Portland offers a range of summer programs for high schoolers designed to help you deepen your knowledge in specific fields and develop advanced skills. From environmental science to creative writing, these programs provide hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. Whether you're looking to explore a career path, build expertise in a subject, or simply discover a new interest, these opportunities can help you learn something meaningful this summer.
In this list, we’ve curated 7 summer programs for high school students in Portland!
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!
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Oregon high schools with GPAs of 3.0 or higher from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who will be at least 16 years old by the program start date
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15, 2025
Location: Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cancer Research Building, Portland, OR
Stipend: $11/hour, plus a bus pass for the program duration
Subjects Offered: Biomedical Research, Healthcare, Cancer Research
This 8-week program offers an introduction to biomedical research for high schoolers interested in health sciences. You will engage in hands-on lab work, collaborate with researchers, and conduct medical studies at one of the nation’s leading research institutes. This program fosters critical thinking, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of health-related careers, making it a valuable stepping stone for students interested in science and medicine research.
Application Deadline: March 7, 2025
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Program Dates: 8-week internship from June to late August
Location: Various locations in Portland-Metro, Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene areas in Oregon
Fee: $40 non-refundable application fee, stipend of $1,500, $1,000, or $500 provided depending on participation hours
Subjects Offered: Biology, Health, Medicine, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics
The ASE program provides high school students with hands-on experience in STEM fields through a competitive, paid internship. You will be paired with mentors—professionals who guide them through real-world projects in areas like biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science. Over eight weeks, you will gain practical skills, conduct experiments, and deepen your understanding of STEM concepts while exploring potential career paths. This program offers a valuable blend of learning and professional mentorship.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 2-11
Program Dates: July 1 – August 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Location: University of Portland, Portland, OR
Fee: $125, scholarships available
Subjects Offered: Mathematics, Language Arts
The University of Portland’s School of Education offers a summer learning program for grades 2–11 students. The program focuses on mathematics and language arts, aligning with Common Core State Standards to enhance your academic skills. Classes take place Monday – Thursday mornings and are taught by graduate students in the university’s School of Education. This summer enrichment program allows you to take classes on a college campus and prepare for the coming academic year.
Application Deadline: Registration will open in the winter
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18
Program Dates: TBA for 2025
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR
Fee: TBA for 2025, scholarships are available
Subject Offered: Digital Art, Design, Art Theory
The Pacific Northwest College of Art’s Pre-College Summer Intensives introduces high school students to 2D, 3D, Time, and Digital arts. The program mirrors the curriculum of a first-year college program. You will work on individual and collaborative projects, gain hands-on experience in curatorial and exhibition preparation, and receive detailed portfolio reviews from faculty and admissions staff. These intensives provide an opportunity to explore art school life and assess whether a four-year degree in art and design aligns with your goals.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: You must be 16 years of age on the first day of camp
Program Dates: Usually in June
Location: University of Portland, Portland, OR
Fee: Free
Subjects Offered: Nursing
The University of Portland’s School of Nursing & Health Innovations (UPSONHI) offers a summer program to introduce high school students to careers in healthcare. With a focus on supporting diverse, low-income, and first-generation students, UPSONHI runs a free, 4-day program designed to help high school students consider a nursing career. You will participate in clinical simulations, academic workshops, community service activities, and more.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.