If you’re a high schooler based in Alabama looking to build advanced skills in a subject of your choice, consider applying to a program in the state! Here’s why - high school is the perfect time to dive into programs that challenge your academic skills and broaden your experience in specialized fields. In Alabama, there are several unique opportunities to explore, whether you’re into research, internships, or pre-college programs. Below is a list of programs across a variety of fields, each designed to help you develop advanced skills, work with experts, and gain hands-on experience.
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 24, 2024 – September 2, 2024
- Fall: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024 (Summer), September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. 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 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 college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to 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, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided.
You can work in subject areas like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program will end with a symposium and give students a potential chance at publication.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: AI, Coding, Computer Science
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Application Deadline: Upcoming winter cohort deadlines - Oct 20, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple start dates are available throughout the year.
Cost: AI Scholars - $1790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship - $4900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $5900
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Subject Areas: Atmospheric chemistry, wildlife biology, physics, solar energy, space weather, herpetology, experimental data modeling
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students from Alabama and Georgia with a strong interest and aptitude in science and mathematics
Application Deadline: October (for 2025 cohort)
Program Dates: June 1–8, 2025
Cost: Free
The Auburn University Summer Science Institute is an immersive, week-long residential program for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM fields. This program gives students lab experience with topics beyond the high school curriculum, including space weather, solar energy, wildlife studies, and experimental physics. SSI participants work closely with Auburn faculty and graduate students, exploring both the scientific process and the nuances of college life – if accepted, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge science projects while staying in on-campus housing.
Subject Areas: Leadership, health care, law, digital marketing, business, global citizenship, research science, arts, literature
Location: Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Alabama, nominated by their school or community leader
Application Deadline: Rolling nominations, typically opening in October
Program Dates: June 16–28, 2024
Cost: $25 application fee; $1,000 program fee
The Alabama Governor's School is a 13-day residential honors program hosted at Samford University. It provides academically and creatively gifted students with enriching experiences through seminars in various disciplines, from business and law to research science and the arts. Students engage in team-building activities, leadership seminars, and hands-on projects, helping them develop advanced academic and leadership skills. You should know that this is a particularly competitive program, and receiving an admission can be a solid addition to your resume!
Subject Areas: Cellular and molecular biology, neurobiology, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, pediatrics, psychiatry, cardiovascular medicine
Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors. Students progress through multiple levels, with advanced programs for returning participants.
Application Deadline: April 26, 2024
Program Dates:
- SSI I: June 3 - 7, 2024 | June 10 - 14, 2024 (Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology)
- SSI II: June 03 – July 26, 2024 (Advanced Biology and Neurobiology)
- SSI III: June 3-July 26, 2024 (Research Internship)
Cost: $200 for SSI I | Free for SSI II and III (a stipend of $1,500 provided)
The UAB Summer Science Institute offers a progressive, multi-summer experience designed to prepare you for advanced study in science and research. Participants begin by exploring fundamental molecular biology techniques in SSI I, move on to advanced biochemical and neurobiological studies in SSI II, and finally, in SSI III, conduct independent research projects alongside UAB faculty. The program offers lab work, scientific seminars, and workshops, culminating in professional-quality research presentations.
This program is perfect for you if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of biological sciences gain real-world lab experience, and apply to advanced research programs after the summer!
Subject Areas: Aerospace engineering, propulsion systems, aviation history, aeronautics, and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) simulation.
Location: US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Eligibility: Teens ages 12-18, with separate sessions for 12-14 and 15-18-year-olds. High school graduates are not eligible.
Application Deadline: Rolling (depending on session availability)
Program Dates:
- Session 1: July 21-26, 2024
- Session 2: July 28-August 2, 2024
- Session 3: August 4-9, 2024
Cost: Scholarships are available for select participants. Families are responsible for transportation to Huntsville, but lodging, meals, and program expenses are covered once at camp.
The Alabama Aerospace Summer Camp provides an immersive experience for students interested in aviation and aerospace fields. The summer camp uses real-world aerospace applications, such as an F-18 cockpit simulator and UAV simulators, to teach principles of aeronautics and aviation history. You will also engage in leadership development, teamwork, and problem-solving exercises. Advanced students can explore cyber technologies or aviation through specialized tracks.
Subject Areas: Veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, laboratory skills, and surgical techniques.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
Eligibility: VET STEP I is for rising 9th and 10th-grade students, while VET STEP II is for rising 11th and 12th-graders. The program primarily aims to increase minority representation in veterinary medicine.
Application Deadline: Generally opens in early spring, check for specific dates each year.
Program Dates: Typically held in June, with two separate sessions.
Cost: Application fee of $50.
Tuskegee University's VET STEP program offers a one-week immersive experience for high school students interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. Through VET STEP I and VET STEP II, students engage in academic classes, labs, and workshops designed to give them a real-world taste of the veterinary field. They also get to explore surgical procedures, animal anatomy, and veterinary diagnostics under the guidance of Tuskegee’s experienced faculty.
Subject Areas: Computer science, software engineering, mobile app development, network security, and MIT App Inventor
Location: Tuskegee University, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders attending schools in Alabama's Black Belt regions
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Program Dates: July 1 – July 26, 2024 (with no classes on July 4-5)
Cost: Free; Stipend of up to $1,500 upon program completion
The ITEST-Alabama program, funded by the NSF, is designed to increase interest in computer science among high school students, particularly girls and minority students from Alabama’s Black Belt. The four-week Summer Academy offers lectures in computer science, covering topics like software engineering, network security, and app development using MIT App Inventor. Students participate in group projects where they identify community problems and create mobile apps as solutions. Beyond technical skills, the program includes mentorship from Black professionals in computing, helping students explore careers in technology.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, brain imaging, cognitive science, and experimental psychology
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school (ages 16-18)
Application Deadline: Generally in spring; specific dates to be confirmed in December
Program Dates: July 14-19, 2024
Cost: $705
Auburn University’s Brain Camp offers high school students an immersive experience in neuroscience. Led by professors from Auburn’s Department of Psychological Sciences, the camp covers topics such as brain anatomy, neuroethics, and how brain research can be applied in fields like addiction and movement disorders. Participants get hands-on experience in brain imaging techniques and dissection labs, working with real data in a research environment. The camp is also a chance for students to experience college life, stay in dorms, and engage in evening activities such as movie nights and campus tours.
Subject Areas: Singing, dancing, acting (musical theatre training)
Location: Red Mountain Theatre, Birmingham, Alabama
Eligibility: Ages 9-18, audition required
Application Deadline: Typically spring, auditions are mandatory for new participants
Program Dates: Two-week sessions, generally in June or July (specific dates TBA)
Cost: $720 - $1,200 (financial aid available)
Broadway Bootcamp is an intensive summer program designed for young performers looking to improve their musical theatre skills. Through professional instruction in acting, singing, and dancing, you work to become triple-threat performers. You will also get the chance to engage with industry professionals from across the U.S.
Subject Areas: Agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, plant pathology, agribusiness, engineering, and biotechnology
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12), particularly those interested in STEAM fields and returning to high school in the fall
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024
Program Dates: June 2-15, 2024
Cost: Free
The AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute and AgDiscovery Summer Program are two-week residential programs at Tuskegee University designed to introduce high school students to the world of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM). These programs offer research opportunities, field trips, leadership development, and personal enrichment activities. You will gain valuable insight into careers in agriculture and related fields through interactions with university professors and USDA professionals. These programs are ideal for you if you’re considering careers in agriculture or environmental sciences, providing networking opportunities with professionals and a firsthand look at college life.
Subject Areas: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders with a strong interest in writing
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Specific dates for 2025 will be announced in December 2024
Cost: $880
The Creative Writing Studio at Auburn University is a week-long residential program for high school students passionate about writing. Participants explore fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction through workshops and personalized feedback from Auburn’s faculty and published authors. Students will complete daily writing exercises, receive one-on-one mentoring, and engage in literary activities, including tours of the acclaimed Southern Humanities Review journal. The camp culminates in a public reading where students share their work. Participants will stay in on-campus dorms and experience Auburn’s campus life, with evening recreational activities included.
Subject Areas: Chamber music and orchestral performance
Location: Moody Music Building, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students (rising 6th–12th graders)
Application Deadline: Video auditions are due by May 4, 2024; final enrollment deadline is May 22, 2024
Program Dates: June 10–13, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $230
The University of Alabama Summer String Camp offers two distinct tracks: Chamber Music for advanced students and Orchestra Camp for intermediate to advanced players. Both tracks provide intensive instruction, including instrument-specific masterclasses and ensemble rehearsals, led by university faculty and professional musicians. The program culminates with a public concert where participants get to show their skills. Participants are required to submit a video audition for acceptance and placement.
Subject Areas: Marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, supply chain management
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders interested in exploring business careers
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis (registration opens February 5, 2024)
Program Dates: June 10–14, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $400
The Business Explorations Day Camp is designed for high school students interested in gaining insight into various business fields. Each day of the camp focuses on a different business area, including marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and supply chain management. Students will participate in learning activities, hear from industry experts, and engage with UAH faculty. This camp provides a comprehensive introduction to business while helping students develop leadership and teamwork skills.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.