If you’re a high school student looking to move beyond standard classroom math, structured math programs can deepen your understanding of proof writing, quantitative modeling, data reasoning, and computational thinking. Unlike regular courses that focus mainly on curriculum milestones, these math programs for high school students connect you with college-level concepts, real-world quantitative challenges, and hands-on analytical work.
Math enrichment comes in many forms: residential academies with advanced coursework, statewide competitions with problem sets that emphasize reasoning over memorization, math circles that explore abstract ideas, and applied math experiences that intersect with engineering, finance, or robotics. Across these settings, you build skills such as logical deduction, pattern recognition, modeling with software tools, and structured argumentation.
Why should you spend your summer in Kansas?
Kansas has a strong infrastructure of public universities, federally funded academic support programs, and STEM outreach initiatives. Many math programs for high school students in Kansas are hosted directly by university math departments, are affordable or fully funded, designed to give you early exposure to college-level coursework, and structured with smaller cohorts, allowing closer faculty interaction. If you want academically rigorous math experiences without leaving the state, Kansas offers structured and credible options. The best program for you depends on whether you prefer theoretical mathematics, computational tools, or practical engineering applications.
Below is a curated list of 15 math programs for high school students in Kansas. If you’re exploring broader STEM pathways, you can also explore our related guides on online research mentorship programs for high school students here and summer research programs for high school students here to broaden your perspective on structured academic pathways.
15 Math Programs for High School Students in Kansas
1. Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science – Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, KS
Cost: Tuition-free college credits for students attending a Kansas public high school | Other costs not specified
Program Dates: Two academic years (11th and 12th grade)
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Academically talented Kansas students entering 11th grade
Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science is a residential early college program where you spend your junior and senior years taking college-level courses on the Fort Hays State University campus. Your classes are taught by PhD faculty, and you follow a STEM-focused curriculum while also completing your high school diploma. By the time you finish, you can earn more than 60 hours of college credit and may graduate with an Associate of General Studies in Science from FHSU. Life at KAMS looks a lot like college, including living on campus, managing a full academic schedule, and getting involved in activities beyond class. You also have access to research opportunities, leadership development, and civic engagement experiences built into the program. This program is best suited for academically advanced students seeking an in-depth early college experience rather than a traditional high school setting.
2. K-State Opportunities for Youth – Kansas State University
Location: Manhattan, KS and statewide Kansas locations
Cost: Varies by program | Many are low-cost or subsidized, and some are free
Program Dates: Varies by program (year-round, summer, and academic year options)
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Kansas students in grades K–12 (eligibility depends on specific program)
K-State Opportunities for Youth is an umbrella of academic, STEM, leadership, and enrichment programs run through Kansas State University departments and Kansas 4-H. You’ll find programs, ranging from short summer institutes and day-long competitions to multi-day camps and academic workshops in math, science, agriculture, business, engineering, health, and the arts. Most programs are designed as outreach experiences rather than full-time enrollment, making them easier to fit around your regular school schedule. Many opportunities are hosted directly by faculty or academic departments, which gives you early exposure to college-level topics without committing to a long-term program. This option works well if you want to explore interests, build skills, or add credible in-state academic experiences to your resume without a full-time commitment during high school.
3. Summer Science Institute – Bethel College
Location: North Newton, KS
Cost: Registration fee of $60
Program Dates: June 14–19 (in-person) | June 8–July 3 (online)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students across grades 10–12
The Summer Science Institute is a week-long, on-campus academic program where you explore research-focused topics in fields like mathematics, computer science, biology, chemistry, and psychology. You’ll spend your days working closely with Bethel College faculty, learning how research is actually conducted rather than just covering standard classroom material. The structure is immersive but short, making it a realistic option if you want exposure to college-level STEM without committing to a long program. You’ll also interact with current Bethel students who help support instruction and lab work. This program is a good fit if you’re curious about research and want a Kansas-based summer experience that focuses on how scientists and mathematicians think and work.
4. Art of Problem Solving Intermediate Algebra (Formerly Algebra 3)
Location: Online
Cost: $715 (or $789 with books)
Program Dates: Multiple 24-week sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling until sections fill
Eligibility: Students who have mastered basic algebra through quadratic equations, typically after completing Introduction to Geometry
This 24-week course meets once a week for 90 minutes and covers material that goes well beyond a standard Algebra 2 class. You’ll work through advanced quadratics, conics, logarithms, polynomial theory, sequences and series, inequalities like Cauchy-Schwarz, and even functional equations. The curriculum blends honors Algebra 2 and Precalculus topics with competition-style problem-solving, including material relevant to the AMC and AIME math contests. Classes are live and interactive, and you’re expected to come in comfortable with quadratic equations and core algebra skills. Throughout the course, you’ll practice proofs, induction, and non-routine problem-solving strategies that don’t usually show up in a typical school math track.
5. School of Engineering Summer Camp – University of Kansas
Location: Lawrence, KS (KU School of Engineering)
Cost: Program fee required (exact amount announced annually)
Program Dates: July 12–17 (rising 9th–10th graders) | July 19–24 (rising 11th–12th graders)
Application Deadline: Registration opens in the spring
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
The School of Engineering Summer Camp is a weeklong, residential program where you spend your days exploring different engineering fields through hands-on projects and activities. You’ll work in KU’s engineering facilities, interact with faculty, and experience what studying engineering in college actually looks like. The camp is split into two sessions by grade, so activities are designed to match your academic level. Days are structured and busy, combining lab work, demonstrations, and exposure to multiple engineering disciplines. This program works well if you want an early, practical introduction to engineering and a realistic sense of campus life at a public university in Kansas.
6. Advanced Aerospace Technologies Exploration Experience (AATEE) Camp – University of Kansas (CReSIS)
Location: Lawrence, KS
Cost: Free | Housing, meals, and instructional costs covered (transportation not included)
Program Dates: May 31–June 12
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a Kansas high school
AATEE is a two-week, residential program focused on applied mathematics through engineering and computer science. You’ll work on hands-on projects involving autonomous model cars, drones, and computational systems, where math shows up through algorithmic thinking, modeling, and data-driven problem-solving. Programming with tools like Python is a core part of the experience, emphasizing the use of math to solve technical problems in aerospace and autonomous systems. All instructional costs, housing, and meals are covered through a Department of Defense grant, which lowers the barrier to participation. This is a strong fit if you’re interested in math-heavy engineering or computational pathways and want a Kansas-based program on the applications of math.
7. Manhattan Mathematical Olympiad – Kansas State University Department of Mathematics
Location: Manhattan, KS (Cardwell Hall)
Cost: Free | Winners will be awarded mathematical prizes (books, puzzles, games)
Program Date: April 18
Application Deadline: No advance registration required
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–12
The Manhattan Mathematical Olympiad is a one-day math competition where you work through challenging, proof-style and problem-solving questions designed by the K-State mathematics faculty. The contest takes place during K-State’s Open House Day and runs for a half day, making it easy to attend without a long-term commitment. There’s no application or registration process, so you can simply show up and compete. Problems are designed to stretch your reasoning skills rather than test memorized formulas, which makes this especially appealing if you enjoy creative or contest-style math. Top performers receive math-related prizes like books, puzzles, and games.
8. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750 (Online); $8,950 (Residential). Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 15–July 3 | July 6–24
Application Deadline: February 2 | Limited to 64 participants
Eligibility: Academically motivated high school students
SUMaC Online runs as an intensive three-week program with a fast-paced curriculum and daily live instruction. Online sessions focus on abstract algebra & number theory, or on algebraic topology, with daily lectures, problem-solving sessions, and final research or project presentations. Outside of class, expect another 3–5 hours of academic work per day, working on assignments and a final research project. Participants are required to attend all live sessions on camera and fully engage. The online format emphasizes community, with student life seminars and structured peer interaction built into the schedule. You choose between Program I (Abstract Algebra and Number Theory) or Program II (Algebraic Topology, offered in Session One only). These are proof-based, advanced topics that typically go well beyond standard high school math.
9. Russian School of Mathematics Online
Location: Online
Cost: $648-$780 (varies by course)
Program Dates: School year and summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment | Up to 12 students per class
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–10 for RSM-Online | Placement determined by evaluation
The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) Online is a live, instructor-led math education program that covers a wide range of topics from foundational arithmetic through advanced secondary mathematics. RSM emphasizes logical thinking, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving in a structured classroom environment. Course offerings span Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, and advanced problem-solving tracks that extend beyond standard math curricula. Many classes include work that overlaps with math contest preparation and proof-oriented reasoning. RSM places students into course levels based on an evaluation, so the pacing and content are tailored to your current ability. Courses follow a regular schedule throughout the school year, and summer sessions are also typically offered.
10. Financial Planning Summer Institute – Kansas State University
Location: Manhattan, KS
Cost: Program fee required (exact amount not specified)
Program Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline: Rolling | Limited to approximately 50 students
Eligibility: Incoming high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Financial Planning Summer Institute is a five-day, residential program focused on applied mathematics through personal finance and financial decision-making. You’ll work on real-world topics like budgeting, saving, investments, forecasting, and basic financial modeling while learning how numbers drive financial choices. The days combine structured lessons with group activities, guest speakers, and interactions with K-State faculty, students, and industry professionals. Math is used as a practical tool, especially in areas such as compound growth, planning, and risk-based decision-making. Living on campus gives you a preview of college life, including residence halls, dining, and classroom settings. This program is a good fit if you’re interested in how math connects to business and real-world planning.
11. KC FIRST Robotics – KC STEM Alliance (hosted through University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Science and Engineering)
Location: Kansas City metro area (varies by event)
Cost: Varies by team and level
Program Dates: Academic year (specific dates vary)
Application Deadline: Team-specific (school or community team sign-up varies)
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 (specific divisions vary by grade)
KC FIRST Robotics is a team-based STEM competition program where you apply math through robotics, engineering, and programming. You’ll work with teammates to design, build, and program robots, using math for measurement, optimization, control logic, and data-driven testing. The structure is collaborative and iterative, thereby you learn problem-solving, debugging, and improving designs under real constraints. Math shows up as a practical tool, especially in areas such as geometry, ratios, logic, and basic modeling. Events are supported locally through the KC STEM Alliance and connected to UMKC’s School of Science and Engineering outreach efforts. This fits well if you’re interested in seeing how math powers engineering and robotics projects.
12. High School Summer Research Program – Institute for Mathematics and Democracy
Location: Online
Cost: Not specified
Program Dates: Six weeks in summer
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Advanced high school students
This is a six-week online research program in which you work in small groups on mathematics projects related to elections, representation, and democracy. Most projects are data-driven and hands-on, using real datasets from elections or the census to explore questions like gerrymandering metrics, fairness measures, and voting outcomes. You’ll meet regularly with an instructor and collaborate closely with other students, which makes this feel like a real research experience rather than a class. In addition to project work, the program includes weekly guest lectures from mathematicians and democracy researchers. The program ends with formal project presentations, giving you practice explaining complex mathematical ideas clearly. This is a strong fit if you’re interested in pure and applied math, especially statistics, data analysis, and mathematical modeling with real-world impact.
13. AwesomeMath Summer Program – AwesomeMath
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition varies by session | You can check here
Program Dates: Session 1: June 8–26 | Session 2: June 29–July 17 | Session 3: July 20–August 7
Application Deadline: Multiple rounds | You can check here
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (typically ages 12–18) | Many participants prepare for AMC 10/12, AIME, or USA(J)MO
AwesomeMath’s Summer Program runs in three-week sessions, and you can choose how many sessions and courses you want to take. Each course meets Monday through Friday for three consecutive weeks, with a 90-minute lecture followed by a 60-minute problem-solving session. Classes are live and instructor-led, and lectures are recorded for later review. Course offerings span algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory, with many students focused on math competition preparation. You’ll submit homework daily for grading and feedback, complete assessment tests on the first two Saturdays, and have access to office hours twice per week. There is no minimum or maximum number of courses per session, so you can design a schedule that fits your goals and availability.
14. PSU Math Relays – Pittsburg State University
Location: Pittsburg, KS
Cost: $1 per student per event entered
Program Date: April 7
Application Deadline: Entries typically due by early March
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 (grade-based event restrictions apply)
The PSU Math Relays is a one-day, in-person mathematics competition designed to test speed, accuracy, and breadth of math knowledge across multiple subjects. You can compete in individual events organized by grade level, as well as team-based relay events that emphasize collaboration under time pressure. The event list is unusually broad, covering topics from algebra and geometry to number theory, probability, logic, and programming. Relay teams consist of four participants, and both individual and team medals are awarded. This format rewards both speed and broad mathematical knowledge across subjects. This competition is a strong fit if you enjoy traditional, content-heavy math contests and want a Kansas-based event that rewards both individual mastery and team performance.
15. TRIO Math & Science Center – University of Kansas
Location: Lawrence, KS
Cost: Free (federally funded)
Program Dates: Academic year with additional programming, including a 6-week summer component (dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Application windows are typically fall/spring | Approximately 66 students served per year
Eligibility: First-generation and/or low-income college-bound high school students in Shawnee, Douglas, and Wyandotte counties
The TRIO Math & Science Center at the University of Kansas is a long-term academic support program that strengthens math and science readiness for college-bound high school students who meet federal TRIO eligibility criteria. The program offers tutoring, advising, skill-building workshops, and college-preparation activities that emphasize foundational quantitative skills and problem-solving. In addition to year-round academic support, the center runs structured summer programming (often a 6-week session) that mixes tutoring sessions with workshops on ACT/SAT math strategies, college transition readiness, and integrated academic planning. This program focuses on sustained skill development over time, helping you build confidence in algebra, geometry, data interpretation, and other math fundamentals. It’s a good fit if you want structured support and preparation for college-level quantitative coursework while still in high school.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like mathematical modelling and mathematical applications, 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 – University of Kansas