If you are a high school student in Kansas looking for a productive way to spend your school break, consider enrolling in a summer program.
Kansas is home to many universities and organizations offering hands-on learning opportunities to high schoolers through enrichment programs, internships, research experiences, and more. Participating in such programs can help you explore one or more areas of interest in detail before you commit to a college degree. Additionally, hands-on work on a project is an important part of many programs, and the experience can be an opportunity to develop key skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and networking.
If this sounds like something you would want to explore, here we have listed 15 summer programs for high school students in Kansas:
Subject areas: Healthcare, health management, medicine, biomedical engineering, nutrition, nursing, and other related fields
Location: K-State College of Health and Human Sciences campus in Manhattan, KS
Cost: $350, which covers accommodation, staffing cost, and program activities
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors can apply.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: The week-long program is typically held in June or July.
The Health Professions Exploration Program is a week-long residential opportunity for high schoolers to explore careers in healthcare and various health-related fields. Here, you will be introduced to topics like nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, biomedical engineering, nutrition, food safety, hematology, financial health, sports medicine, public health, medical ethics, and others. You will also interact with health professionals, including university alumni pursuing a healthcare career. Through the experience, you will get some insight into human health and how professionals in the field work together. The program typically accepts up to 20 students.
Subject areas: STEM fields
Location: Newman University campus, Wichita, KS
Cost: $300 or $350, depending on when you apply. The cost covers meals, accommodation, and tuition.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close at the end of May.
Program dates: One-week session typically held in June
The Investigative Summer STEM Program (ISSP) is meant for students interested in STEM fields. As an ISSP participant, you will choose an interdisciplinary topic from either biology or chemistry and then, in a group, conduct research on the selected topic. In the process, you will perform a literature search, design and execute experiments, collect relevant data, analyze the results to draw conclusions, and present your research. You will also attend one-on-one sessions and small group discussions to understand how to conduct research on the chosen topics and explore real-world applications of STEM fields.
Your participation will earn you two hours of college credit! This experience can help you understand the scientific research process, develop teamwork and communication skills, and learn about career paths in STEM.
Subject areas: Architecture and design
Location: Benedictine College, Atchison, KS
Cost: $1,400 or $1,700, depending on when you apply. The price includes room and board.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors and recent high school graduates can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close at the end of June.
Program dates: The program typically runs for nearly two weeks in July.
This program focuses on classical architecture, allowing high school students and recent graduates to explore past structures and develop designs that align with future needs and aesthetics. The program offers an introduction to architectural theory and history. As this is a residential program, you will also get a sneak peek into college life while getting to work in a well-equipped studio.
Through interactions with the college faculty, alumni, and current students, you will develop skills like hand-drafting, composition, and field sketching and learn about proportion and precedent study. During the program, you will also build your portfolio by designing and rendering a structure, like a facade or aedicule.
Subject areas: Business
Location: Kansas State University’s College of Business, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $75, scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 can apply
Application deadline: TBA, but applications typically close in April.
Program dates: The four-day program typically runs in June.
Kansas State University’s College of Business offers high schoolers a chance to learn key business concepts over four days via its Summer Institute program. The program is structured as a four-day three-night camp, which will give you a first-hand look at life on a university campus.
During the program, you will engage in team activities, field trips, group discussions, and interactions with university faculty. You will also explore key business concepts like marketing, finance, and management. At the end of the program, you will work on a business-related challenge and pitch your entrepreneurial ideas.
Subject areas: Architecture, industrial design, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental design
Location: College of Architecture, Planning & Design, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $800, scholarships are available.
Eligibility: High school students can apply.
Application deadline: TBA for 2025, but applications are typically due at the end of May.
Program dates: The four-day program is typically held in June.
The Summer Design Experience is structured like a four-day workshop for high schoolers interested in architecture and design. In each faculty-led session, you will experience campus life, work in studio labs, explore design concepts, and work with design technology. Additionally, you will get to explore the fields of interior and landscape architecture, regional and community planning, and environmental design and develop an understanding of the creative design process.
Another part of the program is hands-on project work, which will be carried out in design labs. The program will end with a final project, where you will share your experience with the university faculty and peers. This experience can help you explore design fields in depth and hone your presentation and teamwork skills.
Subject areas: Aerospace engineering, bioengineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering
Location: University of Kansas (KU) School of Engineering, Lawrence, KS
Cost: $750, covers housing, meals, and extracurricular camp activities.
Eligibility: High school students can apply.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: The program consists of multiple week-long sessions, typically held in July.
University of Kansas’s School of Engineering Camp is a one-week session for high schoolers interested in engineering. While applying, you can choose from multiple engineering disciplines, including computer engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, bioengineering, and more. Each track will cover fundamentals and move on to unique topics in the field.
You will also work on a project alongside KU faculty and students in classrooms and labs. The program can help you explore an engineering subfield in detail and get some hands-on experience while working on the final project.
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary—art, science, culinary arts, engineering, computers, and more
Location: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS
Cost: Varies as per the course
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–12 can enrol in the program
Application deadline: None, but registration typically opens in February.
Program dates: Courses typically run from June to July. The length of each course varies.
The Summer Youth Enrichment Program offered by Johnson County Community College is structured like a summer camp for students interested in spending their school break engaging in activities they enjoy. You can choose from various extracurricular and cocurricular courses, from exploring 3D modeling for game development and animation basics to learning French or how to play the guitar! You can even choose a course called Medicine on the Street to learn how emergency medical services work.
This can be an opportunity to expand your skillset, engage in a hobby, and interact with like-minded peers. You can check the 2024 program flier to learn about the camp activities and courses.
Subject areas: Science and math fields, including chemistry, neuroscience, molecular biology, probability, and more.
Location: Online and in-person formats are available. The in-person session is conducted at Bethel College campus, North Newton, KS.
Cost: $50
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 can apply. Recent graduates may be accepted if there is space in the program.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in mid-April.
Program dates: The week-long program typically runs from June- July.
The Bethel College Summer Science Insititute (BCSSI) is a week-long research program for high schoolers. It accepts up to 40 students each year. If selected, you will be assigned two research areas, consisting of topics in science, based on your interests.
Laboratory sessions, field trips, discussions, and lectures are also key parts of the program, through which you will learn first-hand how to collect data, test hypotheses, use statistical software, write code, and present your research. You will also be expected to go through reading material to understand how laboratory and field study work. Through the experience, you will develop research and presentation skills and explore topics beyond the school curriculum.
Subject areas: Healthcare and medicine
Location: Multiple volunteer locations are available in Kansas and Missouri
Cost: None
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 can register for the program.
Application deadline: None, applications open each year in January
Program dates: Required time commitment can vary each year.
The High School Summer Volunteer Program is an opportunity to explore healthcare fields and work with patients and licensed professionals. This experience can help you explore the clinical and non-clinical parts of healthcare. It will also offer some insight into the day-to-day operations of an academic medical center.
You will be asked to shadow or assist professionals like nurses, doctors, technicians, and other hospital staff and get a sneak peek into their daily lives. The program can also help you learn more about medicine and healthcare before committing to college.
Subject areas: Aerospace science, applied physics, and computer science
Location: University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS
Cost: None
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Kansas can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Program dates: The two-week program is typically held in June.
AATEE is a free two-week program for rising high school seniors interested in computer science, aerospace, and related fields. You will attend applied physics classes and learn about concepts like computer programming (including Python and robot operating systems). You will also work with other participants on projects and learn basic programming of open-source autopilot systems, such as NVIDIA Racer RTX, ArduPilot, and Dronecode. This will give you some insight into how to guide an aircraft remotely.
Subject areas: Music
Location: Fort Hays State University (FHSU)Campus, Park Street Hays, KS
Cost: $580 for overnight campers and $370 for day campers
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students can apply.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: June 22–28, 2025
FHSU High Plains Music Camp is a week-long program for students to work alongside musicians, teachers, and conductors and perform. At the music camp, you will be part of an honor band, string orchestra, small ensembles (jazz band, clarinet choir, string ensemble, etc.), and solo performances.
The days are filled with rehearsals for these performances. You will also attend recitals and concerts, and a key part of the program is engaging in intensive study with musicians, making the experience worth considering if you are looking to hone your skills.
Subject areas: Public service, business, and civics
Location: The program operates in multiple locations in the country, including Sedgwick, Wyandotte, and Johnson in Kansas
Stipend: This is a paid internship, but the stipend amount has not been disclosed.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. You can check the detailed eligibility requirements here.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due in January.
Program dates: This is an eight-week summer internship, but dates vary for each location. The internship usually begins soon after the school year ends.
One of the Big Four banks in the country, Bank of America offers high school students a chance to work at a non-profit organization in their area through its Student Leaders Program. Through the experience, you will hone your social, civic, and business leadership skills.
Additionally, you will get to explore various aspects of running a non-profit organization, participate in community service initiatives, and take a closer look at social issues. The eight-week program includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. The program will cover the travel, food, and accommodation expenses. This internship could provide you with hands-on work experience and equip you with the skills to help your community.
Subject areas: Medicine and healthcare
Location: Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI) Kansas City, MO (Open to Kansas high school students)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $2,600 is offered.
Eligibility: Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in public or charter schools can apply. Applicants must be from backgrounds currently underrepresented in medicine and science. Preference is given to Kansas City (MO) and Kansas City (KS) students.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications will open on December 16, 2024
Program dates: June 16, 2025–July 24, 2025
Summer Training in Academic Research or STAR 2.0 is a paid research program for high school students. It involves six weeks of hands-on work on a research project under the guidance of Children’s Mercy Research Institute faculty.
This experience can give you an insight into medical research and help you learn about clinical and translational research methodology, research paper writing, statistical research data, medical ethics, and healthcare career development. Additionally, you get to interact with researchers and healthcare professionals. The program also offers a chance to get your research published in a peer-reviewed journal!
Subject areas: Aviation, business, finance, human resources, marketing, sales, communications, data analytics, engineering, IT
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Kansas.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. This is a paid internship, but the stipend can vary depending on the role.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications typically open in January.
Program dates: The program runs for six weeks in the summer. The exact dates can vary depending on the position.
Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron Aviation designs and delivers aircrafts. Its internship program runs in spring, summer, and fall, offering high schoolers a chance to explore careers in the aviation industry.
Along with aviation, engineering, and flight operations roles, you can choose non-technical areas to work in, like business management, marketing, and communications. You can check the company’s job search page in January to find suitable roles.
Subject areas: Biomedical sciences, medicine, and oncology
Location: University of Kansas Cancer Center, KS
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $2,580 is offered
Eligibility: High school students in Wyandotte County (Kansas) and Jackson County (Missouri) can apply.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: The program typically runs for six weeks in the summer.
The Accelerate Cancer Education (ACE) program is a six-week research program for students interested in biomedical research, especially in conducting oncology studies. During the program, you will be matched with a faculty mentor, who will help you with your research project. You may work in a laboratory, clinic, or an office.
This is an educational experience, so it will also offer you access to the on-site oncology curriculum. At the end of the program, you will present your research project in a poster session.
More Options:
Subject areas: Multiple fields. Applicants can choose from areas like theoretical mathematics, fluid dynamics and physics, neuroscience, behavioral economics, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: There is a registration fee. You can raise an interest form here and get more details.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.67 on a 4.0 scale can apply. Most accepted students are 10th or 11th graders. Only a couple of tracks have certain prerequisites, which can be found here.
Application deadline: The applications for the summer cohort are typically due on May 21.
Program dates: The summer seminar runs from June 24 to September 2, 2024. The lab dates are generally flexible, but you must apply at least four weeks in advance.
HARP is a trimester-long research program where you can choose from various subject areas, such as psychology, data science, cyber security, machine learning, philosophy, political theory, biology, behavioral economics, chemistry, neuroscience, and more.
It is among the select few programs for high schoolers that offer a choice between quantitative and qualitative research. You will be assigned a mentor—typically a professor or PhD scholar from a reputable university. Then, you will work on a project, which would be a 20-page university-level research paper that can be sent to journals for publication.
This is an opportunity to explore a specialized subject under the guidance of a scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and project feedback, which you can use for future projects and college applications. You can find more details regarding the program here!
Subject areas: You can choose from a variety of fields, including arts, economics, sociology, STEM fields, including computer science, aerospace engineering, environmental science, and more
Location: Online
Cost: The fee starts at $2,990.
Eligibility: High school students can apply to the program.
Application deadline: Four cohorts are scheduled in a year, each with different application deadlines. Summer cohort applications typically open in January and close in May.
Program dates:
- Individual Research Program runs for 12 weeks
- Premium Research & Publication Program runs for 16 to 20 weeks
- Research Fellowship runs for anywhere between 6 and 12 months.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is meant for high schoolers interested in humanities, social sciences, or STEM subjects. Lumiere was founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford who have first-hand knowledge of rigorous academic life.
The programs offer the chance to engage with cutting-edge research and conduct research on a subject area of your choice. It’s a fairly selective online program. Previously, over 4,000 students registered for just 500 spots. If selected, you will be assigned a Ph.D.-level mentor, who will work with you 1-on-1 on developing a university-level research paper. You can learn more about the program on the application form here.
Subject areas: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and programming
Location: Online
Cost: Starts at $2,290
Eligibility: Anyone can apply. For the AI Scholars program, no previous experience is required—you must only demonstrate a keen interest in AI. For the AI Fellowship program, you should either have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience in working with AI or Python.
Application deadline: Cohorts run all year. Applications for the summer cohort are due on April 14 every year. Find out more about the program here.
Program dates: Multiple sessions from July to September. The AI Scholars runs for 10 weeks, and the AI Fellowship program runs for about 12 to 15 weeks.
Veritas AI offers multiple programs, from close-group AI learning experiences to personalized project pathways with a 1-on-1 mentorship component. The programs have been developed and executed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. If applying to the AI Scholars program, you will get to work with Ph.D. students from top institutions.
Here, you will learn how to work with Python and explore key concepts in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science, such as neural networks, natural language processing, and regression. The AI Fellowship program also has a mentorship component to help you develop a unique project. In the past, students have worked on interdisciplinary projects that use concepts from medicine, sports, finance, AI, environmental science, mental health, and more. You can check out previous projects here.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.