If you’re a high school student interested in mathematics, summer camps can offer a focused way to build your skills and explore advanced topics. Math summer camps for high school students vary in structure and approach; some emphasize theory and problem-solving, while others highlight applications in fields like computer science, physics, or data analysis.
Math summer camps for high school students deep dive into a single topic, such as number theory, combinatorics, or mathematical modeling, enabling you to master the topic faster than by undergoing an extensive high-school curriculum. These camps typically last one week, unlike multi-week college pre-college programs, making them a time-efficient way for high school students to acquire new skills quickly.
Pre-college programs are tied to universities designed to give you a complete academic experience, inclusive of lectures and exams. Camps, however, are set up by communities, nonprofits, and specialized groups. Below is a list of 15 math summer camps for high school students that are free or offer full financial aid.
15 Math Summer Camps for High School Students
1. University of Minnesota’s IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp
Location: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cost: None
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students who are currently enrolled in high school | Have completed a full year of single variable calculus
The University of Minnesota’s IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp is a free, intensive week-long summer program for high school students held in person at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. It focuses on using mathematical modeling to analyze practical problems. You’ll look at how math can be applied to areas like population dynamics, the spread of diseases, resource distribution influenced by climate, and the impact of traffic on structural stability. Past projects have included evaluating possible routes for a proposed light rail system. The camp takes place in person and does not provide housing. In some cases, remote participation may be an option, depending on interest and availability.
2. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington State
Cost: $6,600; No cost for families earning under $100,000; financial aid is available
Dates: June 29 –August 3
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Students between 13 and 18 years of age, including international students
This five-week program is designed for high school students interested in exploring mathematics at a deeper level. You’ll study topics not typically covered in standard courses, such as abstract algebra, topology, and real analysis, as well as areas that connect math to other disciplines like physics, linguistics, and quantum computing. Each day includes several hours of class, along with time set aside for problem-solving sessions, collaborative or individual projects, and weekly math challenges. Evening activities provide a break from academics, and you’ll also have the option to attend Colloquia , i.e., informal talks on a range of subjects, including areas like string theory, mathematical applications in origami, and aspects of cognitive science.
3. MIT Mathroots
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, Massachusets
Cost: None
Dates: July 1 – 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 14–18 who have not yet started their final year are eligible | Review all eligibility criteria before submitting your application
The MIT Mathroots camp, officially called √mathroots, is a free, 14-day mathematical talent accelerator summer program hosted by MIT PRIMES. It offers a mix of classes, group work, and lectures on problem-solving strategies, introductory proof techniques, and accessible mathematical ideas. Instructors bring experience from both math competitions and academic research settings. You’ll engage with other students who have a shared interest in mathematics and take part in activities that encourage discussion and exploration of new concepts. The camp places an emphasis on creating an inclusive environment and encourages applications from students who have had limited access to advanced math opportunities.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts during the year; Summer I and II cohorts start on June 2 and July 14 respectively
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Summer I: May 11; Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual research opportunity tailored for high school students. In this 12-week online program, you collaborate one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and investigate your own research topic within mathematics , whether that’s pure or applied math, data science, statistics, or computer science with a math orientation. You’ll start by developing your research question, reviewing relevant literature, learning appropriate methodologies, and ultimately composing an independent research paper. You’ll also receive structured guidance through regular mentor meetings and support throughout the process. The program offers potential pathways to submitting your work for academic journals or presenting it at conferences. You can apply here.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program — Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September). More information here
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts. More information here
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) are eligible. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in a range of subjects, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and mathematics. If you choose the summer program in theoretical mathematics, you’ll focus on knot theory, an area of topology with connections to disciplines like DNA research. After selecting your subject area and research focus, you’ll be matched with a professor or Ph.D. researcher from a university. Your mentor will guide you through the research process, offering feedback and academic support. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a recommendation letter and a detailed evaluation of your project.
6. Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) by Mathworks at Texas State University
Location: Texas State University campus, San Marcos, Texas (Residential)
Cost: $6,600; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 15 – July 26
Application Deadline: Round 1 : February 15; Round 2: March 15; Round 3: April 16
Eligibility: All high school students, including international ones
Texas University’s Honors Summer Math Camp is a six-week residential program for high school students with a strong interest in mathematics. The curriculum includes topics such as number theory, combinatorics, abstract algebra, and analysis. You’ll also gain experience with mathematical computing through the use of Mathematica. First-year students focus on coursework and problem-solving, while returning participants have the option to pursue a research project. The program admits 72 students each year, with roughly 40 spots reserved for returning students. Admission is selective, with an acceptance rate of about 15% for new applicants.
7. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual and residential sessions available
Cost: Online: $3,580, Residential: $8,575. Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Session One: Online June 16 – July 4 | Session Two: Online July 7–25 | Session One: Residential June 22 – July 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in mathematics
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a three- to four-week program that introduces high school students to advanced mathematical topics. You’ll focus on either Abstract Algebra and Number Theory or Algebraic Topology, with an emphasis on developing proof-based reasoning. Each day includes lectures, problem sets, and collaborative discussions. You can expect an engaging workload to work on outside of the class. The residential option also includes other structured activities outside of class and weekend excursions. For those participating online, the program offers a similar academic format: live instruction, group work, and virtual events that bring together students from different locations.
8. Ohio Northern University’s Pathways to STEM Camp
Location: Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
Cost: $495
Dates: June 15–19
Application Deadline: June 4
Eligibility: High school students who will enter their junior or senior year in Fall
This four-day residential camp introduces high school students to a range of STEM subjects through interdisciplinary projects that involve the use of mathematical concepts. You’ll work alongside university faculty on topics that combine science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with areas like data science included in the curriculum. The camp consists of in-person sessions and lab-based activities, offering opportunities to learn how math applies in various scientific contexts. Participants also meet professionals working in STEM-related careers, providing a chance to ask questions and learn about different paths in the field. The program admits 24 students each year.
9. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Math Summer Workshop
Location: On-campus, RIT, NY
Cost: None
Dates: July 1 – 5
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who will not be graduating in the spring of the year they attend
The RIT summer workshop is designed for high school students interested in exploring a range of mathematical topics in a collaborative environment. Led by RIT mathematics faculty, the program covers subjects such as probability, functions, mathematical biology, and more unconventional problems like the Sisyphus function, the “insane grocery shopper’s” scenario, and puzzles involving decision-making under constraints. You’ll be encouraged to think beyond standard methods and explore alternative approaches when typical strategies don’t apply. The workshop emphasizes creative problem-solving and critical thinking through both individual and group work. It focuses on expanding mathematical thinking beyond traditional methods, encouraging the development of creative and analytical skills for motivated high school students.
10. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at CMU
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: None
Dates: Virtual Jumpstart: June 16 and 17 | In-person (Residential): June 21 – August 2 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors that are U.S. citizens or permanent residents | At least 16 years old
In this program, you’ll first complete online training designed to introduce foundational research methods and skills. You’ll later take part in courses taught by university faculty, attend lab sessions, and engage in seminars on topics related to mathematics, science, and computational thinking. You’ll work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member or graduate student and present your findings at a symposium in August. In addition to academic work, the program includes workshops on topics such as college admissions, financial aid, and career planning. Participants are also enrolled in a credit-bearing course, Student to Scholar, which is intended to support the academic transition from high school to college.
11. Bryn Mawr College’s MathILy
Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)
Cost: $5,300; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in mathematics
MathILy is a five-week residential program held at Bryn Mawr College for high school students. It emphasizes collaborative learning and mathematical reasoning, with topics that may include combinatorics, graph theory, and linear algebra. The structure includes two weeks of core instruction, followed by a week of short, exploratory courses known as the “Week of Chaos,” and then two additional weeks of advanced study. You’ll work closely with PhD-level instructors and graduate students, who also live on campus and provide support both in and outside the classroom. In addition to academic work, the program includes group activities such as math-related games and visits to nearby areas.
12. AwesomeMath Summer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,275 – $1,575, depending on application and payment date
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – June 27 | Session 2: June 30 – July 18 | Session 3: July 21 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: May 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students aged 12–18
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week online course designed for high school students interested in advanced mathematics and competition preparation. You can select from a variety of live-taught classes in subjects such as algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics. Courses are organized by difficulty level, and while you’re free to register for multiple classes, most students take one or two per session. The program is particularly suited for those preparing for math competitions like the AMC 10/12, AIME, or USA(J)MO. To receive a certificate of completion, you’ll need to attend at least 75% of classes, submit at least half of the homework, and complete one assessment.
13. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California’s 5 COSMOS campuses – UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz
Cost: $5,256 + a non-refundable $44 application fee; financial aid available
Dates: July 6 – August 1 (UCI, UCSD); July 6 – August 2 (UCD, UCLA, UCSC)
Application Deadline: February 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12 | Desirable GPA of 3.5 or higher
COSMOS is a four-week residential program held at five University of California campuses, each offering specialized STEM courses based on the research focus of faculty. You’ll enroll in a cluster of two advanced STEM courses along with a course on science communication. The program combines classroom instruction with lab work and field activities. You’ll live on campus and conduct research in university labs, working closely with faculty, researchers, and other students in your cluster , typically about 25 participants per group. At the end of the program, you’ll share your work in a final presentation. COSMOS is designed to introduce you to college-level STEM learning and provide experience working in an academic research setting.
14. MathQuantum High School Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Dates: 2 weeks in the middle or end of July. More info here.
Application Deadline: February 14 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: All high school students
MathQuantum is a two-week online summer program for high school students, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation. It introduces the mathematical foundations of quantum information science (QIS) through a combination of coding labs, group discussions, and a final project. In this program, you’ll study topics such as linear algebra, basic quantum mechanics, and cryptography, while also examining ethical considerations related to QIS. You’ll work with tools and concepts used in current research, including ion traps and QLab. The program is free to attend and includes career-oriented sessions. Some participants may also have the opportunity to take part in the Qubit by Qubit High School Summer Camp, if offered.
15. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara – Math Track
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost: Commuter $5,175, Residential $12,474; need-based scholarships are available. Priority given to California residents
Dates: June 16 – August 1. Mandatory Preparation Webinar: May 29/May 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 17 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted on a case-by-case basis) | Minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a six-week summer opportunity for high school students to engage in full-time research alongside UCSB faculty, graduate students, or postdoctoral researchers. Projects span a variety of disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, and the humanities, with past topics ranging from neuroscience and public health to environmental policy and mathematical modeling. During the program, you’ll contribute 35 to 50 hours per week to activities such as lab work, field studies, or data analysis. In addition to research, you’ll take two university-level courses for a total of 8 college credits that are focused on research writing and presentation skills.
Image source – University of Puget Sound