If you’re a high school student looking to explore academic interests, gain exposure to college life, and build practical skills over the summer, consider applying to a pre-college program. These programs offer a structured environment where you can take on challenging coursework, participate in hands-on activities, and connect with peers who share your interests—all without committing to a full semester.
In Alabama, colleges and universities such as Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and Tuskegee University host a variety of summer programs tailored to high school students. These opportunities provide access to university resources, faculty, and facilities while allowing local students to stay close to home. Whether you’re interested in STEM, the arts, business, or leadership, there are programs across the state designed to support your growth and academic development.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility: You must be 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) | No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research opportunity designed specifically for high school students. It provides individualized, one-on-one mentorship with Ph.D. researchers, allowing students to work independently on a research project over the course of 12 weeks. By the end of the program, you’ll have produced your own research paper. Students can choose from a wide variety of subjects to explore, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find further details about the application process here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session boot camp designed for students beginning their journey in AI, machine learning, and data science, providing a solid foundation along with opportunities to work on real-world projects. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers a chance to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a unique, personalized project. Participants also benefit from guidance by Veritas AI’s in-house publication team, which supports students in publishing their work in high school research journals. You can explore examples of previous projects here.
3. ITEST Alabama
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Stipend: Up to $1,500
Application Deadline: April 30
Dates: July 1 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th- 12th graders attending schools in Alabama’s Black Belt areas
The ITEST Alabama Summer Academy is designed for high school girls and minority students from Alabama’s Black Belt areas to explore computer science. You will attend lectures by faculty from Tuskegee University, covering topics such as software engineering, network security, and computer hardware. Weekly guest speakers introduce you to Black professionals in computing and education, offering career insights and college advice. You’ll also learn app development using MIT App Inventor while reviewing foundational coding concepts. In a group project, you’ll create an app to meet a local community’s need. The program focuses on hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving.
4. Auburn University Engineering Programs
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: Depends on the program you apply for
Application Deadline: Depends on the program you apply for
Dates: Depends on the program you apply for
Eligibility: 9th – Rising 12th graders; specifications vary depending on program
Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering provides several summer programs aimed at high school students, introducing them to engineering. Participants can explore areas such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering via practical activities and team challenges. Programs feature the Summer Expo, Senior Engineering Showcase, and Mini Introduction to Engineering (MITE), each providing a distinct view of engineering education and careers. The Paper & Bioresource Engineering Camp highlights opportunities in the growing pulp and paper industry. Faculty, staff, and current students guide you through activities and tours of state-of-the-art facilities.
5. Creative Writing Studio
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: $880
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June 16 – June 20
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders
The Creative Writing Studio at Auburn University is an intensive summer course for students who enjoy crafting stories, poems, and personal essays. You’ll explore fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction through daily workshops and craft classes designed to help you develop original work. Assignments include one short story, a piece of creative nonfiction or drama, and three poems, all compiled into a portfolio. Additionally, you’ll analyze published works to learn about their structure and visit the Southern Humanities Review to observe how a literary journal functions. The program concludes with a public reading of student work, inviting family and friends to attend.
6. AU Brain Camp
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: $705
Application Deadline: March 19
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising 11th – 12th graders
Auburn University Brain Camp offers high school students a chance to explore their own brain and learn about neuroscience. Open to rising juniors, seniors, and first-year college students, the camp is facilitated by Auburn faculty along with a high school psychology teacher. Students will learn about imaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor Imaging and produce detailed 3D models of brains. They also visit the Auburn MRI Research Center to get their own functional MRI scans. This camp combines cutting-edge technology with expert teaching. Students deepen their understanding of neuroscience through lectures and practical activities.
7. AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp by Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp by Stanford University is a virtual, two-week program that introduces high school students to machine learning in healthcare. You’ll engage with online modules, group discussions, and breakout activities to explore key concepts and principles of health-focused AI. The program covers evaluation metrics, challenges, and strategies for implementing AI in clinical settings. Social events and career lunch-and-learns facilitate connections with professionals from academia, industry, and government. The curriculum also emphasizes emerging areas such as foundation models and generative AI in healthcare.
8. UA Young Writers Camp
Location: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Cost: $236.50
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – June 13
Eligibility: Rising 6th-12th graders
The UA Young Writers Camp invites students to develop their creative voice through a combination of independent and group writing activities. Guided by experienced writers from the University of Alabama’s M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing, you’ll respond to a variety of creative prompts and share your work with peers. The program acquaints you with the modern literary scene while promoting collaboration and personal expression. Each day provides chances to develop your skills and try out new ideas. The camp ends with a public reading where students present their work.
9. Theater Summer Camp
Location: University of Mobile, Mobile, AL
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June 9 – June 13 | June 16 – June 20
Eligibility: Students ages 12-18 who have completed 6th-12th grades
The Alabama School of the Arts Summer Theater Camp gives high school performers a concentrated two-week experience to improve their skills. Participants engage in daily acting, singing, and dance sessions led by professional instructors. They collaborate with peers while preparing for a final showcase. Rehearsals are incorporated into weekday schedules so campers are stage-ready.
10. Engineering Innovation
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
Cost: $400
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Eligibility: 9th-10th graders
The UAH Engineering Innovation Summer Camp gives students a hands-on introduction to engineering. Throughout the week, participants collaborate with UAH faculty, staff, and students to explore how engineers use creativity and technology to solve problems. The program features classroom sessions, hands-on projects, and lab tours to provide a comprehensive overview of various engineering fields. Mentoring activities also help you connect with professionals and prepare for college. The camp includes a culminating design project where you apply what you’ve learned.
11. Business Explorations Day Camp
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
Cost: $400
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
The Business Explorations Day Camp at UAH is a week-long program designed for students interested in exploring careers in business and leadership. Every day, you’ll explore a different business domain — such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and supply chain — via hands-on activities and projects. UAH faculty, staff, and students guide you through hands-on lessons, guest speaker sessions, and engaging campus tours. Activities include challenges like a marketing pitch, an investment game, and a cybersecurity exercise. The week ends with a graduation ceremony.
12. Young Women in Business Camp
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
Cost: $150
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: July 17 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
UAH’s Young Women in Business Camp offers students a two-day introduction to leadership and business fundamentals. You will engage in activities designed to enhance your communication, personal branding, and leadership confidence. Mentors from faculty, staff, and students will guide you as you explore various business disciplines and career paths. Sessions feature stories and advice from successful female business leaders, offering inspiration and practical insights. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to experience campus life and connect with peers who share your interests.
13. Collat CampBIZ
Location: Collat School of Business, Birmingham, AL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Eligibility: Birmingham area high school students
UAB’s Collat CampBIZ is a free, week-long summer day camp that introduces Birmingham-area high school students to the world of business. Held at the Collat School of Business, the camp offers interactive workshops, team-building activities, and engaging presentations. You’ll connect with peers, build confidence, and explore business as a career through interactive activities such as improv icebreakers, scavenger hunts, and creative workshops. Lunch is provided every day, and each camper receives a commemorative gift. Applications are competitive and must include a writing sample submitted to the camp director.
14. Summer Science Institute
Location: University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
Cost: $200 – $250
Application Deadline: June 25
Dates: Depends on the session you apply for
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th Graders
UAB’s Summer Science Institute immerses students in authentic scientific research over three consecutive summers. SSI-I introduces molecular and cellular biology concepts through hands-on lab work, including DNA extraction, bacterial studies, and interactive drug discovery simulations. The program also features faculty-led seminars and discussions to broaden your scientific knowledge. SSI-II builds on these skills with advanced experiments in immunology and biotechnology, such as plasmid transformations and viral antigen testing. In your final summer, you’ll work independently as a research intern under UAB faculty supervision.
15. Alabama Governor’s School
Location: Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Cost: $1,000 + $25 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling nominations, typically opening in October
Dates: June 15 – June 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are residents of Alabama
Alabama’s Governor’s School is a summer program designed for students eager to expand their intellectual and creative horizons. You’ll select one morning seminar and one afternoon seminar from topics like arts, science, business, law, or global citizenship, taught by leading professionals. The program combines classroom lessons with field trips, student-led projects, and experiential activities. Evenings feature team-building games, a talent show, a dance, and relaxation time with peers. Guest speakers and practical seminars encourage critical thinking about real-world issues.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Samford University