Summer programs for high school students can help you explore areas of interest, build specialized skills, and gain hands-on experience in academic or professional settings. These programs allow you to go beyond what’s taught in school, diving into advanced topics and using cutting-edge software that you may not have access to in the classroom!
If you’re a student in Albuquerque, the city has a ton of opportunities to offer in the form of camps, pre-college programs, and internships. Whether it’s conducting medical research, designing architectural models, or tackling STEM challenges, the programs below can help develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration – skills admissions officers love!
In addition to enhancing resumes and college applications, these summer programs help you build peer networks and can guide your future careers. Here is a list of 7 summer programs for high school students in Albuquerque:
1. Veritas AI Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Python Programming, Data Science, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing, and AI Ethics.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12.
Program Dates: Offered year-round, with multiple cohorts.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
The Veritas AI Scholars Program is a 25-hour online course introducing you to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). You will participate in live lectures and hands-on coding sessions, building a strong foundation in Python programming and AI concepts. Topics include data science, exploratory data analysis, linear and logistic regression, neural networks, and natural language processing.
The program emphasizes real-world applications, guiding you through AI projects that address current challenges. These projects enhance technical skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Ethical considerations in AI are also explored, helping you understand the societal impact of these technologies. By the program’s end, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of AI and machine learning, preparing you for academic and career opportunities in technology.
2. Ladder Internships
Subject Areas: Technology, Business Development, Marketing, Data Science, and Entrepreneurship.
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide with a strong work ethic and interest in startups.
Program Dates: Ladder Internships offer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490; Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines aligned with cohort start dates
Ladder Internships is an eight-week program that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. You will work with startups in industries like technology, healthcare, finance, and media, gaining hands-on experience through impactful projects. Committing 5–10 hours per week, you’ll collaborate with startup mentors on tasks tailored to your interests and skills, such as developing business strategies, creating marketing campaigns, coding AI models, or building data-driven tools. Weekly check-ins provide constructive feedback to help you meet professional expectations.
The program sharpens your technical and analytical abilities while building essential soft skills like communication, time management, and teamwork. By the end, you will complete projects that can enhance your college applications and career prospects.
3. Summer Engineering and Computing Academy at University of New Mexico
Subject Areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Transportation Systems, STEM Research, Team Collaboration
Eligibility: Open to rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, seniors, depending on the type of program.
Program Dates: Various cohorts from June 2 – July 25
Location: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cost: Fully-funded
Application Deadline: April 15
The Summer Engineering and Computing Academy at the University of New Mexico helps you build practical skills in engineering and computer science. Through hands-on projects, problem-solving challenges, and collaborative activities, you will work on developing technical proficiency, critical thinking, and teamwork. With guidance from experienced faculty and industry professionals, you’ll explore engineering principles, coding techniques, and real-world STEM applications.
The program offers two tracks: a commuter option focused on foundational concepts and a residential option for advanced topics like transportation systems and research methodologies. Both emphasize problem-solving strategies, project management, and communication skills. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of completed projects and insight into STEM careers.
4. Architecture + Design Summer Academy at University of New Mexico
Subject Areas: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City and Regional Planning, and Historic Preservation.
Program Dates: Sessions open in June and July
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe and George Pearl Hall, UNM campus, Albuquerque.
Cost: $300 per session. Limited full scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Deadline: May 6.
The Architecture + Design Summer Academy at the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture + Planning introduces you to architecture, landscape architecture, and design. Through hands-on experience, you’ll blend design studio practice with lectures, workshops, and field trips to Albuquerque and Santa Fe. You will explore foundational concepts like space, form, and structure while tackling real-world architectural challenges.
This program also allows you to work in a studio environment, experimenting with design tools and techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors and professionals. In addition to technical skills, you’ll gain insight into architecture’s role in urban planning, historic preservation, and sustainable development. This experience prepares you for college-level studies and career possibilities in architecture and design.
5. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Healthcare Applications, Research Methodologies, Data Analysis, and Ethics in AI.
Eligibility: High school students entering 9th through 12th grade and are over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Location: Virtual (Online)
Cost: $850 with a $40 application fee. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: February 28
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual Summer Research Internship for students interested in AI and healthcare. This program combines lectures, hands-on projects, and mentorship to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI applications in medicine. Daily sessions include introductory and technical lectures on AI fundamentals, collaborative group research projects, and virtual career talks with professionals from academia, industry, nonprofits, and government sectors.
You’ll develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and technical proficiency in AI and machine learning while gaining experience in research methodologies, data analysis, and ethical considerations in healthcare AI. By the program’s end, you’ll complete a group research project, showcasing your ability to apply AI concepts to real-world medical challenges.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Mental Health Medicine, Clinical Research, and Professional Development.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: June – August (in-person program), July – August (virtual program)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, East Baltimore campus. The virtual program is online.
Cost:
- In-Person Program: Interns are paid an hourly wage and receive transportation funds.
- Virtual Program: Interns receive a $500 scholarship upon successful completion.
Application Deadline: March 1.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is an eight-week summer research program designed to explore careers in neuroscience and mental health medicine. You participate in research projects alongside Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, and students. The program includes hands-on lab work, clinical rotations with neurologists, and scientific seminars, offering a comprehensive introduction to clinical neuroscience.
In addition to research, you receive professional development training to build skills in communication, critical thinking, and scientific presentation. The program concludes with a final presentation where you share your findings, improving public speaking and data interpretation.
7. Stanford AI4ALL
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Societal Impacts of AI, Career Development, and Research Methodologies.
Eligibility: Open to current 9th-grade over the age of 14 by the program start date.
Program Dates: June 18 – July 2.
Location: Online.
Cost: $4,000 (if accepted). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: January 24
Visit the website for the latest details: Stanford AI4ALL.
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week online program designed to increase diversity in artificial intelligence by providing hands-on learning and mentorship. You explore AI fundamentals and real-world applications in areas like medicine, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. The program features lectures from Stanford faculty, collaborative research projects, and small-group mentoring sessions with AI researchers.
You will build skills in programming, data analysis, problem-solving, and research methodologies while working on projects that address societal challenges. By applying AI tools to create impactful solutions, you gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of ethical considerations in AI. You will also have career development workshops and mentoring sessions to help you explore pathways in STEM and AI-related fields.
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 – Stanford University
