If you’re a high school student in Pennsylvania looking for some research experience, consider a summer research program! These serve as solid opportunities for developing advanced skills and gaining in-depth experience in specialized fields.
By engaging in hands-on projects and collaborating with professionals, you can work on your understanding of complex concepts and techniques!
These programs often provide access to cutting-edge resources and real-world problems, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. This experience helps you refine your analytical, problem-solving, and technical abilities, preparing you for future academic and career pursuits with a strong, foundational skillset.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Pennsylvania!
1. Horizon
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 very 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 journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious 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. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
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.
Carnegie Mellon’s four-week summer programs provide a structured curriculum combining classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and industry engagement with leading tech companies. In the CS Scholars track, you are exposed to ongoing research projects and receive foundational training in algorithmic components. This includes topics like variables, functions, conditionals, and loops, basic data structures like lists and dictionaries, and problem-solving techniques using Python such as algorithmic thinking, top-down design, testing, and debugging.
Additionally, you are required to complete a math course to enhance your computational skills. Successful completion of the CS Scholars program, coupled with a demonstrated interest in continued learning at CMU, may lead to an invitation to the AI Scholars program as a rising senior. The AI Scholars track similarly offers exposure to current research projects.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (based on previous years’ dates)
Program Dates: Four weeks through June-July 2025.
Eligibility: Applicants must be sophomores in high school for the Computer Science Scholars Track, and seniors for the AI Scholars track.
The WGYP provides various programs for high school students to explore business and leadership while preparing for college. Among the seven on-campus programs are options focusing on areas such as product design, entrepreneurship, and data science. WGYP features online courses, as well as an Investment Competition, both of which are free of cost. Notably, the Leadership in the Business World program is highly selective, whereas the Management & Technology Summer Institute offers college credit. Both programs feature instruction from Wharton faculty and include a hands-on, interactive curriculum.
Location: The Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $7,299 — $9,099. Several partial and full scholarships are available
Application deadline: TBD for 2025. Typically April is based on the previous year’s deadline.
Program dates: 2-week and 3-week programs available running between June and August. Compare here.
Eligibility: Students from grades 9–11, with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA.
The BIOMED Summer Academy at Drexel University is a one-week STEM program designed for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. The program offers interactive, hands-on learning experiences, including laboratory and core research techniques such as nanoparticle fabrication and brain wave measurement. It also features seminars, site visits, and presentations from industry professionals, providing participants with a comprehensive view of both academic and practical dimensions of the field.
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $1,200; need-based scholarships are available.
Application deadline: April 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Session I: July 8 — July 12, 2024 | Session II: July 15 — July 19, 2024 | Session III: July 22 — July 26, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in the Philadelphia area and beyond who have completed at least 1 year of biology.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is a 12-week research initiative designed for high-achieving high school students from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds. You are paired with PhD mentors and engage in independent research across various disciplines, including Biology, Economics, Data Science, Environmental Studies, and International Relations! The program includes one-on-one mentorship to support the production of a research paper, and selected students present their findings at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
Location: Remote!
Cost: Free for selected students from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 (for the winter cohort)
Program Dates: Sessions are available in Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as first-year students in college in the fall of 2024. Applicants should demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (a rough idea of this can be measured at about 3.3 / 4 unweighted GPA or equivalent percentages).
MathILy is a 5-week residential summer program tailored for mathematically adept high school students. The program emphasizes advanced discrete mathematics through interactive classes, personalized instruction, and collaborative problem-solving exercises. It includes a segment known as the “Week of Chaos,” during which you participate in various brief classes covering a range of mathematics topics. The goal of MathILy is to provide a rigorous mathematical education in an inquiry-based and supportive setting.
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Cost: $5,300; financial aid is available.
Application deadline: April 30, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 30 — August 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17.
The MSAP is an 8-week internship designed to involve high school students in fundamental biomedical research, with a focus on engaging underrepresented groups in the sciences, including women, ethnic and racial minorities, and economically disadvantaged students. As an intern, you will work full-time (35 hours per week) with researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center on independent projects!
Topics may include cloning olfactory receptors, developing non-lethal repellents, or analyzing air quality chemistry. The program features lectures and concludes with a Capstone Symposium where participants present their research findings. The MSAP is competitive, receiving approximately 200 applications annually and selecting around 20 students.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: No cost; this is a paid internship however housing and transportation are not provided.
Application deadline: Currently closed. Expect applications for 2025 to open by late fall.
Dates: June 18 to August 16, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ.
This four-week medical internship is designed for students with an interest in biomedical research, particularly in reproductive biology, women’s health, and infant health. The program involves working on an individual research project under the guidance of MWRI staff. It features a hybrid format, allowing students to complete part of the internship remotely. At the end of the program, participants are required to present their research findings. The program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 8% of applicants.
Location: MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students are eligible to get a stipend of $1,800 for participating in this program if their household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania.
Application deadline: January 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: Starting from June 17, 2024, students must complete 4 weeks or 160 hours of work. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age.
The ACE program provides college-level courses during the summer for motivated high school students. You can earn college credits and explore various career interests while experiencing college life. The program offers courses in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Music, Computer Programming, and Leadership. Over five weeks, students engage with advanced course material and connect with mentors and peers, allowing them to further investigate their fields of interest.
Location: Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA (in-person, hybrid, and online options)
Cost: $250 per course (excluding books).
Application deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program Dates: June 30 — August 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Highly motivated students entering grades 9–12, as well as students up to age 21 with at least a 2.5 GPA.
The BOSS program, hosted by the Smeal School of Business at Penn State, is a two-week course designed to teach high school students the fundamentals of business while providing an introduction to college life. You get to live on campus and attend sessions covering topics such as accounting, business writing, etiquette, and professional dress. The program culminates in a presentation of a business plan developed by the students. Drexel University’s Camp Business offers a similar curriculum, focusing on foundational business principles and providing another option for students interested in the field.
Location: Penn State’s University Park campus in State College, PA.
Cost: A $50 registration fee is required, all the other costs are covered. Aid is available for those who cannot afford the registration fee.
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 open on October 7, 2024. Expect the deadline to be in March 2025, as per the previous year’s deadline.
Program dates: June 15 — June 27, 2025.
Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade who have a strong interest in business.
UPenn’s summer academies are three-week intensive programs focused on specific subjects, including scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and coding, as well as social topics like justice and media. The curriculum integrates theoretical instruction with practical application to provide in-depth training in each field. Students attending public or charter high schools within the School District of Philadelphia are eligible to apply for the Penn Summer Scholarship, which covers the cost of participation.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost: $5,700 including program fees and residential costs. However, for students that attend a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school, you may be eligible to attend Penn Summer Prep free of charge with a Penn Summer Scholarship.
Application Deadline: Currently closed. The applications for summer 2025 will open in late fall 2024.
Program Dates: July 6 — July 27, 2024.
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students, both domestic and international, are welcome to apply.
Villanova’s Pre-College Summer Academy offers high school students a structured introduction to college-level coursework and campus life. The program includes classes, workshops, and activities designed to develop key academic and social skills. Students can choose from a variety of courses, such as communication studies, public speaking, and music. Additionally, the college preparatory component addresses topics including metacognition, financial literacy, academic advising, and strategies for navigating college life.
Location: Villanova University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: 3 + 1 Option: $3,160 (includes 1 three-credit course and the PCAC 1000 college preparatory course) | PCAC 1000 Option: $790 (includes only the college preparatory course)| Housing costs are additional if staying on campus.
Application Deadline: Applications open in the Spring or Summer of 2025.
Program Dates: July 1 — July 29, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, as well as incoming freshmen from the greater Philadelphia area.
Lehigh University’s 2024 Summer Engineering Institute (SEI) offers two separate two-week programs designed for rising high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups. Hosted by Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, SEI focuses on intensive classroom study and research in engineering and technology.
The program aims to support diverse and first-generation students by providing enrichment opportunities in these fields. You get to work collaboratively in a cooperative learning environment, tackling complex problems using Lehigh’s technology and facilities! The goal of SEI is to encourage students to pursue careers in engineering and other STEM disciplines, thereby enhancing their prospects in these areas.
Location: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Cost: Free
Application deadline: TBD for 2025.
Program dates: Session 1: June 30 — July 13, 2024 | Session 2: July 14 — July 27, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from underrepresented/underserved communities.
The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education organizes a week-long residential program where high school students manage a business in teams of 16, guided by an adult mentor. You get to take charge of an underperforming manufacturing company and compete with other teams to achieve the highest return on equity. The program requires students to oversee various departments, including marketing, finance, and human resources, providing practical experience in business management.
Location: Lycoming College or Pennsylvania College of Technology, PA
Cost: Participants will be sponsored by a local business/organization and only need to pay a $295 registration fee.
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Program Dates (2025): Week 1: June 29 — July 4 | Week 2: July 6–11 | Week 3: July 20–25 | Week 4: July 27 — August 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed sophomore/junior year in June of the same year.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence, providing a structured environment for exploring this field. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and one-on-one mentorship. Designed and facilitated by Harvard graduate students and alumni, the AI Fellowship program requires participants to have a basic understanding of Python or to have completed the AI Scholars program before enrollment.
The AI Fellowship involves working on an independent research project over 12 to 15 weeks. Students can integrate AI with other fields of interest, such as medicine, finance, environmental science, or education. Past research topics have included AI applications in these areas and more. You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $4,900 for the 12–15-week AI Fellowship | $4,700 for both. Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Applications for the winter cohort are due by October 20, 2024.
Program Dates: Various according to the cohort.
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.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.