If you’re a high school student in Oregon looking for a summer program, you’re in luck! This blog covers 15 great summer programs in Oregon open to high school students in 2024-2025.
Summer programs for high schoolers in Oregon give you the chance to explore advanced skill sets in ways you wouldn’t typically encounter in the classroom. Whether it’s mastering a complex coding language, honing creative abilities in the arts, or delving into environmental science, these programs offer hands-on learning guided by professionals in the field. You will not only deepen your knowledge in a subject of your choice but also gain practical experience that can sharpen your abilities and spark a passion for a specific career path.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students based in Oregon!
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!
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
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.
The University of Oregon’s SAIL (Student Academy to Inspire Learning) program offers weeklong summer sessions for high school freshmen through seniors, covering a wide range of subjects such as physics, biology, business, economics, journalism, computer science, and more. Throughout the week, you’ll engage in faculty presentations, hands-on learning in classrooms and labs, and discussions about college and career readiness. The program also includes cultural immersion experiences, campus tours, and social activities like games and field trips. To understand how you can get high school credit while participating in the SAIL program, check here.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: The University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: The registration link is yet to be made available. Check for updates on the 2025 program here.
Program Dates: July 14–18, 2025.
Eligibility: To be eligible, you must be an Oregon resident currently enrolled in high school (entering 9th through 12th grade). You should also meet financial criteria, such as qualifying for programs like Free or Reduced Lunch, SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, ACA, or being eligible for a Pell Grant.
The Ted R. Lilley Cancer Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program is a paid, eight-week research internship that pairs you with a cancer researcher at OHSU. You will work full-time in a research lab, collaborating with scientists conducting cancer-specific research. Through laboratory work and collaboration with professionals, you’ll develop valuable skills and enhance your understanding of medical and research-focused topics. For more details, check out the flier for the 2024 program.
Subject Areas: Biology, Medicine
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $11 an hour for 40 hours a week will be provided.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 Program will open in the last week of October. Check for updates here.
Program Dates: June 23 — August 15, 2025.
Eligibility: To apply for this program, students must:
- Be Oregon high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (priority for students with 2 years remaining and those in Portland Metro public schools).
- Belong to a historically underrepresented or socially/economically disadvantaged group.
- Be 16 or older by June with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Complete at least one lab science course, preferably biology, with an interest in research
The PSI Program is a 16-week research internship, aimed at introducing high school students in Oregon and the Portland metro area to biomedical research, with a focus on supporting underrepresented minorities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The virtual didactic course runs from January to May and includes lectures from diverse researchers where students will learn to critically read research articles, prepare oral presentations, write research proposals, and explore various research methodologies.
Following the didactics, students will participate in an in-person summer internship, working alongside experienced mentors in a laboratory setting. In the middle of August, the PSI Program will host an annual conference at the end of the summer internship series, where you can showcase your research through lightning talks and poster presentations.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Sciences
Location: In person at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR + Virtual component.
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024
Program Dates:
- January 15, 2025 - May 28, 2025: Didactics course (Wednesdays, 6–8 PM PT, virtually)
- June - August 2025: Internship at OHSU (minimum of 250 hours)
- Mid-August 2025: Poster symposium
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students must be 16 years old by June 1st to participate in the optional summer research component. No requirement for a specific number of completed science courses.
OSU’s STEM Academy offers a variety of programs that allow you to explore fields like toxicology, food science, cybersecurity, and microbiology. You’ll engage in interactive lessons, conduct lab experiments, and tackle team-based challenges, all focused on enhancing your problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. With guidance from expert instructors and industry professionals, the programs provide a supportive environment where you can ask questions, receive mentorship, and develop practical skills relevant to your field of interest.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: Different camps have different fees, some are free. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application deadline: Currently closed for 2024. A list of 2025 camps will be posted after January 1st. Expect registrations to begin by February 2025.
Program dates: Each subject-specific program has different dates, all between June and July.
Eligibility: Students in high school are eligible to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive 12-week research initiative designed specifically for high school students. You will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through the process of conducting an independent research project. By the end of the program, you will have created an independent research paper on a topic of your choice, with options available in fields. Research topics can be conducted across subjects like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations, among others!
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: Remote
Cost: $2990 for the 12-week program.
Application Deadline: Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15. Apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts across the year. The summer cohort runs from June to August.
Eligibility: To apply, you
- Must be currently enrolled in high school.
- Must demonstrate strong academic achievement with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher.
- Need no prior experience in your field of interest!
The Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) program is an eight-week Oregon-based summer internship that offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields. This initiative pairs you with professional mentors who guide you through their work, ensuring that you contribute to meaningful projects while learning from their expertise. You will engage in real-world tasks, conduct experiments, and develop skills in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Multiple internship locations across Portland-Metro, Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene areas. Your location depends on the position selected.
Cost: No cost other than a non-refundable application fee. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Expect 2025 dates to be between June to August.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors based in Oregon are eligible to apply.
George Fox’s Pre-College Summer Programs are designed for students interested in pursuing careers in fields like medicine, engineering, and academia. These weeklong programs provide the opportunity to learn from faculty and current students at this private university in Oregon. Program offerings include the Nursing Institute, Liberation Scholars, Theatre Workshop and Showcase, Exploring Biotechnology, Engineering: Design and Making, and Anatomy for Pre-Health Professions. Participants in the Pre-College Summer Program are guaranteed a $1,000 scholarship for undergraduate enrollment at George Fox University.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: George Fox University, Newberg, OR
Cost: $1700, covering tuition, room and board, meals, and evening programming.
Application Deadline: Registrations are set to open in the fall of 2024. Check here for updates.
Program Dates: June 22–27, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th grade (rising sophomore) through students who graduated 12th grade (seniors) can attend.
OSU’s Summer Veterinary Experience provides a valuable opportunity for students interested in veterinary science. This program combines classroom lectures, laboratory work, and field experiences to give you a comprehensive understanding of the field. You will explore topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, disease diagnosis, and surgical techniques. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical activities, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
Subject Areas: Veterinary Science
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $850. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Currently closed for 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: July 28 — August 2, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, students must:
- Be a sophomore or junior in high school (entering junior or senior year in the fall) and be 16 years old or older at the time of the program.
- Have completed science courses with satisfactory grades.
- Show an interest in exploring veterinary medicine or a related health career.
10. Veritas AI — AI Fellowship
Veritas AI offers a specialized platform for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. Central to Veritas AI’s offerings is the AI Fellowship, a 12–15-week program focused on independent AI research projects. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing you to integrate AI with various fields of interest. Students have previously researched AI applications in areas such as medicine, finance, environmental science, and education. Look up past projects conducted by students here.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science
Location: Remote!
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis.
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit prior experience with AI concepts or Python.
The Fir Acres Writing Workshop at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, is a two-week program aimed at students interested in creative writing. Now in its 37th year in 2025, the workshop offers an intensive experience to help you develop your literary skills. The program includes personalized feedback and peer critiques to help you refine your writing. You will work with experienced faculty and guest writers through writing exercises, workshops, and seminars focused on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. It concludes with a public reading where you can present your work to an audience.
Subject Areas: Writing
Location: Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
Cost: $3,800
Application Deadline: January 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 22 — July 5, 2025
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders can apply.
JumpstART at Oregon State University is a summer program designed for students interested in the arts. This immersive experience covers visual art, fine art, and digital media, allowing you to participate in workshops and collaborate with experienced faculty. The program promotes a student-centered approach to learning, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression through interactive classes, studio sessions, and projects.
Subject Areas: Visual Art, Fine Art, Digital Media
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $550: non-residential | $1,100: residential
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 can apply.
The ACADEMY, now in its fourth decade, offers a week-long summer camp at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, for academically gifted and highly motivated high school students. The program features various classes, cultural events, and recreational activities, providing an opportunity for intellectually curious students to connect with peers and nurture their passion for learning. While this camp is meant for middle school students, high school students can serve as junior counselors, where they take on leadership roles and broaden their responsibilities by mentoring younger campers and organizing activities.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: South Oregon University, Ashland, OR
Cost: $950 (weekly camper), $675 (junior counselor). Note: These are 2024 costs, and may change for 2025.
Application Deadline: Dates for Summer 2025 ACADEMY will be released in Fall 2024, with camp applications opening in the Spring. Stay updated here.
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Typically one week somewhere between June and July.
Eligibility: Students who have completed 5th to 8th grade can apply as weekly campers. Students who have completed 10th and 12th grade can apply as Junior Counselors. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher to apply.
The Pre-College Foundation Intensive at Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University, offers you the chance to explore various art disciplines and establish a strong foundation for your creative journey. Throughout the program, you will engage with subjects such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and design, guided by experienced faculty and professional artists. The rigorous curriculum combines practical studio work, conceptual development, and critical thinking to enhance your artistic skills and encourage your individual creativity.
Subject Areas: Art, Design, Creative Writing
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University, Salem, OR
Cost: Currently unspecified for 2025. To find out more, contact pnca-community-education-info@willamette.edu or stay updated here.
Application deadline: Registrations for 2025 open in winter 2024.
Program dates: TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 can apply.
The Music Technology and Production Camp at Oregon State University provides you with an opportunity to dive into the world of music technology and production, welcoming rising freshmen as well. You will explore various facets of music creation, including recording and production techniques. Under the guidance of experienced instructors and industry professionals, you will learn about audio recording, mixing, editing, and utilizing music production software. You will work with cutting-edge equipment and facilities, including recording studios and music production labs!
Subject Areas: Music Production
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $450 for the day | $1000 for the workshop + Residential option (housing and dining included). Note that there are 2024 rates and could change in 2025.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: Typically 1 week between June and July. 2024 had a beginner session and an advanced session that took place in separate weeks over the summer. TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13–18 can apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.