If you are considering fields like sustainability, conservation, or environmental policy, starting early can help you understand what those paths actually involve. High school programs give you a structured way to explore these areas before making long-term decisions.
You may work on projects, study ecosystems in different settings, or analyze environmental data. This helps you see how theoretical concepts are applied and how different approaches are used to solve problems.
Why should you choose a program in North Carolina?
North Carolina provides access to a wide range of environments, from coastal ecosystems to forested and mountainous regions. This makes it easier to study environmental science in different contexts.
The state also has universities and organizations that offer structured programs with both academic and practical components. Choosing a local program reduces extra costs while still strengthening your academic profile by showing that you engaged with the subject beyond school.
To help you explore your options, here are 15 environmental science programs for high school students in North Carolina! You can also explore our blog on online environmental science programs here!
15 Environmental Science Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
1. River Ecology & Adventure Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA), Asheville, NC
Cost: $1,840 (includes lodging, meals, course materials, activities, and excursions)
Dates: June 21-26
Application Deadline: Open until all spaces are filled
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
UNC Asheville’s River Ecology program places you directly in stream environments, where most of your time goes into collecting water samples, observing aquatic species, and working with ecological data while moving across different sites. The fieldwork is paired with sessions that explain how river systems function, especially how flow, sediment, and human activity shape what you see on the ground. You also spend time paddling and navigating water systems, which changes how you approach data collection in moving environments. The work involves recording observations carefully and comparing results across locations. Instructors guide how you interpret what you collect rather than separating fieldwork from analysis.
2. Duke Pre-College Programs – Marine Biology & Ecology
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Residential: $6,050
Dates: June 13-24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current grades 9-12
Duke’s pre-college offerings provide you with rigorous academic instruction from Duke Ph.D. students, faculty, and graduate instructors across multiple disciplines, including environmental science and sustainability. This course draws you into the study of oceans, coastlines, and the living systems they support. You’ll examine how marine organisms navigate and respond to the physical and chemical conditions of their environments. The curriculum also looks at how human activity is altering these ecosystems and what that means for their long-term health. Drawing on concepts from biology, ecology, and environmental science, you’ll explore how marine systems are structured, why they are ecologically significant, and what approaches may be needed to sustain them as global conditions continue to shift.
3. Duke Pre-College Programs- Sustainable Design and Environmental Engineering
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Residential: $6,050
Dates: June 28-July 9
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current grades 9-12
In this course, you explore how engineering principles and methods can be applied to pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and the sustainable management of natural resources. You’ll work through topics such as renewable energy systems, sustainable materials, and the design of infrastructure that minimizes ecological impact. Case studies and hands-on design projects ask you to think through how engineers make decisions when innovation, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility pull in different directions. You’ll also practice environmental impact analysis, which helps you evaluate the broader consequences of technical choices.
4. SELF: STEM Experiences in the Lab and Field
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: A grant is provided
Dates: Multi-year grant starting December 1
Application Deadline: June 10
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; demonstrated interest in environmental science; prior biology or environmental science coursework recommended; U.S. and international students welcome
This hybrid program combines intensive fieldwork with mentored laboratory research, giving you comprehensive exposure to environmental science methodologies. Your first two weeks involve field research at ecological sites across North Carolina, where you collect water and soil data, conduct environmental health assessments, and learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and mapping. You then transition to university laboratories where you conduct approximately thirty hours weekly of mentored research with faculty and graduate students, typically focusing on water quality, ecosystem health, or sustainability challenges. The program emphasizes scientific communication and teamwork while building your skills in advanced data collection and analysis techniques. You prepare and deliver final presentations summarizing your research findings at a symposium for peers and faculty.
5. Explore@UNC – Environmental Science and Engineering Program
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cost: $1,100
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Contact the program for deadline information
Eligibility: students who will be entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
In the Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) track, you’ll explore the science and systems behind clean air, safe water, and sustainable cities. You’ll engage with hands-on activities designed to bring the core questions of environmental science to life, from examining data on pollution and resource use to understanding how engineered systems can address large-scale environmental problems. You’ll also get an inside look at how researchers in the field translate raw data into practical, scalable solutions. Throughout the track, you hear from faculty, staff, and current students, which gives you a grounded sense of what studying ESE looks like day-to-day and where it can lead professionally.
6. Appalachian State University Geology Programs
Location: Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Cost: Not specified
Dates: Available throughout the school year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12); customizable based on group needs
Appalachian State’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences welcomes high school groups for on-campus visits or classroom presentations. One-hour museum visits include scavenger hunts and interactive activities led by geology faculty and students, while two-hour visits add specialized laboratory sessions with demonstrations or activities. The program can accommodate groups of varying sizes through advance coordination. You will interact directly with geology faculty and students, gaining exposure to geoscience education and career pathways. The one-day internship option allows you to experience college life by attending classes and laboratory sessions in the geology department. These programs provide accessible entry points to understanding geoscience disciplines and college learning environments.
7. Conserving Carolina Summer of Service
Location: Conserving Carolina, Hendersonville, NC
Cost: $1,500 stipend upon completion of at least one hundred hours of service; $416.17 education award for completing service term
Dates: June 16-July 23
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; positions filled as applications received
Eligibility: Ages 17-21; motivated and open-minded participants interested in environmental conservation; no outdoor experience necessary
This six-week summer program positions you to make direct conservation impact while developing environmental and service leadership competencies. You will serve an average of eighteen hours weekly on projects promoting environmental conservation while receiving training in outdoor skills and environmental ethics. Conserving Carolina staff provides structured training and skill-building activities alongside direct outdoor service work. The program intentionally builds your confidence, trust, teamwork, and service-oriented ethics while introducing you to educational and career pathways you might not otherwise consider. Upon completion, you will receive both financial compensation and education award funds usable for higher education costs.
8. Conservation Corps North Carolina Youth Crews
Location: Multiple locations across North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Old Fort, Davidson, and camping crews statewide)
Cost: Paid positions; compensation varies
Dates: June, July, and August; crews last 3-6 weeks depending on position
Application Deadline: Positions posted in early March
Eligibility: North Carolina residents; ages 15-18; must be 15 at crew start date
These paid conservation crews put you directly into meaningful environmental work while providing structured mentorship and skill-building. You will work forty hours weekly on conservation projects including trail maintenance and construction, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and forestry work. Day crews allow you to return home each night while camping crews involve staying in the field for the entire session. You will work alongside experienced crew leaders and Forest Service Rangers, learning professional conservation practices and gaining exposure to environmental careers. The paid nature of these positions values your labor while making environmental work financially accessible. Successful completion demonstrates environmental commitment and work ethic to future employers and college admissions offices.
9. MarineQuest Summer Programs at UNCW
Location: University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Cost: Varies by program
Dates: Summer sessions; specific dates vary by program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early registration recommended
Eligibility: Ages vary by program; ranges from ages 14-17; specific prerequisites depend on program selection
MarineQuest programs focus on underwater research and marine science, where you work with diving equipment and collect data in aquatic environments. You train for certifications like scuba diving, then apply those skills while working on research tasks. The work includes using scientific tools underwater and recording observations during dives. You also spend time learning how to interpret what you observe in marine systems. Sessions are structured around both training and application. The program connects technical skills with field-based research.
10. Outward Bound Blue Ridge: Backpack & Whitewater Canoe
Location: Asheville, NC (and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains)
Cost: Contact program for pricing
Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Outward Bound’s program is built around extended outdoor expeditions, where you spend time navigating and working in wilderness environments. You learn techniques like backpacking and canoeing while managing resources and planning routes. The work involves observing environmental conditions directly rather than through structured datasets. You follow Leave-No-Trace principles while moving through different ecosystems. Instructors guide how you interact with the environment, especially when making decisions in the field. The experience is shaped by the terrain and conditions rather than a fixed curriculum.
11. Catawba Riverkeeper Internships
Location: Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, Charlotte, NC area
Cost: Varies by position; some paid internships available
Dates: Varies by position; contact organization for current opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling; check website for current openings
Eligibility: High school and college students; specific requirements vary by position
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation offers internship opportunities supporting their mission to preserve and protect the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. You will work on environmental education programs, community engagement initiatives, and river restoration projects. Internship roles vary based on organizational needs and your skills and interests, allowing customization to your learning goals. You will contribute directly to conservation efforts while developing skills in environmental education, project management, and community engagement. The organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures welcoming environments for students from various backgrounds. Completion demonstrates practical experience in river conservation and nonprofit environmental work.
12. Lees-McRae College Wildlife Science Summer Program
Location: Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NC
Cost: One week: $2,100; Two weeks: $3,600 (includes tuition, lodging, meals, instruction, materials, field trips, and camp t-shirt)
Dates: Week 1: June 7-13; Week 2: June 14-20
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; $200 deposit required to hold space
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade
This two-week residential program immerses you in wildlife biology, conservation, and rehabilitation through hands-on experiences at working facilities. Week 1 introduces you to ecology and biology through the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station, while Week 2 (requiring prior week attendance or equivalent experience) focuses on clinical work at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. You will learn veterinary sciences and wildlife rehabilitation through direct exposure to outdoor patient care and education. The program provides residential supervision with approximately one counselor per seven students, creating a supportive community environment. You will develop skills in animal identification, conservation techniques, and wildlife rehabilitation while exploring potential college and career pathways. Daily activities include outdoor field experiences, clinical work, evening activities, and time to build connections with peers interested in wildlife science.
13. Climate Resilience Camp at NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Location: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $50 for the week (scholarships available upon request)
Dates: June 15-19
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: Rising grades 9-12
This week-long STEM enrichment program focuses on climate change impacts and community resilience through hands-on activities and professional engagement. You will participate in activities addressing extreme heat, flooding, and air quality while exploring evidence-based resilience strategies applicable to your own communities. The program connects you with professionals working in climate adaptation and environmental science, providing real-world context for career exploration. You are encouraged to lead an optional service project in your community during the school year, with program support for implementation and planning. Materials, field trip transportation, and daily snacks are provided, though you will bring your own lunch and water bottle.
14. From Sea to Changing Sea: Marine Life and Ocean Conservation
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Flexible
Eligibility: Open to all students
If you are passionate about ocean science and conservation, the From Sea to Changing Sea: Marine Life and Ocean Conservation course offered by the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University is worth exploring. This free online course examines how disruptions affect marine biodiversity and investigates the relationship between ocean change and global climate systems. You will develop an understanding of how climate change shapes marine ecosystems and how shifts in ocean conditions feed back into Earth’s atmosphere. The course is well-suited for students with interests in marine science, environmental policy, or sustainability, and it offers both scientific context and applied knowledge relevant to real-world conservation challenges.
15. Excel High School Environmental Science Course
Location: Remote
Cost: $325
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Open to all students
The Excel High School Environmental Science Course takes you through Earth’s major ecosystems while grounding scientific concepts in real-world environmental issues. You examine how natural systems are connected through energy flow and how human activity disrupts these relationships. The course uses real-world modeling exercises to help you understand how specific behaviors and decisions affect ecosystem health. You also investigate patterns in human population growth and the environmental consequences that follow. By the end of the course, you will have developed and strengthened skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving within an environmental context.
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: Duke University