Curious about how scientists study climate change, ecosystems, and the environment in real life? Environmental science programs for high school students in Connecticut introduce you to topics such as ecology, climate science, and environmental data analysis. Instead of focusing solely on theory, many programs include fieldwork, lab experiments, and data collection, whether that’s studying local ecosystems, analyzing water quality, or observing biodiversity. You’ll also learn to work with environmental data by using basic tools, interpret scientific results, and understand how researchers draw meaningful conclusions. In some programs, you’ll even take on your own projects, investigating environmental issues and presenting your findings. These experiences help you understand how environmental research is conducted in real-world settings.
If you’re exploring similar opportunities, you may also want to review Horizon’s blog on Environmental Science Internships for High School Students.
Why should you choose a program in Connecticut?
Connecticut is an ideal place to explore environmental science, thanks to its mix of coastal ecosystems, research institutions, and top universities. You could find yourself working with advanced research tools and gaining insights from University of Connecticut and Yale University experts. Many programs in Connecticut combine field-based learning with data-driven analysis of natural systems, giving you a closer look at how environmental research is actually conducted. If you’re interested in sustainability, climate science, or ecology, these programs offer a strong starting point with meaningful hands-on exposure to environmental research.
To help you explore the available options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 environmental science programs for high school students in Connecticut.
15 Environmental Science Programs for High School Students in Connecticut
1. SoundWaters Research Intensive (SRI)
Location: Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center, Stamford Harbor, Stamford, CT; fieldwork aboard SoundWaters research vessel and 80-foot Schooner SoundWaters
Cost/Stipend: $1,000; full and partial scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students per session; selective with personal interview
Dates: Session 1: June 15–26 | Session 2: July 6–17 | Session 3: July 20–31 | Session 4: August 3–14; fall and spring after-school sessions also available
Application Deadline: rolling
Eligibility: Students entering 10th grade through first year of college; day program only no housing provided; demonstrated interest in marine science required
SoundWaters Research Intensive (SRI) is a two-week marine science research program at the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center on Stamford Harbor and aboard SoundWaters’ dedicated research vessel. In this program, you’ll actively design and conduct an original research project focused on Long Island Sound. Past student projects have covered the spread of invasive parasites and their impact on native mud crabs, benthic animal population surveys around Stamford Harbor, and disease ecology in Eastern oysters. Each session includes 12 students, divided into two groups to maximize hands-on learning. You’ll spend one day per week aboard the research vessel collecting field data, and another day in the Harbor Center lab analyzing samples and running data. Along the way, you’ll use professional-grade lab equipment and build real scientific skills. The program culminates in a final formal presentation, where you share your findings with a live audience. Admission is selective and includes a personal interview, with a special focus on your scientific aptitude, environmental commitment, and readiness for advanced study. To help make the program accessible, full- and partial-scholarship opportunities are available through the Munzer Foundation, 11th Hour Racing, and Tim and Sheila Pettee.
2. University of Connecticut Pre-College Summer — Earth and Environmental Sciences
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (residential; on-campus housing available)
Cost/Stipend: $3,341 residential (Session 1) or $3,441 residential (Session 2); commuter options available at lower cost; $100 Early Bird discount if enrolled by April 1; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; limited by course capacity (35 seats)
Dates: Session 1: July 12–25; Session 2: July 26–August 8
Application Deadline: Applications open in December; enroll by April 1 for Early Bird discount; rolling enrollment until capacity
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors during the 2025–2026 academic year; ages 14–17; no specific prerequisite listed for Earth and Environmental Sciences; open to domestic and international students
This UConn Pre-College Summer course gives you the chance to learn directly from active researchers in earth sciences. You’ll be taught by Dr. William Ouimet, who specializes in erosion, rivers, landslides, and landscape change, and Dr. Michael Hren, Director of the Stable Isotope and Organic Molecular Biogeochemistry Lab, whose work focuses on climate evolution and paleoenvironments. The program integrates lectures, lab sessions and field work to give you a well-rounded experience. You’ll analyze the mineralogy and environmental geochemistry of rocks, soils, water, and sediments; interpret the geologic history of Connecticut; and study how Earth systems including rivers, oceans, soils, and atmosphere are deeply interconnected. One of the highlights is getting outdoors for field trips to study Connecticut’s actual geological and ecological features alongside the researchers who study them. The course is a bridge between camp-style programming and college-level study. If you enroll by April 1, you can take advantage of a $100 Early Bird discount.
3. University of Connecticut Pre-College Summer — Climate Science
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (residential; on-campus housing available)
Cost/Stipend: Full scholarship available through NSF grant for eligible students (covers 100% of tuition); standard tuition applies otherwise
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; limited by course capacity (29 seats)
Dates: Session 1: July 12–25; Session 2: July 26–August 8
Application Deadline: Applications open in December; rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors during the 2025–2026 academic year; ages 14–17; open to domestic and international students
The Climate Science course at the University of Connecticut is taught by Dr. Ran Feng, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences whose research focuses on computational climate modeling to study past and future climate change. You’ll explore how the Earth’s climate system works by modeling Earth’s energy balance, greenhouse effect, and the feedback mechanisms that drive planetary temperature evolution. You’ll also build your own model of the carbon cycle to track CO2 evolution in the atmosphere over time. Using real climate data and numerical modeling tools, you’ll develop quantitative scientific skills that are relevant to Earth system science at the college level. The course is funded by a National Science Foundation CAREER grant, which enables UConn to offer full scholarships covering 100% of tuition for eligible students.
4. Mystic Aquarium — High School Internship Program
Location: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT (in-person; field response across CT, RI, and Fishers Island, NY for ARP track)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; potential for college credit depending on your institution
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; apply early each track has independent capacity
Dates: Year-round: Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Spring (January–May)
Application Deadline: Summer deadline: January 31; Fall deadline: May 31; Spring deadline: September 30
Eligibility: High school students working toward a career in marine biology, biology, or a related field; Environmental Quality Lab track requires general chemistry coursework; Animal Rescue Program track requires a valid driver’s license; minimum 12–16 week commitment; flexible schedule required, including potential evenings, weekends, and holidays
Mystic Aquarium offers year-round unpaid internships for high school students across four tracks: Education and Conservation, Research, Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Environmental Quality Lab. In the Research track, you’ll work alongside professionals on active marine science projects, supporting animal health, husbandry, and ecology research. Your responsibilities may include videotaping and analyzing animal behavior, preparing chemical solutions, collecting and managing specimens, running biological assays, working with data entry and database management, and performing data analysis. The Environmental Quality Lab track places you in the state-certified aquarium lab that monitors over two million gallons of exhibit water daily. Your duties might include sample collection, quality control testing, and record keeping. The Animal Rescue Program track involves caring for rehabilitating sea turtles and marine mammals along the Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Fishers Island coastline. All internship tracks require a minimum commitment of 12–16 weeks, with flexible scheduling to fit your availability. Depending on your school, you may also be able to earn college credit.
5. Mystic Aquarium — Teen Conservation Group
Location: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT (with field activities at local wetlands and coastal sites in southeastern CT)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; email [email protected] for current availability
Dates: Year-round; check with Mystic Aquarium education staff for current schedule
Application Deadline: No formal deadline; contact [email protected] to inquire about current cohort openings
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in marine and coastal conservation; no formal prerequisites; southeastern CT residency preferred for logistical reasons
Mystic Aquarium’s Teen Conservation Group is a year-round, student-led conservation program where you’ll take the lead in designing and running real community environmental initiatives, while working alongside Aquarium educators and conservation scientists. In this program, you’ll actively contribute to projects such as amphibian population monitoring at local wetlands, running beach clean-ups and community workshops, and developing conservation-based educational activities for fellow students and the public. You’ll gain hands-on experience in species monitoring protocols, community science communication, and conservation program design. What sets this program apart is its peer-led structure; you’re not just assisting a professional, but designing and running the work yourself. If you are interested in joining, you can reach out directly at [email protected] to learn about current cohort openings.
6. Project Oceanology — High School Oceanic Camp and Programs
Location: Project Oceanology, 1084 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT (on the UConn Avery Point waterfront campus; fieldwork in Long Island Sound)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program
Dates: Summer camp sessions throughout June–August
Application Deadline: varies by program
Eligibility: K–12 programs available; check site for which summer sessions are designated for high school students; open to all students
Project Oceanology is a year-round marine science education center at the UConn’s Avery Point waterfront campus in Groton, operating since 1972. In their summer camp programs for high school students, you’ll take part in oceanographic research cruises on the Enviro-Lab research vessel in Long Island Sound. You’ll set trawl and plankton nets, haul, and identify marine specimens ranging from lobsters and squid to planktonic organisms. Back on shore, you’ll conduct water chemistry experiments and analyze field samples in Project Oceanology’s on-site labs. The program’s focus on the coastal ecosystems of southeastern Connecticut gives you direct access to Long Island Sound. Project Oceanology also runs an annual overnight hostel program for student groups. Check the website for the latest high school program options. More than 25,000 students and adults participate in the program each year.
7. Energize Connecticut — Green STEP Summer Certification Program
Location: Energize Connecticut, multiple locations across Connecticut (in-person and virtual options available)
Cost/Stipend: Free; students receive monetary incentives upon completing certifications (amount varies by certification)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to qualifying Connecticut students
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: varies
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Connecticut public and technical high schools; no prerequisites listed
Green STEP is a free summer certification program designed for Connecticut public and technical high school students, giving you a direct pathway into sustainability and clean energy careers. Instead of just learning concepts, you’ll build practical skills in energy efficiency, building science, home energy, and green construction. You’ll work towards certifications including BPI Building Science Principles, Healthy Housing Principles, duct leakage testing, and LEED Green Associate fundamentals. The program places an emphasis on applied learning; so you’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world energy efficiency practices used in residential and commercial buildings, including weatherization, clean energy installation, and green building operations. As an added benefit, you’ll earn monetary incentives for completing your certifications. The program offers both in-person and virtual options making it flexible and accessible no matter your schedule.
8. Yale Peabody Museum — EVOLUTIONS Teen Program
Location: Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT (in-person; weekly after-school + summer internship)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Sci.CORPS weekend positions are paid employment
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students in the program; recruited from New Haven and West Haven public high schools
Dates: Year-round: weekly after-school classes during school year + summer internship
Application Deadline: varies
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in New Haven or West Haven public schools; program prioritizes students from these communities; free admission to the Peabody for all participants
EVOLUTIONS is a free, year-round science enrichment and employment program at the Yale Peabody Museum, designed for public high school students in New Haven and West Haven. Through weekly after-school classes, weekend employment opportunities in the museum, and summer internships, you’ll assume the role of science educators and researchers. You’ll collaborate with Yale faculty, graduate students, and museum scientists, while exploring topics such as ecology, evolutionary biology, geology, and conservation biology. You’ll also gain direct access to the Peabody’s extensive natural history collections. The Sci.CORPS track gives you paid work experience as a science educator, enabling you to earn badges and progress through a career ladder as you learn how to communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively. During the summer, internships focus on structured independent projects under the mentorship of museum education staff.
9. University of Connecticut Pre-College Summer — Marine Biology and Conservation
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (residential; on-campus housing available)
Cost/Stipend: $3,341–$3,441 residential (varies by session); commuter options available; check precollege-summer.uconn.edu for current rates; $100 Early Bird discount by April 1
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; limited by course capacity
Dates: Sessions in July–August
Application Deadline: Applications open in December; rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors; ages 14–17; must have completed two years of high school science and math through Algebra II with C or higher; open to domestic and international students
UConn’s Marine Biology and Conservation pre-college course places you in the middle of Connecticut’s coastal ecosystems. You’ll study topics such as marine organism biology, ecological relationships, conservation science, and the policy frameworks governing marine environments. The course is taught by UConn faculty and integrates fieldwork with laboratory analysis. You’ll develop skills in species identification, ecological sampling methods, and scientific communication while studying real marine conservation challenges affecting Long Island Sound and the broader Atlantic coastal system. UConn’s proximity to both freshwater and saltwater systems will give you access to multiple ecosystem types within a short distance of the Storrs campus.
10. Connecticut Audubon Society — Science in Nature Programs and Summer Camps
Location: Multiple Connecticut Audubon centers: Fairfield Nature Center, Coastal Center at Milford Point, Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (Old Lyme), Birdcraft Sanctuary (Fairfield), Center at Pomfret
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program and center check ctaudubon.org for current pricing; summer camp registration opens February; some programs free for qualifying schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program; summer camp registration opens in February each year
Dates: Summer day camps: multiple one-week sessions June–August; Science in Nature programs: year-round
Application Deadline: Summer camp registration opens in February
Eligibility: K–12 (high school students eligible for appropriate program levels); no formal prerequisites; programs tailored to age groups contact specific center for high school-level options
Connecticut Audubon Society runs a network of nature centers across the state in Fairfield, Milford Point, Old Lyme, Glastonbury, and Pomfret, where you can explore environmental science through education programs and summer day camps designed for K–12 students, including high schoolers. The Science in Nature curriculum is peer-reviewed and NGSS-aligned, covering hands-on field investigations in ecology, conservation, earth science, and civic engagement. At the high school level, you can dive into topics including wetland ecology, bird population dynamics, weather and climate, landform aanalysis invasive species monitoring, and coastal biology. The Milford Point Coastal Center and Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme offer particularly strong experiences in coastal and estuarine ecology. You can join these programs as field trips to Audubon centers or bring them to your school as on-site visits. Select centers also offer summer camp sessions for high school students, giving you additional ways to get involved and gain experience.
11. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) — Applied Science and Engineering Session
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (residential; two weeks on Yale’s campus)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; students from 150+ countries; limited cohort per session
Dates: Two weeks in June or July
Application Deadline: 2026 applications are closed; 2027 application expected to open in September 2026
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12); open to domestic and international students; no specific prerequisites; strong academic record recommended
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a two-week residential academic enrichment program at Yale University that brings together high school students from over 150 countries. The Applied Science and Engineering (ASE) session is most relevant to environmental science students. Here, you’ll explore topics at the intersection of STEM and society, including climate science and environmental engineering. You’ll attend daily seminars led by Yale faculty, participate in small-group collaborative projects, and engage with peers who share your academic interests. The program is not a research experience, but offers a strong academic and leadership experience. You’ll gain access to university-level STEM content, interact with Yale faculty, and build a global peer network, all of which can be valuable if you’re considering studying environmental science in college. Applications for 2026 YYGS are closed, but you can check globalscholars.yale.edu for the 2027 cycle opening in September.
12. Sacred Heart University — Pre-College Environmental Science Experience
Location: Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT (residential)
Cost/Stipend: varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Summer sessions in July–August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (rising sophomores through seniors); check individual course pages for any prerequisites
Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut runs summer pre-college programs for high school students including STEM-focused courses with environmental science content. SHU’s campus sits in Fairfield County, giving you direct access to Long Island Sound coastal ecosystems and southwestern Connecticut’s forest and wetland habitats. During the program, you’ll attend classes taught by SHU faculty, participate in field excursions, and experience college residential life. Environmental science content typically covers ecology, coastal conservation, and sustainability science. It’s best to check the official Sacred Heart University pre-college programs page for the current 2026 course catalog, as specific environmental science offerings vary year to year.
13. CT DEEP — Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) Program
Location: Various locations across Connecticut including DEEP field offices, state parks, and conservation areas (commuter; multiple sites)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots; competitive
Dates: varies by program
Application Deadline: varies by program
Eligibility: Connecticut high school students with demonstrated interest in environmental science and policy; check DEEP site for any specific grade or GPA requirements
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) runs the Young Environmental Leaders program for high school students interested in environmental policy, conservation, and natural resources management. In this program, you’ll learn how state environmental regulations are developed and enforced, and tour DEEP field offices and conservation areas across Connecticut. You’ll also work on group projects addressing real environmental challenges such as water quality monitoring, invasive species management, forest carbon sequestration, and Long Island Sound restoration. Along the way, you’ll interact directly with DEEP scientists, environmental analysts, and enforcement officers. The program combines classroom and fieldwork with an emphasis on environmental careers and public policy. Check the DEEP website or call DEEP’s Conservation Education division for current YEL program dates and application details.
14. Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern CT — Aquaculture Program
Location: Marine Science Magnet High School, 1 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT (on the UConn Avery Point campus)
Cost/Stipend: Free (state-funded magnet school; open to all Connecticut students through the school choice system)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive admissions through Connecticut magnet school choice system
Dates: Full academic year this is a four-year high school enrollment, not a summer program
Application Deadline: rolling
Eligibility: Connecticut residents in grades 9–12; open to students statewide through the magnet school choice system; no prerequisite courses required for admission
The Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut (MSMHS) in Groton is a unique statewide magnet school built around marine and environmental science Here, science isn’t just one subject, but is integrated into your entire academic experience. The school operates a working aquaculture facility in partnership with Mystic Aquarium. You’ll participate in a 16-week aquaculture internship at Mystic Aquarium as part of your regular academic program, conducting real aquaculture and marine science research. Applications for the magnet program are submitted through Connecticut’s regional school choice system each spring for enrollment the following fall.
15. ACS Project SEED — Connecticut Section Placements
Location: University and industry labs across Connecticut (placement site varies by year check acs.org/seed for current CT placements)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Session I stipend: $3,000; Session II stipend (returning SEED students): $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited placements in Connecticut annually
Dates: 8–10 weeks during summer (June–August); exact dates vary by placement lab
Application Deadline: Typically January–March; check acs.org/seed and the Connecticut ACS Section (ctacs.org) for the current cycle
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; no prior research experience require
Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) is an American Chemical Society program for high school juniors and seniors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Through Project SEED, you’ll spend 8–10 weeks working full-time in university and industry labs. Connecticut has active SEED placement labs at UConn and regional pharmaceutical and environmental labs. If you’re interested in Environmental science, your research might focus on areas such as water chemistry, environmental toxicology, soil analysis, and materials used in environmental remediation. You work full-time alongside a faculty or industry mentor, developing skills in experimental design, analytical chemistry, data interpretation, and scientific writing. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a final research report and may even have the opportunity to present your work at the ACS National Meeting. This is a need-based program, so you’ll need to demonstrate economic disadvantage through income documentation. SEED alumni also receive ongoing support for college applications through the ACS Scholars Program.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in environmental science, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: University of Connecticut