Tucson offers a variety of summer programs that allow high school students to advance their skills and gain hands-on experience in specific fields. These programs cover a range of subjects, including STEM, business, healthcare, and the arts, allowing students to explore their passions and hone their talents in real-world settings.
Summer programs allow students to explore areas like STEM, healthcare, business, and the arts. These programs allow high schoolers to learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and gain real-world insights in their chosen fields. Here’s a roundup of 9 free summer programs for students of Tucson that will help you gain experience in your field of choice:
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher, typically in grades 10-11
Program Dates: Multiple dates throughout the year.
- Winter II 2024: Starts December 16, 2024
- Spring 2025: Starts March 3, 2025
- Summer 2025: Starts June 16, 2025
- Summer II 2025: Starts July 14, 2025
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
- Winter II 2024: December 1, 2024
- Spring 2025: February 16, 2025
- Summer 2025: February 16, 2025 (early), March 23, 2025 (priority), April 20, 2025 (regular-I), May 18, 2025 (regular-II)
- Summer II 2025: June 22, 2025
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, Machine Learning, Political Theory, Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology
About the Program:
Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) allows high school students to research various fields such as data science, machine learning, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology, neuroscience, and more. With both quantitative and qualitative research options available, this program gives you the option to choose your research track based on your interests. Once enrolled, you will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. mentor from a top university who will guide you through producing a 20-page, university-level research paper. The aim is to equip you with the skills necessary for academic research, and you’ll have the opportunity to submit your work to prestigious journals.
In addition to research experience, you’ll receive feedback on your project and a letter of recommendation, which can benefit your future academic and career goals.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: $2,290. Need-based financial aid is available
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students. For the AI Fellowship, applicants must have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience in AI and Python.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Winter cohort starts in December 2024
Application Deadline: Winter Cohort: December 1, 2025
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance and Medicine
About the Program:
Veritas AI offers a range of programs designed by Harvard graduates to introduce high school students to artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars Program is a collaborative 10-week boot camp that focuses on hands-on learning, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized Ph.D.-level mentorship for individual research projects. In the AI Fellowship, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the applications of AI in industries like finance, medicine, and gaming. You’ll work on projects such as AI in medical diagnostics, educational tools, and gaming algorithms, with the potential to publish or present your findings.
This program strongly emphaizes mentorship, allowing you to build technical expertise and better understand real-world AI applications. Both programs provide a chance to learn from top experts, enhance technical skills, and engage in cutting-edge AI research.
Cost: Free. Students must arrange their transport to and from the event location.
Location: Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus, Arizona
Eligibility: Open to all Arizona high school students
Program Dates: 8 days typically in mid-July 2025
Application Deadline: November 8, 2024
Subject Areas: Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Optometry, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy
About the Program:
Midwestern University’s Glendale campus hosts a free 8-day Health Careers Institute for Arizona high school students interested in exploring various healthcare fields. You will be able to engage with faculty, interact with students, and gain hands-on experience in Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental Medicine, and more.
This program offers a chance to explore different career paths in the healthcare sector while receiving practical insights and mentorship from professionals. Students interested in pursuing a healthcare career will get a glimpse of what the future holds in these dynamic fields.
Cost: No cost, stipend provided
Location: Arizona
Eligibility: Arizona high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Program Dates: In-person program: Typically four weeks in June and Virtual Program: Typically one week from July 8–12, 2025
Application Deadline: To be declared for 2025, with the tentative deadline likely in February
Subject Areas: Physician, Surgeon, Physician Assistant, Nursing, Rehabilitation Medicine, Biomedical Research, Medical Laboratory
About the Program:
The Mayo Clinic CARES Program allows Arizona high school students to explore various healthcare careers while gaining hands-on experience in a hospital setting. Over the summer, participants will interact with healthcare professionals, explore multiple roles within the medical field, and receive long-term mentorship.
The program emphasizes personal discovery, wellness promotion, and the development of future healthcare leaders. You will have the chance to connect with mentors who will offer guidance and support even after the program concludes, helping you build a foundation for a career in healthcare.
Cost: No cost; $1,800 stipend provided upon successful completion of the internship. Interns are responsible for transportation costs.
Location: Arizona State University campus
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in schools within the Phoenix metro area
Program Dates: May 27, 2025 - end of July 2025
Application Deadline: January 27, 2025
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Python and other programming languages
About the Program:
The Cybersecurity Research Internship at Arizona State University allows high school students to engage in real-world research alongside PhD student mentors. This eight-week program will enable you to explore various cybersecurity topics, from ongoing research projects to the design and execution of your research. Past projects have included comparing linting tools and ChatGPT for code reviews, developing a finance bot simulation to uncover vulnerabilities, and analyzing social media ad scams based on demographics.
Throughout the program, you will present your progress at weekly lab meetings, receive feedback, and culminate the experience with a final presentation of your findings.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Eligibility: Open to Arizona high school students
Program Dates: 1 week in June 2025
Application Deadline: To be declared
Subject Areas: Medicine, Cadaver lab, Nurse training simulation lab, First Aid and CPR training
About the Program:
The Colorado Plateau Center for Health Professions (CPCHP), in partnership with Arizona AHECs, offers the Future Health Leaders Camp—a free, week-long virtual summer camp for Arizona high school students interested in exploring health careers. This camp provides exposure to various healthcare fields through First Aid and CPR training, nurse simulations, TGen tours, and college preparation.
Additionally, you can engage with healthcare professionals and participate in recreational activities like rock climbing and baseball games. The camp is an opportunity for those interested in medicine to gain early career insights, hands-on training, and prepare for college and future healthcare careers.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Arizona
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds in undergraduate accounting and business fields
Program Dates: One-day experience: May 31, 2025; Residential experience: June 1 – 6, 2025
Application Deadline: March 2, 2025
Subject Areas: Business, Careers in Business, Startups, Accounting
About the Program:
The Business Careers Awareness Program, hosted by the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy, offers high school students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to explore careers in business and gain insight into college life. Some events include: Entrepreneurship, marketing, business communications, accounting classes, business plan case competitions, professional networking opportunities, and book scholarships for winning teams.
You can choose between a one-day experience or a week-long residential program, both designed to provide a comprehensive overview of business and accounting fields. This program is an opportunity to connect with professionals, learn about business careers, and experience university life at UA.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors & seniors who are enrolled members or descendants of AI/AN or Native Hawaiian Tribe and have completed Physics, Chemistry, & Pre-Calculus with a “C” or better.
Program Dates: June 8-14, 2025
Application Deadline: To be declared
Subject Areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
About the Program:
The Native American Science & Engineering Program (NASEP) at the University of Arizona offers a summer experience designed for developing students in STEM fields. Utilizing Dr. Shawn Secatero's “American Indian Well-Being Model in Higher Education,” the Native American Science & Engineering Program (NASEP) provides an experience that blends cultural, academic, and professional development.
Throughout the program, students engage in various activities to cultivate technical and leadership skills. One of the highlights is a field trip to Biosphere II, a world-renowned research facility that provides hands-on learning about ecological systems and environmental science. The program also offers networking opportunities, connecting students with indigenous professionals at leading companies such as IBM, Raytheon, and other top STEM organizations. In addition to professional networking and scientific exploration, students engage in practical, hands-on projects, such as building a computer from scratch.
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Cost: Free (includes tuition, room and board, and classroom materials)
Location: Arizona State University (ASU), AZ
Eligibility: High school students who are first-generation college-bound, from underrepresented groups in STEM, and/or from rural communities or Native Nations throughout Arizona
Program Dates: June 1 – July 11, 2025
Application Deadline: February 16, 2025
Subject Areas: College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus for Engineers I, Calculus for Engineers II
About the Program:
The Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program (JBMSHP) offers high school students the opportunity to experience university-level coursework in mathematics. You will live on the Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe campus and enrol in a mathematics course worth three college credits. The program includes daily classes, homework, exams, and tutoring sessions, providing a comprehensive academic experience.
In addition to academics, students will receive guidance on college readiness, academic success strategies, and tips for transitioning to higher education.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.