If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, summer programs can help you build practical skills and deepen your understanding of specific fields. Whether you want to explore environmental science, biomedical research, engineering, or computer science, these programs offer structured learning and hands-on work. You’ll get the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects and develop technical expertise.
Many of these programs focus on advanced skill development like data analysis, lab techniques, coding, and experimental design. You’ll often work with experienced mentors, gaining insights into industry practices and research methodologies.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together this list of the 15 best STEM summer programs for high school students!
15 Best STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Cost: $5950. Financial aid available.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! 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 areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You’ll get to choose between quantitative or qualitative research, making it a unique experience.
After selecting your subject track, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will guide you through your research. By the end, you’ll produce a 20-page, university-level research paper, and you can even submit it for publication in prestigious journals. You’ll also receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback to help you in future projects and college applications.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. Apply here!
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) | $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I priority application deadline is March 9!
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project.
At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
3. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer
Cost: Free (Stipend available up to $1,000)
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Application Date: February 1
Program Dates: June- August
Eligibility: All high school students in their junior year
The MITES Summer Program offers an intensive introduction to STEM with a focus on mathematics, science, and engineering. You’ll take advanced courses in life sciences, physics, humanities, and a project-based elective. The program emphasizes hands-on projects and lab work, designed to challenge you and mirror the academic environment at MIT.
Held on the MIT campus, the program gives you access to state-of-the-art labs and opportunities to engage with faculty, researchers, and other motivated students. You’ll also get mentorship and support through the college application process. The program is highly selective, with an estimated acceptance rate of 3-10%, and focuses on underrepresented students with strong academic potential.
4. The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Cost: Free. Stipend: $500+ ($1,500+ for underrepresented groups)
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Application Date: February 22
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a strong academic background, particularly in science.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week biomedical research program where you work alongside Stanford faculty and researchers. You’ll explore fields like immunology, stem cell biology, neurobiology, and cancer biology while building practical skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. The program also includes lectures and seminars to deepen your understanding of biomedical science.
Throughout the program, you’ll take part in safety training, lab work, and a final poster session where you present your research findings. This combination of hands-on experience and academic learning gives you insight into real-world medical and scientific research.
5. The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cost: Free (up to $2,000 stipend available)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Application Date: January 15
Program Dates: June 25 to August 5 (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors with exceptional academic performance in STEM fields.
The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week research program designed for high school students excelling in STEM. You’ll take part in lectures from leading scientists, hands-on lab work, and an independent research project. The program helps you build critical skills like data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific communication, leading up to a final research paper and presentation.
RSI is highly selective, admitting only 80 students each year, creating a challenging and collaborative environment. Many RSI alumni go on to attend top-tier universities and pursue advanced research careers. You can find previous reports from students here!
6. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Cost: Free. $1,000 stipend available
Location: NYU, New York City, NY
Application Date: Generally close in February
Program Dates: 30 May- 8 August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students from New York City, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The ARISE program at NYU gives high school students the opportunity to work in advanced research labs across fields like engineering, computer science, and applied sciences. You’ll work with faculty and graduate students on real-world research projects, applying scientific concepts while gaining hands-on experience.
In addition to lab work, the program offers workshops on research skills like data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. You’ll also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities, with mentorship to support your college application process.
7. The Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Date: March 15
Program Dates: July 1- August 5
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds with strong academic performance in STEM
The Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a pre-college STEM program designed to deepen your understanding of math, science, and engineering. The program starts with a virtual skill-building session, followed by a five-week, in-person experience on Carnegie Mellon’s campus.
As part of SAMS, you’ll work on real-world STEM projects, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and present your work at a final symposium. The program also includes an awards ceremony recognizing student achievements. Along the way, you’ll interact with Carnegie Mellon’s admissions, financial aid, and academic support teams, as well as current STEM majors.
8. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Application Date: February 13
Program Dates: June 18- August 3 (7 weeks)
Eligibility: Must be 17 years by the start of the program.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a six-week research program designed for high-achieving students interested in advanced STEM research. With only 12 students selected each year, it offers an intensive, one-on-one mentorship experience in fields like engineering and applied sciences. You’ll work closely with faculty on original research projects, gaining hands-on experience and deepening your understanding of scientific inquiry.
In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars, discussions, and field visits, giving you a broader perspective on research and its real-world applications. You’ll also present your findings, developing communication and analytical skills essential for future academic work.
9. National Youth Science Camp
Cost: Free
Location: Camp Pocahontas, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Application Date: February 28
Program Dates: July – August
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with a strong STEM background. Two delegates selected per state and Washington, D.C., plus international students from select countries.
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) offers a hands-on STEM research experience where you’ll learn to collect and analyze data using tools like MATLAB and R. Beyond lab work, you’ll practice field research through outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, applying scientific concepts in real-world settings.
A key feature of the program is its focus on science and policy, including a trip to Washington D.C. where you’ll explore how research informs government decisions. You’ll also develop your communication skills, learning to explain complex scientific ideas clearly and effectively.
10. The Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program
Cost: Free
Location: Rockefeller University, New York City, NY
Application Date: January 6
Program Dates: June 26- August 10
Eligibility: High school students with exceptional academic records and interest in biomedical research.
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) gives high school students a hands-on introduction to biomedical research. You’ll spend 35 hours a week at the RockEDU Laboratory, designing and conducting your own independent research project within a themed research track.
The program has two main parts: core sessions and research tracks. In core sessions, you’ll learn experimental techniques and research methods. In your research track, you’ll collaborate in small groups of 8–12 students, focusing on specific disciplines like Silkworm Biomaterials, Nanobody Binding Patterns, RNA Virus Discovery, and Bioinformatics.
11. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Early: February 17; General; March 29
Program Dates: Round 1: June 16–30 (U.S. Students Only), Round 2: July 19–21 (U.S. and International Students), Round 3: July 31–August 11 (U.S. and International Students)
Eligibility: Open to girls and non-binary students; U.S. applicants must be current freshmen, sophomores, or juniors, and international applicants must be 14–18 years old by June 16.
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program focuses on building core computer science skills through hands-on projects like web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll also explore game design and work with coding frameworks, gaining practical experience.
Throughout the program, you’ll connect with women professionals in tech who provide mentorship and industry insights, with classes sponsored by companies like MetLife, Bank of America, and Game Design. You’ll also join a community of girls and non-binary students passionate about coding, building both technical skills and industry connections.
12. ASPIRE BY JOHN HOPKINS
Cost: Free
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Application Date: February 15
Program Dates: June 27- August 18
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors living in the Washington-Baltimore Metro area with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 15 and must be U.S. citizens.
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins offers a supportive environment for students interested in STEM, with workshops, group problem-solving sessions, and mentorship from top faculty. You’ll work on hands-on projects in fields like aerospace engineering, applied physics, computer science, cybersecurity, and data analysis. The program allows you to choose one research area and offers flexible participation options: in person, hybrid, or virtual. It’s designed for students at different experience levels, with an acceptance rate between 15% and 20%.
13. The Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology
Cost: Free
Location: Rutgers University, New Jersey
Application Date: January 10
Program Dates: July 5- July 25
Eligibility: Open to New Jersey residents who will be high school juniors in the coming school year, with a strong interest in engineering
The Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET) is a free, intensive summer program at Rutgers University for high-achieving New Jersey high school students. At GSET, you’ll gain hands-on experience in engineering research and develop critical skills through collaborative, team-based projects.
You’ll work on real-world challenges like designing water purification systems or programming “Robot Soccer,” sharpening your problem-solving and innovation abilities. With no grades or official credit, the program emphasizes current research trends, entrepreneurship, and teamwork.
14. The Summer Science Program
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Location: University campuses (varies by year)
Application Date: February 21
Program Dates: June- July
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will be at least 15 years old
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a 39-day research-intensive experience where you’ll work in small teams to conduct original scientific research. You can choose from disciplines like astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, or synthetic chemistry, with programs hosted at top universities like Purdue and UNC Chapel Hill. Through hands-on projects, you’ll collect and analyze data, sharpen your research and problem-solving skills, and present your findings.
15. Code Day
Cost: Free
Location: In-person (varies by city) / Virtual
Application Date: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Events throughout the year
Eligibility: High school and college students, open to beginners and those from underserved communities.
CodeDay gives you hands-on coding experience as you collaborate on building games, apps, and websites during 24-hour events. You’ll develop skills in programming, teamwork, and project management, even if you’re a beginner.
Through CodeDay Labs, you can also work on open-source projects, gaining real-world experience in software development. Whether you join in person or virtually, CodeDay helps you strengthen your creativity, problem-solving, and technical abilities while connecting with a diverse community exploring careers in tech.
Image source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
