Are you a high schooler in Oklahoma looking to make the most of your summer? Whether you're into STEM, arts, leadership, or business, there’s a program for you. Participating in summer programs can give you access to subjects that you may not cover in your regular school curriculum, help explore subjects that you have an interest in but haven’t had to chance to study yet, and aid in better college preparation by building your skillsets.
Here’s a list of 9 summer programs that can help enhance your resume and contribute to your academic growth:
Subject Areas: Engineering, Microbiology, Cybersecurity, Cell Biology
Location: Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, OK
Program Dates: July 13 - 18, 2025
Cost: $600
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 with one of the following:
- 21 ACT
- 1040 SAT
- 1020 PSAT (including reading, math, writing)
- 20 preACT
Alternatively, applicants may apply with a teacher or counsellor recommendation.
Application Deadline: Not available The Honors Summer Academy at Oklahoma Christian University is a one-week program offering engineering, cybersecurity, cell biology, and microbiology courses. The courses are tailored to high school grade levels. In the Introduction to Engineering course, freshmen can explore electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. In the cybersecurity course, juniors and sophomores will dive into malware, cryptography, and open-source intelligence. The program culminates in a group project, where students use cybersecurity skills to solve a Sherlock Holmes-themed escape room puzzle.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research
Location: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK
Program Dates: June 2 - July 25, 2025
Cost: $5,000 stipend for full program completion
Eligibility: Oklahoma high school seniors, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
The Fleming Scholars program at OMRF allows high school seniors to work in biomedical research labs, tackling real scientific challenges under the mentorship of senior scientists. Over 8 weeks, you will contribute to research that works towards the fight against human diseases. You'll also write a scientific paper on your findings, present your research and attend seminars and professional development workshops.
Subject Areas: Musical Theater, Acting, Vocal Performance
Location: Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK
Program Dates: June 22 – July 5, 2025
Cost: $3,300 (includes tuition, meals, and housing); $50 application fee
Eligibility: Grades 9-12 (primarily rising juniors)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, with auditions starting November 1, 2024
Oklahoma City University’s Pre-College Intensive prepares high school students for college-level musical theatre, acting, or vocal performance auditions. This program covers online and in-person audition techniques, including self-tapping, selecting repertoire, and interacting with admission panels. You will take dance and acting classes, receive private voice lessons, and participate in one-on-one coaching and faculty masterclasses. Additional resources, like a guide to the FAFSA application and college planning, will also be provided.
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. 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 in data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! You can also choose 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 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 journals for publication as a high school student. This program is an opportunity for you to pursue a research program in specialized fields under the guidance of scholars. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that can be incorporated into future projects and college applications. You can apply here.
Subjects Offered: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3
Application Deadline: December 29, 2024 for the upcoming Winter II Cohort
Program Dates: Jan 20, 2025, Winter II Cohort - Individual Research (12 weeks), Premium Research (16-20 weeks), Research Fellowship (6-12 months), Professor Premium (16-20 weeks)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with a chance to conduct independent research under the mentorship of PhD experts. In this program, you will explore a topic of your choice across various fields from biology and data science to philosophy and social sciences, all while receiving tailored guidance to produce a college-level research paper.
Writing coaches will assist you through each stage of your paper, and the program concludes with a research symposium where you can present your findings, with the possibility of publication. For students passionate about a specific subject and eager to engage in academic research, Lumiere offers structure and mentorship as well.
Subject Areas: Healthcare
Location: The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: TBA
The Office of Access and Community Engagement (ACE) offers programs for high school students interested in healthcare, medicine, or STEM careers. Amongst these is Club Scrubs, a free initiative designed for students considering a future in healthcare.
Held twice a month on Tuesday evenings during the school year at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, you will explore healthcare specialities through hands-on activities guided by practising medical professionals.
Subject Areas: Healthcare
Location: OU Health Science Centre, Oklahoma City
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: TBA
The Spark program is another program by the Office of Access and Community Engagement (ACE) for high school students interested in healthcare, medicine, or STEM careers.
SPARK is a free, in-person summer program that gives you a hands-on introduction to medicine and the chance to engage with faculty from various medical specialities. While all high school students are welcome to apply, seniors and graduating students are prioritized.
Hosted on the OU Health Sciences Center campus in Oklahoma City, the program offers an immersive experience in the medical field. However, transportation and housing assistance are currently not available.
For updates about future sessions, contact the office at comace@ou.edu.
Subject Areas: Law, performing arts, media, theatre, business
Location: Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
Program Dates: Varies based on the camp
Cost: Varies based on the camp
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: TBA
Oklahoma City University hosts a variety of summer camps, covering law, dance, theater, business, music, visual arts, and media arts. If you are keen on these fields, you can explore each of them here.
Subject Areas: College preparation
Location: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma City
Cost: N/A
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: TBA
Oklahoma GEAR UP offers tutoring, mentoring, career exploration, and college preparation courses like ACT prep and the Summer Portal math support program to high school students.
The program helps students transition to high school through rookie camps and equips them with skills for college searches, matching, applications, and enrollment.
You will also get a glimpse of campus life through guided college tours, providing insights into your future educational paths.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.