If you’re a high school student with a passion for science, joining a summer program focused on scientific research and exploration is a fantastic way to level up your skills! These programs provide hands-on experience, exposure to advanced techniques, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge scientific tools. Whether you’re interested in biology, chemistry, computer science, or engineering, these programs will allow you to engage deeply with your chosen field and expand your knowledge beyond the classroom.
Many universities, research institutes, and organizations offer specialized science programs where you can work alongside researchers, gain practical skills, and use state-of-the-art software and equipment. These programs help you apply what you’ve learned in school, build new abilities, and get an inside look at various scientific careers. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 14 of the best science summer programs for high school students, ranging from immersion experiences and pre-college programs to internships and mentorships.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Science Track(s)
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.
Horizon’s program allows students to select a science track and conduct research under the mentorship of Ph.D. scholars or professors from top universities. You can choose between quantitative and qualitative research tracks and are paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar for mentorship throughout the research process. The program focuses on specialized areas such as biology, chemistry, data science, and environmental science, leading to the completion of a 20-page research paper that can be submitted for publication. Horizon also provides detailed feedback, a recommendation letter, and expert guidance, making it a great option for students looking to gain real-world experience in scientific research. To apply, register here.
2. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cost: Free (including room and board)
Program Dates: Late June to early August
Deadlines: January
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Humanities.
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade) with exceptional academic ability, preparing to enter their senior year. High school seniors are not eligible. It’s recommended that applicants have PSAT Math scores of 740+ and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores of 700+ (ACT Math 33+, Verbal 34+). There are separate application processes for the U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents and International Applicants.
Location: MIT, MA
RSI provides an intense research experience with guidance from scientists at MIT. You will work on individual projects and gain hands-on experience with advanced scientific tools and software like MATLAB and AutoCAD. You will be engaged in the full research process, from reviewing the latest scientific literature to developing and executing their own research plans. The program culminates in conference-style oral and written presentations of their findings. This program begins with a week of intensive STEM classes taught by expert professors. In the final week, students present their research through formal written reports and presentations.
3. The Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2,800 – $5,400. Financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Fall (September), Winter (December), Spring (February), Summer (June), Summer II cohorts (July)
Deadlines: Multiple deadlines
Subject Areas: Biology, Physics, Neuroscience, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Cognitive Science
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in research, strong analytical skills and a background in science
Location: Virtual
Lumiere offers a personalized, mentor-driven research program where students work 1:1 with Ph.D. mentors. Over the course of the program, you’ll develop a full research paper, learn research methodology, and master subject-specific tools like R, SPSS, and Python. The program covers advanced topics such as molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. The program places a strong emphasis on skill development in data analysis, coding, and scientific writing, making it ideal for you if you are looking to explore scientific research before applying to internships or university programs.
4. Simons Summer Research Program
Cost: $2781.50 for residential students (includes $600 meal plan; and $61.50 Student Health Services Fee)
Program Dates: June to August
Deadlines: February
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Genetics, Applied Math, Physics
Eligibility: High school juniors with research experience, must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be at least 16 years old by the start of the program (no exceptions).
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University allows students to conduct independent research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You’ll dive deep into scientific experimentation, data analysis, and technical writing. Gain hands-on lab experience and present findings at the program’s conclusion. As a Simons Fellow, you can attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours and events.
5. Clark Scholars Program
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
Program Dates: June to August
Deadlines: February
Subject Areas: Nutritional Sciences,Biology/Cellular & Microbiology, Computer Science, Neurobiology, Mechanical Engineering, History, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date.
Location: Texas Tech University, TX
The Clark Scholar Program is an intensive seven-week summer research initiative designed for highly qualified high school juniors and seniors. Hosted at Texas Tech University, this program provides participants with hands-on practical research experiences alongside distinguished and experienced faculty members. You will receive a $750 tax-free stipend, upon completion of a successful research project report. In addition to research, the program features a variety of enriching activities, including weekly seminars and field trips.
6. Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Cost: $5,500 (scholarships available)
Program Dates: June to August
Deadlines: February
Subject Areas: Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science
Eligibility: Rising seniors with GPA in the A– to A range
Location: Boston University, MA
BU RISE offers students lab-based internships and research opportunities. You will gain skills in experimental design, coding, and data visualization using software like MATLAB. In the Internship track, you will engage in research projects under the mentorship of distinguished faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, committing 40 hours per week to gain technical and analytical skills while exploring various fields such as astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, and more. At the program’s conclusion, you will present your findings at the Poster Symposium. Additionally, you will participate in workshops with Practicum students to enhance your academic and professional skills. In the Practicum track, you will conduct group research focused on computational neurobiology under the guidance of a Boston University instructor, beginning each day with a two-hour lecture followed by four hours of group research, culminating in an unpredictable computational research project also presented at the Poster Symposium. Both tracks include interactions with local biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and Practicum students must bring a laptop capable of running programming software.
7. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Cost: Free, stipend of $500 for all students.
Program Dates: June 9- July 31
Deadlines: February 22nd
Subject Areas: Immunology, Stem Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine,
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, 16 years old or older by the start date of the program. Must be a citizen of the US.
Location: Stanford, CA
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week summer internship available to high school juniors and seniors. This program at Stanford allows students to work on biomedical research in university labs, developing expertise in molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics, and scientific writing. You will be able to engage in hands-on research under the direct mentorship of an experienced researcher in one of Stanford University’s leading labs within the Institutes of Medicine, as well as select departments. Additionally, students in the SIMR program may choose to participate in the Bioengineering Bootcamp. This option provides a hands-on learning experience in bioengineering without a lab research component.
8. Garcia Summer Program
Cost: $4000 + $2438.00 for residential stay without meals and transport (financial aid available)
Program Dates: June 26 – August 9
Deadlines: March
Subject Areas: Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics
Eligibility: High school juniors who should be 16 years old or older by the start date of the program. Must be a citizen of the US.
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Held at Stony Brook University, students work on engineering projects involving materials science. You’ll pick up experience in simulation software like COMSOL and learn about material properties and characterization techniques. This intensive seven-week program is designed for gifted high school students, combining formal instruction with independent research. You will have the opportunity to design original research projects under the guidance of Garcia Center faculty, students, and staff. Pre-arranged transportation and class schedules are coordinated with local school boards, allowing students from a broad geographical area to participate. Participants have consistently earned recognition for their research through national competitions such as LISEF, NYCSEF, NYSSEF, and ISEF, published in refereed journals, secured patents, been inducted into the National Young Inventors Hall of Fame, and gained acceptance into prestigious universities and professional programs.
9. NASA High School Internship
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
Program Dates: Summer and Fall opening
Deadlines:Summer: Feb. 28 and Fall: May 16
Subject Areas: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a GPA of 3.0+ and 16 years old at time of application
Location: Various centers and virtual
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students, allowing you to contribute directly to NASA’s mission in advancing science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an OSTEM intern, you will gain hands-on work experience while collaborating with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and professionals from various fields. Internships can be either full-time or part-time, and may take place at a NASA center, facility, or even remotely from your home or dorm. By joining NASA as an intern, you will acquire valuable on-the-job experience, enhance your resume, and build career readiness.
10. Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS)
Cost: $3,600 per two-week session
Program Dates: June to August
Deadlines: April
Subject Areas: Anthropology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Paleontology, Psychology, and Physics.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Location: University of Michigan, MI
The Michigan Math and Science Scholars program provides a pre-college experience that introduces you to the wide range of curricula offered at the University of Michigan, while also exposing you to current developments and research in the sciences. This pre-college program at the University of Michigan covers advanced scientific topics and offers hands-on lab experience. Students develop skills in mathematical modeling, microscopy, and environmental monitoring. You have the flexibility to attend one, two, or all three sessions, gaining valuable insights into various scientific fields and exploring cutting-edge research.
11. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Cost: Free (including room and board).
Program Dates: June 21 to August 2.
Deadlines: March.
Subject Areas: Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering.
Eligibility: High school senior, currently between 11th and 12th grade years, during the summer.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, PA.
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a fully funded, merit-based program aimed at providing students from underrepresented communities with an opportunity to explore STEM fields through a rigorous curriculum. Led by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion at Carnegie Mellon University, SAMS combines traditional classroom instruction with hands-on projects and mentorship from world-class faculty and staff. You will also attend workshops on college applications, research, and career exploration.
The program is structured in two parts:
- Part 1: A required virtual “Jumpstart” focusing on essential skills, held on June 16-17.
- Part 2: A six-week, in-person, pre-college program where students engage in full-day courses, a STEM research project, and seminars in math and science. The academic experience culminates in a final symposium.
12. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Cost: $1,750
Program Dates: July to August
Deadlines: March 31
Subject Areas: Machine Learning, Autonomous Robotics, Cryptography
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors limited to US citizens and international students attending US High Schools with valid Visa.
Location: MIT Campus
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a rigorous four-week STEM program for high-achieving students entering their senior year of high school. BWSI offers project-based, workshop-style courses that develop STEM skills through hands-on learning.This program challenges students with hands-on projects in robotics, machine learning, and cybersecurity. You will develop skills in programming languages like C++ and Python, and work with hardware like Raspberry Pi. It offers advanced topics such as Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing and Autonomous Cognitive Assistant. Prerequisite online tutorials ensure students have the necessary STEM foundation to fully engage in the program.
13. University of Chicago Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Cost: $12,000
Program Dates: June to July
Deadlines: January
Subject Areas: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience
Eligibility: Students must have completed one year of high school biology by the start of the program.
Location: University of Chicago,IL
RIBS focuses on advanced biological techniques, from gene cloning to microscopy. You will gain hands-on lab experience and use sophisticated software tools like ImageJ for data analysis. This four-week intensive program showcases a wide range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biology techniques commonly used in research labs. The course begins with two weeks of foundational lab training, followed by independent research projects focused on areas such as cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. Most of the program is lab-based, with lectures provided as needed for context. You will also develop communication skills through weekly writing assignments, maintaining lab notebooks, reading research articles, and giving group presentations. Additionally, you have to attend faculty-led seminars and present their findings at a final research forum.
14. Harvard Pre-College Program
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee. Financial aid available.
Program Dates: Session I: June 22–July 3; Session II: July 6–18; Session III: July 20–August 1
Deadlines: February 12
Subject Areas: Courses in Speech, Writing and Literature, Psychology, Medicine, and Public Health, Law, Politics, Philosophy, and History, Business and Leadership, Race, Gender, and Ethics, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and are at least 16 years old by June 21
Location: Harvard Summer School, MA
Harvard’s Pre-College Program for high school students is a two-week intensive summer experience designed to provide you with an insight into college life. You will engage in a non-credit course, allowing you to explore a college-level subject without the pressure of letter grades. This environment fosters a focus on learning and intellectual growth. Under the guidance of Ivy League faculty, you will immerse yourself in a specific subject within a small class setting, averaging 15 students. Through the Pre-College Program, you will have the opportunity to explore your academic interests, whether you are undecided about your field of study or wish to delve deeper into a subject you are passionate about.
Image Source – Harvard Logo
