If you’re a high school student looking for free programs to build your skills over the summer, keep reading!
Why should I participate in a free summer program as a high school student?
Participating in a summer program will allow you to explore concepts beyond your school curriculum, gain practical experience in your field of interest, and network with peers and mentors.
Many universities and research centers offer free or fully-funded summer programs, especially for talented high school students, as the high costs can be a deterrent for a lot of students. Most of these programs are highly prestigious, and participating in them demonstrates your commitment to learning and your ability to work with advanced material.
Such programs will give your profile a competitive edge, allow you to explore potential career paths in your chosen field, and make the most out of networking opportunities with leaders in the industry.
Here are 20 free summer programs for high school students spanning various fields including journalism, communication, STEM, humanities, leadership, and more.
Subject Areas: Computer science, AI, machine learning, multimodal deep learning, programming, robotics
Location: BAIR Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Dates TBA for 2025. Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: The one-week program typically takes place during July. The 2024 program ran from July 8 to July 12.
Eligibility: The Bay Area high school youth in grades 10–12 can apply.
The BAIR Lab High School Summer Program provides an opportunity for students entering grades 10–12 to explore the most recent AI technologies, concepts, and ethics from Berkeley scientists and BAIR Lab researchers. BAIR includes faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers pursuing research across many areas such as multimodal deep learning, human-compatible AI, and connecting AI with other scientific disciplines and the humanities.
During the program, you’ll get to work with UC Berkeley researchers across the areas of computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, planning, control, and robotics. The entire program will take place on campus at BAIR Lab, where you’ll get to participate in daily guest lectures and activities guided by BAIR Lab researchers and select visits to research labs. You will also experience life on a college campus, including lunch provided daily at UC Berkeley dining halls and a campus tour.
This is a solid opportunity for you if you want to develop your foundational technical skills, get hands-on experience developing machine-learning models, and build an understanding of mathematical concepts underlying AI systems.
Subject Areas: Environmental health and engineering, behavioral economics, psychology, international relations, neuroscience, data science, machine learning, network science, biophysics, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, history, philosophy, political theory, sociology, and more!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort.
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24–September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
- The dates are flexible for Horizon Labs, 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 and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
Subject Areas: Journalism, communication, writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography.
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline: Applications will open in early 2025 for the summer 2025 program.
Program Dates: Typically 4 weeks from June to July. The 2024 program took place from June 17 to July 19.
Eligibility: Students who reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County can apply.
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer intensive academy that offers high school students the conceptual understanding and practice of the equivalent of first-year college-level media communication and journalism courses. They aim to help students determine the role of media and journalism in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators while strengthening speech and debate, writing, and critical thought skills.
Each year, the program accepts 26 students residing across Los Angeles County to attend. In addition to coursework, the program will equip you with tips on writing college essays and other advice related to college. You will be introduced to USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and services and possible careers in media and journalism. You’ll also have opportunities to meet the school’s innovative scholars who are advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism communities of practice. The 2024 program included sessions with award-winning journalist, author, and professor Miki Turner, and with scholar, media maker, and adjunct lecturer Rogelio Lopez. Overall, this free program will help you understand the basics of media communication and journalism and allow you to network with scholars and industry leaders.
Subject Areas: MATLAB programming, mathematical modeling, computational biology, and LaTex.
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Cost: No cost to attend, but students may need to pay for their housing, meals, and transport.
Application Deadline: Dates TBD for 2025. Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks from June to July. The 2024 program took place from June 17 to July 25.
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school and not graduating this spring.
The Math ExpLR program at UC Irvine's NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research is a 6-week program in mathematical biology. It pairs students with UC Irvine undergraduates to collaborate on a computational biology research project alongside a principal investigator. With few exceptions, all meetings, courses, and activities will take place in person. During the first two weeks, you’ll get an introduction to research, mathematical modeling, LaTeX, and Matlab programming, and get started on your mid-term report. During the next couple of weeks, you will work in groups on your mid-course report and presentations. Finally, in the last two weeks, you will work on your final papers and presentations, attend the Math ExpLR reunion, and participate in a post-program survey.
During the program, you’ll get to develop a comprehensive understanding and view of computational biology and how it is taught in university. Additionally, you will be expected to attend workshops in skill-building to prepare them for mathematical research, including Matlab programming, mathematical modeling, LaTex, giving research presentations, and writing a research paper. Some examples of project topics include—Biophysics of the Primary Cilium in Skin and Neurological Disease, Stochastic Models of Epigenetic Stability, and From Random Walk to Cancer Research. You can check out all the available research topics and their descriptions here.
This program will allow you to understand computational biology, work on research projects, and learn different programming languages in addition to gaining experience in presenting your research effectively.
Subject Areas: Science, medicine, public health, research methodology, and college preparation.
Location: Stanford University campus, Stanford, CA
Application Deadline: Dates TBD for 2025. Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: Typically 5 weeks from June to July. The 2024 program took place from June 24 to July 26.
Eligibility: SMYSP is specifically for current high school juniors in Northern California.
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week immersive enrichment program focused on science and medicine that is open to low-income, first-generation high school juniors who live in Northern California. SMYSP is a full-time weekly summer program. During the program, you’ll engage in faculty lectures, professional development workshops, Stanford Medicine networking events, and a public health disparities research project where you will work in small groups to write a college-level research paper, presentation, and academic poster. You will be mentored by faculty, health professionals, and college students in preparing for college and navigating careers in medicine.
You will be placed in hospital internships throughout Stanford Hospital where you’ll learn about various health and medical professions through hands-on activities, shadowing, as well as formal and informal discussions. You’ll also get to participate in weekly guest lectures, tours, and demonstrations from the Stanford medical community. This tuition-free program is a great opportunity for you to learn about different medical careers, gain practical experience working on real-world projects, and receive guidance on college preparation.
Subject Areas: Medicine, mentorship, career exploration, patient care, medical research.
Location: Various medical centers in Los Angeles. Virtual sessions are also available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February. Applications for the 2024 program are closed and will reopen in January for the 2025 cohort.
Program Dates: 2 and 4-week sessions available between June and August; dates vary for different sessions. 2-week virtual sessions are also available.
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th grade students can apply.
The Los Angeles Pediatric Society’s Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, established in 1969, offers a small cohort of medical students the opportunity to work in different hospitals with medical mentors and experts. Between 300–450 applications are received every year and the number of selected applicants ranges from 100–180. As an intern, you will attend daily sessions, interactive lessons, and workshops led by general pediatricians, and specialists, including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, infectious disease specialists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, child life, and therapists, (like physical, speech, occupational, or cognitive therapists) to understand how patient healthcare works.
To ensure that you can get hands-on experience, the program will assign you to a hospital in the Los Angeles area, like the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, to observe and help out with various medical procedures, treatment plans, and patient care to gain exposure as a young nurse and health care worker. You’ll also be given a chance to discuss projects and make presentations at the end of the program. Additionally, there might be some in-person shadowing and meeting opportunities for students, so make sure you take note of them before applying so that you can make the necessary arrangements. You can check out the past program highlights here. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion as well as the opportunity to win a $500 scholarship from the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund!
Subject Areas: STEM fields—molecular engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other fields.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: July 21–July 26, 2024
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students, who are at least 15 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school, are eligible.
The Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars program at the University of Chicago provides an opportunity for high school students interested in STEM fields. This program combines a virtual mathematics preparatory course followed by a one-week residential experience on the UChicago campus, where you’ll get to participate in classes, tours, and lectures designed to expose students to various STEM disciplines.
During your week on campus, you will have the opportunity to attend lectures by UChicago faculty and alumni in molecular engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other fields, and visit research facilities like Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab that will help to enrich your understanding of potential careers in science and engineering. This program can help you explore various STEM topics such as Astrobiology and Game Studies and Design, learn from distinguished faculty, and discover new career pathways in STEM.
Subject Areas: Economics (microeconomics & macroeconomics)---poverty, climate change, trade, and healthcare inequities.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: Typically takes place in June. The 2024 program ran from June 9–June 11.
Eligibility: Current 10th-grade students, who are at least 14 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school, are eligible.
The Voltage Scholars program is a three-day, two-night accelerated program that introduces students to the concepts of macroeconomics and microeconomics and allows them to learn about the abundant research and academic opportunities in the field. Owing to little diversity in the field of economics, this program aims to gather a broader range of perspectives and backgrounds to widen the field’s ability to contribute to public policy and society.
As a participant, you will have the opportunity to learn from hands-on lectures about UChicago’s distinctive approach to the field of economics. You will get to discuss ideas, perspectives, and experiences that will help you address some of the world’s most challenging problems and crises: poverty, climate change, trade, and healthcare inequities, among many others. Another plus point is that Voltage Scholars get to network with current college students since the program is run alongside the Becker Freidman Institute’s Expanding Diversity in Economics undergraduate program! In addition to exploring topics in economics, this program will also allow you to meet with UChicago admissions counselors to learn about highly selective college admissions and attend sessions to prepare for future careers in the field of economics.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, entrepreneurship, electrical and computer engineering, and mobile app development.
Location: Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Program Dates: June 24–August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade, or their first year of college at a 2 or 4-year Illinois institution in the Fall are eligible to apply.
The DPI Digital Scholars program is an innovative initiative that offers high school students an incredible opportunity to explore various STEM subjects. Through this program, participants get to work alongside university researchers and industry experts on real-world projects in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to sustainability. During the program, you’ll have the option to take a course in computer science, data science, electrical and computer engineering, or mobile app development. You will participate in weekly workshops that dive into key topics such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, entrepreneurship, data science, and presentations from Chicago’s top tech incubators.
What makes the DPI Digital Scholars program particularly appealing is its commitment to preparing students for future careers in technology and science. By exposing you to cutting-edge research and development, the program helps you to develop critical skills such as communication, collaborating in teams, creating a personal brand, and building a professional network, that are highly sought-after in the workforce. You’ll also get to build foundational college and career readiness skills and gain access to Chicago’s tech community with daily speakers and weekly workshops.
Subject Areas: Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, microbiology, biofuels, genomics, biomedical research.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: July 9–August 9, 2024 (5 weeks)
Eligibility: Students are eligible to attend BRBT in the summer between their junior and senior year as well as their post-senior year summer. The applicants must live within Baltimore City limits and attend a Baltimore City Public School.
BRBT is a competitive, paid program that provides Baltimore City high school students with hands-on research in the field of quantitative biophysics. During the program, you’ll get to work at Johns Hopkins University five days a week for five weeks and receive a stipend of $15 per hour. You’ll work in a cohort with other high school students and undergraduates, conducting research in state-of-the-art laboratories, and have an opportunity to be mentored by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty.
You’ll get to work in a high-tech teaching laboratory equipped with the latest in research instrumentation under the guidance of a full-time instructor and also spend time in the classroom to learn valuable concepts that form the foundation of your experiments. Your work will start with learning how to prepare reagents and materials and then move on to microbiology techniques and DNA protein engineering! This curriculum will help build a foundation for biomedical research and allow you to experience molecular-level discovery.
Subject Areas: Biophysics, cancer research, bioengineering, biochemistry, cancer immunology, experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer disparities, and pharmacology.
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: The program runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August for 8 weeks (2025 Dates TBA).
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years of age at the time of application can apply.
The ResearcHStart program at UChicago Medicine offers high school students a valuable opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cancer research alongside experienced professionals. This program (and the cancer centers at large) focuses on cancer research, allowing you to gain practical exposure and knowledge of various lab techniques, diagnostics, and treatments. The program is tailored for students interested in pursuing a career in medical research, providing them with a solid foundation in various scientific techniques and methodologies.
By participating in the ResearcHStart program, you’ll not only enhance your research skills but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities crucial for your future academic and professional endeavors. In addition to focused cancer research, you will receive holistic knowledge in fields like biophysics, immunology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. You will also get a chance to present your research to your peers and members of the participating universities at the concluding research symposium. This program is highly competitive, selecting only up to 30 students. You’ll also receive a taxable stipend of $3000 after the program.
Subject Areas: Engineering, research, scientific writing
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Program Dates: July 29–August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students can apply.
WIE Rise Summer Research Program, hosted by current Maryland Engineering students, was initiated through the RISE Program (the Clark School’s Leadership Academy) in partnership with the Women in Engineering Program. This program, designed for women high school students (rising 9th - 12th graders) but open to all gender identities, provides an introduction to engineering through the field of research. This week-long course is hosted online from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm and is designed to introduce high school students to the different fields of engineering and research.
You will get to explore different engineering disciplines each day of the week as they learn about various engineering research labs at the University of Maryland. You will also learn how to read and write scientific research papers, participate in at-home friendly experiments, and engage with current Maryland Engineering undergraduate students.
Subject Areas: Science, medicine, biomedical research, cancer research, genetics, career development.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: SHE is a two-week, part-time program that typically runs the second half of July.
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the start of the program.
SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology is a virtual, multi-institutional program for high school students interested in science and medicine. The program aims to empower individuals who identify as women and are otherwise underrepresented in the sciences to enter biomedical career pathways, specifically within the field of cancer.
During the program, you will collaborate on a genetics-based research project and a patient case study project to explore important aspects of cancer science and care. You will also get to participate in daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops to build your knowledge and networks for your next steps in biomedical career pathways. Apart from working in labs and interacting with different medical professionals, you’ll also get to present your research findings to your mentors and peers and learn about the other projects. You’ll also receive a $500 taxable stipend on completion of the program.
This program can help you gain hands-on experience in cancer research and access to career development and skill-building workshops with professionals from diverse cancer research and care sectors.
Subject Areas: History, politics, literature, art, community living, democracy, and transformative justice
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Application Deadline: The deadline for TASS 2024 was January 3. Dates TBD for 2025!
Program Dates: 6 weeks, between June to August. The 2024 program sessions will run from June 23 to August 3.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors. Participants must be at least 15 and no older than 18 at the start of the program. Black and Indigenous students, other students of color, and/or students who have experienced economic hardship are strongly encouraged to apply!
If you’re a high school sophomore or junior with a passion for the liberal arts, the Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers a great opportunity. This prestigious, six-week program is entirely free and focuses on fostering critical thinking and building a supportive community. TASS covers all costs, ensuring financial barriers don’t hinder talented students. TASS will allow you to study how power and privilege shape social structures through courses in humanities and social sciences. You can apply to one of two areas of study:
- TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies) offers seminars that will help you explore topics within history, politics, literature, art, and other intellectual and cultural contributions from people of African descent.
- TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies) will help you understand systems of power and oppression including white supremacy, patriarchy, and classism, and consider ways to transform society.
You can expect rigorous academic engagement with three-hour daily classes led by expert faculty, including discussions, group work, and lectures. You will be expected to read books and articles, view films and art, and participate in other class activities. You’ll also hone your writing skills through essay assignments with help and feedback from the instructor team. Beyond academics, you will participate in a public speaking program with your classmates and hear lectures from guest speakers visiting the TASS house. For a deep dive into TASS and tips for applying, you can check out this article!
Subject Areas: Science, engineering, technology, research, college preparation
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD (commuter program)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: July 8–August 2, 2024
Eligibility: The applicant must:
- Be a rising senior (must have completed 11th grade by June 2024).
- Be able to commute to the University of Maryland campus.
- Have a 3.2 GPA with no C’s in math or science courses.
The ESTEEM Research Mentoring Program (Engineering Science and Technology to Energize and Expand Young Minds) and the Summer Engineering Research (SER)-Quest is an intensive 4-week research-focused program sponsored by the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering. It’s an engineering-focused and intensive program. This program is full-time, five days a week for four weeks.
During the program, you’ll get to conduct an engineering research project, study engineering concepts in the classroom, develop a research proposal, complete a literature search and review, receive college preparation and career readiness training, and meet with undergraduate and graduate students who study engineering. This program will expose you to college-level engineering research and introduce you to the University of Maryland and the A. James Clark School of Engineering while helping you become highly competitive candidates for admission through a research opportunity.
Subject Areas: Biomedical research, scientific writing and analysis, mathematics, and bioethics
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (commuter program)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in December of the previous year.
Program Dates: June 17–August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must be US citizens currently enrolled in high school. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must come from households with collective incomes below 200% of the federal poverty limit.
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) Program provides students with a challenging, enriching, and personally rewarding summer experience. SARE provides its scholars with a unique exposure to modern scientific research, combined with additional tutoring to enhance their academic skills.
At Hopkins, you’ll get to engage in biomedical research while participating in rigorous courses in scientific writing and analysis, mathematics, and bioethics. You’ll be able to make daily progress - personally, professionally, and academically – as you hone your critical thinking skills and practice basic laboratory techniques. You can expect regular assignments designed to develop your knowledge and skills. You will receive exposure to financial planning and the college application and matriculation process. At the end of the summer, you will prepare a scientific poster presentation. You will get to practice presenting your posters orally, which generally requires several days of practice and rehearsal with lab members and the professor. Finally, you will present your posters at an open reception attended by scientists from across the medical school campus, as well as friends and family. You’ll also be awarded a stipend for your efforts after completing the program.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, actuarial science, and computer science
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: June 17–July 26, 2024
Eligibility: Students who are rising 11th or 12th graders or approved for high school graduation can apply. High school graduates who plan to begin studies in the fall at Morgan's School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences are also eligible.
The Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) Program is an intensive academic enrichment program for high school students interested in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science. This pipeline program is within the Department of Mathematics and aims to help increase the number of students who will enter mathematics and actuarial science fields. This program will allow you to investigate various careers in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science, obtain exposure to the rigorous academic environment that is characteristic of these disciplines, acquire important time management and study skills, and also work on your critical thinking, and civic awareness, team-building, and leadership abilities.
During the program, you’ll attend Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science classes. You’ll also attend program-related field trips and professional development sessions. Applicants are selected through a competitive application and interview process, and applicants accepted into the SAAMS program are rewarded a stipend.
Subject Areas: STEM fields—Engineering, programming, physics, sustainability
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June.
Program Dates: July 8–July 12, 2024
Eligibility: High school girls entering 10th or 11th grade. Boys and non-binary students in 10th or 11th grade (current 2023-2024 school year) can apply to participate in this program.
Rice University’s STEM Academy is a free week-long enrichment summer program aimed at helping high school girls understand scientific principles and processes. It is conducted in collaboration with Design Connect Create at Rice University. As part of this program, you will explore different engineering challenges focused on sustainability with state-of-the-art labs, Rice University faculty, and graduate student discussions.
Alongside studying these theoretical principles, you will make connections to the real world to understand their impact on your daily life. The program will allow you to work with engineering landing capsules, learn about circuits using Microbits, explore motion concepts with the help of TI Nspire Rovers, and discuss other physics concepts, their connection to engineering, and the challenges of making more sustainable designs.
This is a solid opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in developing sustainable designs using programming applications.
Subject Areas: Leadership, communication, human rights, global policy, renewable energy, international security, economics, environment
Location: Asia Society Texas Center, Houston, TX
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May (Applications for the 2024 Young Leaders Institute are accepted on a rolling basis, with students encouraged to apply early to secure placement).
Program Dates: June 24–June 28, 2024 | July 15–July 19, 2024 | August 5–August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Current high school students from the Greater Houston area are encouraged to apply for the Young Leaders Institute.
The Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a one-week summer program for high school students to develop global understanding, improve leadership skills, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. You may apply to one, two, or all three sessions of the Young Leaders Institute simply by checking the sessions you are interested in on the application form. There are three sessions offered by YLI 2024:
- Session 1: Japan's Global Impact—This session will allow you to delve into Japan's influence and contributions to culture, technology, innovation, and global policy.
- Session 2: Renewable Energy and Climate Solutions—This session can help you gain insights into how policymakers, industries, nonprofits, and international organizations are creating innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
- Session 3: Human Rights and International Security—This session can help you learn about the challenges and opportunities for countries working together to protect the rights and safety of diverse groups of people.
During the Institute, you will work in teams throughout the week researching, debating, and presenting solutions for the world's challenges. With mentorship and guidance from Asia Society Texas staff, you will be provided opportunities to develop more in-depth knowledge about global issues; hone communication, collaboration, and presentation skills for the future; and engage with experts, staff, and peers to improve your understanding of leadership.
Subject Areas: Science, medicine, health, cancer research, professional development
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided to the participants.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: June 10–August 5, 2024
Eligibility: All applicants must be 18 or older by the program start date. Some projects may be available for 16 and 17-year-old students. Students must have previously participated in Saturday Morning Science or be part of the affiliate programs with Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, or other predominantly minority-serving institutions.
Baylor College of Medicine’s SMS Summer Research Program allows a select number of students to work in the lab or on a research project with a Baylor College of Medicine researcher. For 2024, only 40 students were accepted into the program.
If selected, you will work approximately 40 hours weekly, Monday–Friday. This is a full-time job for the duration of the 8 weeks. The actual start and end time each day is determined by the researcher you are assigned to, but the total hours each week will likely add up to 40 hours. In addition, you will attend weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions to learn about various aspects of research and professional development. You also will be required to participate in the research meetings and any other special seminars specific to the research group you are joining.
As a participant of the Summer Research Program, you will be hired as a BCM employee under the title of Summer Project Intern. At the culmination of the summer, you will be invited to present your research to the SMS Summer Research Symposium and to the other in-person summer interns. You may also have other opportunities to present your research at the Annual Center of Excellence in Health Equity Training and Research Summit sponsored by BCM, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Engagement activities, and the BCM “CURED” symposia.
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In our flagship program, we pair talented high-school students with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
This program is a particularly solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: There are 4 annual cohorts that run in fall, spring, summer, and winter
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort.
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023.
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. Students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.