Choosing the right summer program can be a game-changer for high school students looking to sharpen their skills and dive deep into their academic interests.
Iowa offers a variety of summer opportunities that go beyond the classroom, from hands-on research internships to immersive camps in fields like engineering, medicine, and creative writing.
How can summer programs in Iowa for high school students help me as a student?
These programs provide a chance to work with expert mentors, engage in real-world problem-solving, and develop specialized technical knowledge that can set you apart in future academic and career pursuits!
With that, here’s a look at 15 top-notch programs in Iowa designed to help you explore your passion for a subject (or two!) and gain valuable experience this summer.
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 24, 2024 – September 2, 2024
- Fall: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024 (Summer), September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. 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 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!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) | $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided.
You can work in subject areas like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program will end with a symposium and give students a potential chance at publication.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: AI, Coding, Computer Science
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Application Deadline: Upcoming winter cohort deadlines - Oct 20, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple start dates are available throughout the year.
Cost: AI Scholars - $1790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship - $4900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $5900
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
Program Dates: June 18 - July 26, 2025
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
If you’ve ever wanted to conduct hands-on research in a university lab, SSTP at the University of Iowa may be an option. You’ll work under the guidance of faculty members on research projects ranging from molecular biology to machine learning algorithms. A key aspect of the program is learning how to use advanced lab equipment and computational software like MATLAB and Python for data analysis. This program is aimed at anyone looking to understand the technical side of research and its real-world applications.
Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Fiction, Poetry, Playwriting
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025
Program Dates: June 15-28, 2025 (Session 1) | July 13-26, 2025 (Session 2)
Cost: $2,500 per session
For aspiring writers, the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio provides the chance to develop your skills in crafting fiction, poetry, and even experimental writing. You’ll work in small, intense workshop groups, dissecting literary forms, and learning how to refine narrative techniques. Whether you're passionate about short stories or poetic meter, this is a chance to learn from accomplished writers while engaging in critical peer reviews.
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Eligibility: High school students entering 11th or 12th grade
Application Deadline: April 19, 2024 (subject to change based on availability)
Program Dates: July 9-12, 2024 (Session 1) | July 16-19, 2024 (Session 2)
Cost: $300 (financial assistance is available)
RISE with WiSE is a residential STEM-focused summer program aimed at empowering high school women to explore STEM careers and academic majors. Over the course of the program, participants engage in 4-5 hands-on STEM sessions led by Iowa State faculty and students. These activities range from bioengineering research to interactive modules in fields like food science, modular arithmetic, and industrial engineering. In addition to academic challenges, students get a taste of campus life by participating in activities such as visiting the ISU Creamery and bowling. The program’s mission is to push students out of their academic comfort zone, while also offering a supportive environment for networking and exploration of future STEM opportunities
Subject Areas: Game Design, Programming, Visual Design, 3D Modeling
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 22-27, 2025
Cost: $575 for residential students (includes meals and lodging) | $325 for commuters
The Iowa State University Game Development Camp is a week-long immersive program designed for high school students (grades 9-12) interested in game design and development. Hosted by the College of Design, the camp focuses on teaching students core principles of game design, including programming, storytelling, and visual design. During the camp, students will explore game development using tools like Unity for creating interactive worlds and C# for programming. Beyond just coding, the camp emphasizes narrative design, concept sketching, and user interaction theory.
Subject Areas: Agriculture, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Food Systems
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students who are not currently enrolled at Iowa State University; graduating seniors are eligible
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Program Dates: June 3, 2024 – August 1, 2024
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
The George Washington Carver Internship Program is an eight-week summer research experience designed to immerse students in the world of agricultural and life sciences. Participants work directly with faculty mentors from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) on research projects that cover a wide range of fields, from food systems and environmental sustainability to biological processes. The program emphasizes "science with practice" by offering hands-on research in real-world settings. Additionally, students engage in professional development workshops aimed at enhancing both academic and career readiness.
Subject Areas: Jazz, Piano, Saxophone, Voice, Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Horn (French Horn), Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Trumpet
Location: Voxman Music Building, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students (specific camps have grade-level restrictions)
Application Deadline: Typically in early June (exact dates vary by session)
Program Dates: June 16-21, 2024 (Session 1) | June 23-28, 2024 (Session 2)
Cost:
- Commuter: $350 (tuition only)
- Resident Camper (double occupancy): $640 (includes housing and meals)
- Resident Camper (single occupancy): $715 (includes housing and meals)
The Iowa Summer Music Camps provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in intensive music study and performance under the guidance of experienced university faculty and professional musicians. Camps are offered for various instruments and vocal studies, such as jazz improvisation, saxophone quartet coaching, piano literature, voice performance, and more. Each camp includes private lessons, group sessions, masterclasses, and public recitals. These experiences help students sharpen their technical skills, enhance their performance abilities, and prepare for potential music-related academic paths.
Subject Areas: Business majors (Accounting, Business Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Marketing)
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: High school juniors, particularly those from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed in April
Program Dates: June 23-28, 2024 | July 14-19, 2024
Cost: Free (housing, meals, and activities included; students only cover travel costs)
The Gateway Summer Program is a week-long on-campus experience designed to give high school juniors a taste of college life and introduce them to potential careers in business. Participants engage in business simulations, case studies, and interactive sessions with professors, Tippie students, alumni, and business professionals. The program emphasizes exploration of business majors while also offering mentorship opportunities and fostering a sense of community.
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: The 2024 edition of the program starts on June 5th and spans over 4 weeks.
Application Deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose between:
- Early Decision Deadline: March 17th, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline 1: April 14, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline 2: May 12th, 2024
You can access the application link here!
Subject Areas: Mock Trial, Law, Public Speaking, Legal Strategy
Location: Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2024 graduates
Application Deadline: May 7, 2024
Program Dates: July 7-12, 2024
Cost:
- Residential: $1,200
- Commuter: $900
The Cornell College Mock Trial Camp offers an immersive week-long experience where students learn every aspect of preparing and presenting a mock trial case. Participants will develop skills such as delivering opening statements, cross-examinations, and building strong witnesses. The camp culminates in a mock trial tournament where students present their cases in a competitive setting. Students of all skill levels, from seasoned mock trial participants to those new to the activity, are welcome to attend.
Subject Areas: Flute Performance, Chamber Music, Music Theory
Location: Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9-12 as well as students entering college
Application Deadline: June 20, 2024
Program Dates: June 24-27, 2024
Cost:
- $315 for commuter campers
- $490 for residential campers
The Cornell College Summer Flute Camp is an intensive, week-long program designed to enhance performance skills through individual lessons, flute choir rehearsals, chamber ensembles, and workshops. Students will also participate in sessions on music theory, career options, and overcoming performance anxiety. The camp concludes with a public performance featuring flute and piccolo ensembles. This camp is best for young flutists looking to develop their technique in a focused, supportive environment, while gaining exposure to the academic and social aspects of college life.
Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting
Location: Online
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: Rolling admission until the program fills
Program Dates: July 8-26, 2024
Cost: $295 (financial aid and payment plans available)
The Summer Writing Online (SWO) program is a three-week immersive writing experience where high school students from across the globe can refine their creative writing skills. Taught by world-class faculty from the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the program features workshops, critiques, and electives in poetry and screenwriting. Students will participate in author talks, industry expert sessions, and daily writing exercises, culminating in a digital anthology showcasing their work. This is an opportunity for passionate young writers to develop their voice in a supportive, creative community, all from the comfort of their home.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Chemistry, Studio Art, Engineering, Creative Writing, Environmental Studies, and more
Location: Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and 2024 graduates
Application Deadline: June 17, 2024
Program Dates: July 7-24, 2024
Cost: $4,000 (Residential) | $3,200 (Commuter)
The One Course Summer Institute is a two-and-a-half-week program that allows high school students to immerse themselves in a single college-level course while earning 3 credit hours. The program mirrors Cornell’s distinctive "One Course At A Time" approach, providing students with an in-depth focus on a subject, be it Neuroscience ("Zombies, Brains, and Basic Neuroscience"), Chemistry ("Chemistry and the Kitchen"), Studio Art, or more. Participants also experience college life, staying in residence halls or commuting, while engaging in academic, cultural, and recreational activities. Successful completion of the course can make students eligible for up to $4,000 in scholarship funds if they attend Cornell College.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.