If you're a high school student in Michigan, you're in luck! The state offers a wide variety of summer programs in different fields. Whether you're into technology, art, or aiming for a future in medicine or science, Michigan has something for you.
In this blog, we’ll feature 15 summer programs, summer internships, and summer pre-college programs for high school students in Michigan to help you develop a solid skillset in a field of your choice!
This skillset can include analytical thinking, data analysis, and critical thinking skills, as well as proficiency in analysis software such as Python or JASP!
Note: Many of the programs are free and provide stipends as well.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods.
After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper, suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Virtual
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.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
2. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two key programs for high schoolers interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program emphasizes collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for individual research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll explore AI’s impact on fields like finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Past projects have covered AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program focuses on building technical skills and applying AI concepts to real-world problems.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Upcoming Summer dates can be found here.
Cost: $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1;1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship.
- Need-based financial aid is available.
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. September 8th for fall. December 1st for winter.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches.
You can choose subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication.
Subject Areas: STEM, social sciences
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
The Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics - Center for the Evolution of the Elements, a network of 24 institutes, offers PAN, a week-long program. You will attend lectures and engage in hands-on work to study atomic nuclei and their links to astrophysics and cosmology. The program's highlight is conducting nuclear physics experiments in a leading rare-isotope lab.
Subject Areas: Physics
Location: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University
Program Dates: July
Cost: Free
Eligibility: All high school students who are US residents
Application Deadline: NA
If you're pursuing a business career, this pre-college program offers a chance to learn business fundamentals and explore career options. As one of 60 participants, you'll attend college-level courses, network with industry professionals, and engage in action-based learning to understand company operations. Over the past, participants developed and presented solutions to real-world corporate challenges.
Subject Areas: Business
Location: University of Michigan
Program Dates: June
Cost: $5000
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who have a minimum GPA of 3.0, African-American, Latine, and Native American students are encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: Applications will open in November, 2024.
Women in Engineering, part of MTU’s Pathway Programs, provides an overview of engineering and science career options. You will explore areas like mechanical, computer, environmental, electrical, chemical, and biological engineering. Along with seminars, you'll work on research projects, network with industry professionals, and participate in team competitions.
Subject Areas: Engineering
Location: Michigan Technological University
Program Dates: July - August. Exact dates TBA
Cost: $325
Eligibility: Students from grades 9 – 11
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
EFL combines economics and leadership development to strengthen decision-making skills. You'll learn to apply economic concepts and analysis to public policy decisions. Hosted by the Foundation for Teaching Economics, a subsidiary of The Fund for American Studies, the residential program accepts only one student per high school. Early application is advised to boost your chances of acceptance.
Subject Areas: Economics
Location: University of Michigan
Program Dates: July - August. Exact dates TBA
Cost: $2100
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors, with 25-40 students accepted at each site
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Organized by the Interlochen Center for the Arts, this camp is renowned for its top-tier arts education. You can choose from creative writing, film and new media, dance, visual arts, music, and theatre. An audition or portfolio is required for the application. Throughout the program, you'll enhance your artistic skills and explore your chosen art form.
Subject Areas: Arts
Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts
Program Dates: You can choose from different sessions. All the dates are between June to August.
Cost: $1,950 for a one-week session, $6,985 for a three-week session, $10,180 for a six-week session
Eligibility: Any high school student
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
The HSHSP is a research-focused program designed for those seeking hands-on research experience with expert mentorship. You'll contribute to a mentor's larger project by working on your own individual research, culminating in a presentation of your findings. The program emphasizes the research process and offers access to resources not typically available to students.
Subject Areas: Arts
Location: Michigan State University
Program Dates: June to August. Exact dates NA
Cost: $4,000
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
ArcStart is a residential pre-college program that introduces you to architecture with an emphasis on design. You'll work in a college studio, attend skill workshops, use professional drawing and design tools, and visit architectural firms. The projects you create will contribute to your personal portfolio, aiding your college applications.
Subject Areas: Architecture and design
Location: University of Michigan
Program Dates: Starts in June.
Cost: $3,600
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
This six-week research internship offers students the chance to work with a life sciences team and engage in hands-on research. You'll have full access to the university's advanced labs and equipment. With only six students per cohort, admission is highly competitive.
Subject Areas: Research
Location: University of Michigan
Program Dates: July. Exact dates TBA
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Eligibility: Preference is given to rising seniors who are at least 16 years old, especially those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Application Deadline: NA
This unique program allows students to explore various careers in agriculture sciences and natural resources, including environmental science, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, and education. You'll gain practical experience through demonstrations, tours, and hands-on activities. MSU also offers a related four-week research mentorship called the Multicultural Apprenticeship Program.
Subject Areas: Agriculture sciences
Location: Michigan State University
Program Dates: July. Exact dates for 2025 TBA
Cost: Free.
Eligibility: Students from the 9th to 11th grades
Application Deadline: Applications typically closes in April.
In this engineering program, you'll be placed in a lab and conduct research under the supervision of university faculty. Past topics included "Autonomous Drone as an Educational Tool" and "Optical Components and Materials." Over six weeks, you'll divide your time between lab work and experiencing college life.
Subject Areas: Research
Location: University of Michigan
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Stipend of $2,800
Eligibility: Students who are Michigan residents and currently in the 11th grade
Application Deadline: TBA
The Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is a four-week summer program for high school students. You will explore agriculture, food sciences, and natural resources while experiencing college life.
Paired with a CANR faculty mentor, you’ll work on a research project in areas such as food science, agricultural engineering, forestry, animal sciences, or environmental management. The program also includes field trips and leadership seminars to develop academic and professional skills.
Subject Areas: Agricultural Research
Location: Michigan State University
Program Dates: July 6 - August 1, 2025
Cost: Free, Interns are paid a weekly stipend.
Eligibility: Must be high school students currently in 10th and 11th grades with a strong interest and aptitude in math, science, and other academic areas.
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Michigan-Flint offers the Summer Entrepreneurship Institute (SEI) for high school students interested in business and entrepreneurship. The program provides a thorough introduction to the entrepreneurial process, from idea creation to business plan development.
In SEI, you'll participate in hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, and group projects. You'll work with experienced faculty and entrepreneurs to gain practical skills and insights needed for starting and managing a business.
Subject Areas: Agricultural Research
Location: University of Michigan–Flint campus, MI
Program Dates: June 17 – 19, 2025
Cost: $50, need-based scholarships and scholarships for students with family ties to UM-Flint are available
Eligibility: High school students who will be juniors or seniors in Fall 2025 are eligible
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.