If you’re a high schooler looking for the best way to boost your skill set and resume this summer, summer programs are your best bet! Summer programs, especially in the field of STEM, for high school students offer a great opportunity to delve deeper into these subjects beyond classroom learning.
Why should you apply to STEM Summer Programs as a high school student?
- You will gain solid hands-on experience: You will gain practical experience through real-world projects, which will allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in meaningful ways. This hands-on approach helps solidify your understanding of complex concepts!
- You will develop advanced skills: Programs often focus on specific skills, such as coding, data analysis, or laboratory techniques. Mastering these skills can enhance your resume and college applications, demonstrating your commitment to academic and professional growth.
- You will get the opportunity to network: Interacting with peers, faculty, and industry professionals will provide you with valuable connections that can lead to mentorship, internships, and future collaborations, expanding your academic and professional networks.
- You will explore your interests: Summer STEM programs will allow you to explore various disciplines within science and engineering, helping you identify your passions and potential career paths. This exploration is crucial for informed college and career choices.
- You will enhance your college applications: Participation in rigorous summer programs showcases a student’s initiative, dedication, and interest in STEM, making their college applications stand out in a competitive landscape.
By participating in a summer STEM program, you will gain in-depth knowledge and experience while cultivating an advanced skill set that you can use for future research projects or internships in STEM!
With that, here is a list of 14 great summer STEM programs for high school students!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program – STEM tracks
Subject Areas: Theoretical Mathematics, Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience, Protein Biophysics, and more options.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Program Dates: Varies according to cohort. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! 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 STEM fields like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, data science, machine learning, and more. It’s one of the few programs that allows students to choose between quantitative and qualitative research tracks. Once you select your specific area of interest, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research journey. Over the trimester, you’ll work on creating a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can submit to prestigious journals, even as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: STEM Track
Subject Areas: Biotechnology, Astrophysics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemistry, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2990 (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort from March to June.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
This program allows high school students to engage in advanced STEM research across fields such as biotechnology, astrophysics, data science, engineering, and chemistry. Working one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from top institutions, participants will explore cutting-edge topics like genetic engineering, astrophysical simulations, machine learning, or chemical engineering while developing technical skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or software tools like Python and MATLAB. The program emphasizes rigorous research methodologies, enabling students to produce an independent, publishable research project. This experience strengthens research expertise and significantly enhances college applications with tangible achievements in STEM disciplines. You can find the application form here.
3. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer
Subject Areas: Maths, Physics, Life Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Machine Learning, and more electives.
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants (covering housing, meals, and activities).
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 15–July 26
Eligibility: High school juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program prioritizes students from underrepresented and underserved communities.
The MITES Summer program at MIT is an experience for high school students passionate about STEM. With a curriculum that spans math, life sciences, physics, and project-based electives like Engineering Design, Architecture, Machine Learning, and Electronics, this program offers hands-on learning guided by experts. Participants are placed in courses based on their skill level, allowing for tailored learning in circuit design, bioengineering, or machine learning algorithms. This summer program will give you a glimpse into STEM degrees and careers while developing the academic and personal skills you need for success.
Alongside rigorous academic work, the program includes lab tours, admissions counseling, and field trips, providing a well-rounded introduction to advanced STEM concepts and the educational pathways that can lead to a career in science or engineering. This competitive program accepts around 80-100 students annually, making it an excellent addition to any college application. You can review your eligibility and apply here!
4. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, Statistics, and Medicine.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee. Housing is included. Limited need-based aid is available.
Application Deadline: February 12
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22–July 3 | Session 2: July 6–July 18 | Session 3: July 20–August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 21 are eligible to apply.
Harvard’s Pre-College Program for high school students offers a two-week summer experience designed to immerse you in college life while delving into advanced STEM subjects. During this program, you’ll live on Harvard’s campus and engage in college-level courses such as Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, Statistics, and Medicine. These courses provide a rigorous introduction to scientific inquiry and problem-solving, equipping you with data analysis, computational thinking, and experimental research skills. Beyond the academic rigor, the prestige of a Harvard experience will significantly enhance your resume and college applications, signaling your dedication to excellence in STEM.
5. Stanford University: SHTEM Summer Internships
Subject Areas: Information Science, Engineering, Biology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Technology, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: The applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application and at least 14 years old by June 17.
Hosted by Stanford University, this virtual summer internship offers high school students an in-depth exploration of STEM fields. Over 8 weeks, you’ll dive into themes that span and combine information science, engineering, biology, neuroscience, computer science, and technology. The program provides early exposure to cutting-edge research, allowing you to collaborate on projects and develop practical skills in artificial intelligence, communication technology, and computational methods. As a part of this program, you can expect to dedicate 30-40 hours per week to hands-on experiences under the guidance of Stanford’s esteemed faculty and industry experts. Completing this internship will deepen your understanding of STEM and significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your involvement in advanced research at one of the world’s leading universities.
6. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program: Texas Tech University
Subject Areas: Multiple STEM research disciplines (Nutritional Sciences, Biology/Cellular & Microbiology, Computer Science, Neurobiology, Mechanical Engineering, History, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Location: Honors College, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost, but the student will receive a $750 stipend upon completing a successful research project report.
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1 (7-week summer program)
Eligibility: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and graduate in the next 2 years (no exceptions).
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers a selective 7-week summer research internship for 12 qualified high school juniors and seniors, providing an immersive research experience in their chosen STEM fields. As a scholar, you will engage in hands-on research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty, enhancing your understanding of advanced concepts and methodologies. Participants will also benefit from weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips that foster critical thinking and career exploration in STEM. This program equips you with practical skills, valuable insights, and a more robust profile for college applications as you collaborate with peers and faculty in a dynamic academic environment. You can find a detailed list of research areas here.
7. STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program by NASA and UT Austin
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Technology, Engineering, Space Technology, Planetary Science, Earth Sciences, and more.
Location: The University of Texas Center for Space Research (Austin, TX)
Cost: No cost. Housing, meals, and local transportation will be provided.
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: Remote tasks till July 1 | On-site internship for 11th graders: July 7 – July 20 | 10th graders: July 27 – August 4
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be 16 years old by July 1, and be current high school sophomores or juniors ONLY (rising juniors and seniors) who have yet to work as SEES interns.
This competitive STEM-focused summer internship, a collaboration between NASA and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, offers selected students valuable Earth and space research exposure. As an intern, you will explore NASA satellite data, collaborating with scientists and engineers in your chosen research areas. The program covers a broad range of topics, including astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques, providing a solid foundation of content knowledge.
Interns will gain authentic NASA research experience through hands-on field investigations and data analysis. Upon finishing the internship, all participants will receive a NASA certificate of completion. Additionally, 11th-grade interns will present their research at the virtual SEES Science Symposium from July 22-24, 2024, showcasing their findings to NASA scientists, family members, and guests. This experience enriches your understanding of space research and strengthens your college application with practical experience in STEM.
8. Rice University STEM Academy
Subject Areas: Engineering, Physics, Sustainability, and more.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 7
Program Dates: July 8 – July 12
Eligibility: This program is open to high school girls entering 10th or 11th grade. Boys and non-binary students in 10th or 11th grade (current 2023-2024 school year) are also welcome to apply.
Rice STEM Academy is a free week-long enrichment summer program designed to empower high school girls by deepening their understanding of scientific principles and processes. Collaborating with Design Connect Create at Rice University, participants will engage in various engineering challenges centered around sustainability, utilizing state-of-the-art labs and benefiting from discussions with Rice faculty and graduate students. Throughout the program, you’ll connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications, enhancing your awareness of their everyday impacts. Hands-on activities will include working with engineering landing capsules, learning about circuits using Microbits, and exploring motion concepts with TI Nspire Rovers. This program not only cultivates critical skills in engineering and physics but also fosters a mindset geared towards sustainable design, providing a solid foundation for future academic pursuits in STEM.
9. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center DACCPM Summer Research Program
Subject Areas: Biology, Medical Research, Cancer Biology.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks between June and August.
Eligibility: High school seniors 18 years or older, in good academic standing, or graduating are eligible to apply.
The DACCPM (Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine) Summer Research Program is a highly selective 10-week summer program focused on developing essential STEM skills in a medical research setting. As a trainee, you will gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, clinical research methodologies, and data analysis while conducting thorough medical literature reviews. Additionally, the program offers professional development sessions covering topics like graduate school applications and various career pathways within the medical field. You will collaborate closely with a faculty mentor on an assigned research project, culminating in a presentation at a poster symposium at the end of the program. Your research abstract will also be included in the 2024 CATALYST Summer Program abstract book, enhancing your academic credentials and bolstering your college applications.
10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Subject Areas: Bio-and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, AI, and Machine Learning.
Location: New York University, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $750
Application Deadline: March 6
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9 (10 weeks)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors living in NYC can apply.
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon provides a 10-week immersive research experience for high school students interested in advanced STEM projects. Participants collaborate with faculty and graduate students in cutting-edge research labs, exploring interdisciplinary topics such as Bio- and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, AI, and Machine Learning. Students will develop essential skills across STEM fields in coding, data analysis, algorithm design, and more while working on impactful projects. The program culminates in a final presentation of research findings to NYU faculty and peers, offering a solid STEM foundation and enhancing college applications with real-world research achievements.
11. NASA Johnson Space Center’s High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Subject Areas: Earth science, aeronautics, technology, space science.
Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX and an Online Experience
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid. (Upon completing the online portion of the course, students will be awarded a 0.5 Science elective credit).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October.
Program Dates: This is a year-long program. November-February (Online course) | Late July: 4-Day Onsite Residential Experience. For other important dates, check here.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors who are U.S. citizens residing in Texas.
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) offers high school juniors a unique year-long STEM experience centered on NASA’s missions. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of space exploration, Earth science, aeronautics, and technology through a four-month online learning journey. The program’s interactive modules include design challenges, 3D modeling, math and science quizzes, and tech-based assignments designed to sharpen your problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills. Virtual engagements with NASA engineers and scientists provide valuable insights into real-world applications of STEM in aerospace.
For top-performing students, the experience culminates in a five-day virtual summer session where you’ll collaborate on team projects, tackle engineering design challenges, and plan missions to the Moon and Mars—all under the mentorship of NASA professionals. This program enhances your technical expertise while adding a strong STEM credential associated with NASA to your college application.
12. Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College CS Scholars and AI Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Algorithmic Thinking & Problem Solving, Data Structures, Artificial Intelligence, and more.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: Four weeks through June-July
Eligibility: Applicants must be sophomores in high school for the Computer Science Scholars Track and seniors for the AI Scholars track
Carnegie Mellon’s CS Scholars Program is an intensive four-week experience designed for high school students interested in computer science. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on research, where participants explore algorithmic components like variables, functions, conditionals, and loops and dive into fundamental data structures such as lists and dictionaries. The program also includes weekly seminars on college admissions, financial aid, and social-emotional well-being, helping you prepare for the next steps in your academic journey. This immersive experience boosts your STEM skills and strengthens your college application with practical, real-world projects and research.
Note: Upon completing the program, you may be invited to return as rising seniors to CMU’s AI Scholars program the following summer.
13. Rice University’s PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program
Subject Areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Scientific Writing
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: 3 weeks; Session 1: June 10 – June 27 | Session 2: July 8 – July 25
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who are residents of the Houston area are eligible to apply.
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program at Rice University offers high school students a deep dive into digital circuitry, computer science, and physics, focusing on healthcare applications. Over three weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like pulse oximeters, accelerometers, and GPS devices while developing programming and digital design skills. This selective program emphasizes research, problem-solving, and technical skills essential for engineering and healthcare, enhancing your resume and college application. Additionally, you’ll build a peer network and explore potential college pathways, providing a solid foundation for future STEM pursuits.
Prior programming experience is optional for you to apply. However, this is a highly selective program that only selects 12 students, and the application requires the involvement of a school representative.
14. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC): Engineering Summer Program
Subject Areas: Civil, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering.
Location: Yale University (New Haven, CT); Duke University (Durham, NC); Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD); University of California, Berkeley (San Francisco, CA); University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI).
Cost: $3,795 – $4,095 depending on campus (Scholarships available).
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until seats are complete.
Program Dates: Varies according to host university, multiple sessions available between June 16 – August 2
Eligibility: Current high school students are eligible to apply.
The NSLC Engineering Summer Program gives high school students hands-on experience in civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering through interactive workshops and real-world simulations. You’ll develop technical skills in designing prototypes, building robots, and working on projects like wind turbines and remote-controlled vehicles, all while enhancing your problem-solving and teamwork abilities. The program also offers industry insights through guest speakers and field trips, providing an authentic glimpse into engineering careers. This experience strengthens your college application with practical skills, project-based learning, and the potential for college credit—setting a solid foundation for future academic and career success in STEM. You can apply through their website.
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