Looking for a summer program that goes beyond the usual high school curriculum? Whether you’re interested in engineering, medicine, arts, or public service, these Memphis programs offer learning experiences that can sharpen your skills and knowledge. From hands-on internships to pre-college immersions, here are 7 of the best summer programs for high school students in Memphis, each designed to help you explore specialized fields.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Vary according to cohort:
- Winter: December 16, 2024 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Subject Areas: Data Science, Biology, Chemistry, Political Theory, Psychology, and more
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade, with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD 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. The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided. You can choose your subject track in the application form as well as a specific area of focus!
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Laboratory Techniques, Genetic Studies, Cancer Research, Psychology, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Data Science Research
Location: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Eligibility: Current juniors at a high school in the Memphis area, aged 16 years old or older, with a GPA of at least 3.0
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25, 2025
Cost: Free (with a stipend of $4,800 provided)
St. Jude’s High School Summer Internship offers high school students the opportunity to participate in biomedical research. You will work alongside the hospital’s researchers, learning lab techniques, data analysis, and experimental design in fields such as psychology and epidemiology. In addition to the mentored research experience, this program also helps you understand the role of scientists in society and possible pathways for you to become a researcher, with the goal of helping you write your college essays.
Subject Areas: Law, Public Speaking, Trial Advocacy, Legal Analysis
Location: Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025. The 2024 deadlines were:
- February 15, 2024 (Early)
- April 1, 2024 (Regular)
Program Dates: June 16 – 24, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: $2,000. Financial aid may be available
The Rhodes College Mock Trial Academy offers high school students a practical introduction to legal studies and trial procedures. Over the course of a week, you will learn key skills in legal analysis and case preparation, focusing on argument structure, witness examination, and public speaking. Led by college-level mock trial experts, the academy allows you to engage in realistic trial simulations, providing a foundation in legal reasoning and advocacy techniques that are critical for careers in law and public policy.
Subject Areas: Government, Civic Engagement, Nonprofit
Location: Government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits in Shelby County (including Memphis), TN
Eligibility: Students who live in Shelby County who are 14 years of age and are in good standing
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 3 – July 31, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free (paid $10/hour)
In the County Commissioner’s Summer Youth Internship Program, you’ll get a close-up view of local government and learn about the inner workings of public service. This internship involves supporting various county departments, where you'll develop skills in administration, civic engagement, and teamwork. The program is designed to build your understanding of public sector roles while enhancing your professional and communication abilities, ideal for students interested in government or community service. Students can also be placed at local businesses or nonprofits, expanding the kinds of work experience available.
Subject Areas: Law, Legal Practice
Location: Various law firms, courts, and legal organizations in Memphis, TN
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school in Shelby County from minority backgrounds and in good standing
Application Deadline: March 22, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 3 – 28, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free (with a stipend of $500 provided)
The Memphis Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program offers you an introduction to legal careers through hands-on work with local law firms and courts. You’ll gain real-world experience in legal research, case preparation, and courtroom procedures while building professional skills and networking with legal professionals. This program is a good fit if you're considering a career in law, providing insights into daily legal practices and the justice system. The program is specifically designed to encourage underrepresented students to pursue law.
Subject Areas: International Relations, Political Science, Cultural Studies, Economics, Foreign Languages, History
Location: University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Eligibility: Tennessee rising juniors and seniors in high school
Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
Program Dates: June 7 – 28, 2025
Cost: Free
The Governor's School for International Studies at the University of Memphis is a three-week-long residential program designed to introduce you to the complexities of global affairs and cultural dynamics. You’ll take courses covering international politics, economics, geography, and cultural studies, analyzing global challenges and exploring the interconnectedness of nations. The program combines classroom learning with interactive simulations and group projects, encouraging you to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world issues like international trade, diplomacy, and human rights.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.