Summer programs provide high school students such as yourself with a solid opportunity to explore diverse subjects, fields, and activities. If you’re looking for the best summer programs to apply to in Indiana, you’re in luck!
Multiple prestigious organizations (such as research labs) and many of Indiana’s universities host a wide range of summer programs, internships, and pre-college programs. These programs help you develop skills such as critical thinking, research writing, and data analysis, across fields such as STEM, humanities, etc.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 14 top summer programs in Indiana, offering a variety of activities across different subjects for you to explore.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. You can choose between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Once you select your track, you’ll work one-on-one with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university. Your goal is to produce a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can submit to prestigious journals.
This program provides an in-depth look into specialized fields with expert guidance, along with a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback for future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique research opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science
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! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. Indiana University’s MEET Kelley Program
The MEET Kelley program introduces you to business basics through workshops on entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, operations, and decision technologies. You will attend classes, experience college life at the Kelley School of Business, and participate in a team competition to develop and present a business plan.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business, Finance
Location: Indiana University Bloomington
Program Dates: TBA.
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications will open in January.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, lets high school students work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their chosen field. You’ll receive guidance to produce a college-level research paper and additional support from writing coaches.
You can select from subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program concludes with a symposium where you can present your work and potentially get published.
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
4. Luddy Pre-College Summer Program
The Luddy Precollege Summer Program at Indiana University’s Luddy School offers high school students a deep dive into technology. It covers a wide range of topics including Python programming, sound processing, gene sequencing, robotics, 3D modeling, and cybersecurity.
You’ll meet experts and gain practical insights into the impacts of computing on society. The program is designed for all skill levels, providing guidance to ensure success and preparing you to tackle future tech challenges.
Subject Areas: Technology, Coding
Location: Indiana University
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12, no experience is necessary
Cost: $850
Application Deadline: TBA
5. Ross Mathematics Program
The Ross Mathematics Program is a competitive summer program focused on Number Theory, covering topics such as polynomials, arithmetic functions, and Gaussian integers. Instead of just learning, you will explore problems, identify patterns, and develop theorems while honing critical thinking skills. With a 15% acceptance rate, it’s a selective program.
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: 15-18 year old students
Cost: $6,000
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
6. University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars
This selective program admits 100 students per cohort and runs for 10 days, offering a resume-boosting experience. You’ll study global issues, environmental science and ethics, and financial literacy. The program also includes community activities and work with social service organizations, aiming to enhance critical thinking and leadership research skills. Upon completion, you earn one transferable college credit.
Subject Areas: Environmental Sciences, Finance
Location: University of Notre Dame
Program Dates: July 19 – 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years of age, with demonstrated academic talent and leadership qualities.
Cost: Apart from a small application fee and enrolment fee, the program is free for accepted students
Application Deadline: January 22
7. Summer Science Program
The Summer Science Program is a highly competitive residential research program with a 10% acceptance rate. You will work in teams of three on practical projects, choosing between biochemistry, which focuses on fungal inhibitor designs, or genomics, which explores antibiotic resistance and direct evolution. Given its selectivity, it’s advisable to have a backup plan.
Subject Areas: Biology, Research
Location: Purdue University and Indiana University
Program Dates: Programs begin mid-late June.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and a few sophomores, who are at least 15 years old and have completed the required courses
Cost: $8,400. Need-based financial aid is available, offering partially discounted fees as well as complete fee waivers
Application Deadline: February 21
8. University of Notre Dame’s Summer Scholars Program
As a summer scholar, you’ll take a college-level class over a two-week intensive period. The curriculum is challenging, but you’ll earn transferable college credit upon completion. Course options span various fields, including accounting, astronomy, film studies, gender studies, neuroscience, journalism, photography, law, and world politics.
Subject Areas: Multiple Subjects
Location: University of Notre Dame
Program Dates: Session I: June 7- 21 | Session II: June 28 – July 12
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors of at least 16 years of age, who show academic talent and proof of extracurricular activities
Cost: $4,950 (with additional lab fees depending on the specific course)
Application Deadline: February 19
9. Future Scientist Program
The Future Scientist Program at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers high school juniors from Indianapolis and Marion County public schools an eight-week summer research experience in the medicine field. You will collaborate with university researchers on a dedicated project, gaining hands-on research exposure.
Subject Areas: Medicine
Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis
Program Dates: June 3 – July 26
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors attending a Marion County public high school who have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Participants receive a stipend, but the amount is not specified
Application Deadline: Applications for summer will open in late in the year.
10. Molecular Medicine in Action
The MMIA program is a two-day experience for students interested in sciences, offering exposure to advanced techniques in molecular biology, cytogenetics, and cancer therapy. You will learn about gene expression, imaging technology, and cancer cell growth. The program aims to inspire Indiana students to pursue careers in research by providing hands-on learning in a top-tier medical research environment.
Subject Areas: Biology
Location: Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis
Program Dates: February 23 – 24
Eligibility: Open to Indiana high school students in grades 10-12
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications for the spring will open in the fall
11. Medical Physician Engineers, Scientists, and Clinicians Preparatory Program
The MPESC-Prep program offers two eight-week summer experiences combining research, clinical exposure, and networking with peers, trainees, and faculty. You receive year-round support and are encouraged to return to the same lab each summer, gaining guidance for graduate or professional school applications as you advance through your undergraduate studies.
Subject Areas: STEM, Research
Location: Indianapolis
Program Dates: June 2 – July 26
Eligibility: Open to public school students in the greater Indianapolis area in grades 10-12
Stipend: $4000
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
12. Hannah News Service Legislative Internship
Hannah IndianaNet offers a flexible legislative internship ranging from 10 to 40 hours per week. Interns gain insights into the legislative process by covering committees at the Indiana Statehouse, creating meeting minutes, and distributing information. You’ll work with full-time staff and editors, enhancing your communication skills. Designed with input from top law firms and government professionals, this internship can lead to future opportunities with firms like Bose Public Affairs Group and Ice Miller. Successful interns may also secure positions with Hannah News after graduation.
Subject Areas: Law
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Program Dates: Starts August 19
Eligibility: Applicants must have superior attention to detail and excellent writing skills
Stipend: Paid, but the amount is not specified
Application Deadline: August 19
13. Indiana CTSI K-12 STEM Program
The SEED/STEM program provides a summer opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It covers fields like medicine, computer science, IT, life sciences, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. The program is part of Project SEED, a long-standing initiative in partnership with the American Chemical Society.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Indianapolis
Program Dates: 8 weeks starting from June 3
Eligibility: Open to high school students, but students in grades 10-12 are prioritized
Stipend: $4000
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
14. Educational Pathways for Cancer Research
The EPCR summer program offers graduating high school seniors and undergraduates, especially those from underrepresented groups in medicine, a chance to engage in cancer-focused research. You will develop skills in designing and troubleshooting experiments, interpreting data, and proposing strategies with guidance from mentors. The program includes exposure to basic, translational, and clinical research, as well as networking opportunities with peers, fellows, and faculty.
You will be paired with a research mentor and work on projects that could involve lab work, computer-based analysis, or clinical research. The summer ends with a project presentation through posters and oral reports. Active participation in research and professional development is required.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Cancer Research
Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis
Program Dates: May 20 – July 26 (40 hours per week). Students are in a two-year commitment for the two summers proceeding their acceptance.
Eligibility: Open to graduating high school students
Stipend: Selected participants will receive a stipend, but the amount is not specified
Application Deadline: TBA
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