If you’re a high school student in New Orleans looking for a way to engage in academics outside of the classroom this summer, consider a summer program!
Summer programs for high school students offer a pretty valuable (and accessible) way to build advanced skills and gain hands-on experience in a range of fields, from science and technology to arts and public health. These programs often include workshops, research projects, or fieldwork, helping you apply academic concepts in practical settings while exploring potential career paths.
New Orleans is home to several universities, research centers, hospitals, and nonprofits that host summer opportunities for local high school students each year. Choosing a program around where you live can be a financially practical option, especially if you’re looking to avoid the cost of travel or housing. Whether you’re hoping to get a head start on college preparation or just explore a new subject, local programs offer both structure and flexibility.
We’ve rounded up 15 summer programs for high schoolers in New Orleans, LA, that you can check out:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who 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 offers one-on-one research mentorship for high school students with faculty from top research universities. You can choose a specific research topic and develop an independent research paper over 12 weeks, guided by a PhD mentor. Projects span subject areas including economics, neuroscience, computer science, political science, business, and engineering. You will gain experience in academic research methodologies, literature reviews, data analysis (tools like Python, R, or Stata, depending on the project), and scholarly writing. The program culminates in a full-length academic paper, which can optionally be submitted to high school research journals or competitions.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. You can apply here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: 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 offers high school students the chance to work on AI research and application projects under mentorship from graduate students and alumni from institutions like Harvard and MIT. You explore foundational AI concepts, including supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and natural language processing, using Python and libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn. As a participant, you can pursue independent or small group capstone projects, applying AI to domains such as healthcare, finance, or computer vision. The program emphasizes both theoretical grounding and hands-on coding experience, culminating in a final project report or presentation.
3. Tulane University LCCA Summer Program
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: The cost of the program is $4,895; however, all admitted students are provided with scholarships covering most of the cost.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: June 8 – June 21
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors attending high school in Louisiana who either qualify for free or reduced-price lunch at school, and/or will be first-generation college students.
This two-week residential program equips Louisiana high school juniors and seniors, especially first-generation college students, with practical tools for navigating the college admissions process. You will analyze institutional differences by visiting a range of post-secondary institutions (e.g., HBCUs, public universities, private colleges) and receive guided instruction in key components of college preparation: writing application essays, preparing for standardized tests, and understanding financial aid structures. The program emphasizes metacognitive skills like college fit evaluation and long-term academic planning, while simulating a real college environment through structured classes and residential life.
4. XULA Star Programs
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: $500/$550
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 2 – June 20 or June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Middle or high school student (rising 7th–12th grade)
These three-week academic intensives at Xavier University of Louisiana are designed to help students build a strong foundation in core STEM subjects before the school year begins. You can choose from targeted courses like Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, and cover roughly one-third of the standard high school curriculum in that subject. Through structured instruction and problem-based learning, you develop skills in quantitative reasoning, lab analysis, and scientific literacy. The program emphasizes academic readiness and subject mastery, which can provide an advantage for those entering rigorous STEM coursework in the fall.
5. SOAR X
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: SOARX is a residential program costing approximately $2000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: This program is selective
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors.
Hosted by Xavier University of Louisiana, SOAR X is a four-week residential program focused on analytical reasoning and scholarly preparation in STEM and humanities. You engage with dense academic texts and conduct student-led research projects on philosophical, scientific, and mathematical topics. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning; you work in teams to break down complex ideas, write analytical papers, and lead structured discussions. The program also integrates college-readiness training, including presentation skills and academic writing, while offering mentorship from current undergraduates and alumni.
6. Pre-Freshman Engineering Summer Program at Dillard University
Location: Dillard University
Cost/Stipend: This program costs $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less selective
Dates: June 9 – July 11
Application Deadline: June 4
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-10
This five-week STEM enrichment program at Dillard University supports students in grades 7–10 as they build foundational skills in mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, and English. The curriculum integrates hands-on scientific experimentation, mathematical problem-solving, and introductory programming. You will also engage in research-style activities such as science and engineering fairs, and be introduced to core engineering principles. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, technical communication, and critical thinking, with additional exposure to real-world STEM fields through lab work and field trips.
7. Explorations in Architecture and Design
Location: Tulane University
Cost/Stipend: Tuition ranges between $895 and $5,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Varies by course. You can check the details here.
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in April
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Tulane’s pre-college architecture program offers rising juniors and seniors studio-based training in architectural thinking, design methods, and the visual analysis of built environments. You choose from college-credit courses like Digital Design, Designing with Artificial Intelligence, and The Sketchbook: Articulating Space > Cataloguing Place, each integrating lectures, site visits, critiques, and hands-on work in individual studio spaces. You will develop foundational skills in model-making, architectural sketching, digital tools (including CAD and AI-assisted workflows), and spatial analysis. Projects draw from the architectural and cultural fabric of New Orleans, encouraging you to examine how design interacts with history and place. Optional open studio hours with current Tulane architecture students provide additional feedback and mentorship toward building a college-ready portfolio.
8. Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp
Location: New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA)
Cost/Stipend: $200 registration. Tuition ranges from $200 to $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 100 students (based on previous year camps)
Dates: June 2 – June 20
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: Students aged 10-21. Instrumentalists are required to have been actively involved in a music education program for at least two years
This program provides intensive jazz instruction for high school students focused on both instrumental mastery and ensemble performance. You receive daily one-on-one and group lessons from professional jazz musicians and faculty, concentrating on technique, improvisation, and music theory. Elective coursework includes areas like composition, vocal training, and swing dance, allowing for interdisciplinary skill development. You also work on ear training, rhythm studies, and jazz history, gaining a technical and cultural understanding of the genre. The curriculum supports collaboration and leadership through small combos and large ensemble rehearsals.
9. Tulane Science Scholars Program
Location: Tulane University
Cost/Stipend: Tuition ranges between $895 and $5,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: This program is selective
Dates: Varies by course. You can check the details here
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students
TSSP offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to earn college credit through two-week, college-level courses in science and engineering fields such as computer science, electronics, biomedical engineering, and environmental studies. You will gain exposure to university-style instruction through daily lectures and lab sessions led by Tulane faculty and researchers, with a focus on foundational scientific concepts, coding, problem-solving, and experimental design. As a participant, you will work in university labs and classrooms, developing skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and technical communication. Optional evening activities and interactions with Tulane undergraduates provide insight into STEM pathways and college life. All courses carry three hours of Tulane credit, with both commuter and residential formats available.
10. AMRI High School Summer Research Program
Location: University of New Orleans
Cost/Stipend: Student will receive a $2,000 stipend for their participation.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very small cohort (averages about 6-8 students per year based on previous years’ students)
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who reside and attend high school within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans
This eight-week paid research program places high school students from Greater New Orleans into active lab environments at the Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI). You engage in hands-on research across fields such as chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, psychology, and mathematics. Projects may involve work on nanomaterials, catalysis, battery technologies, thin film deposition, environmental remediation, 3D printing, or computational modeling. You can either lead an independent project or join a larger research initiative within a host lab. Alongside lab work, you attend seminars on topics including electron microscopy, crystallography, lab safety, and research ethics. The program is free and includes a $2,000 stipend.
11. Loyola University Creative Summer Experience
Location: Monroe and Communication Buildings at Loyola University New Orleans
Cost/Stipend: The cost is $700 per week. Both weeks’ cost is $1000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students per experience
Dates: Week 1: June 16 – June 20 | Week 2: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students
Hosted by Loyola’s College of Music and Media, this hands-on program immerses high school students in fields like graphic design, motion design, photography, film, game design, music, and theater. You focus on two distinct disciplines, one in the morning, another in the afternoon, while also getting exposure to the broader creative curriculum. The 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio allows for direct, in-depth feedback on your portfolio work. Emphasis is placed on both technical skill development (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, cinematography, digital audio production) and collaborative creative processes. You will complete resume-worthy projects and build a portfolio for college applications, with instruction from both educators and industry professionals.
12. Loyola University New Orleans Upward Bound Program
Location: Loyola University New Orleans
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Upward Bound typically runs year-round, with a required summer component that often takes place in June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Any high school freshman, sophomore, or junior. Check more details here.
This TRIO program supports high school students from low-income backgrounds and those who would be the first in their families to attend college. As a participant, you will receive instruction in core academic subjects, English, mathematics, science, and foreign languages, alongside tutoring and individualized academic advising. The program includes both an academic-year component and a summer residential experience, where you live on campus and take preparatory classes aimed at college readiness. Workshops cover ACT/SAT prep, study skills, time management, and financial aid literacy. You also participate in campus tours and career awareness sessions, gaining practical knowledge for navigating the college admissions process.
13. Mathnasium of New Orleans MOVIE MAKING CAMP
Location: Mathnasium of New Orleans
Cost/Stipend: The program cost $350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less selective
Dates: July 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 5th through 12th grade students or students 10 – 17 years old
This interdisciplinary camp introduces students in grades 2–12 to the fundamentals of filmmaking while integrating key STEM concepts. You explore creative writing, improvisation, and storyboarding, then transition into technical skills like video filming, sound mixing, and digital editing. Geometry and measurement are embedded into the filmmaking process; you calculate angles for camera placement, estimate distances for set design, and understand counterbalance and weight distribution when using equipment. Led by Zion Marable, a film studies graduate from the University of New Orleans, the camp maintains a 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure detailed feedback. By the end of the week, you will present your short films in a final showcase, building both visual storytelling skills and collaborative project experience.
14. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online or Residential at Stanford University, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: SUMaC accepts less than 6% of all its applicants
Dates: February 3
Application Deadline: Online session 1: June 16 – July 4 | Session 2: July 7 – July 25 | Residential: June 22 – July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11
SUMaC offers high school juniors and seniors a rigorous dive into advanced mathematical theory, with a curriculum rooted in areas like abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology. You engage with research-level math through formal lectures, proof-based problem sets, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. The program emphasizes logical structure, mathematical rigor, and historical context, how key theories evolved, and how they connect to modern scientific developments. Projects often involve exploring mathematical structures (like groups and rings), modular arithmetic, or topological invariants. Outside of formal instruction, you are expected to continue working on problem sets independently, mimicking the pace and depth of an undergraduate math environment.
15. MIT OpenCourseWare
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: No deadline specified
Eligibility: Based on the course you take. Multiple programs are available for high school students.
MIT OpenCourseWare gives high school students free access to a wide range of advanced STEM courses, including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, classical mechanics, and electromagnetism. Course materials typically include full lecture videos, assignments, exams, and reading lists. You can also explore interdisciplinary fields such as artificial intelligence, computational biology, and quantitative economics. The platform supports self-paced learning, allowing for deep engagement with mathematically rigorous content and early exposure to college-level theory and methods.
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 – Mathnasium of New Orleans