If you’re a high school student with a passion for science, science camps can offer a short, focused, way to dive deeper into your interests. Unlike longer-term research internships or for-credit academic courses, science camps are typically shorter, more immersive, and structured around hands-on, project-based learning
Thanks to universities, nonprofit institutions, and research labs across the country, there are numerous no‑cost science camps available for high school students. These programs give you access to mentorship, peer networks, and real‑world scientific inquiry — making them ideal for building skills, discovering your niche, and gaining early exposure to STEM careers.
Below, we’ve pooled together 13 free science camps for high school students.
13 Free Science Camps for High School Students
1. STARS Summer Science Camps (Physics)
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30
Dates: July 10 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current 10th graders
This free camp at UT Southwestern Medical Center is specifically aimed at current 10th graders planning to study physics in their junior year. The program aims to completely prepare you for the academic course by allowing you to complete physics-related lab activities. Some of the topics you will explore include motion, optics, electricity, and resonance. The camp’s goal is to ensure you gain confidence in the junior year physics curriculum and includes fun, related events like a Straw Rocket Competition.
2. Women in Physics Camp
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; $25 for your t-shirt and on-campus lunch for 1 day
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: June 8 – June 12 (Beginners camp) | June 1 – 5 (Advanced camp)
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: Rising 7th to 12th graders
For students passionate about physics, this camp offers an experimental approach to learning the subject. You will explore a wide range of topics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, rockets, optics, astronomy, and engineering. Beginners are placed in the beginner’s camp, while returning students are part of the advanced camp, which explores more complex subjects like space and electric circuits. The program specifically encourages and supports young women in pursuing interests in physics through hands-on learning.
3. New Mexico Consortium Summer Physics Camp
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 – 25 students
Dates: June 2 – June 13
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students who live in New Mexico, New Mexico tribal communities or East Hawaii Island and have completed a high-level math course like Algebra I
This free, two-week summer camp is for high school students in New Mexico, tribal communities, or East Hawaii Island, and is taught by scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Sandia National Laboratories. You will dive deep into principles of energy and energy security, while also touching on related subjects like chemistry and bioengineering. The curriculum includes hands-on activities and field trips designed to illustrate the real-world impact of STEM fields. The camp also offers professional guidance on resume writing and interview techniques.
4. Ivy Tech Science Summer Camp
Location: Ivy Tech Community College, Valparaiso, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 – 30 based on other camps organized at Ivy Tech
Dates: 4 Thursdays in June and July
Application Deadline: Opens on May 16 (tentatively) and closes once spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students
This free day camp, hosted by Ivy Tech Community College, is structured around different science subject areas over four Thursdays in June and July. Adding to the list of camps conducted by the Ivy Tech Community College, the camp is mainly catered toward high schoolers who want to enter the medical field. The subject areas covered include anatomy & physiology, advanced anatomy, biology, and chemistry & physics. This camp provides a flexible, focused way to explore core scientific disciplines before committing to a specific healthcare or science major.
5. Science in Action Camp
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Alameda County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30
Dates: April 2 – April 5
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12
Catered towards native Spanish speakers, this free, four-day bilingual science camp is taught in both English and Spanish. The program includes an online introductory day followed by three days at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and UC Berkeley’s physics department. You will have the unique opportunity to observe the particle accelerator and experiments, while also working on your own hands-on projects, such as building a Rube Goldberg machine. STEM professionals share their career paths, helping you connect the scientific research observed to future professional opportunities.
6. QCaMP
Location: Bay Area (CA), Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup (NM), Chicago (IL), Boulder (CO), and Latrobe (PA)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 – 45 students
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and have a basic knowledge of algebra
QCaMP is a free, four-week summer camp designed for students curious about quantum physics and quantum computing. As a participant, you will learn major computing and quantum physics theories, which you will then implement by building circuits on a quantum computer. The camp includes career talks and Q&A sessions with professionals, helping you acquire both foundational concepts and practical skills in this cutting-edge field.
7. Women and Minorities in Water and Energy Sectors
Location: The Water Institute at Purdue Northwest, Hammond, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free; a stipend of $500 and lunch allowance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: May 27 – June 9
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school and college students
This program teaches important concepts about water, energy, and environmental systems in the context of sustainable agriculture and rural development. Your syllabus will cover topics like the food-energy-water-land nexus and innovative agricultural circular bioeconomy. You will engage in projects, field trips, and career development seminars, making this option more intriguing if you like both science and engineering. While not a traditional science camp, it provides a rigorous, research-oriented environment focused on sustainability.
8. STEM Academy
Location: Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 14 – June 26
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: 9th to 11th graders who have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, attend schools in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties, and have completed the Algebra I course
The STEM Academy at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a summer camp aimed at encouraging high school students to pursue a career in STEM. The program involves engaging classroom activities and field trips that teach basic STEM concepts. You will also have the opportunity to interact with professionals from various STEM fields to gain career tips and insights.
9. Health Science Explorers Camp
Location: Rappahannock Community College, Warsaw, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12
If you are a high school student aspiring to dive into the medical field, this camp allows you to discover different medical professions, including nursing/EMS, dental, physical therapy, and pre-med. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the field by working in community healthcare centers. The five-day program also helps you plan your pathway toward your chosen role in the medical field.
10. Community Science Camp
Location: East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16 – June 20
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to middle school and high school students
This free, five-day summer camp at East Carolina University (ECU) gives high school students the opportunity to complete a community-based research project focused on solving water-related problems. You will work alongside local residents, learning to employ tools like GIS, data software, and VR technology to build a community map and find solutions. In addition to all the work, the camp offers field trips to visit parks, museums, universities, and other attractions in Eastern North Carolina. Participating in this camp gives you volunteer hours, which can give you a competitive edge in college resumes.
11. Learn Forensic Science in High School
Location: Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th graders
While enrolled in this five-day residential summer camp, you will be spending your time participating in workshops and lab activities, all focused on teaching you forensic science. Your schedule will include tasks like blood spatter and fingerprint analysis and mobile device data retrieval. Under the guidance of industry experts, you will enhance your understanding of forensic science through visits to forensic agencies. Additionally, this camp offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the college lifestyle at Ball State University.
12. Saturday At The Sea
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students each session
Dates: June 8 – June 12 | June 22 – June 26 | July 6 – July 10 | July 20 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Middle schoolers and rising 9th graders who reside in Florida and can swim
Ever wondered what it is like to be an experimental marine ecologist? Then, this camp, which is scheduled with research projects and activities, will help you get a glimpse of the profession. During the five days, you will become a marine scientist who will tour the local habitats, collecting data and analyzing it with your campmates. In addition to letting you get an insight into the field, the camp also helps you become conscious of your environment. The FSU Department of Biological Sciences’ Office of STEM Teaching Activities (OSTA) sponsors and organizes this camp.
13. Quantum and Laser Fusion Science Summer Camp
Location: Casper College, Casper, WY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 23
Dates: July 10 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students who have taken a physics course
The Texas A&M University’s Institute for Quantum Science & Engineering organizes this camp, which is catered to high school students who are intrigued by quantum science. You will become familiar with many principles in the quantum science field through lectures and lab activities. Concepts covered include polarization, superposition, quantum computing, and counterfactual communication. All sessions are taught by researchers, scientists, and professors, providing a strong academic introduction to this complex field.
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 – Casper College