If you’re in high school and want to study science in college, a pre-college summer science program can help you build the right foundation.
Pre-college programs are at par with undergraduate courses offered by the institute and conducted by their faculty, so you will get to experience college academics, explore potential majors, and plan for your research trajectory in a subject. A good pre-college program gives you a preview of how college science is different from high school.
You learn to plan your experiments, read scientific papers, use professional tools, and understand how research teams work. If you’re still figuring out which science field you want to study or whether research is right for you, this is one of the easiest ways to test that out early without committing to a full college course.
With that, here’s a list of 25 pre-college summer science programs for high school students hosted by universities and colleges!
25 Best Pre-College Summer Science Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies
Program Dates: Summer: June–August, Fall: September–December, Winter: December–February, Spring: March–June
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA above 3.6
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective, virtual research experience where you’ll conduct an independent project under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. The program supports a range of disciplines, including biology, psychology, engineering, and data science. You’ll learn how to formulate a research question, review academic literature, analyze data using tools like R or Python, and write a publication-ready research paper. The structure includes weekly 1-on-1 sessions and feedback loops focused on building methodological and analytical rigor.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program type.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars Program is a beginner-friendly course where you’ll learn Python, machine learning, and data science fundamentals. You’ll work in small groups (5:1 student-to-mentor ratio) and complete a real-world group project.
The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a 12–15 week research program for students with prior AI experience or who have completed the Scholars Program. You’ll work 1-on-1 with a mentor to build a novel AI project in a field of your choice. The program includes 12 mentor sessions and support from a publication team to help you submit your work to high school research journals.
3. ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago, UIC, UIUC, Northwestern, Rush University (IL)
Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend
Program Dates: Second week of June – First week of August
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; familiarity with Python or R preferred
ResearcHStart is a full-time summer research experience focused on cancer biology and biomedical science. You’ll be placed in a lab at a participating Illinois institution and contribute to ongoing projects in areas like cancer immunology, bioinformatics, or molecular therapeutics. The program includes structured modules in coding and lab protocols, faculty seminars, and professional development sessions. You’ll also learn technical skills like data visualization, gel electrophoresis, or flow cytometry, depending on your placement. The program ends with a formal research symposium where you’ll present your findings to peers and faculty.
4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $40 application fee; stipends of $500–$2,500 available
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; U.S. citizens/permanent residents; age 16+ at start
SIMR offers high school students immersive research training in eight biomedical science fields, including Immunology, Bioengineering, and Neuroscience. Over eight weeks, you’ll join a Stanford lab, where you’ll develop benchwork skills such as PCR, microscopy, and data analysis, while contributing to an active research project. The program includes faculty seminars, skill-building workshops, and outreach events. You’ll be mentored directly by Stanford researchers and conclude with a formal symposium to present your work.
5. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors worldwide with exceptional academic performance
RSI is a rigorous, six-week residential program combining intensive STEM coursework and original research at MIT. You’ll begin with a week of theoretical instruction in topics like differential equations, molecular dynamics, and algorithm design. The next five weeks are spent conducting independent research under the guidance of MIT faculty or researchers, applying methods such as hypothesis testing, data visualization, and scientific writing. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you’ll deliver both a written paper and an oral presentation of your findings.
6. Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors aged 16+
Hosted at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, this 8-week program immerses students in research on lung disease. You’ll join a faculty-led lab working on either exploratory or hypothesis-driven projects in basic or clinical science. Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience in experimental design, data processing, and scientific writing. Structured workshops on professional development and college readiness supplement the lab experience. The program ends with a symposium where you’ll formally present your findings.
7. Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free; $4,500 stipend provided
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Greater St. Louis; preference for underrepresented or under-resourced students
Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus is a highly selective, fully funded research internship for high school juniors from the Greater St. Louis area. Hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, the program will match you with a faculty mentor and a graduate student tutor to conduct a hands-on biomedical research project in a university lab. Past topics have included genetics, cancer biology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. In addition to lab work, you’ll take two enrichment courses: one focused on science communication and the other on college readiness, including admissions prep and financial aid guidance.
8. BEST Research Internship
Location: Bradley University, Peoria, IL
Cost: $1,675; need-based aid available
Program Dates: June 4 – July 30
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students ages 15+
In the BEST Summer Research Program at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, you’ll spend 150–300 hours working in a university lab, learning how to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present your findings. You’ll be mentored by faculty and graduate students and finish the program by presenting your research at a campus symposium. You can explore areas like biology, chemistry, environmental science, psychology, and biomedical engineering. Some students focus on lab-based research, while others work on interdisciplinary projects that connect science with public health, ethics, or data analysis.
8. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free tuition; optional $2,360.25 housing + $500 meals
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16+
Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity for high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program pairs students with faculty mentors for full-time research in fields like neurobiology, computer science, physics, and biochemistry. You’ll join a university research team, learn experimental methods, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, and attend weekly faculty talks and technical workshops.
10. Young Scholars Program
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are permanent Massachusetts residents and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University is a six-week summer research experience for high school juniors from the Boston area. Hosted by the Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences, the program places you in a university lab to contribute to ongoing research in fields like sensor calibration, signal processing, biomedical innovation, and environmental science. You’ll gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data acquisition, and academic writing, with mentorship from faculty and graduate students.
11. UCLA Pre-College Summer Institutes
Location: University of California, Los Angeles
Cost: $2,500–$6,000; scholarships available for select institutes
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: June 6 for programs starting before August 2, July 18 for programs after August 2
Eligibility: High school students ages 15+ and 17+ for residential sessions, open to international students
UCLA Precollege Summer Institutes offer academic courses for high school students in fields like nanoscience, design media arts, economics, and mock trial. Each institute runs for 1 to 3 weeks and includes structured coursework taught by UCLA faculty. You will earn college credit and complete a final project, performance, or research proposal depending on your track. Most programs include lab work, field visits, or guest lectures from professionals. You will also have access to campus resources such as studios, research labs, and libraries.
12. Princeton AI4ALL Summer Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free!
Program Dates: July 9 – July 30
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Rising 11th graders who live and attend high school in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and meet at least one low-income criteria
Princeton AI4ALL is a fully funded, three-week residential program that introduces high school students to artificial intelligence through research projects, guest lectures, and mentorship. You will explore ethical AI and social responsibility while learning core topics such as machine learning, data analysis, and algorithmic fairness. The program features faculty-led seminars and hands-on group research that address societal challenges. A two-day field trip to Washington, D.C. offers the opportunity to engage with policymakers working on technology and equity. The program culminates in research presentations that highlight the social impact of AI innovations.
13. UConn Explore Engineering
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $2,999; financial aid available
Program Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11
Explore Engineering (E²) is a two-week residential program that offers hands-on exposure to multiple engineering fields, including electrical, mechanical, biomedical, and computer science. During the program, you will work on real-world projects such as underwater search-and-rescue robots or medical device design. You’ll attend faculty-led workshops, collaborate in teams on technical challenges, and engage in social events that offer a preview of college life. The curriculum emphasizes skill-building in areas like C++ coding, soldering, 3D printing, and CAD/SolidWorks.
14. BESt Healthcare Institute
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, Danforth Campus, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Program Dates: Four weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Must be a high school student living in the St. Louis region; requires submission of a transcript and two references
BESt Healthcare Institute is a free four-week summer program for high school students in the St. Louis region who are interested in healthcare careers. Hosted on Washington University’s Danforth Campus, the program combines academic enrichment with hands-on clinical and lab experiences. You will study anatomy, explore clinical case studies, and participate in lab activities that reflect real-world healthcare practices. The program includes ACT prep from Princeton Review, mentorship from healthcare professionals, and visits to medical campuses. Weekly workshops cover college readiness, financial aid, and career pathways in medicine.
15. Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (residential)
Cost: Varies by course; $4,000–$6,000 plus $350 enrollment fee
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1 (International) / May 1 (Domestic)
Eligibility: U.S. and international students currently in 10th–11th grade with a 3.8+ GPA
UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) is a six-week academic experience for high-achieving high school students. You will enroll in one or two UCLA undergraduate courses for college credit and attend classes alongside UCLA students. Courses are taught by UCLA faculty and include graded assignments, exams, and participation. In addition to academics, you’ll join co-curricular workshops focused on academic writing, time management, college applications, and personal development. You’ll receive an official UCLA transcript and a certificate of completion.
16. Pre-College Summer Biomedical Engineering
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $45 application fee + $2,050 to $2,150/course; limited scholarships available
Program Dates: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
This Biomedical Engineering course is part of UConn’s Pre-College Summer Program, designed to give you a snapshot of college-level learning in just one week. You will explore engineering applications in healthcare by working on projects related to prosthetics, medical imaging, and device design. The course includes hands-on prototyping, CAD modeling, and structured lab sessions. You’ll also practice communicating technical results through a formal oral presentation and written report.
17. High School Student Research Apprentice Program
Location: UConn Health, Farmington, CT, or Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
Cost: Free; a stipend is provided
Program Dates: June 16 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed their junior year with a B average or higher, are at least 16 years old, and attend a Connecticut high school with a School-to-Career or Career-to-Work coordinator; applicants should belong to underrepresented backgrounds in the health professions and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The High School Student Research Apprentice Program is a five-week summer research initiative hosted by UConn Health through its Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative. You will conduct hands-on research in biomedical or health sciences in academic or clinical labs at UConn Health or Central Connecticut State University. Training includes techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, and data analysis. Projects focus on real-world health challenges and scientific inquiry. You’ll work alongside university researchers and receive mentorship from faculty and graduate students.
18. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track
Location: Online
Cost: $1,500–$3,000, includes tuition and support services
Program Dates: Session A: May 27 – July 3, Session B: June 9 – August 15, Session C: June 23 – August 15, Session D: July 7 – August 15, Session E: July 28 – August 15, Session F: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students
Berkeley’s Virtual Pre-College Scholars Program allows you to take official UC Berkeley courses for credit from anywhere in the world. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including computer science, psychology, economics, and data science, with both synchronous and asynchronous learning options. Courses are part of the university’s standard summer curriculum and will appear on your UC Berkeley transcript. Beyond academics, the program includes college readiness workshops, mentorship, and interactive virtual events.
19. Fairfield University Summer High School Programs
Location: Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
Cost: $1,200
Program Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Fairfield University’s Pre-College Immersion Program in Nursing is a one-week hybrid experience for high school students interested in healthcare careers. You will complete online coursework focused on first aid, CPR, and nursing fundamentals, and have the option to visit Fairfield’s simulation lab in person for hands-on activities. The program is non-credit and open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors age 15 and older. You’ll learn about clinical skills, medical technologies, and career pathways in nursing through virtual classes and faculty-led sessions.
20. High School Summer Scholars Program
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, Danforth Campus, St. Louis, MO (residential or commuter options)
Cost: $8,385 residential / $3,985 commuter for one course, need-based scholarships, and 10% discounts for WashU families/returning students available
Program Dates: June 8 – July 12
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in rigorous coursework
The High School Summer Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis is a five-week residential or commuter experience where you will take real undergraduate courses and earn college credit. You can choose one or two credit-bearing courses in subjects such as natural sciences, math, humanities, or social sciences. Courses are taught by WashU faculty and follow an accelerated schedule. Depending on your course, you’ll engage in lab work, data analysis, academic writing, or critical reading. You’ll also participate in college readiness workshops, group discussions, and enrichment activities designed to build your academic skills.
21. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Online Math & Physics
Location: Online
Cost: $1,600 + $35 application fee
Program Dates: Summer Term: June 17 – August 8, Fall Term: August 25 – December 12
Application Deadline: May 12 for the Summer session
Eligibility: High school students prepared for advanced math or physics coursework
Stanford’s Online Math & Physics program offers rigorous, university-level instruction for high school students seeking to go beyond the standard curriculum. You can choose from courses like Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, or Heat & Light, all structured for independent pacing over 8–12 hours per week. Although self-paced, the program includes live office hours, fixed windows for midterm and final exams, and optional graded homework to deepen your understanding. You will earn Stanford Continuing Studies credit upon successful completion.
22. University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute
Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA (residential)
Cost: $3,650 + $500 nonrefundable deposit
Program Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 12, Session 2: June 17 – June 27
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 11, Session 2: May 25
Eligibility: Open to high school students; no GPA requirement specified
The University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential pre-college program offering over 50 hands-on academic courses across fields like health sciences, engineering, arts, business, and athletics. You’ll work alongside college faculty in Pacific’s labs, studios, and makerspaces, tackling real-world problems through applied learning. Whether you’re culturing bacteria, building prototypes, or composing digital media, the curriculum is designed to foster practical and creative thinking. You’ll live on campus, participate in evening recreational activities, and work on group projects.
23. Summer@Brown
Location: Providence, RI (On-campus and hybrid)
Cost: Varies by course length; ranges from $2,960 to $10,386
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Large cohort; 5,900+ students globally
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Opens January 15; rolling admission until courses are filled
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12, ages 14–18 by June 15
Summer@Brown offers over 230 non-credit courses, including biology, chemistry, neuroscience, environmental science, biomedical ethics, and engineering. You’ll study without grades or credit, focusing on independent research, lab-based inquiry, and critical thinking. Courses are taught by Brown-affiliated instructors and run in 1, 2, or 3-week on-campus formats, or a 5-week hybrid option with 2 weeks online and 3 weeks on campus. All students receive a digital certificate of completion; those in 2-week or longer courses also receive a Course Performance Report.
24. Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL): Rhode Island
Location: Providence, RI (Brown University campus), Dartmouth, MA, and field trip sites in Southern New England
Cost: Varies.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: June 22 – July 3
Application Deadline: Opens January 15; Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 15
Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) is a two-week residential program hosted by Brown University that combines environmental studies with leadership training. You’ll explore topics like environmental justice, sustainability, and advocacy through site visits, group projects, and outdoor learning across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. You’ll build business-relevant skills in communication, project planning, and team leadership. A highlight is a camping retreat at Round the Bend Farm, where you’ll focus on community building and strategic thinking. You’ll create an Action Plan addressing a local environmental issue and present it at the end of the program.
25. Barrett Summer Scholars
Location: Various ASU campuses in Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, West Valley, and Polytechnic
Cost: $800, includes $50 non-refundable registration fee
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Rising 9th graders: June 1–4 (Tempe Campus), Rising 10th graders: June 8–11 (Downtown Campus), Rising 11th graders: June 15–18 (West Valley Campus), Rising 12th graders: June 22–25 (Polytechnic Campus)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th & 10th graders: minimum unweighted GPA 3.0; Rising 11th & 12th graders: minimum unweighted GPA 3.25
Barrett Summer Scholars is a selective summer program hosted by Arizona State University’s Barrett, The Honors College. You’ll choose a T.R.A.C.K., an elective pathway in fields like Technology and Engineering, Research and Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Commerce and Business, or Kinetics and Health. Each track includes hands-on projects, seminars, and skill-building workshops led by ASU faculty. You’ll build business-relevant skills in research, communication, and leadership while collaborating with peers statewide.
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 is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. 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 – Arizona State University