If you want to learn more about the natural world through research, fieldwork, internships, and data-driven projects, summer wilderness programs for high school students can be a solid first step. These programs range from backcountry expeditions to virtual research mentorships focused on topics like ecology, conservation, and climate science.
What are wilderness programs? How are they different from regular outdoor summer camps?
Unlike general adventure camps, summer wilderness programs for high school students typically emphasize academic research, conservationism, or field-based learning. They provide an opportunity to develop advanced skills, including scientific observation, data collection, ecological analysis, and wilderness leadership. Many of the programs take place outdoors – in forests, mountains, or national parks – while others offer lab-based or even virtual wilderness-focused research opportunities. They also include mentorship from researchers, field scientists, or instructors with environmental expertise.
Here are 15 summer wilderness programs for high school students to help you get started:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost | Stipend: Varies depending on program type
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: The average GPA of accepted students is 3.86)
This 12-week virtual research program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors from top universities to pursue independent research projects across a wide range of disciplines. If you’re interested in wilderness-focused topics, you can explore areas such as environmental science, ecology, and biodiversity. You will meet weekly with your mentor, explore a topic of your choice, formulate a research question, gather and analyze data, and write a full-length academic paper. If you’re enrolled in the Premium Research and Publication Program, you will also receive additional guidance on preparing your work for submission to academic journals. Apply here!
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost | Stipend: Varies depending on program type
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary according to cohorts
Eligibility: High school students from across the world | Basic understanding of Python or completion of the AI Scholars program to apply for the AI Fellowship program
Founded by Harvard graduates, this virtual AI research program introduces you to core concepts in Python, machine learning, and AI through a mix of lectures, hands-on coding, and real-world group projects. The curriculum covers key topics like neural networks, image classification, and natural language processing, with opportunities to explore wilderness-related applications such as climate modeling, carbon emission prediction, and marine debris detection. Throughout the program, you will gain experience using tools like TensorFlow, Keras, and CNNs while also exploring the ethical implications of AI. If you are interested in pursuing independent research, you can choose the AI Fellowship program, where you will work 1-on-1 with experienced mentors to develop a novel AI model in your field of interest. Apply here.
3. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)
Location: Kangerlussuaq Science Field School and U.S. Summit Station, Greenland (virtual option also available)
Cost | Stipend: Free (all travel expenses covered except passport) | $1,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Exact numbers not mentioned, but highly selective
Program Dates: Remote JSEP: One week in late July or August (exact dates TBD), Field-based JSEP: 2 to 3 weeks starting from around June 25 (exact dates TBD)
Application Deadline: January 31 (tentative based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who will be 18 (but not over 19) by June 1 | Only students who have completed a Remote JSEP program in the last two years can apply to the field program
JSEP is a three-week field-based research program in Greenland where you will study Arctic science alongside students and researchers from the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark. You’ll spend two weeks in Kangerlussuaq conducting hands-on fieldwork in glacial geology, tundra ecosystems, and biodiversity using hands-on methods such as data logging, soil sampling, and ecological surveying. In the final week, you’ll travel to the Summit Station—a remote U.S. research base on the Greenland Ice Sheet—to learn about ice coring, snow physics, and other research being conducted there. Throughout the program, you’ll conduct research in field environments, learn to navigate the extreme arctic weather conditions, develop scientific communication skills, and present your findings at a virtual symposium at the end of the program. A remote version of JSEP is also offered, where you can participate in virtual visits to polar research labs, participate in collaborative research, and connect with leading polar scientists across the globe.
4. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)
Location: Lamont campus, Columbia University, Palisades, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | Approximately $1,200 (amount may vary)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: A small cohort of around 30 students
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Grades 10, 11, & 12 students enrolled in partner high schools of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
In this six-week-long summer research program, you will work alongside Columbia University researchers, teachers, and undergraduates to conduct field and lab-based environmental research. Most of the field research takes place at the Piermont Marsh, where you investigate ecological and physical processes such as nutrient cycling, natural carbon sequestration, and invasive species management, while also exploring the native flora and fauna. You will develop skills in field sampling, laboratory research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication while working in research teams under the mentorship of Columbia University undergraduates. You will also read and discuss relevant scientific literature with your team, design sampling protocols, conduct fieldwork, analyze data, and present your findings at a final research symposium.
5. Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) Summer High School Program
Location: Marin County, Solano County, and Contra Costa County (LINC North) | San Francisco County, Alameda County, and San Mateo County (LINC South)
Cost | Stipend: Free | Up to $2,400
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 24 participants (12 in LINC South and 12 in LINC North)
Program Dates: June 17 – August 1, with a one-week break from June 30 – July 4
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: All high school students residing in the Bay Area (priority given to graduating seniors)
This six-week summer high school program, run by the Park Conservancy, offers you the opportunity to engage in outdoor conservation work while exploring local parklands. You will participate in habitat restoration, trail maintenance, community cleanups, and workshops focused on professional development, including resume writing and mock interviews. The program also includes team-building activities such as wildlife observation using iNaturalist and field guides, kayaking, cooking, and field games. You will also take part in an overnight camping trip to a national park. You receive mentorship from environmental professionals and park partners and are eligible to earn up to $2,400 in education awards upon successful completion of the program.
6. Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) – Riverview
Location: Riverview Learning Center (RLC), Carnation, WA, with field work across various project sites throughout King County
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,800
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 16 high school students per cohort (selection is through a lottery process with priority given to first-time participants)
Program Dates: June 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: Due in late May or early June (based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students from the Riverview School District who are comfortable working outside for over 6 hours
YESS – Riverview is a summer internship program that introduces high school students to ecological restoration and land management practices through hands-on fieldwork and coursework. You will learn about plant identification, watershed ecology, restoration ecology practices, and the policies and agencies that shape environmental conservation and management. The program emphasizes skill development in areas such as environmental safety and well-being practices, public speaking, and project planning, and concludes with a restoration project proposal and final presentation. You also get to work directly with conservation professionals while earning a $1,800 stipend and 1.0 CTE credit.
7. Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) Youth Conservation Crews
Location: Various sites across North Carolina
Cost | Stipend: Free | Stipend starts at $15/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 4–6 students per crew
Program Dates: 3–6 weeks in June, July, and August, depending on the crew
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: North Carolina residents who are 15–18 years old | Applicants to the day crews must live locally
In this program, you will join a CCNC Youth Conservation Crew to work on environmental stewardship projects across North Carolina’s public lands. You will gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal while working in teams of 4 – 6 members under the guidance of two crew leaders. Depending on your location and preference, you can join a day crew based in Raleigh, Durham, or Old Fort, or a camping crew based in a North Carolina National Forest. Camping crews spend the entire session camping and working outdoors in National Forests, while day crews return home each evening. You must commit to a 40-hour work week – Monday through Friday – and must be prepared for physically demanding fieldwork in diverse natural environments.
8. UPenn’s Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost | Stipend: Free, but students are responsible for their transportation to and from campus | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Only 7 to 8 students are accepted per cohort
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in environmental research | GPA of 3.0/4.0
TREES is a free, six-week environmental science research program, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, that pairs high school students with faculty mentors to conduct independent research projects in topics related to environmental science and health. You will gain hands-on experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and using field and lab equipment to explore areas such as water quality, pollution, and toxicology. In addition to research, you’ll attend weekly seminars and workshops focused on environmental monitoring techniques and scientific communication. The program also includes field trips where you’ll get practical experience in skills like soil sampling and measuring environmental contaminants in real-world settings. Finally, you’ll present your findings in a final research report and presentation to peers and faculty.
9. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: WCS Headquarters, Bronx Zoo, NY, with field trips to green spaces and national parks across New York City
Cost | Stipend: Free | $750 stipend + MetroCard to cover travel or students receive $16/hour through SYEP if eligible to work with WCS’s authorized provider
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Exact numbers not specified, but the program is very competitive
Program Dates: Late June – August
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the Bronx
Project TRUE is an urban ecology research and youth development program run by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo Education team in partnership with Fordham University. In this program, you will conduct field research on topics such as mammal species distribution, bird community composition, water quality, and invasive species management, using field-based data collection and analysis methods. Under the guidance of Fordham University undergraduate students, you will complete a research project and present your findings at a final symposium to peers, scientists, and the general public. You will also learn more about the scientific research process, build connections with peers and professional scientists, and explore the wildlife and green spaces of New York City.
10. Wave Hill Forest Project
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | Stipend of approximately $2,275, paid through the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 15 teens (as of 2023)
Program Dates: July 1 – August 16 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February 23 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: 16-year-old high school students residing in New York City and eligible for work in the U.S. | Ability to travel off-site and work in natural, unpaved areas with heavy tools
This paid summer internship program engages high school students in hands-on ecological restoration and urban ecology projects through the Wave Hill Forest Project in New York City. As an intern, you will join a small crew led by an experienced restoration leader and work on assigned woodland sites to develop restoration plans, remove invasive species, stabilize eroded slopes, and document habitat recovery. In addition to fieldwork, you will take a college-level course on restoring New York City’s natural areas and collaborate on group projects involving field research and data collection. The program also includes guest lectures from professionals in conservation science, providing insight into career pathways in ecology, urban forestry, and environmental management. Upon successfully completing the program, you will receive a stipend of $2,275, credit for one college course, and access to Wave Hill alumni network.
11. Girls on Rock – Inspiring Girls Expedition
Location: Expedition starts at the Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE), University of Colorado Boulder, CO and heads towards the heart of The Rocky Mountains
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 9 participants per expedition team
Program Dates: July 8 – 19
Application Deadline: Early December – February 9
Eligibility: 16-17 year old high school students living in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico | Cisgender girls, transgender, agender, Two Spirit, nonbinary, intersex, and genderqueer youth and allies are welcome to apply. Click here to learn more!
Girls on Rock is a 12-day summer expedition that offers high school students the opportunity to conduct field-based research in the Rocky Mountains while developing skills in geology, ecology, and outdoor leadership. Led by professional women scientists, artists, and wilderness guides, the program combines scientific research with activities such as rock climbing, hiking, nature observation, artistic exploration, and data collection. You will first attend art and science classes in the frontcountry before hiking to the backcountry, where you will design and carry out independent research projects. You will finally prepare and present your researcch at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Mountain Research Station. The program covers topics such as cultural histroy of the area, geologic formations, and human-environment interactions, with a strong emphasis on place-based learning and collaborative exploration.
12. Ascend Wilderness – Teen Stewardship Work Experience Trip
Location: Trinity Alps Wilderness
Cost | Stipend: Free | Participants will receive a stipend (exact amount not mentioned)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to limited number of participants because of the group size limitations in the Trinity Alps (exact numbers not mentioned)
Program Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students aged 14 – 18
The Ascend Wilderness Teen Stewardship Work Experience Trip is a week-long field program focused on trail rehabilitation and environmental restoration in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Under the supervision of U.S. Forest Service staff and Ascend Wilderness Guides, you will learn practical skills such as trail construction, brush removal, and erosion control. The program emphasizes applied environmental stewardship and introduces you to specialized equipment, safety protocols, and field techniques commonly used in public land management. You will gain hands-on experience in navigating the alpine terrain while developing teamwork, environmental awareness, and professional skills relevant to outdoor recreation and conservation careers. You will receive a stipend and a certificate of completion recognizing your contributions to environmental stewardship efforts.
13. Northwest Youth Corps – Youth Community Program
Location: Various community sites in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
Cost | Stipend: $200 (financial aid available) | Base stipend of $480/week + possible bonus of $40/week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 8 – 9 participants per crew
Program Dates: June – August (dates vary based on the crew and session)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15 and 18 | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Northwest Youth Corps Youth Community Program is a five-week summer conservation program for high school students aged 15–18, offering hands-on experience in environmental stewardship within their local communities. You will work in small crews under the guidance of trained leaders to complete daily projects such as trail construction, invasive species removal, tree planting, fuels reduction, and flood prevention tasks. The program combines practical fieldwork with one hour of environmental education each day, covering topics like ecology, forestry, and land management. If you apply to the Sound to Summit crews, you will get to visit a nearby national park in the final week and participate in conservation projects, giving you additional exposure to natural resource work. You’ll develop teamwork skills, using specialized equipment, habitat restoration, and environmental problem-solving while earning a stipend and, in some cases, high school credit.
14. TeenNat
Location: Pepperwood Preserve, Santa Rosa, CA
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Exact numbers not found
Program Dates: June 24 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school teens in grades 9, 10, and 11| Basic computer skills recommended | Willingness to spend extended period of time outdoors, exploring uneven terrains, in the hot weather
TeenNat is a free, six-week summer field science program for high school students interested in conservation and biodiversity research. Held at Pepperwood’s 3,200-acre nature preserve in Northern California, the program trains you in ecological fieldwork, species identification, and data collection using field guides, GPS tools, and iNaturalist. You’ll explore oak woodlands, grasslands, and ponds while learning about plant and animal life through guided hikes, hands-on fieldwork, and mentorship from environmental scientists. The program also includes workshops on STEAM careers, map navigation, and nature-based art and writing. You will also complete a final biodiversity project and contribute real-world data to ongoing research efforts at Pepperwood. You can earn up to 55 hours of community service, a REI or Sports Basement gift certificate, or college credit through Santa Rosa Junior College.
15. NatureBridge – Yosemite Armstrong Scholars
Location: Yosemite National Park, CA
Cost | Stipend: $150 (financial aid available) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 13 participants
Program Dates: July 13 – 26
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: 15 – 18 year old female students (The program is open to participants from all backgrounds and identities within the broader experience of womanhood.)
The Armstrong Scholars Program is a 14-day wilderness immersion that fosters personal growth through backcountry travel, environmental science, and community building. After spending the first day at the Golden Gate campus, you’ll spend 12 days backpacking in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains – covering rugged terrain while carrying gear that may weigh up to 50 pounds – following which you will return back to campus for one evening. Through daily hiking, wilderness skill-building, and themed discussions, you’ll explore topics like environmental justice, natural history, identity, social justice, and leadership. Guided by experienced educators, the program emphasises self-reflection, group dialogue, and hands-on learning in the outdoors. The experience is physically and emotionally demanding, but no prior backpacking experience is required.
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 – NatureBridge