire modeling, climate data analysis, or weather statistics. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at the ASSIP Research Symposium, and there may be opportunities to submit your work to academic journals or present it at conferences. Check out previous ASSIP research here.
4. University of Pennsylvania’s Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free, but students must arrange daily transportation
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Program Dates: July 8 - August 5
Eligibility: Philadelphia (or nearby) high school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11 and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
In the TREES program, you will gain practical experience in environmental research by working closely with mentors to develop and complete your own project. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training to teach you key techniques relevant to researching environmental topics. Following this, you will conduct independent research, including data analysis and exploring solutions to environmental issues such as climate change, ecosystem health, pollution, or natural resource management. The program concludes with a formal report and a presentation of your work. This program is particularly relevant for students interested in earth science, as it offers hands-on opportunities to engage with environmental subjects.
5. Young Innovators Climate & Energy Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500 (Financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: March 5
Program Dates: July 13–18
Eligibility: Rising 11th graders, 15+ years old are eligible.
The Young Innovators Climate & Energy Program is a one-week course focused on climate science, energy policy, and technology. You will examine energy systems, explore sustainability approaches, and complete related projects. This program is relevant for students interested in earth science, as it covers key topics related to the environment and natural resources. You will also build skills in policy analysis, system modeling, and presenting scientific information. Additionally, you will receive practical training using energy simulation tools and participate in site visits to see how these concepts are applied in practical settings.
6. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program — Ecology/Earth Science/Environmental Policy Track
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Residential: $11,874 | Commuter: $4,975
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: June 16— August 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 with a minimum GPA of 3.8 can apply.
The Research Mentorship Program offers students a summer opportunity to engage in college-level research across diverse fields. You will gain practical experience in research methods, improve your professional writing, and present your work at formal conferences. The program offers specializations in Earth Science, Ecology, and Environmental Policy, with mentors available to support your research. You can also earn university credits that will be recorded on your academic transcript at UCSB.
7. NSLC’s Environmental Science and Sustainability Program
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $4,095 (residential). Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: June-August (2 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The NSLC Environmental Science and Sustainability Program includes workshops and lectures focused on sustainable practices and conservation. You will design and build a model of a green home while studying topics such as the carbon cycle, wind turbines, soil and water testing, and environmental justice. The program also features guest speakers, field trips, presentations, and opportunities for social engagement.
8. Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC)
Location: Marin County, CA or San Francisco, CA
Cost: No cost. A $2,400 stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: March 18
Program Dates: June 17 — August 1
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in one of these high schools can apply.
LINC, run by the Park Conservancy, is a six-week environmental science internship for Bay Area high school students. The program focuses on community involvement, service learning, and exploring local parklands through outdoor activities. You will take part in hands-on work such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and community cleanups. The internship also offers workshops on resume writing, mock interviews, and networking with park professionals. In addition, you’ll have opportunities to observe wildlife, participate in ropes courses, kayak, play field games, and take part in an overnight camping trip in a national park.
9. UT Austin’s High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $3,500. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: March 23
Program Dates: June 9 — July 16
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 15 years old.
The High School Research Apprenticeship (HSRA) at UT Austin lets you work on group research projects within the College of Natural Sciences laboratories. You can select from different fields, such as environmental science, biology, and ecology. Throughout the program, you will learn research techniques and gain perspective on the field and careers from faculty and graduate students. The program also includes weekly seminars, opportunities for collaboration with peers, and social events. It concludes with a symposium where you will present your research project.
10. Brown Environmental Leadership Labs
Location: Programs available in Southern New England, Eastern Sierras, Alaska, and Florida Keys
Cost: Rhode Island: $6,002 | Eastern Sierras: $7,306 | Alaska: $7,306 | Florida Keys: $4,504
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Rhode Island: June 22 — July 3 | Eastern Sierras: June 29 — July 9 | Alaska: July 6 — 16 | Florida Keys: June 22 — 29
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and college freshmen aged 16–18 can apply.
Brown University offers environmental science summer programs for high school students in Rhode Island, Alaska, California, and the Florida Keys. Each Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) combines leadership and environmental studies through projects, discussions, and workshops. Rhode Island focuses on climate change and urban resilience, Alaska on indigenous history and arctic ecosystems, Eastern Sierras on climate and field studies, and Florida Keys on coastal ecosystems and marine conservation. These programs offer hands-on learning experiences that are especially relevant if you’re interested in earth science, providing direct exposure to different ecosystems and environmental challenges.
11. Penn State Scranton Environmental Science Program
Location: Penn State Scranton, Dunmore, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: June 15 — July 10
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Penn State Scranton offers a free environmental science program for high school students that combines fieldwork, laboratory experience, and classroom learning. You will earn college credit while gaining practical skills in ecological research, environmental data collection, and conservation strategies. The program includes activities such as conducting field surveys to assess local ecosystems, analyzing soil and water samples in a lab, and participating in conservation projects that address real-world environmental concerns. You will also explore topics like habitat restoration, biodiversity, and human impacts on natural systems.
12. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) | Environmentor Internship
Location: Rockaway, NY
Cost: No cost. Stipend of up to $1,200 provided.
Application Deadline: Applications open in late February
Program Dates: June to mid-August
Eligibility: 9th-11th grade students. Preference may be given to students residing near Rockaway.
The RISE Environmentor Internship offers the opportunity to assist scientists with environmental research along the Rockaway shoreline. You will take part in fieldwork, gather and analyze data, and contribute to projects such as salt marsh restoration and air quality monitoring. As part of the program, you will use equipment like water quality sensors and GPS devices for mapping, while also learning how to write technical reports and develop research posters. This internship provides practical experience that supports future academic or career paths in environmental science.
13. Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $2,500 (including tuition, residence, and most meals). Limited need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: June 22— 27
Eligibility: High school students nominated by their high schools, WYSE alumni, or George Mason University.
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE), hosted by George Mason University in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, offers a week-long experience in environmental studies and conservation. You will take part in group projects, attend lectures and discussions led by scientists, conservation professionals, and policy experts, and participate in field trips and simulations. The program includes interactive sessions focused on current environmental issues and concludes with a formal dinner for National Youth Delegates, featuring guest speakers and networking opportunities with peers and professionals. Each year, approximately 300 high school students are selected to attend.
14. Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute
Location: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
Cost: $3,900
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: July 13–26
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors can apply.
The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges offers high school students the opportunity to examine environmental issues through interdisciplinary study and field experience. You will explore topics such as climate policy, aquatic biology, and waste management, while gaining insight into a variety of academic and career paths related to environmental studies. The program is led by a diverse group of instructors with backgrounds in areas including indigenous studies, lake ecology, environmental philosophy, and applied arts. Sessions include both classroom discussions and hands-on learning, including fieldwork in the Adirondacks.
15. Yale Young Global Scholars Solving Global Challenges (SGC)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6,500. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: June 22 — July 4 (session I) | July 6— July 18 (session II) | July 20 — August 1 (session III)
Eligibility: First-time YYGS participants, aged 16–18 by July 20, 2025, fluent in English, currently in 10th or 11th grade (or equivalent), and graduating in 2025–2027 depending on hemisphere.
The Yale Summer Global Citizenship (SGC) program explores global challenges such as climate change and environmental sustainability through an interdisciplinary approach. You will examine how these issues connect to topics like public health, poverty, inequality, and emerging green technologies. The program includes a mix of small workshops and larger lectures led by Yale faculty and professionals from related fields. You will also take part in a mentored capstone project, as well as seminars, group discussions, and sessions focused on academic and career development.
Image source – George Mason University