If you are a high school student interested in physics, then a summer program in the field is worth considering. Not only would this be a productive way to spend your school break, but a physics program can cover key concepts like quantum mechanics, optics, particle physics, and more, in detail, beyond the school curriculum.
A physics program may have a hands-on research component, project work, coursework, or other activities that can help you learn more about the field and the career opportunities it offers. Through a summer experience, you can explore research in physics before committing to a college degree!
Summer programs in physics can also help you develop skills like teamwork, communication, and data collection and analysis - skills that’ll come in handy while applying to future research projects and internships in the field.
If this sounds like something you would like to explore, here we have listed 15 physics summer programs for high school students:
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary—fluid dynamics and physics, theoretical mathematics, and more
Location: Virtual
Cost: There is a fee. You can get the exact cost by raising an interest form here.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (at least 3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, details of which can be found here.
Application deadline: 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
- Horizon lab dates are flexible, but you must apply four weeks in advance.
Horizon Academic offers trimester-long research programs for high school students. While applying, you can pick the subject area Fluid Dynamics and Physics. Your chances of selection under this track will be higher if you have completed one year of calculus and physics each in school. If selected, you can consider working on a project on topics like oceanic or atmospheric waves, aerodynamic shape optimization, animal locomotion, reusable energy, vortices, stratification, environmental flows, and solidification of fluids.
During the program, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar (from a top university) who will be your mentor throughout your research journey. You will work on a 20-page university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication. HARP is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research. So, this program is an opportunity to explore highly specialized fields in great detail under the guidance of a top scholar.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. You can find out more about the program and apply here!
Subject areas: STEM fields including physics
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided but the exact amount has not been specified.
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the academic requirements can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in December/January.
Program dates: The six-week program typically runs from June to August.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a selective program that allows high school students to engage in scientific research at MIT. Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education, the program involves hands-on work on a research project under the guidance of MIT professors and scientists. As a participant, you also get to attend college-level classes taught by faculty members.
You will begin the program with one week of seminars covering current research topics in physics, other STEM fields, and even humanities. At the end of the first week, you will get your research assignments and then work on them for the next five weeks. In the final week, you will also present your findings. So, throughout the program, you will get to work on key research skills like data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Also part of the program are lectures (check out past speakers here) and field trips. RSI has an acceptance rate of around 3%, so it selects just 70–100 high school students each year out of 3,000 applicants.
Subject areas: Plasma physics, fusion energy, and other related fields.
Location: Remote and in-person commuter options (at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ) are available.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is offered, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors in the US who are at least 16 years old can apply. Applicants should preferably have some experience relevant to working on a plasma physics project and some experience with coding/computer languages and/or computer-aided design.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program dates: The program runs for 8 to 10 weeks in the summer after graduation. The exact dates of the internship depend on the student’s school schedule; some internship options run during school semesters.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is the US Department of Energy’s national laboratory. Its internship program offers graduating high schoolers an opportunity to work on a project with a member of the laboratory’s research or engineering staff. This can be a way to get some hands-on experience in research and lab work, which is essential for building a career in physics.
If selected, you will get to work on an experimental or computational plasma physics project and explore various aspects of plasma physics, fusion energy, and other related fields, broadening your understanding of these complex subjects. You would be expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
Subject areas: Physics, astronomy/astrophysics, math, and computer programming
Location: Hybrid—two-week online self-study program and four-week residential program held at Yale’s Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, New Haven, CT. Students stay in a dormitory 0.8 miles away from the planetarium.
Cost: TBD, but financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply.
Application deadline: Applications will open in December 2024 and are likely to close in early March.
Program dates: The six-week program typically runs from June to August.
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a six-week program open to 32 high school students interested in science and math, especially the field of astrophysics. The program has two components—a two-week online, directed self-study program followed by a four-week residential program. As a YSPA student, you will begin with online studies, which will cover the basics of observational astronomy and the syntax of Python—the programming language. This portion of the program will prepare you for the in-person component. Then, on campus, you will attend classes covering topics like observational astronomy, telescope optics, CCD imaging and calibration, photometry, spectroscopy, stellar astrophysics, stellar evolution, and more. Additionally, you will learn how to program and analyze data in the computer lab and use telescopes to collect data for your research project. At the end of the program, you will be expected to present your results in the form of a scientific paper at the YSPA mini-conference.
The program focuses on the fundamental concepts in research, hands-on project work, and enhancing practical skills in computer programming, data analysis, statistics, scientific writing, and other research methods. These skills are essential for a career in STEM. If considering applying, you can check out YSPA participants’ experiences here to know what to expect from the program.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: You can apply here! The summer cohort deadline is typically in May.
Program Dates: The summer cohort typically begins in June. The program length depends on which one you choose to attend!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, offers a unique 1-on-1 mentorship opportunity for ambitious high school students. This program pairs you with top university PhDs to work on real-world research projects in your chosen field — computer science included. You will select your project topic under the subject area of physics, which can range from biophysics to projects in quantum physics!
The program provides a valuable experience for students interested in computer science and independent research. Throughout the program, you and your mentor will engage deeply in the research process, including formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data, offering a comprehensive insight into both academic and professional aspects of computer science research.
Subject areas: Quantum physics, quantum computing, laser physics, astrophysics, and coding
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Eligibility: Female high school students in grades 9–11 can apply. First-generation students, students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics, and rising seniors will be given preference while reviewing applications.
Application deadline: TBA for 2025
Program dates: The 3-week program is typically conducted in July.
Hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, SPINWIP is meant for high school girls interested in exploring physics and coding. Over 3 weeks, you will attend lectures conducted by Stanford professors and researchers, work in small groups that are led by Stanford undergraduates, and participate in college planning and career development workshops. Through these activities, you will explore topics like quantum physics, quantum computing, light, optics, and lasers, cosmology (including dark matter, black holes, and exoplanets. The program also involves in-class worksheets and homework assignments that will help you dive deeper into concepts learned in lectures. You can check the complete syllabus here before applying.
During the program, you will also learn how to code using Python, apply these coding skills to physics-based projects, and get an introduction to Boolean Logic, NumPy, and MatPlotLib! Finally, the program will introduce you to career paths in physics and astronomy.
Subject areas: STEM fields, including physics and planetary science (students can choose just one area of placement from these available research fields)
Location: Virtual and in-person (at options are available.
Stipend: None
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum 2.8 GPA can apply. The applicants should have a permanent residency in the Washington-Baltimore Metro area.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program dates: The program typically runs from six to nine weeks from June to August. Some students and mentors may decide to continue their internship through the academic year, in which case the internship can run from September this year to May next year.
The ASPIRE program is offered by Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) to high schoolers interested in exploring STEM careers before committing to a field of study in college. In the application, you can choose any one out of 8 areas of placement, which includes physics and planetary science. Once selected, you will be paired with an APL staff mentor, and with their guidance, work on a project in the chosen field.
During the program, you will also be able to work on your technical and interpersonal skills that come in handy in a professional environment. You will be expected to work on ASPIRE tasks for 40 hours per week. The summer session ends with the submission of digital posters of your project. If you want to continue interning during the academic year, you must follow the guidelines discussed here. The program is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 15–20%.
Subject areas: STEM subjects, primarily chemistry, physics, computer science, environmental science, and engineering. Applicants can check the details here before choosing a NIST laboratory.
Location: NIST laboratory at Boulder, Co or the Gaithersburg, MD campus. Students need to make their arrangements for housing and transportation.
Cost/Stipend: None
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the USA can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February. You can check the application guide here.
Dates: The eight-week program typically runs from June to August.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is one of the oldest physical science laboratories and a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an internship for students who want to participate in scientific research. As an intern, you will work with scientists and engineers on a research problem and get a first-hand look at cutting-edge NIST research. NIST is divided into six organizational laboratories: Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Engineering Laboratory (EL), Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), and Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML). You can look through the different websites and choose any one laboratory (based on your interest) and mention your top pick in your statement while applying. The PML, in particular, focuses on research areas like atomic, molecular, optical, radiation chemical physics as well as electro-technology. The lab also engages in research activities related to atomic, molecular, and optical physics, radioactivity in environmental sensing, industrial radiation dosimetry, and quantum-based electrical measurements, among other topics.
Subject areas: STEM disciplines—mainly physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL. No housing is provided, so you will have to make arrangements to commute to the program site.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $17.20/hour is provided.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Illinois can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program dates: The six-week program typically runs from June to July.
Fermilab is USA’s premier particle physics and accelerator laboratory. It offers many programs for school and college students, of which, TARGET is a six-week paid summer internship opportunity for Illinois high school sophomores and juniors. TARGET can be a good opportunity to explore your interest in physics and work with scientists and engineers at Fermilab. Each year, the program typically accepts 15 to 25 interns. With this program, Fermilab aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities and women in STEM. The program combines work with experiential learning to encourage high school students to opt for college and pursue careers in STEM disciplines. Also part of the program are STEM and leadership workshops, which can help you prepare for college.
Subject areas: Projects are offered in various STEM fields, including physics.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Up to $500 is offered as a stipend.
Eligibility: High school students in the US can apply. Those in the Greater Seattle area are encouraged to apply, but program providers might also accept students outside the state. The exact requirements can vary for each project/internship.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications are typically open from March–April.
Program dates: The 8- to 10-week program runs from June to August.
The SPARK Summer Internship Program (SPARK SIP) is a paid opportunity designed to connect high school students with industry experts, university professors, and mentors and work on cutting-edge STEM projects. It is an extremely selective program. Each project under the program is meant to cater to different interests. For instance, in 2024, the program offered internships like “Quantum - Technical Writing” and CHIPS/Semiconductors - GaN/AlGaN - Technical Writing,” both of which were meant for interns with an interest in physics. For both opportunities, applicants were required to have completed AP physics coursework. The goal of the program is to enable students to experience a professional work environment and explore academic interests. Overall, interns are typically expected to work 20–40 hours per week.
Fields: Multidisciplinary, including space science, astrophysics, and aeronautics
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Most interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are eligible.
Application deadline: Varies from internship to internship. Spring programs typically have an August deadline, summer internships have an October deadline, and fall internships come with a January deadline.
Program dates:
- Spring internships run 16 weeks from mid-January to early May
- Summer internships run 10 weeks from late May/early June to August
- Fall internships last 16 weeks starting in late August/early September to mid-December/January
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides internships at all its locations around the USA. These internships are worth considering for the wide variety of practical opportunities open for high school students interested in STEM. Look up available opportunities here. With a NASA internship, you get hands-on work experience by working with mentors like research scientists and engineers in the field of astrophysics. Internships are offered in three internship sessions throughout the year. Each internship involves short-term work on a specific project. For instance, you may be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies. This can help you gain valuable experience and insight into NASA's work. You can select a different project in the next session. Keep an eye out for NASA OSTEM’s updates and guidelines here.
Subject areas: Various STEM fields
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No tuition fee, but participants who want to stay on campus will have to pay $2781.50, which covers accommodation and meals. A stipend may be offered at the end of the program but the exact amount isn’t mentioned.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program dates: July 1, 2024–August 9, 2024
The Simons Summer Research Program is a STEM research program that allows high school juniors to work on a research project. You can choose from various STEM areas, including physics. While applying, you can check the list of mentors and mention your top three choices of mentors or areas of research. Once accepted, you will be assigned to mentors and research groups. Then, you will learn about research techniques, work on your project, and participate in weekly faculty research talks, special workshops, tours, and events. You will have to work on a written research abstract and a research poster, which you will present at the closing poster symposium that concludes the program. You may also get a stipend at the end of the program! Note that this is a highly selective program with an acceptance rate of 5%.
Subject areas: STEMM fields including physics, quantum mechanics, quantum and nuclear physics
Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Housing (for non-local participants) and meals are covered. You may get a fellowship payment at the end of the program.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin are eligible to apply,
Application deadline: Applications typically close during the end of March or early April each year.
Program dates: The program typically runs from June to August
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program is a six-week opportunity for high school students to engage in cutting-edge research in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. Also part of the program are weekly seminars, which can help you develop professional and academic skills and learn about college admissions. During the program, you will also develop scientific communication skills and learn how to prepare a research poster.
Additionally, you will work on a STEMM project and interact with university faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students. At the end of the program, you will present your research at the end of the experience with a research poster and symposium. The program is highly selective; in the last two years, it accepted just 30 students out of 600 applicants. If selected, you will be assigned to one of the three research groups—POETS, SpHERES, and GENYUS— based on your coursework and interests. Of them, the GEnYus or Grainger Engineering Young Scholars group works on department-specific research in fields like nuclear or quantum physics.
Subject areas: Mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,700, which includes meals and accommodation. Financial aid is available for Philadelphia residents who attend a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 can apply.
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in late fall 2024. The deadline is yet to be announced but applications typically close mid-February.
Program dates: This three-week program is typically held in July.
University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Academies are subject-intensive three-week programs. Its Experimental Physics Research Academy covers physics concepts like mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics through lectures, activities, projects, and discussions. This is a residential program, so you get to stay on the UPenn campus and use its resources. Initially, you will be introduced to various topics in physics, from kinematics, electricity, and nuclear physics to modern physics and quantum mechanics. You will also explore the philosophy of science, experimental design, education paths, and the ethics of science. You will also explore Penn research through talks given by university faculty on their specializations and active research. The program also focuses on preparing participants for college-level physics.You can find out more about the curriculum and alumni experiences here.
Subject areas: Astronomy, physics, math, and scientific programming (Python)
Location: Varies as per the session
Cost: $8,800. Need-based financial aid and stipends are available. Check the details here before applying.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are at least 15 years old and are taking or have completed school physics and pre-calculus/calculus courses can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program dates: The dates vary as per the session, but the 39-day program typically runs from June–July. You can check the dates for each session here.
SSP International is a nonprofit that offers science immersion experiences. Its Summer Science Program in Astrophysics involves a research project on the topic “Asteroid Orbit Determination”. The goal here is to predict asteroid position, which is essential for predicting collisions, if any. During the program, you will learn about celestial coordinates and select a near-earth asteroid to study. As a part of a team of three, you will write an observing proposal, which would be similar to what an astronomer would submit to an observatory. Then, you will also use the telescope to locate the asteroid and then measure its position relative to surrounding stars. After multiple such observations, you will use Python to calculate the asteroid’s position and velocity vectors, while also using numerical differentiation. In this process, you will be introduced to concepts in astronomy like astrometry, planetary science, and cosmology, and in physics, like gravitation, celestial mechanics, electromagnetic spectrum, relativity, and quantum mechanics. You will also work with math concepts like interpolation and differential equations and learn about scientific programming in Python.
By the end of the program, you can expect to know how to use the telescope, take images with it, and calculate the orbit of the asteroid, along with fundamental concepts in physics, math, and astronomy.
Subject areas: Modern physics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, radioactivity, particle physics, and cosmology
Location: Northeastern University Boston campus, MA
Cost: $6,695, which includes tuition, housing, and meals. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are 16–18 years old can apply. Applicants must understand the basics of trigonometry and physics.
Application deadline:
- The priority admission deadline is typically in January
- The regular deadline is typically in February
- The late deadline is typically in March
Program dates: The two-week program is typically conducted in the July–August period.
Northeastern University’s Accelerate Pre-College Programs offer high school students a chance to learn about a variety of contemporary topics. The Exploring Modern Physics session, a part of the university’s Boston programming, is a two-week residential program. It focuses on cosmic rays through lectures, sessions conducted by guest speakers, and laboratory experiments. The lectures will cover topics such as special relativity, radioactivity, particle physics, quantum mechanics, and cosmology along with applications of modern physics concepts to nuclear energy and climate modeling.
Throughout the program, you will be introduced to in-depth course material that is not a part of any high school curriculum. You will also get to observe cosmic rays directly using a cloud chamber and measure cosmic ray properties using an electronic muon counter.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.