If you're a high school student in Missouri confused about which summer program to attend, we've got you covered! From hands-on STEM camps and journalism workshops to art labs and sports management institutes, Missouri offers a variety of summer programs designed to help you develop skill sets and gain in-depth experience in fields that interest you. These programs offer practical learning opportunities, allowing you to work with professionals, participate in hands-on activities, and explore potential career paths.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Missouri.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: February 16, 2025, for the spring cohort, and May 18, 202,5 for the summer cohort.
Cost: $5959 (Labs course) | $5,950 (Seminars course)
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.
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! It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
2. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: Computer Science and AI, Data Science, Python and Programming, NLP & Language Processing, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week boot camp) | $5400 for AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase (12–15 weeks, 1-1 mentorship). Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 for the winter cohort
Program Dates: Rolling. Spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts are available.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
This program will teach you the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and how to apply it to the real world through a hands-on project. In this Veritas AI Fellowship program, you'll get the opportunity to collaborate with Ph.D. candidates from top institutions to develop and showcase your research projects, which will be published. These projects explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and various fields, such as finance, healthcare, education, and gaming. Examples of projects students have worked on can be found here. Throughout the program, you will develop advanced skills in coding (Python, TensorFlow), machine learning algorithms, and data analytics. The fellowship culminates in a publishable research project, providing practical experience and a foundation for future AI research or tech endeavors. You can apply here.
Subject Areas: STEM subject areas (Mathematics, Data Science, Biology, Engineering, Astrophysics, Medicine, Computer Science, Architecture, and more), Humanities and Social Science subject areas (Business, History, Law, Psychology, International Relations, and more).
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2990 (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. February 9, 2025, for the Spring cohort.
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort from March to June.
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: 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 a selective opportunity for high school students to engage in independent research. Founded by alumni of Harvard and Oxford, this program offers you a chance to work closely with Ph.D. mentors to explore your field of interest, from STEM fields, such as biotechnology, astrophysics, and data science to humanities like law, international relations, psychology, and more. You will develop skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and academic writing while learning to structure and present a comprehensive research paper. The program will guide you through the research process, including formulating research questions, conducting in-depth analysis, and presenting findings with clarity.
This program is designed for students eager to challenge themselves with advanced research while developing skills to support their academic and professional goals. You can find the application form here.
Subject Areas: Biology, Biomedicine, Science Communication, College Preparation, and more.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $4,000
Application Deadline: January 27, 2025
Program Dates: June 2, 2025 - July 25, 2025 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area are eligible to apply.
The Summer Focus program, part of Washington University’s Young Scientist Program (YSP), offers a paid research opportunity for high school seniors in the St. Louis area. Over eight weeks, you will work full-time in biological and biomedical research labs under the guidance of graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and lab staff. You will be paired with a mentor to develop a hypothesis-driven research project and a tutor for weekly academic support and career discussions. The program also includes courses in scientific writing and college readiness, concluding in a formal symposium attended by mentors, peers, and family, where you will present your research.
Past projects have dealt with the fields of genetics, cancer biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and more. This program offers you hands-on lab experience and the chance to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and professional development. With its combination of research, one-on-one mentorship, and college preparation, the program can equip you with a solid foundation for STEM studies and careers.
Subject Areas: A broad range of subjects that change every year (Music, Literature, ASL, History, Philosophy, Science, Programming, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Sociology, and more).
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Students have to be nominated by February 3, 2025.
Program Dates: June 8, 2025 - June 28, 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are Missouri high school sophomores can apply.
The Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program designed for 330 academically gifted high school juniors from across Missouri. This program aims to enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills while providing opportunities to explore various academic disciplines. The program includes three core components: Academic Majors, where students focus intensively on a chosen field like mathematics, science, social studies, or humanities; Academic Minors, allowing them to explore a secondary area of interest; and Cor classes, which address personal growth, leadership, and the social responsibilities of gifted students. These elements are complemented by co-curricular activities that encourage collaboration and creativity. To become a scholar, you need to be nominated by your school through this form.
Subject Areas: Design Thinking, Communication Design, College Admissions Guidance.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 13, 2025 - July 19, 2025
Eligibility: Sophomores who are at least 15 years of age and from a rural or small-town high school within the WashU Pledge territory are eligible to apply.
The WashU Rural Scholars Academy, hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, is a program designed for high school students from rural areas to develop leadership, interpersonal, and academic skills. Throughout this week-long program, you will be engaging in hands-on activities, design workshops, and discussions that encourage personal and professional growth. You will also receive guidance on the admissions process for highly selective universities from WashU admissions officers, supporting your educational goals. Beyond the workshops, you will experience the academic and professional opportunities available in urban environments through interactive group activities in St. Louis.
Subject Areas: Biology, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Anthropology, Macroeconomics, Psychology, Statistics, Latin, and more.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $8,385 for one course and $11,785 for two courses (residential fees). Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 8, 2025 -July 12, 2025.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are academically motivated can apply.
The High School Summer Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis provides high school students with the opportunity to experience college life by enrolling in undergraduate courses for college credit. You can choose from a wide range of subjects across disciplines, such as biology, mathematics, psychology, and Latin, all taught by WashU faculty. The program includes both academic and personal growth opportunities, allowing you to explore your academic interests in-depth while gaining a glimpse into the college experience. Alongside credit-bearing courses, you will also participate in noncredit activities, including college readiness workshops, community-building events, and academic success programs.
You can select one or two courses that align with your interests and choose to live on campus in WashU's residence halls or commute to campus. This program is suitable for motivated high school students eager to earn college credit and develop critical thinking, communication, and time-management skills in a college environment.
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Pharmacy, Medicine, STEM, and more.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free. Stipends of up to $500 are awarded based on merit.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024
Program Dates: 2024 dates TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from an underrepresented minority living in the St. Louis region are eligible to apply.
This summer program by the BESt Healthcare Institute is a four-week, STEM-focused program designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in healthcare and STEM. The program provides a practical learning experience through interactive, hands-on activities. You will engage with professionals from leading organizations, including BJC Healthcare, Cigna Healthcare, and Washington University, gaining insights into diverse healthcare career paths. You will also get the chance to build academic and life skills through college preparatory programming. Successful participants can earn a stipend of up to $500 based on their performance, attitude, and engagement.
Subject Areas: Journalism, Newsroom Training, Video Production, Speaking Skills, and more.
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: $715 (Scholarships available)
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Program Dates: June 22, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Eligibility: High school students can apply.
The Missouri University Journalism Workshop (MUJW) offers high school students a hands-on experience guided by the faculty of the Missouri School of Journalism and industry professionals. In this workshop, you can develop journalism skills, including writing, interviewing, and storytelling, as well as multimedia techniques, such as podcasting, audio, and video production. The program focuses on original reporting, newsroom training, and practical exercises.
The program uses the "Missouri Method", a learning-by-doing approach. The workshop also includes investigative reporting, accuracy in journalism, and covering underrepresented communities. You can bring story ideas to develop, samples of work to refine, or simply immerse yourself in learning. With opportunities to engage in real-world reporting and develop multimedia skills, this program provides a foundation for future journalism careers. You can also explore related programs in Advertising and Public Relations and Investigative Journalism offered by the university.
Subject Areas: Animation, Ceramics, Illustration, Painting, 2D and 3D Design, Life Drawing, and more.
Location: Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
Cost: $2,500 (Scholarships are available)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full. Applications must be sent in by March 1, 2025, for scholarship consideration.
Program Dates: Session 1: June 15, 2025 - June 27, 2025 | Session 2: July 13, 2025 - July 25, 2025
Eligibility: High school students graduating in spring 2025 are eligible to apply.
The Kansas City Art Institute’s Pre-College ArtLab is a two-week residential program for high school students interested in developing their artistic skills. You will select a studio focus—ranging from animation, painting, product design, and illustration—allowing you to focus on a specific field while developing your own creative work. In addition to studio practice, the program includes sessions in art history, life drawing, and workshops, as well as visits to explore Kansas City’s arts scene.
Through this program, you will also gain valuable pre-college experience, earning three college-level credits while building an artistic foundation. The program is divided into sessions, with options like Animation, Ceramics, Illustration, Interdisciplinary, and Painting in Session 1, with the additional option of 2D + 3D Design in Session 2.
Subject Areas: STEM, Aviation, Engineering, Science, and more.
Location: Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: 2025 dates TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in the St. Louis area who currently have a 2.5 GPA or higher are eligible.
Saint Louis University's STEM Immersion Experience is a six-day, five-night residential camp designed to introduce underrepresented high school students in the St. Louis area to opportunities within STEM fields. The program combines hands-on activities and presentations from SLU’s academic departments—spanning aviation, engineering, and science—with practical college readiness resources, such as guidance on applications and financial aid. As a participant, you will also benefit from mentorship by current SLU students and gain insights into college life.
You will explore STEM career paths through field trips to industry partners and career panels featuring industry professionals. Additionally, the camp encourages community and professional growth with interactive sessions, workshops, and panels with current SLU students, helping high school students prepare for STEM education and future careers.
Subject Areas: Computer Engineering, Information Science and Technology, Computer Science, Robotics, and more.
Location: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Cost: $600 (includes housing, meals and materials)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full.
Program Dates: 2025 dates TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
Missouri S&T’s CyberMiner Camp is a program for high school students interested in computer engineering and information science and technology. This hands-on program offers you the chance to explore robotics, artificial intelligence, and big data through activities like assembling and programming robots, dissecting and rebuilding computers, and mastering microcontrollers. At this camp, you will develop skills in soldering circuits, utilizing Arduino IDE, and transforming complex datasets into visual representations. Additionally, you’ll participate in an AI challenge, testing your problem-solving abilities against advanced algorithms, all while gaining insights into how technology drives innovation. In addition to the technical skills, the camp encourages connections among participants. Through practical projects and an introduction to Missouri S&T’s programs, you will gain a deeper understanding of various technology-related fields.
Subject Areas: Clinical Skills, Health Professions, Research Skills, and more.
Location: University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO
Cost: Free. Need-based financial support is available through stipends and/or scholarships.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Program Dates: June 9, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Eligibility: Current U.S. sophomores or juniors who have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA can apply.
The University of Missouri’s STAHR Scholars Program (Students Training in Academia, Health, and Research) supports high school students interested in health professions through a comprehensive two-part experience. The program begins with a six-week summer session where participants engage in clinical observations, conduct health-related research with UMKC faculty, and take part in community service projects. Through this program, you will also build skills in writing, networking, and leadership, preparing you for future academic and professional opportunities in health care.
Following the summer program, you will receive year-round coaching and mentorship from health professionals, faculty, and UMKC staff to sustain your growth. This support can help strengthen your portfolio to become a competitive applicant for health programs. An additional perk for eligible students is automatic interviews for select UMKC health programs, including the BA/MD and MD pathways, offering a direct route to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy.
Subject Areas: Sports Management, Careers in Sports, and more.
Location: Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $700
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: 2025 dates TBA (Overnight institute)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
Maryville University’s Rawlings Sports Business Management (RSBM) Summer Institute is a program designed for high school students passionate about exploring careers in the sports industry. You will gain hands-on experience through workshops, real-world project work, and site visits to leading sports organizations. Networking is a key component of the program, with participants connecting with over 30 professionals from renowned organizations like Rawlings Sporting Goods, St. Louis Blues, Missouri Valley Conference, and the St. Louis Cardinals. These interactions provide insights into diverse career paths in the sports industry, including event management, marketing, analytics, and team operations.
In addition to learning about the opportunities within sports management, you will develop practical skills such as teamwork, project management, and professional networking. Through activities on and off campus, you will gain an understanding of the sports industry’s operations and business strategies.
Subject Areas: Animation Principles, 2D Design, Storytelling, and Digital Art
Location: Webster University, Webster Groves, MO
Cost: $350
Application Deadline: Rolling admission until full.
Program Dates: 2025 dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 and 18 are eligible to apply.
Webster University’s Animation Camp offers high school students a hands-on introduction to the field of animation. Over the course of this week-long program, you will learn the foundational principles of animation, exploring various techniques and workflows. You will experiment with traditional animation methods such as pencil-and-paper drawing and stop-motion materials, as well as digital tools like Cintiq drawing tablets and industry-standard software such as Toon Boom Harmony.
By the end of the week, you will have created a short, animated film that can serve as a portfolio piece. In addition to developing technical skills, you can enhance your creative thinking and storytelling abilities while collaborating with peers and learning from industry professionals. Apart from this camp, the university offers a variety of Communications Summer Camps that deal with the basics of scriptwriting, film production, and game design.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.