Math research programs for high schoolers provide an opportunity to dive into advanced mathematical concepts and engage in problem-solving at a deeper level. These programs often focus on areas beyond the standard curriculum, allowing you to explore fields like number theory, combinatorics, or applied mathematics.
Through hands-on projects, you develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to approach complex problems methodically. These experiences can foster a stronger understanding of mathematical theory and its real-world applications, helping you build a solid foundation for future academic pursuits.
Here are 12 great math research programs for high school students.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)— Mathematics track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research. For students interested in math, Horizon offers a Theoretical Mathematics course.
Once you select your subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
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 few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
2. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) hosts 100 high school students each year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a summer STEM program. What distinguishes RSI is its structure, combining theoretical coursework on campus with off-campus research experience. The MIT Mathematics Department Faculty Advisors for RSI match each student with a graduate student mentor who aligns with the student’s interests. Previously, the math department hosted 10 RSI students, who worked on projects ranging from chip-firing on directed and binary trees to curve shortening flow on n-loop curves. See the full list of past research projects here.
Cost: Fully funded + $60 application fee
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: Typically in December
Program Dates: 6 weeks, typically from June to August
Eligibility: High school juniors (U.S. and international)
3. Veritas AI— AI Fellowship
Veritas AI is a program for high school students interested in artificial intelligence, focusing on collaborative learning, hands-on project development, and personalized mentorship from Harvard graduate students and alumni. The central offering is the AI Fellowship program, which spans 12 to 15 weeks and allows students to pursue independent AI research projects.
While proficiency in Python is preferred, students can also enter through the AI Scholars program. The fellowship promotes interdisciplinary exploration, enabling students to connect AI with various fields. Past participants have conducted research in areas such as mathematics, finance, environmental science, and education. Examples of previous projects can be seen here.
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 12-15-week AI Fellowship | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Various, according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit prior experience with AI concepts or Python
4. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara — Math track
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program offers a summer opportunity for high school students interested in hands-on interdisciplinary mathematics research. Participants can select projects from various STEM fields, including mathematics, and collaborate with mentors. You will complete an online training session before beginning the residential program, which involves 35-50 hours of research every week. You will learn how to use library resources, collect data, and present your findings in written and presentation formats.
Cost: $4,975 (commuter) | $11,874 (residential). Limited scholarships available, priority given to California residents
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Application Deadline: March 18
Program Dates: June 17 – August 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA
5. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
PROMYS is a six-week program designed for high school students with a strong interest in mathematics. You will attend a lecture on number theory every day, and the rest of the day will be spent on an advanced seminar of your choice. Previously, the advanced seminar options included Discrete Dynamical Systems and the Poincaré Recurrence Theorem; Galois Theory; and Graph Theory.
You will have the chance to work on a research problem specially designed for PROMYS in groups of 4. You will work on the problem under the guidance of your research mentor and present your findings at the end of the program. Past PROMYS students have published these papers and presented them at conferences.
Cost: $2,000 – $6,100 depending on your family’s income bracket, free for students whose annual family income is under $80,000
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 29 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old, have completed 9th grade, and are not yet enrolled as a full-time college or university student
6. UC Irvine’s Math ExpLR Summer Research Program
This six-week program in mathematical biology allows high school students to work on a computational biology research project under the supervision of a principal investigator. You will learn how to conduct mathematical research, including Matlab programming, modeling, presenting your work, and writing research papers. The previous projects addressed topics like Turing pattern formation, biophysics of the primary cilium in skin and neurological diseases, and cell-to-cell communication. Check out more past research projects here.
Cost: Free. Students are responsible for their own transportation, housing, and meals
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Application Deadline: April 14
Program Dates: June 17 – July 25
Eligibility: Current high school students who are not graduating in the spring
7. Simons Summer Research Program
The Simons Summer Research Program offers a valuable opportunity for high school students interested in advancing their research skills, particularly in mathematics. Previously, participants in the Applied Mathematics and Statistics Department had the chance to develop algorithms for high-performance computing, machine learning, and multiscale modeling. These areas are critical to modern mathematical research, particularly in their application to biological and medical simulations.
Cost: $2,781.50 (residential)
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Application deadline: February 7
Program Dates: July 1 – August 9
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old. You must be nominated by your high school
8. MIT PRIMES USA
PRIMES-USA is a year-long, tuition-free research program in mathematics for high school students across the country. Participants are mentored by graduate students and faculty from institutions like MIT, with the program divided into four phases over the academic year. In the first phase, students engage in advanced readings to build a foundation for their research. During the second phase, they begin their research under the guidance of a mentor. Phase three involves independent study, while the fourth phase focuses on finalizing the project with mentor support. Students present their work at the PRIMES conference in mid-October and write a final research paper, which can be submitted to academic journals and competitions.
To apply, you have to solve a problem set posted on the program website by the application deadline, typically in November. See past problems and solutions here.
Cost: None
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: October 1
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores (including home-schooled) residing in the United States who live no closer than 50 miles from Boston (students residing within driving distance from Boston should apply to MIT PRIMES)
9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Stanford University’s SUMaC program is designed for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors seeking a challenging and immersive mathematical experience. This camp offers a deep dive into advanced mathematics such as abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology. SUMaC allows you to undertake guided math research and explore current research in the field. You will also have the chance to learn about the historical development of key math research areas and their application in different scientific fields.
Location: Virtual or Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $3,550 (online), $8,250 (residential). Need-based financial aid is available
Application deadline: February 1
Program dates:
- Session one (online): June 17 – July 5
- Session one (residential): June 23 – July 19
- Session two (online): July 8 – 26
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
10. University of Maryland MathQuantum Fellowships
The MathQuantum Fellowships offered by the University of Maryland introduce students to quantum information science. The program is designed for two groups: mathematics students interested in exploring quantum information science (QIS) and those with prior experience in QIS looking to strengthen their mathematical skills. As a high school fellow, you will participate in a 2-week online program that consists of lectures, seminars, hands-on activities, and a mini-project. Under the guidance of your mentor, you’ll learn how to conduct research at the intersection of math and quantum information science. Some fellows will have the chance to attend the Quantum Computing Summer Camp for High School and University students, free of cost.
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: July 25 – August 6
Eligibility: High school students
11. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
COSMOS is a four-week residential summer program aimed at high school students with a strong interest in STEM, including mathematics. The program offers the chance to collaborate with faculty, researchers, and scientists on hands-on, lab-based projects. The program is divided into ‘Clusters’ across the campuses. Math-related clusters cover topics such as Tissue and Tumor Biology, Mathematical/Computational Modeling, Computation and Machine Learning, Number Theory, and Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems.
Cost: $5,007 + $42 nonrefundable application fee. Financial aid available
Location: University of California, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, or Santa Cruz, CA
Application deadline: February 7
Program dates: July 7 – August 3
Eligibility: California students who are rising 9th-12th graders
12. Boston University RISE Internship in Mathematics and Statistics
The Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship Track at Boston University provides high school students with an opportunity to engage in research within the fields of Mathematics and Statistics. During the program, you will work on a research project, developing technical and analytical skills. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium, where you will present your findings. You may also have the opportunity to submit your research to national competitions, such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search. You can check out the Mathematics and Statistics faculty and research specializations here.
Cost/Stipend: $5,820 (commuter), $8,940 (residential) + an application fee. Financial aid is available
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 29 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Image Source – Stanford Logo
