Summer programs give high school students the chance to explore academic interests, careers, and personal passions beyond the regular school year. They help students like you build independence, confidence, and real-world skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Participating in summer programs can also strengthen your college applications by showing initiative and commitment to learning. You can gain mentorship and networking opportunities that can guide your future academic and career choices.
Why Alaska Is a Great Place for Summer Programs?
Alaska is a great place for summer programs because it offers unique natural environments that encourage hands-on learning and adventure. You can study science, climate, wildlife, and leadership in ways that are not possible in most other locations. The state’s vast landscapes promote personal growth, resilience, and teamwork through outdoor experiences.
Alaska also provides cultural learning opportunities through its rich indigenous history and diverse communities. Being in such a distinctive setting helps you step outside your comfort zone and develop a deeper sense of independence. These experiences make Alaska an unforgettable and impactful place for you to learn and grow.
You can also explore our blog to read about other summer programs for high school students, such as the Free University Science Summer Programs and Earth Sciences Summer Programs.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Alaska.
1. Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI)
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: May 26 – July 10
Eligibility: Must be Alaska Native or from a rural Alaskan community, be current high school juniors or seniors who will attend RAHI after that year, demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework (typically a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA), read at or above grade level, and show a clear commitment to earning a college degree
RAHI is a six-week, fully immersive college program, carefully structured with a schedule of academics, activities, and support. You live on the UAF Troth Yeddha’ campus and take college classes, earning an average of 9 credits. You experience dorm life and campus routines. You build connections with students from across Alaska. The program focuses on academic skills, self-confidence, and discipline. Classes cover college-level subjects. Community activities support your transition to higher education. No cost applies to accepted students.
2. Alaska Department of Fish and Game — Internship Program
Location: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, statewide field sites and offices, AK
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships; specific pay rates unspecified
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Varies by posting on Workplace Alaska, (tentatively)
Dates: Primarily summer; exact dates vary by position, (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students at different academic levels (high school through college) via multiple internship levels; exact level requirements set per posting
In this program, you work with a small group of professionals in one of the department’s divisions and take part in structured, on-the-job training. Rather than handling general office duties, you complete clearly defined tasks that support agency programs while learning specific ADF&G policies, procedures, and techniques. Your work takes place in a planned training environment designed to help you understand how the department operates. Internships are paid and may also qualify for academic credit, depending on your school’s requirements.
Opportunities are organized by internship level, which corresponds to your current stage in high school or college, so expectations match your academic experience. Throughout the program, you develop practical skills and become familiar with different areas of state government work. You are also expected to reflect on and communicate what you have learned. At the conclusion of the internship, you share your experience with department leadership, staff, and partners through a presentation or similar format.
3. Summer Engineering Academies
Location: University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
Cost/Stipend: $300 for week-long camp, includes lunch and materials
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: multiple one-week sessions, June – August (tentatively)
Eligibility: Entering grades 3–12
In the Summer Engineering Academies program, you attend week-long, educational day camps at the University of Alaska Anchorage. You participate in hands-on activities covering robotics, coding, and engineering fundamentals. Faculty and student instructors lead sessions with approximately 7 students per staff member. Camps are held in Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley. Each session explores a different engineering area. Safety and learning receive priority. You gain exposure to science and technology fields.
4. Alaska Department of Natural Resources — Student Intern Program
Location: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, statewide offices and field locations, AK
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships; high school interns $15.20 to $16.11 hourly
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified (positions created and approved in-house; timing handled internally by DNR), (tentatively)
Dates: Summer and school-year; exact dates vary by position, (tentatively)
Eligibility: At least 16 years old; currently enrolled full-time in high school; in good academic standing; must have been full-time in the preceding term and admitted for the next term for summer roles
In this program, you are hired through Alaska’s exempt Student Intern Program, which allows DNR to set pay rates, position availability, and eligibility criteria within the department rather than using the central personnel system. As a high school intern, you are typically assigned simple tasks that offer basic exposure to the work environment in your field of study. These duties are selected to align with your academic background and coursework. You can find more information here.
You are paid an hourly wage based on your academic standing and are covered by workers’ compensation. In most cases, you arrange your own housing and meals, unless your assignment includes field work that requires DNR to provide lodging. If you plan to earn academic credit, you coordinate the requirements with your school and work directly with your supervisor to meet those expectations.
5. University of Alaska Anchorage Della Keats Program
Location: WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
Cost/Stipend: Free (fully funded, including travel, food, and accommodation)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: February 13
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors/seniors or GED holders interested in health careers; preference for Alaska Native students or those off the road system; demonstrated interest in health professions/biomedical research
In the Della Keats 4-week program, you experience university residential life on the UAA Anchorage campus. You complete health science-related pre-college coursework. You carry out health-related research projects. You participate in at least four medical or health care professional job shadowing experiences. The program is administered by the UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education.
It is named after Della Keats, an Alaska Native Inupiaq traditional healer from Kotzebue, who provided educational and medical services. You gain exposure to biomedical research, medicine, and other health professions. Preference applies to Alaska Native students who represent underserved communities or those living off the road system.
6. ANSEP Bridge Program
Location: University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Anchorage, AK, and University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF), AK
Cost/Stipend: Scholarships and campus housing support available upon completion
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: March 31 (priority)
Dates: One week before the fall semester — spring semester (weekly/biweekly sessions)
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors committed to UAA/UAF ANSEP-approved degree programs in STEM/business; prior ANSEP participation preferred but not required
In the ANSEP Bridge Program, you develop skills supporting academic, social, and professional success as a first-year ANSEP University Success student. You explore careers in STEM and business fields. You build a network of professional mentors alongside supportive students, staff, and peers. You complete internships in engineering, science, or business with ANSEP Strategic Partners.
You gain lifelong friendships and peer support with fellow ANSEP students. Automatic enrollment occurs in ANSEP University Success at UAA or UAF. Programming focuses on transitioning recent high school graduates to degree-seeking roles at the University of Alaska.
7. TBA Theatre Summer Programs
Location: UAA Wendy Williamson Auditorium, Anchorage, AK (Valdez Academy in Valdez, AK)
Cost/Stipend: $590 (Academies); $285 (Valdez Academy); $325 (Intensives); add-ons $80-$125
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: June 18 – August 2 (tentative)
Eligibility: Ages 8–18 (specific programs 13–18 for advanced/technical; mature students for technical)
TBA Theatre offers you training alongside professional actors, designers, and technicians in the performing arts. You develop theatre skills through acting, stage combat, voice, dance, and movement. You participate in intensive performance programs to find your artistic voice. Academy technicians oversee the technical aspects for productions under a professional stage manager.
You explore creative expression to communicate ideas and inspire imagination. Beginners receive comprehensive training through fully-staged shows. Experienced actors hone their skills through specialized workshops such as playwriting or puppetry.
8. Alaska Geographic Youth Expeditions
Location: Various locations across Alaska’s national parks and wilderness areas
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: TBA — should apply before spots are filled; Opens February 13
Dates: June – August (varies by expedition)
Eligibility: High school students (ages 13–18)
Alaska Geographic Youth Expeditions is a program for high school students that combines outdoor travel with hands-on conservation work. You spend time in national parks and remote areas of Alaska while learning about ecology, biodiversity, and responsible land use. The program includes activities such as field data collection, wildlife observation, and basic ecosystem management.
You also develop practical outdoor skills and work in group settings that emphasize cooperation and leadership. This program may be a good fit if you are interested in environmental studies or want to learn more about Alaska’s natural environments through direct experience.
9. Alaska State Capitol Senate Page Program
Location: Alaska State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska
Cost/Stipend: $25,605 annual salary prorated per session; dorm $780/month including meals
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: November 14 (Spring), summer session TBA
Dates: January 27 – June 6 (for the spring session)
Eligibility: Alaska resident high school juniors aged 16–17 with a 3.0 GPA; required vaccinations, including COVID-19
In the Senate Page Program, you deliver correspondence and legislative materials within the Congressional Complex. You take messages for members and call them to their phones. You prepare the Senate Chamber for sessions and carry bills and amendments to the desk. You attend classes at the United States Senate Page School, accredited by the Middle States Association.
You experience a fast-paced environment with perspectives from students nationwide. You meet prominent national leaders and observe United States Senate political debates firsthand. You play an active role in day-to-day Senate operations.
10. Sitka Fine Arts Camp High School Camp
Location: Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Sitka, AK
Cost/Stipend: Dorm: $2,475; Day: $975 (includes $350 deposit)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Teacher recommendation due February 1; forms due February 2
Dates: June 28 – July 12
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9–12
At the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, you explore new arts and hone familiar ones by choosing from over 60 different classes offered in theater, dance, music, creative writing, visual arts, digital arts, and Alaska Native arts. You meet other students from throughout the state and country. Counselors organize a variety of recreational activities from soccer to open mics.
Faculty perform a live show each evening for the camp community. You participate in an outdoor recreation day to explore Sitka’s vast trail system. You conclude with live performances, screenings, a visual art show, and a rock concert.
11. Alaska Business Week
Location: Anchorage and MatSu Central, AK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Anchorage: May 27 – 30; MatSu: June 2 – 6
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 (Anchorage); entering grades 7–12 (MatSu)
Alaska Business Week is a fun, intensive entrepreneurship experience for Alaska high school students. You race against the clock to run a world-changing business during intensive sessions. You take your future by the reins through hands-on entrepreneurship training. You share your success with business leaders from across Alaska.
Programs teach the basics of business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Company advisors who are also volunteer professionals share their experience. You learn without needing prior business experience. Anchorage offers a 4-day intensive, while MatSu runs for 5 days.
12. Drafting Dreams: High School Summer Writing Academy
Location: Daily UAF Troth Yeddha’ Campus, Fairbanks, AK, or remote online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 3 – July 15
Eligibility: High school students who qualify for Upward Bound or T3 Alaska
Drafting Dreams is a fully funded writing program offered both in person in Fairbanks, Alaska, and online. You participate through the University of Alaska Fairbanks as part of its T3 Alaska initiative. The program focuses on developing your writing through narrative practice, composition strategies, and critical reading and reasoning.
Throughout the experience, you work with instructors who provide individualized guidance and feedback. If you are interested in strengthening your writing skills before college, Drafting Dreams offers a structured academic setting to do so.
13. Alaska Songbird Institute (ASI) High School Internship
Location: Creamer’s Field and University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend for 85+ hours
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: April 27 (tentatively)
Dates: mid-May – mid-July
Eligibility: Alaska students ages 14–18 interested in research, wildlife, and conservation
ASI’s program provides you with training in basic field research techniques, including nest monitoring, bird banding, and data recording and management. You work alongside institute biologists, other interns, and youth volunteers on the Swallow Ecology Project. You monitor up to 70 active Tree Swallow nests from egg laying and hatching through fledging of chicks.
You check nest boxes, record and enter data, and assist with bird capture and banding. You will progress to taking morphological measurements and banding birds yourself. The program explores research, wildlife, and conservation-related career paths.
14. JEDC STEM Summer Camps (High School Tracks)
Location: Thunder Mountain Middle School, Juneau, AK
Cost/Stipend: Pay-as-you-can
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Varies based on camp, typically in summer
Eligibility: Grades 4–11; specific requirements vary based on camp
University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks both offer a series of STEM Summer camps. UAA offers its Summer Engineering Academy, which uses Spike Prime, Spike Essential, and older LEGO EV3 models to develop STEM knowledge in kids and teens. All camps are managed by the Juneau Economic Development Council. You build and program LEGO Spike Prime robots for challenges.
You participate in Sumo Bot tournaments. Camps run weekdays at Thunder Mountain Middle School. Options that are open to high school students include the 3D Design and Print Camp and the Technical Trades Camp. Payment operates on a pay-as-you-can basis. Weeks cover June and July sessions. You explore STEM through hands-on coding and design.
15. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Program
Location: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and remote sites, Kodiak, AK
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified (contact Natalie Fath at [email protected])
Dates: Year-round (Visitor Center); April – October (Cabin Steward)
Eligibility: Adults and youth; aviation/bear safety training for remote trips
You participate in cabin maintenance and repairs at remote cabin sites. You assist with invasive plant control efforts. You conduct berry surveys across refuge areas. You help with bird banding activities. You staff the visitor center, providing customer service and sharing knowledge about Kodiak. You operate the Alaska Geographic bookstore alongside staff. You support refuge conservation and education goals through hands-on tasks.
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 selective virtual research program enables you to conduct advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choice. 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 – University of Alaska Anchorage