If you're a high school student in Nevada looking to deepen your understanding of a particular field, signing up for a summer program can be beneficial. Many universities, research institutes, and organizations offer specialized summer programs that let you work alongside professionals and mentors while developing your projects or presentations. These programs offer you a chance to gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies and resources, all while expanding your network in the industry.
Engaging in summer programs offers a chance to develop skills outside the standard curriculum and apply them in real-world contexts. From data science and engineering to psychology and research projects, you can find a program that resonates with your interests.
If you're keen on developing skills and exploring your passion, check out our list of the 15 top summer programs for high school students in Nevada.
15 Programs for High School Students in Nevada in 2024-2025
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available.
Program Dates:
- Summer Seminar: June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
- Fall Seminar: October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
- Flexible lab dates (apply at least 4 weeks in advance)
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67/4.0 or higher, preferably 10th or 11th graders
Subject Areas: Data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort; September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
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. You will be matched with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout the research journey. By the end of the program, students will produce a 20-page, university-level research paper that can be submitted to prestigious journals for publication. This program also provides detailed project feedback and a letter of recommendation to support future research or college applications.
Cost: $2290 - $5400; financial aid available.
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts.
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in AI and programming
Subject Areas: Artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions with Winter deadline approaching on October 20, 2024
High school students looking to advance their understanding of artificial intelligence can turn to Veritas AI, an initiative founded by Harvard alumni, which offers two focused programs.
The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning, guiding students through AI concepts and applications via a structured curriculum that emphasizes hands-on projects. For those looking for a more tailored experience, the AI Fellowship pairs students with Ph.D. mentors to lead them through individual research projects, exploring AI's impact across fields like finance, healthcare, and gaming. During the AI Fellowship, you will have the opportunity to work on industry-relevant projects, such as developing AI-driven medical diagnostics, innovative educational technologies, or advanced gaming algorithms. You can use tools like TensorFlow and Python to build AI models, gaining valuable skills in programming and data analysis, with the potential to publish or present your research findings.
Cost: $2,800 - $5,400. Financial aid available
Program Dates: Summer and fall cohorts are available
Eligibility: 10th-12th grade students with a strong interest in research and a minimum GPA of 3.3.
Subject Areas: Biology, chemistry, economics, psychology, political science
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: Varies per cohort. The upcoming deadline is on November 24th for the winter cohort.
Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors on independent research projects.
You will receive expert guidance to produce a university-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches to enhance your writing skills. The program covers a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. It concludes in a research symposium where you can present your findings, with the potential for your work to be published.
Subject Areas: Technology, medicine, engineering, healthcare, AI, business, marketing, sustainability, environmental science, machine learning, journalism, computer science, media, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490; Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; the winter cohort deadline is November 24, 2024.
Dates: Programs run 8–16 weeks, with multiple cohorts year-round, including spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work 5–15 hours per week for 8–16 weeks.
Founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program linking high school students to internships in various fields, including AI, engineering, sustainability, healthcare, and media, at startups and nonprofits worldwide. The program accepts about 1,200 interns from more than 6,200 applicants annually.
Interns engage in hands-on projects, concluding with a presentation of their work. The experience is enriched with training in key skills and group discussions. Each intern is also supported by a site manager and Ladder coach for mentorship. Internship opportunities are accessible by completing the online application form.
Subject Areas: Business, market research, and developing a revenue-generating startup.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops.
Cost: $2,900 (3 weeks). Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming winter cohort’s deadlines are as follows:
- Early deadline: October 20, 2024
- Regular deadline: November 24, 2024
Dates:
- Individual Program: 12 weeks with flexible start dates.
- Group Program: December 21, 2024–January 5, 2025 (3 weeks)
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is an intensive boot camp for high school students run by Harvard entrepreneurs. This program helps you develop a revenue-generating startup that tackles real-world problems. You'll receive mentorship from professionals at top companies like Google and Microsoft, gaining hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem. The curriculum includes interactive classes covering business fundamentals, ideation workshops, skill-building sessions, and case studies.
The program consists of three phases:
- Foundational business education and ideation.
- Conducting market and user research to create a prototype.
- Launching the startup, gaining traction, and generating revenue.
The experience wraps up with a demo day where you present to potential investors. Find the application here!
Cost: $4,500 per course
Program Dates: Two sessions divided between June 17 - July 19, 2025
Eligibility: 9th-12th grade students passionate about STEM fields with strong academic backgrounds.
Subject Areas: Computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29, 2025
Stanford's Pre-Collegiate Studies offers over 60 online summer courses designed for interactive and in-depth exploration of a wide array of subjects, including computer science, mathematics, and engineering. These ungraded courses focus on immersive learning, encouraging you to engage deeply with advanced STEM concepts. The program emphasizes hands-on projects in areas like cryptography and genetics, allowing you to work with scientific software and apply problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios.
Cost: $500 per module
Program Dates: July 1 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors interested in STEM fields
Subject Areas: Robotics, software engineering, civil engineering
Location: UNLV campus
Application Deadline: June 15, 2024
The UNLV Summer STEM Camp on Climate Change and the Environment provides high school students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about critical environmental issues. Running from July 1 to July 29, 2024, the camp offers morning and afternoon sessions where students can choose modules like Robotics, Cybersecurity, or Semiconductor Manufacturing in the morning, and Advanced Robotics, Python Programming, or Game Design with Unity in the afternoon. You will gain practical skills by working on projects such as Arduino-based robotics, motion capture technology, and coding in Python, all guided by expert instructors. The program focuses on building computational thinking, programming, and engineering skills in a collaborative and engaging environment.
Cost: $795 per term
Program Dates: July 7-19, 2024
Eligibility: 10th-12th grade students with high academic performance
Subject Areas: Academic Writing: Composing the College Essay, Applied Econometrics, Ocean Sustainability, Population Genomics
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024.
Duke Pre-College Online Program offers students the chance to experience Duke's academic environment from the comfort of their homes. Designed for rising 9th-11th graders, the program features a mix of live and self-paced sessions, with interactive group activities. You can choose from subjects such as Academic Writing, Applied Econometrics, Ocean Sustainability, and Population Genomics.
Enrollment consists of a two-step process: first, you need to apply to the program, and then you can enroll in your chosen courses upon acceptance.
9. FIRST Nevada
Cost: Upto $6000; Scholarship available.
Program Dates: Information available on inquiry.
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders interested in robotics.
Subject Areas: Robotics design, programming, teamwork, and competition opportunities.
Location: Statewide in Nevada.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.
FIRST Nevada offers students a hands-on learning experience focused on robotics and engineering challenges. You will work in teams to build, program, and compete with robots in various challenges, developing essential skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and technical design. The program caters to different age groups, using LEGO® elements and motorized parts for younger students while high schoolers engage with advanced robotics kits.
With rolling admissions and scholarships available, you can explore a wide range of subjects, including robotics design and programming.
Each program follows an annual theme, encouraging creativity and innovation in developing solutions to real-world problems.
- Cost: $4,050–$7,900 + $75 application fee
- Program Dates: July - August 2025
- Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with strong academic backgrounds and US citizenship.
- Subject Areas: Economics, neuroscience, computer science, law
- Location: Virtual
- Application Deadline: March 25, 2025
Harvard's Secondary School Program offers high school students a chance to engage in college-level courses while honing their academic and research skills. With a focus on individual growth, you can explore subjects such as economics and neuroscience. Starting in December 2024, students can choose from a variety of for-credit courses designed to help them explore career pathways and gain insights into college studies. The program requires a minimum of 4 credit hours, with an option to take up to 8. Alongside coursework, you have access to virtual activities, academic support, and some of Harvard's online resources.
11. MITES Semester
Cost: Free (application required)
Program Dates: June to December 2024
Eligibility: Rising seniors with a strong background in math and science with U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
Subject Areas: Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, Astrophysics, Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, Science Writing, and Communication.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Apply online during the fall semester of junior year in high school.
MITES Semester provides an immersive online experience in STEM subjects, allowing students to expand their knowledge throughout the semester. The program goes beyond academics by offering personalized college application guidance, including essay reviews, mock interviews, and school selection advice. You will also have opportunities to connect with admissions counselors at a college fair and attend an in-person conference at MIT. This national program supports participants with a comprehensive approach to college and career preparation—all at no cost.
This course allows students to apply their math and science knowledge to engineering projects, emphasizing critical problem-solving and teamwork skills in a laboratory setting.
Cost:
- Common Application Fee: $50
- EEI: Tuition fees: $3,575 + Lab Kit Fee: $247.12
- BMEI: Tuition fees: $3,575 + Lab Kit Fee: $296.20
Program Dates: June - August 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applicants should have As and Bs in math and science classes, have completed Algebra II, a course covering trigonometric functions, and a year of high school chemistry and/or physics with a lab component.
Subject Areas: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 17, 2024
The Johns Hopkins Online Program offers a blend of independent study and hands-on learning in Engineering Innovation (EEI) and Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI). You will use lab kits to conduct experiments from home and participate in real-time study sessions to interact with peers and instructors. The program also provides continuous support through discussions on Microsoft Teams. You can explore engineering fundamentals through virtual labs, simulations, and projects in areas like circuit design and chemical reactions.
Cost: $3,094 to $5,998, depending on course length
Program Dates: July 17 to July 26, 2024
Eligibility: High school students globally
Subject Areas: Biological and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Literature, Writing, Communications, Medical, Health Studies, Physical Sciences, and Math
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies based on course selected
Summer@Brown Online offers over 80 courses inspired by Brown’s Open Curriculum, designed to provide rigorous and engaging learning experiences. Courses are led by innovative instructors and can be taken at your own pace, primarily online, or in a blended format. The program combines academic challenges with personalized feedback, accessible from anywhere. Beyond coursework, students can participate in activities and workshops to enhance their learning. With a focus on growth and exploration rather than grades, Summer@Brown Online provides a supportive environment for motivated learners to engage with college-level academics.
Cost: $2,810 - $3,960
Program Dates: July 1 to August 9, 2024, based on sessions.
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
Subject Areas: Robotics, Environmental Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session
Columbia University’s Summer Online program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in challenging STEM courses like robotics, environmental science, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering. Led by Columbia faculty, the program includes hands-on projects and interactive lectures, providing participants with an authentic college-level learning experience.
Cost: Approximately $6,830 (contact the university for details)
Program Dates: Late June to mid-August; online courses may follow a different schedule than the standard High School Honors schedule
Eligibility: High school juniors with Honors and/or AP courses
Subject Areas: Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Computational Neurobiology, and more
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 23, 2024
High School Honors Online at Boston University allows rising juniors and seniors to enroll in up to two courses and earn college credit from their devices. You will be engaged in rigorous coursework led by BU's top instructors, exploring advanced topics while connecting with undergraduates and high school peers from around the globe. The program features online lectures, discussion boards, and flexible schedules tailored for motivated learners. Ideal for independent students with strong time management skills, this fast-paced academic experience requires adaptability, as online courses may have varying start dates, and all live classes will operate on Boston time (EDT).
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.