If you’re a high school student thinking about majoring in math or science, a summer program can be a solid way to explore your interests, build new skills, and get a better feel for the field. Since they take place over the summer, you won’t miss school, and you’ll still gain experience, meet new people, and learn something meaningful.
Math and science summer programs for high school students allow you to try out fields like AI, robotics, biotechnology, or sustainable aviation, study the environment, learn how people think and behave, or apply math to everyday problems. Some programs in the list below cover more advanced topics, such as number theory, combinatorics, algebraic geometry, and applied mathematics.
You’ll use advanced tools, work on real-world projects, create academic posters, and explore topics through hands-on learning. Math and science summer programs for high school students also allow you to work with instructors, sharpen your technical skills, and develop a portfolio that can support your college applications.
To get started, here’s a list of 15 math and science summer programs for high school students. You can also check out our blog on summer research programs for high school students in NYC.
15 Math and Science Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Acceptance Rate: Around 10–25%
Dates: The summer cohort typically runs for 12 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to undertake an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. The program includes research method workshops and help with writing a full-length research paper. You’ll also get guidance from a writing coach to help shape your research topic. Some possible subjects include Mathematics, Astrophysics, Data Science, Biology, Computer Science, Medicine, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Engineering, and Architecture. If your area of interest isn’t listed, you can work with your mentor to create a custom topic. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit. Application information is available here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 42.5% | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; June 20 (final summer)
Eligibility: AI Scholars: all high school students | AI Fellowship: students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. Founded by Harvard researchers, the programs are taught by instructors from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly, 10-session course that covers AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects using real-world examples. If you already have some programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor to create a research project and get help preparing it for publication. You can see past student projects here and can apply here.
3. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: San Diego, Irvine, Davis, Santa Cruz, or Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,256 + a non-refundable $44 application fee; financial aid available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Each campus accepts 160–200 students
Dates: UCI, UCSD: July 6 – August 1 | UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12 | Desirable GPA of 3.5 or higher
COSMOS is a four-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll work on hands-on, lab-based projects with researchers, faculty, and scientists. Each UC campus hosts its own version of the program, called a “cluster,” focusing on advanced STEM topics such as engineering, computer science, robotics, biomedical sciences, ecology, mathematics, materials science, marine science, physics, game theory, astronomy, and more. Depending on the cluster, you might explore areas like quantum mechanics, nanotech, climate change, sustainable aviation, chemical principles in real life, mathematical modeling in biology, linear algebra, discrete math, or video game design. You’ll gain experience in high-end labs, and study topics that go beyond what you learn in high school.
4. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $10,705 (Residential) | $5,880 (Commuter); need-based scholarships are available | None
Cohort Size: With 18 classes and about 25 students each, roughly 450 students will be admitted
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: July 7 – 25 | July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students | Aged 16 or older for the residential option.
In Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE program, you’ll take one college-level, project-based engineering course taught by Columbia faculty from options such as Robotics, Mathematics, Sustainable Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Product Design, Solar Energy, AI & Machine Learning, Data Science, Chemical Engineering, Operations Research, and Cybersecurity. Alongside your main course, you’ll pick one elective, a skill-building seminar led by Columbia undergrads and staff, where you’ll work on group projects. You’ll also gain access to the Makerspace, which features tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters, and some classes utilize it for prototyping. The program includes workshops on public speaking and online presentation skills. The program doesn’t offer college credit.
5. Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: The program costs $2,500 ($1,300 tuition + $1,100 housing) plus a non-refundable $100 application fee. Limited need-based financial aid is available. Full cost details, including optional fees, are available here | None
Acceptance Rate: About 50% of applicants are accepted into the program
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4 | Session 2: July 6 – July 18 | Session 3: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors | International students can also apply
The Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) program offers high school students two-week courses focused on one topic in math or science. You can choose from subjects such as Math, Astronomy, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Psychology, and even Art and Music. Courses delve into topics such as Graph Theory, Forensic Physics, Brain and Behavior, Number Theory, the Gale-Shapley algorithm, Calculus, and Introduction to Quantum Computing. You’ll learn through lectures, labs, field trips, and hands-on activities. Evenings include group dinners and optional social, academic, or recreational events, like sports or cultural activities. You can take optional trips with counselors to places like Cedar Point and the U-M Botanical Garden.
6. Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP)
Location: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 (commuter tuition) + $60 nonrefundable application fee | None
Acceptance Rate: Student acceptance depends on faculty availability
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders | At least 15 years old | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Have taken at least one year of a lab-based science or research course in high school
Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP) gives high school students the chance to do STEM research with faculty mentors in math and science. You’ll be matched with a mentor based on your interests and mentor availability for a research project. The project might involve data analysis, lab work, and discussions about real-world applications. The program starts with a one-hour orientation and lab safety training. You’ll also attend a weekly seminar and lunch every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. In early fall, you’ll present your research in a poster session on campus. There’s also a chance to submit your work to local and national science competitions.
7. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at CMU
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None | Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Dates: Virtual Jumpstart: June 16 and 17 | In-person (Residential): June 21 – August 2 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | At least 16 years old
Carnegie Mellon’s six-week pre-college program gives high school students hands-on STEM research experience. Before arriving on campus, you’ll complete virtual training to build key research skills. Once on campus, you’ll take courses with CMU faculty, join seminars and lab sessions, and share your work at an August symposium. You’ll attend Quantitative and Computational Skill seminars in math and science and work on a STEM research project with guidance from faculty or grad student mentors. Workshops led by alumni, professionals, and university staff cover topics such as research, college admissions, careers, and financial aid. The program also includes Student to Scholar, a credit-bearing course to help with the college transition.
8. NYU GSTEM
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $5,500 tuition + $50 application fee and an optional $3,840 for housing and meals; need-based scholarship available | None
Cohort Size: 40 students
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors with strong grades and interest in STEM
NYU GSTEM is a six-week summer program for high school students that pairs you with a STEM professor or researcher to work on a project in Biology, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, or Physics. The first week involves orientation, featuring guest talks, social events, and workshops on public speaking and writing. You’ll work with your mentor on research projects like plasma confinement equilibria, nonlinear dynamics, or how certain chemicals impact proteins for the next five weeks. You’ll go on weekly field trips to places like the Museum of Math, Google, the Met, or the Federal Reserve and also get to interact with women in STEM.
9. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance Rate: Around 3%
Dates: The program runs for six weeks, from late June to early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In the MITES Summer program, you’ll be placed in one course each in math, life sciences, physics, and humanities, plus a project-based elective, based on a placement test during orientation. Electives focus on real-world STEM topics like architecture, genomics, and machine learning. You’ll take part in group discussions, get one-on-one mentoring from STEM professionals, tour MIT labs, and visit companies where MIT grads work. The program also includes STEM seminars and support with college admissions. At the end, you’ll get a detailed report from your instructors with feedback on your strengths, areas to improve, and overall contributions. You’ll build skills in academics, critical thinking, research, and more.
10. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: None, but on-campus housing and meals cost $2,360.25, plus $500 for extra food | Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 or older by the program’s start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you can choose up to three preferred research areas or mentors, including options such as mathematics, biomedical informatics, computer science, astronomy, pharmacology, civil and mechanical engineering, neurobiology, and more. You’ll join a research group, work with a faculty mentor, and get hands-on experience with experiment design, lab techniques, and research methods. Projects may involve tasks such as lab-based research, building algorithms for high-performance computing and machine learning, bioinformatics, or building statistical models to predict health outcomes. The program also includes lab tours, workshops, faculty lectures, and events. It wraps up with a research abstract and a final poster presentation at a symposium.
11. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None except for a $65 application fee | None
Cohort Size: 100 students
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the program’s academic requirements | High school seniors are not eligible
In this program, you’ll take college-level classes, work with MIT researchers, and dive into a research project. It includes access to MIT’s computing tools, seminars in STEM and the humanities, and training in scientific writing and presenting. You’ll also attend the evening lecture series by scientists, Nobel laureates, and entrepreneurs. After getting your research topic, you’ll study background materials, do guided lab work, and present your results in both a paper and a presentation. Five standout papers and presentations are selected for honors by a panel of experts. Past projects include Quandles and Hilbert Polynomials, the Quantization of Large Language Models, Counting Ideals in Numerical Semigroups, and Deployable Structure Design.
12. ASPIRE by the Johns Hopkins University
Location: Online or in person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
Dates: Summer session: June 24 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who will be 15 or older by June 1 | Minimum 2.8 GPA | Live in designated Maryland counties
The Johns Hopkins University’s ASPIRE program pairs you with a mentor from APL to work on real projects. Internships can be virtual or in-person; virtual interns work from home but are required to attend some in-person events, such as onboarding, IT setup, and equipment return. You’ll list two areas of interest, but the program assigns mentors and projects. Fields include data analysis, Environmental Science, STEM Communications, AI/ML, Mathematics, Programming, Aerospace, and Space Engineering. You can also choose up to three preferred project types, like lab work, public relations, research and development, or social impact. The program will help you build both technical and communication skills, along with teamwork and problem-solving.
13. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: $12,474 (Residential); $5,175 (Commuter); limited scholarships are available, with priority given to California residents | None
Acceptance Rate: 4–6%
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11 | Minimum GPA of 3.8 | Exceptional 9th graders may be considered
The program begins with a virtual orientation to meet mentors and learn about their work, followed by six weeks on campus, where you will spend 35–50 hours a week working on your project. You’ll be paired with a mentor, usually a professor or grad student, and choose a project in areas like math, biology, astronomy, stats, psychology, computer science, earth science, engineering, and biochemistry, among others. Topics vary each year based on available mentors but always focus on current research using university-level methods. You’ll attend GRIT talks with UCSB researchers and use campus resources for data collection and fieldwork. You’ll finish by writing a research paper, presenting at a symposium, and earning 8 college credits.
14. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University
Location: Remote | Hybrid | In-person at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: None, except $25 application fee, for which, waivers are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: For computer lab internships, students must be at least 15 years old by the program start date | For in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships, students must be at least 16 years old
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an 8-week research experience where you’ll work with George Mason University faculty researchers. You’ll build skills in science writing, communication, research tools, and problem-solving while getting a closer look at STEM careers. Research areas include Math, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Game Design, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Digital Innovation, Data Science, and more. Some projects may lead to publications or conference presentations. If you’re interested in math or science, you could explore topics such as scientific computing, mathematical modeling, protein design, biochemistry, biophysics, aquatic invertebrate ecology, or other related fields. You can view past projects from different departments here.
15. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Several lab locations across the country
Cost/Stipend: None | New participants: $4,000; returning participants: $4,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: <10% | 265 high school students participated last year
Dates: 8-week summer internship, with optional 2-week extension
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older | U.S. citizens | Have completed at least 9th grade, including graduating seniors, can apply | Be sure to check if your selected lab has any extra requirements or exceptions.
This program provides an opportunity to work on real-world research projects alongside Navy scientists and engineers at the Department of Navy laboratories over eight weeks. You can choose up to three labs from 38 labs across the country, and your project will be matched to your interests. If you’re interested in math and science, you can apply to labs that focus on those areas. For example, at the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) in Mississippi, you’ll explore ocean floors and space while learning what it’s like to work in STEM, or you’ll get a look at how aircraft maintenance and repair work in an industrial setting.
Image source – University of California, Santa Barbara