If you’re a high school student in Oregon looking for a summer program, you’re in luck! This blog covers 14 great summer programs in Oregon open to high school students.
Summer programs for high schoolers in Oregon give you the chance to explore advanced skill sets in ways you wouldn’t typically encounter in the classroom. Whether it’s mastering a complex coding language, honing creative abilities in the arts, or delving into environmental science, these programs offer hands-on learning guided by professionals in the field. You will not only deepen your knowledge in a subject of your choice but also gain practical experience that can sharpen your abilities and spark a passion for a specific career path. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here are 14 summer programs for high school students based in Oregon!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
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!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. 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.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. 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 and on college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
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! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
2. University of Oregon Summer SAIL
The University of Oregon’s SAIL (Student Academy to Inspire Learning) program offers weeklong summer sessions for high school freshmen through seniors, covering a wide range of subjects such as physics, biology, business, economics, journalism, computer science, and more. Throughout the week, you’ll engage in faculty presentations, hands-on learning in classrooms and labs, and discussions about college and career readiness. The program also includes cultural immersion experiences, campus tours, and social activities like games and field trips. To understand how you can get high school credit while participating in the SAIL program, check here.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: The University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: The registration link is yet to be made available. Check for updates on the program here.
Program Dates: July 14–18.
Eligibility: To be eligible, you must be an Oregon resident currently enrolled in high school (entering 9th through 12th grade). You should also meet financial criteria, such as qualifying for programs like Free or Reduced Lunch, SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, ACA, or being eligible for a Pell Grant.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive 12-week research initiative designed specifically for high school students. You will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through the process of conducting an independent research project. By the end of the program, you will have created an independent research paper on a topic of your choice, with options available in fields. Research topics can be conducted across subjects like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations, among others!
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
4. OHSU’s Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) Program
The PSI Program is a 16-week research internship, aimed at introducing high school students in Oregon and the Portland metro area to biomedical research, with a focus on supporting underrepresented minorities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The virtual didactic course runs from January to May and includes lectures from diverse researchers where students will learn to critically read research articles, prepare oral presentations, write research proposals, and explore various research methodologies.
Following the didactics, students will participate in an in-person summer internship, working alongside experienced mentors in a laboratory setting. In the middle of August, the PSI Program will host an annual conference at the end of the summer internship series, where you can showcase your research through lightning talks and poster presentations.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Sciences
Location: In person at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR + Virtual component.
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: November 24
Program Dates:
- January 15 – May 28: Didactics course (Wednesdays, 6–8 PM PT, virtually)
- June - August: Internship at OHSU (minimum of 250 hours)
- Mid-August: Poster symposium
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students must be 16 years old by June 1st to participate in the optional summer research component. No requirement for a specific number of completed science courses.
5. STEM Academy’s High School Summer Camps at Oregon State University
OSU’s STEM Academy offers a variety of programs that allow you to explore fields like toxicology, food science, cybersecurity, and microbiology. You’ll engage in interactive lessons, conduct lab experiments, and tackle team-based challenges, all focused on enhancing your problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. With guidance from expert instructors and industry professionals, the programs provide a supportive environment where you can ask questions, receive mentorship, and develop practical skills relevant to your field of interest.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: Different camps have different fees, some are free. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application deadline: A list of camps will be posted after January 1st. Expect registrations to begin by February.
Program dates: Each subject-specific program has different dates, all between June and July.
Eligibility: Students in high school are eligible to apply.
6. Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program at OHSU
The Ted R. Lilley Cancer Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program is a paid, eight-week research internship that pairs you with a cancer researcher at OHSU. You will work full-time in a research lab, collaborating with scientists conducting cancer-specific research. Through laboratory work and collaboration with professionals, you’ll develop valuable skills and enhance your understanding of medical and research-focused topics. For more details, check out the flier for the program.
Subject Areas: Biology, Medicine
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $11 an hour for 40 hours a week will be provided.
Application Deadline: Applications for the Program will open in the last week of October. Check for updates here.
Program Dates: June 23 — August 15.
Eligibility: To apply for this program, students must:
- Be Oregon high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (priority for students with 2 years remaining and those in Portland Metro public schools).
- Belong to a historically underrepresented or socially/economically disadvantaged group.
- Be 16 or older by June with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Complete at least one lab science course, preferably biology, with an interest in research
7. Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) program at Saturday Academy
The Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) program is an eight-week Oregon-based summer internship that offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields. This initiative pairs you with professional mentors who guide you through their work, ensuring that you contribute to meaningful projects while learning from their expertise. You will engage in real-world tasks, conduct experiments, and develop skills in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Multiple internship locations across Portland-Metro, Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene areas. Your location depends on the position selected.
Cost: No cost other than a non-refundable application fee. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors based in Oregon are eligible to apply.
8. George Fox University’s Pre-College Summer Institute
George Fox’s Pre-College Summer Programs are designed for students interested in pursuing careers in fields like medicine, engineering, and academia. These weeklong programs provide the opportunity to learn from faculty and current students at this private university in Oregon. Program offerings include the Nursing Institute, Liberation Scholars, Theatre Workshop and Showcase, Exploring Biotechnology, Engineering: Design and Making, and Anatomy for Pre-Health Professions. Participants in the Pre-College Summer Program are guaranteed a $1,000 scholarship for undergraduate enrollment at George Fox University.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: George Fox University, Newberg, OR
Cost: $1700, covering tuition, room and board, meals, and evening programming.
Application Deadline: Registrations are set to open in the fall. Check here for updates.
Program Dates: June 22–27.
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th grade (rising sophomore) through students who graduated 12th grade (seniors) can attend.
9. Summer Veterinary Experience at Oregon State University
OSU’s Summer Veterinary Experience provides a valuable opportunity for students interested in veterinary science. This program combines classroom lectures, laboratory work, and field experiences to give you a comprehensive understanding of the field. You will explore topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, disease diagnosis, and surgical techniques. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical activities, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
Subject Areas: Veterinary Science
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $850. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July 28 — August 2
Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, students must:
- Be a sophomore or junior in high school (entering junior or senior year in the fall) and be 16 years old or older at the time of the program.
- Have completed science courses with satisfactory grades.
- Show an interest in exploring veterinary medicine or a related health career.
10. Music Technology and Production Camp at Oregon State University
The Music Technology and Production Camp at Oregon State University provides you with an opportunity to dive into the world of music technology and production, welcoming rising freshmen as well. You will explore various facets of music creation, including recording and production techniques. Under the guidance of experienced instructors and industry professionals, you will learn about audio recording, mixing, editing, and utilizing music production software. You will work with cutting-edge equipment and facilities, including recording studios and music production labs!
Subject Areas: Music Production
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $450 for the day | $1000 for the workshop + Residential option (housing and dining included).
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Typically 1 week between June and July.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13–18 can apply.
11. Lewis and Clark College’s Fir Acres Writing Workshop
The Fir Acres Writing Workshop at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, is a two-week program aimed at students interested in creative writing. Now in its 37th year, the workshop offers an intensive experience to help you develop your literary skills. The program includes personalized feedback and peer critiques to help you refine your writing. You will work with experienced faculty and guest writers through writing exercises, workshops, and seminars focused on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. It concludes with a public reading where you can present your work to an audience.
Subject Areas: Writing
Location: Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
Cost: $3,800
Application Deadline: January 1
Program Dates: June 22 — July 5
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders can apply.
12. JumpstART at Oregon State University
JumpstART at Oregon State University is a summer program designed for students interested in the arts. This immersive experience covers visual art, fine art, and digital media, allowing you to participate in workshops and collaborate with experienced faculty. The program promotes a student-centered approach to learning, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression through interactive classes, studio sessions, and projects.
Subject Areas: Visual Art, Fine Art, Digital Media
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $550: non-residential | $1,100: residential
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 can apply.
13. South Oregon University ACADEMY Summer Camp
The ACADEMY, now in its fourth decade, offers a week-long summer camp at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, for academically gifted and highly motivated high school students. The program features various classes, cultural events, and recreational activities, providing an opportunity for intellectually curious students to connect with peers and nurture their passion for learning. While this camp is meant for middle school students, high school students can serve as junior counselors, where they take on leadership roles and broaden their responsibilities by mentoring younger campers and organizing activities.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Location: South Oregon University, Ashland, OR
Cost: $950 (weekly camper), $675 (junior counselor).
Application Deadline: Dates for Summer ACADEMY will be released in Fall, with camp applications opening in the Spring. Stay updated here.
Program Dates: Typically one week somewhere between June and July.
Eligibility: Students who have completed 5th to 8th grade can apply as weekly campers. Students who have completed 10th and 12th grade can apply as Junior Counselors. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher to apply.
14. Pre-College Foundation Intensive at Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University
The Pre-College Foundation Intensive at Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University, offers you the chance to explore various art disciplines and establish a strong foundation for your creative journey. Throughout the program, you will engage with subjects such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and design, guided by experienced faculty and professional artists. The rigorous curriculum combines practical studio work, conceptual development, and critical thinking to enhance your artistic skills and encourage your individual creativity.
Subject Areas: Art, Design, Creative Writing
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University, Salem, OR
Cost: To find out more, contact [email protected] or stay updated here.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: TBA
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 can apply.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
