15 Math Programs for High School Students in Utah

If mathematics is one of your favorite subjects, a summer program can help you explore it beyond what a typical high school classroom offers!

Math programs place you in a community of students who enjoy thinking through difficult questions and are willing to spend time finding elegant solutions. You learn from university faculty, researchers, or experienced mathematicians, participate in discussions, tackle challenging problem sets, and develop the kind of logical thinking that carries over into computer science, engineering, physics, economics, and many other fields.

Why should you choose a program in Utah?

Utah offers a growing range of mathematics opportunities through its universities, research centers, and STEM education initiatives. You can explore topics such as advanced algebra, calculus, statistics, mathematical modeling, and data analysis while learning from experienced instructors and university faculty. 

These programs introduce you to college-level mathematics before you graduate from high school. You’ll also see how math is applied in fields like engineering, computer science, finance, and the natural sciences.

To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down our list to 15 math programs for high school students in Utah! If you are looking for easier options, you can check out our blog on online maths programs for high school students here!

Key Takeaways

• 15 math programs in Utah range from free university based math circles and workshops, to competitive events like the Utah Math Olympiad and Utah ARML Team, to fully online options through Johns Hopkins CTY and MIT.
• Most Utah based programs hosted directly by universities are free to attend, including the University of Utah Math Circle, Red Rock Math Circle, Math Rocks! at UVU, and the High School Mathematical Modeling Workshop.
• Several programs run throughout the academic year rather than only in summer, giving students sustained engagement. Math Rocks!, Red Rock Math Circle, and the University of Utah Math Circle all meet weekly or periodically across the fall and winter terms.
• Competition focused programs give students a structured way to test proof writing and problem solving skills. The Utah Math Olympiad requires complete mathematical proofs rather than short numerical answers, and the Utah ARML Team prepares students for team, individual, and Power Round formats used in the national competition.
• The University of Utah’s Summer Mathematics Program stands out for connecting math directly to biology, letting students earn three transferable university credits while exploring mathematical models of biological systems over three weeks.
• Cost varies for the non-free options, from $150 for BYU Senior Math Camp, up to $7,501 for Johns Hopkins CTY’s on-campus track, with financial aid available for several of the pricier programs.
• Utah’s math programs are a strong way to build problem solving and proof writing skills through community based learning, but they are not the only path for a student interested in independent research. Those who want to pursue a research project in a different field might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like political theory, data science, and biology.

1. University of Utah Summer Mathematics Program for High School Students

The University of Utah Summer Mathematics Program for High School Students is an intensive, three-week, non-residential commuter program that introduces motivated secondary students to the field of mathematical biology. You will earn three transferable university credits on a credit/no credit basis while exploring how mathematical models provide deep insight into biological systems. Working in peer cohorts under the supervision of university faculty and graduate student mentors, you will analyze challenging problem sets. 

2. BYU Senior Math Camp

BYU Math Camp is a five-day summer program for middle and high school students who enjoy tackling challenging mathematics beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Each year, the camp focuses on a different mathematical theme, giving you the chance to explore topics that are rarely covered in school through interactive lessons, problem-solving activities, and collaborative projects. Classes are taught by BYU faculty and students, with daily sessions that encourage creative thinking, mathematical reasoning, and discussion rather than memorization. Depending on the year’s theme, you may also work on programming activities or other hands-on projects that connect mathematics with real-world applications. Alongside classroom sessions, you’ll hear from guest speakers who explain how mathematics is used in different careers, giving you a broader perspective on where the subject can take you.

3. High School Mathematical Modeling Workshop

The University of Utah High School Math Modeling Workshop introduces you to the fundamentals of mathematical modeling by showing how mathematics can be used to solve real-world problems. Working in small teams, you’ll tackle questions related to topics such as disease spread, transportation, emergency response, and public policy while learning how to build mathematical models, analyze data, and justify your assumptions. The workshop also teaches practical skills in Python programming, statistics, and technical report writing, giving you experience with the tools commonly used in mathematical research. Throughout the program, you’ll study solutions from previous modeling competitions, refine your own approaches through group discussions, and present your work to peers.

4. Math Rocks!

UVU Math Rocks! is a year-long mathematics enrichment program that helps you explore mathematical ideas through interactive projects, puzzles, games, and hands-on activities that go beyond the high school curriculum. Each session introduces new areas of mathematics through activities such as mathematical origami, collaborative problem-solving, and friendly competitions with prizes. You’ll also take part in discussions about college pathways and careers that use mathematics while working alongside university faculty, undergraduate mentors, and other high school students who share your interest in the subject.

5. Red Rock Math Circle

Red Rock Math Circle brings you to Utah Tech University for math sessions that go far beyond the formulas and problem sets you see in school. Each meeting focuses on a different mathematical idea, where university faculty and mathematicians guide you through puzzles, patterns, proofs, and open-ended problems that have more than one possible approach. You’ll test different strategies, explain your reasoning, and work with other students who enjoy thinking through challenging questions. Because the program meets throughout the academic year, you get the chance to build your problem-solving skills over time, explore branches of mathematics you may not have encountered before, and experience how mathematicians think when there is no obvious path to the solution.

6. University of Utah Math Circle

The University of Utah Math Circle meets weekly during the fall semester and brings together high school students who enjoy solving challenging mathematical problems. Each session is led by university faculty and graduate students, who introduce puzzles and topics that go well beyond a typical classroom lesson. You’ll work with other students to test ideas, compare different solution methods, and strengthen your mathematical reasoning through discussion. The relaxed setting encourages you to ask questions, explain your thinking, and learn from different approaches to the same problem.

7. Utah State Math Contest

The Utah State Math Contest is an annual competition for students in grades 7–12 who enjoy solving challenging mathematics problems beyond the regular school curriculum. The senior division for grades 10–12 covers topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics through a timed exam. Schools register through a teacher or exam administrator, and top performers receive statewide recognition based on their scores. The contest also provides access to past exams and official solutions, making it a valuable resource if you want to strengthen your problem-solving skills and prepare for more advanced mathematics competitions.

8. Utah Science Olympiad

Utah Science Olympiad brings mathematics together with science through team competitions that challenge you to solve practical STEM problems. Depending on your events, you might apply mathematical modeling, statistics, geometry, or calculations to engineering design, ecology, physics, or other scientific disciplines. Some events involve building and testing devices, while others focus on written exams that require analytical problem-solving and scientific reasoning. Preparing for the competition encourages you to study concepts beyond your regular classes while working closely with teammates throughout the season. The experience shows how mathematics is used to solve real scientific and engineering challenges.

9. Math Circles through Utah Universities

Math Circles hosted by universities across Utah offer weekly sessions where you’ll explore interesting mathematical ideas through discussion and collaborative problem-solving. Rather than following a textbook, each meeting focuses on open-ended questions that encourage creative thinking and multiple solution strategies. University professors and graduate students guide conversations while giving you plenty of opportunities to explain your reasoning and build mathematical arguments. Working alongside other students who enjoy mathematics creates an environment where sharing ideas is just as important as finding the correct answer.

10. Utah ARML Team

The Utah ARML Team prepares high school students for the American Regions Mathematics League, one of the country’s top team mathematics competitions. You’ll attend weekly practice sessions where you solve advanced problems in number theory, combinatorics, geometry, algebra, and proof-based mathematics alongside other competitive math students. Training focuses on the unique ARML format, including team rounds, individual contests, and Power Rounds that require detailed written solutions to challenging problems. Along the way, you’ll develop strategies for working collaboratively under time pressure while tackling questions that go far beyond the standard high school curriculum. The season ends with the national ARML competition, where Utah’s team competes against top math teams from across the United States.

11. Utah Math Olympiad

The Utah Math Olympiad is a proof-based competition that challenges you to solve difficult mathematical problems through clear logical arguments rather than short numerical answers. Contest problems cover subjects such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, often requiring original ideas and creative reasoning. Preparing for the Olympiad encourages you to study advanced mathematics beyond the classroom while strengthening your ability to write complete mathematical proofs. Many students use the competition as preparation for higher-level contests, including the USA Mathematical Olympiad. If you enjoy tackling difficult problems and explaining your reasoning step by step, this competition offers an excellent opportunity to develop those skills.

12. BYU Independent Study High School Courses

With BYU Independent Study, you can complete advanced mathematics courses online at your own pace throughout the year. Beyond traditional high school subjects, the program offers courses in topics such as multivariable calculus, differential equations, and mathematical proofs for students ready for more challenging work. Lessons include video explanations, interactive assignments, equation-editing tools, and self-check activities that help you understand difficult concepts before moving forward. Because the courses are self-paced, you can spend extra time on challenging material or move quickly through topics you already know. The flexible format also makes advanced mathematics accessible if your school does not offer higher-level courses.

13. STEM Action Center Summer Camps

The STEM Action Center partners with universities, schools, and industry organizations across Utah to offer a wide range of summer camps that bring mathematics into real engineering and technology projects. Depending on the camp you choose, you might design electric vehicles, tackle engineering challenges, build digital projects, or explore computational thinking through coding and problem-solving activities. Along the way, you’ll apply concepts such as data analysis, geometric reasoning, algorithms, and mathematical modeling while working in teams to solve practical problems. Many camps also include sessions with university faculty and industry professionals, giving you a closer look at how mathematics is used across Utah’s growing technology and engineering sectors.

14. Johns Hopkins’ Center for Talented Youth

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers a wide selection of online and on-campus mathematics courses designed for academically advanced learners. Depending on the course, you can study subjects such as calculus, number theory, probability, cryptography, combinatorics, linear algebra, or mathematical proofs at a level that goes well beyond a typical high school curriculum. Classes are taught in small groups and encourage discussion, challenging problem sets, and independent thinking rather than memorization. With both summer and year-round options available, CTY makes it possible to explore advanced mathematics in a structured university-style learning environment while connecting with other students who share similar interests.

15. MIT’s Online Math Classes

If you’re looking for university-level mathematics courses online, MIT Open Learning on edX offers free classes taught by MIT faculty across a wide range of subjects. You can choose from courses in probability, statistics, quantitative finance, computational science, machine learning, and other mathematics-related fields, with many options lasting between eight and fifteen weeks. Several courses also introduce programming and scientific computing, allowing you to apply mathematical concepts to practical problems through coding exercises and computational projects. While all course materials are available for free, you can purchase a verified certificate if you’d like formal recognition after completing the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these programs are free to attend?

The University of Utah Summer Mathematics Program, the High School Mathematical Modeling Workshop, Math Rocks!, Red Rock Math Circle, the University of Utah Math Circle, Math Circles through Utah Universities, and the Utah Math Olympiad are all free.

Do any of these programs let me earn college credit?

Yes. The University of Utah Summer Mathematics Program for High School Students offers three transferable university credits on a credit or no credit basis while exploring mathematical biology over three weeks.

Which programs focus specifically on proof writing and competition preparation?

The Utah Math Olympiad requires complete logical proofs rather than short answers, and the Utah ARML Team prepares students for the American Regions Mathematics League through team rounds, individual contests, and Power Rounds that require detailed written solutions.

Are any of these programs available entirely online?

Yes. BYU Independent Study offers self-paced online courses in subjects like multivariable calculus and differential equations, Johns Hopkins CTY offers an online track, and MIT’s Online Math Classes through edX are free and available to anyone with internet access.

What if I am interested in research outside of mathematics?

These programs are focused specifically on mathematics and competition preparation, but students looking for a research based credential in a different subject area might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that pairs students with a mentor to develop an original research paper across subjects like political theory, data science, and biology.

Image source: University of Utah