If you’re a high school student with an interest in building advanced skills or exploring research opportunities, summer programs are a great way to get started. Universities, research institutes, and various organizations offer summer programs that allow students to work directly with faculty and researchers while developing their own projects or presentations. These programs provide access to cutting-edge technology, resources, and professional networks, helping students apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings and build strong industry connections.
Participating in a summer program is an excellent way to sharpen your skills in a particular subject and gain hands-on experience that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Types of Summer Programs in Nebraska You Can Apply For:
There are several types of summer programs to consider, depending on your goals:
- Immersion or Pre-College Programs: These programs, typically offered by universities, give you a taste of college-level academics and extracurricular activities while allowing you to explore specific subject areas in more depth.
- Research Programs: Focused on research, these programs allow you to work on independent or group projects in areas like biology, chemistry, or computer science. You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs or out in the field, often leading to a presentation or publication.
- Work-Learn Internships: Some programs combine learning with real-world work experience, offering students a chance to develop practical skills while working on industry-relevant tasks or projects.
If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in a field of your choice, check out our list of the 11 best summer programs for high school students in Nebraska.
11 Summer Programs + Internships for High School Students in Nebraska
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
The Horizon Academic Research Program offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across a range of fields like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, and psychology. You can choose between quantitative or qualitative research tracks, working under the mentorship of a professor or Ph.D. scholar. You will be provided with a letter of recommendation and personalized feedback to strengthen your future projects and college applications. The program helps students create university-level research papers (20 pages) that can be submitted to prestigious journals for publication.
2. Bellevue University Cybersecurity Camp
Location: Bellevue, NE
Program Dates: June 24-28
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in IT and cybersecurity.
Cost: Free
This camp is ideal for students interested in cybersecurity and information technology. You will learn about ethical hacking, network security, and cyber defense while working on real-world problems using industry-standard software like Wireshark and Kali Linux.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3 or above.
Application Deadline: Typically in March, April, and May (for the summer cohort).
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,800 for 12 weeks, $5,400 for 16-20 weeks. Financial aid is available.
Lumiere, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, pairs students with PhD mentors to develop a personalized research project. With fields ranging from STEM and humanities to social sciences, students can explore subjects like data science, economics, psychology, and gender studies. Over 12-20 weeks, students engage in weekly mentorship sessions and complete a research paper that may even be presented at academic symposiums. This program is perfect for students looking to create a tangible research portfolio. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a university-level research paper. Ideal for students planning to publish or present their work at conferences.
4. Young Nebraska Scientists Program
Location: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Program Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old | Current 10th or 11th grader at the time of application | Must be a Nebraska resident | Must be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of employment authorization.
Cost: $30 for application fees and students will earn $12/hour, working 20-40 hours per week for up to 8 weeks.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers the Young Nebraska Scientists (YNS) program offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to dive into scientific research. Focusing on areas like Biology, Biomechanics, Climate Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience, Materials Engineering, students engage in real research projects over the course of 8 weeks.You will work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with UNL scientists on advanced topics such as Emergent Quantum Materials and Technologies (EQUATE), biomechanics, climate science, and the neurobiological and genetic mechanisms that drive complex systems in animals.
5. Creighton University Summer Research Program
Location: Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Program Dates: June 10 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors passionate about STEM research.
Cost: Not specified.
Summer Research Institute at Creighton University provides high school and college students with hands-on research experience while preparing them for careers in the health sciences. The program offers two distinct research tracks: students are either paired with a university faculty member to contribute to ongoing biomedical research, or they collaborate with a community organization to design and conduct community-based participatory research alongside site managers. The program culminates in a colloquium, where you will present your research through oral and poster presentations.
6. UNL Big Red Summer Academic Camps
Location: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Program Dates: June 9-14
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students, grades 10-12, who meet specific track prerequisites.
Cost: $600 to $900 depending on camp session.
UNL’s Big Red Summer Academic Camps offer students the chance to explore subjects like Weather and Climate Science, Education, Engineering, Filmmaking, Outdoor Nebraska, Unicameral Youth Legislature, Teaching, and Veterinary Science. With access to UNL’s resources and faculty, participants complete hands-on projects in their field of interest while experiencing a taste of college life.
7. Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI)
Location: Lincoln, NE
Program Dates: July 7-11
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Nebraska high school juniors and seniors.
Cost: Free
NAYI is a free, week-long summer program hosted by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for students interested in agriculture, agribusiness, and sustainability. You can participate in interactive workshops, meet industry leaders, and tour agricultural facilities. This free program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural sector in Nebraska.
8. Omaha Zoo & Aquarium High School Internships
Location: Omaha, NE
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ interested in animal science or conservation.
Cost: First-year fee: $85 and Annual renewal fee: $40
This internship offers students the opportunity to work with professionals at the Omaha Zoo & Aquarium in areas such as marine biology, animal science, and ecology. Interns assist with research projects, animal care, and conservation efforts, gaining practical experience in wildlife and environmental management. During the summer, Zoo Crew members can become Day Mentors, teaching younger students and helping them present information to guests.
9. UNL Engineering Readiness Academy
Location: City Campus (Lincoln) and Scott Campus (Omaha)
Program Dates: August 17-22
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in engineering.
Cost: $200
This specialized summer program focuses on preparing students for college-level engineering courses. You will work in teams on design projects in areas like mechanical engineering, robotics, and civil engineering. You will also gain experience using engineering tools like AutoCAD and MATLAB.
10. Joslyn Art Museum Young Artist Program
Location: Omaha, NE
Program Dates: July 15-19
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students passionate about the visual arts.
Cost: Joslyn Members: $102 per series; General Public: $120 per series
Perfect for creative students, this program at the Joslyn Art Museum offers specialized tracks in painting, digital media, and sculpture. You can refine your artistic skills under the guidance of artists-in-residence and collaborate on projects that can enhance their portfolios.
11. Nebraska State 4-H Camps
Location: Various locations across Nebraska
Program Dates: Multiple sessions, May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling, March – April
Eligibility: Nebraska high school students, grades 9-12.
Cost: Varies based on camp but generally $500
These camps offer a unique blend of outdoor adventure and STEM learning. You will engage in hands-on projects such as robotics, outdoor survival skills, and sustainable agriculture. This program is ideal for students interested in the intersection of technology and environmental science.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
