Summer is a great time to explore your interests, build new skills, and prepare for future career opportunities. The right summer program can provide invaluable hands-on experience in areas like environmental science, technology, and beyond. These programs are designed not only to boost your college applications but also to develop your knowledge and expertise in real-world settings.
If you're a high school student in Wyoming eager to gain practical experience this summer, look no further. Here’s a list of 15 summer programs in Wyoming that provide a deep dive into various fields, helping you build a solid profile for future research projects or internships.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Wyoming Accepting Applications for 2024-2025
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
Program Dates: Summer: June 24, 2024 to September 2, 2024; Fall: October 23, 2024 to 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 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!
2. Veritas AI
Subjects Offered: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Finance, Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290; AI Fellowship: $5,400. Need-based financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; for the winter cohort, the deadline is December 1, 2024. Apply here.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to high school students. Applicants for the AI Fellowship should have completed the AI Scholars program or possess prior experience in AI and Python.
Founded by Harvard alumni, Veritas AI offers programs tailored for high school students eager to explore artificial intelligence. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll work alongside peers on AI projects with real-world applications across industries like healthcare, finance, and education. This program helps you develop practical skills through collaboration and problem-solving. he AI Fellowship offers one-on-one mentorship from PhD experts, guiding you through intensive AI research. You’ll explore AI’s impact in areas like finance, healthcare, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work.
Both programs provide valuable skills, helping you build a strong foundation for a future career in AI through real-world applications.
Subjects Offered: Technology, Business, Finance, Machine Learning, AI, Healthcare, Software Engineering, and more
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; the deadline for the winter cohort is November 24, 2024. Click here to apply.
Program Dates: Year-round cohorts, with the winter cohort beginning on December 16, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
The Ladder Internship Program provides high school students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in high-growth startups across diverse industries such as technology, AI, and health tech. Throughout an 8-week internship, you’ll work on real projects, guided by seasoned managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Through personalized training and collaborative sessions with peers, you'll develop essential skills in a professional environment. The program culminates in a presentation of your work, allowing you to showcase what you've learned.
With exposure to companies backed by strong funding and led by influential founders, this program is a solid opportunity for aspiring professionals looking to break into emerging fields.
Subjects Offered: Business and Entrepreneurship
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; the winter cohort deadline is November 24, 2024
Dates: Varies by cohort; the winter program runs from December 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Cost: $2,900 (4 weeks) | $3,500 (12 weeks). Financial aid available
The Young Founders Lab, established by Harvard entrepreneurs, is an immersive boot camp designed to help you transform your business ideas from concept to reality. This startup-centric program guides you in developing revenue-generating businesses, either individually or in teams while collaborating with founders from established companies like Fintech Launch and Fair Opportunity Project.
Throughout the course, you will engage with essential business concepts including ideation, market research, prototyping, growth strategies, and marketing, all supported by mentors and industry leaders. The experience concludes with Demo Day, where you’ll pitch your startup to a group of peers, mentors, and potential investors, making your first step into the entrepreneurial world.
Subjects Offered: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3
Application Deadline: The winter cohort deadline is November 24, 2024
Program Dates: The winter cohort typically begins around December 18
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks); $5,900 (16-20 weeks); $8,900 (6-12 months). Financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with a distinctive chance to conduct independent research under the mentorship of PhD experts. In this program, you will delve into a topic of your choice across a range of fields from biology and data science to philosophy and social sciences, all while receiving tailored guidance to produce a college-level research paper. Writing coaches will assist you through each stage of your paper, and the program concludes with a research symposium where you can present your findings, with the possibility of publication. For students passionate about a specific subject and eager to engage in academic research, Lumiere offers the structure and mentorship necessary to bring your ideas to fruition.
Location: Kelly Campus, Grand Teton National Park
Dates: July 1–24, 2024
Cost: $6,155
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Application Deadline: TBA
Subject Areas: STEM
Offered by Teton Science Schools, this 26-day program dives into the rich ecosystems of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Through front-country camping and backpacking adventures, you will conduct field research guided by expert instructors. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience in environmental science and wilderness exploration. The experience concludes with a presentation of your findings to the Teton community and environmental leaders. With a small cohort of around 20 campers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to collaborate closely with your peers throughout the journey.
Location: SOAR Eagle View Ranch, Dubois, Wyoming
Dates: July–August, varies by activity
Cost: Varies by activity. See the full pricing list here.
Eligibility: High school students with ADHD and/or LD
Application Deadline: TBA
Subject Areas: Outdoor Activities
Tailored for teens with ADHD or learning disabilities, SOAR’s outdoor camps provide a unique opportunity to engage in activities like canoeing and horsepacking while developing life and social skills. With expert instructors, you’ll explore natural wonders such as Yellowstone’s geothermal features and predator behaviors. These immersive camps focus on building confidence, fostering teamwork, and strengthening your connection to nature in a supportive, inclusive setting.
Location: Northwest College, Wyoming
Dates: June 15–20, 2025
Cost: $590 (overnight) / $390 (commuter)
Eligibility: High school students with at least one year of junior high/middle school band experience
Application Deadline: Usually in May
Subject Area: Music
Hosted by Northwest College, this weeklong camp brings young musicians together to perform in bands and choirs, study music theory, and explore topics like composing and digital art. With guidance from seasoned instructors, you can improve your musical skills and join fun fitness sessions. The camp also includes a college orientation covering financial aid, scholarships, and application tips.
Location: University of Wyoming
Dates: June 9-15, 2024
Cost: $350
Eligibility: High school juniors
Application Deadline: Usually in April
Subject Area: Engineering, Computer Science
This summer program offers high school juniors a hands-on introduction to engineering across multiple fields. Participants will dive into practical projects, like building digital circuits, programming robotic devices, and researching solutions to environmental issues. Through the Engineering Summer Program (ESP) at the University of Wyoming, you will work alongside faculty and advanced engineering students, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world lab settings.
The program provides insights into diverse engineering-related careers, spanning medicine, law, business, and core engineering fields. Admission is competitive, with only 36 students selected.
Location: University of Wyoming
Dates: Usually from June 2-8
Cost: Participants will receive a stipend of $1500
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
Application Deadline: N/A
Subject Area: Leadership, History
The Native American Summer Institute invites you, as a Native American high school student, to experience college life through an immersive program. You’ll stay in residence halls, attend academic workshops, and participate in on-campus and off-campus activities. The program also includes cultural activities that help strengthen your connection with your heritage and identity. Throughout the experience, you’ll build leadership skills, form supportive relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, and connect with current Native American college students, fostering a strong sense of community and support.
Location: University of Wyoming
Program Dates: Young Dancers’ Workshop (13–16): July 14–20; Pre-Professional/Professional Intensive (16+): July 21–27.
Cost: Varying costs. Find the full list here.
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Application Deadline: Usually in July
Subject Area: Dance, Theatre
The Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival (SRSDF) is a dynamic five-day event for dancers, ages 13 and up, who want to elevate their skills and explore a range of dance styles. You will get to train with professional faculty across ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, pointe, and more. The festival wraps up with an inspiring Gala Performance, where dancers showcase what they’ve learned in front of an audience. Scholarships are available, making this an accessible opportunity for dancers to immerse themselves in professional training while building confidence and artistry.
Location: University of Wyoming
Program Dates: July
Cost: $325
Eligibility: High school juniors
Application Deadline: Usually in July
Subject Area: Computer Science, Law, STEM
The Wyoming Scholars Program invites you to immerse yourself in college life during a three-week experience at the University of Wyoming (UW). You’ll take college-level classes, stay in dorms, engage in community service, and participate in events both on and off campus. This program is designed to help rising juniors go beyond academics, fostering self-discovery and personal growth. Through a variety of activities, you’ll develop the “whole” person, challenge yourself, build meaningful connections, and gain a broader perspective on college and your future goals.
Location: Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp, Wyoming
Program Dates: Boys Camp: June 6 – 12; Girls Camp: July 15 – 21
Cost: N/A
Eligibility: Ages 12-15
Application Deadline: Applications open on January 1, 2025. You can fill out an interest form to get updates.
Subject Area: Camping, Geography
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Youth Camp invites you, as a younger high school student (ages 12-15), to explore your passion for wildlife and outdoor adventure. During this week-long camp, you'll discover careers like biologist and game warden, meet real agency personnel, and engage in hands-on activities like animal identification and scientific research. Phones are left behind to ensure an immersive, screen-free environment, allowing you to fully embrace outdoor exploration and learning.
Program Dates: Peak 1: June 1 – 15, 2025; Peak 2: June 16 – June 30, 2025
Location: Wyoming Catholic College
Application Deadline: March 1 to receive Early-Bird Discount
Cost: $1,195 (Early-Bird registers receive a $300 discount)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Subject Area: Geography
The PEAK Summer Program invites you, as a spiritually-minded high school junior or senior, to engage in both intellectual and outdoor pursuits. You’ll split your time between exploring classic “Great Books” and participating in outdoor adventures such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and a thrilling four-day backpacking trip. With scheduled time for prayer, contemplation, and the sacraments, this program offers a balanced experience, providing space for both personal reflection and exciting challenges.
Program Dates: June 14-30, 2024 (Dates for 2025 are not out yet)
Location: Sheridan College, Wyoming
Application Deadline: Usually by March 25
Cost: $1200-$1600
Eligibility: Ages 15-26
Subject Area: Theatre
Open to students ages 15 to 26, this program connects aspiring performers and tech enthusiasts with industry pros, giving them real-world stage experience. Whether you’re interested in the performance side or the technical side, you’ll get hands-on practice that builds toward a finale: multiple live performances of the rock opera Chess. This immersive experience is perfect for those eager to explore theater in-depth, guided by professionals in a collaborative environment.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.