If you’re a high school student in South Carolina, summer programs can give you an opportunity to build advanced skills and expertise in areas of interest. These programs often include academic offerings that go beyond the typical high school curriculum. You’ll work on projects that push you to think creatively and solve complex problems with guidance from experts. Whether you’re interested in technology, creative arts, or science, a summer program can give you deeper understanding and practical experience that will be useful for your future academic and career trajectory. 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 10 South Carolina summer programs high school students can opt for!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
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. South Carolina Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics Summer Camps
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) offers STEM summer camps for rising 6th–10th graders through its GoSciTech program. High school students can choose from two types of experiences: a six-day residential camp for 8th–10th graders, offering over 20 STEM courses on GSSM’s campus, and a virtual camp for 6th–10th graders featuring live sessions and at-home projects. Details of cost, program dates, and deadlines are still to be announced.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: South Carolina Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics, Hartsville, SC or virtual
Cost: $830-$970, depending on program
Application Deadline: Applications will open in early
Program Dates: Typically one week in June or July
Eligibility: Rising 6th - 10th graders who have a B+ average or higher
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
- Need-based financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
4. Clemson University Summer Scholars Program
Clemson University’s Summer Scholars Program offers you the chance to take courses in various subjects by Clemson instructors. You’ll take part in lab tours, field trips, and experiments. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with representatives from Admissions and the Honors College, and get a feel for college life. Evenings are filled with activities, such as a planetarium show, outdoor games on Bowman Field, and a closing celebration.
Subject Areas: TBA
Location: Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Cost:
- $1,400 for the residential program
- $575 for the 3-day commuter program
- $700 for the 5-day commuter program
Application Deadline: Applications for the Summer cohort will open in December
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 up to age 17 at the time of the camp
5. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton Program gives high school students a hands-on introduction to fisheries science, offering a learning experience guided by mentors. With a focus on promoting diversity in the field, the program allows you to work alongside industry professionals, gaining practical insights into aquatic science and ecosystem conservation. By undertaking projects such as habitat restoration and fish population surveys, you’ll develop essential skills in fieldwork and research. Committing 32–40 hours per week, you’ll collaborate closely with fisheries experts, exploring various career paths in fisheries science and conservation.
Subject Areas: Fisheries Science, Conservation, Aquatic Science, Marine Science
Location: Hutton works to place participating students within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Stipend: $3,000 provided plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit
Application Deadline: January 19
Dates: 8-week program with start and end dates determined by the student and their mentor
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or incoming college freshmen who are at least 16 years old and live in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico
6. University of South Carolina’s Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series
The Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series, hosted by the University of South Carolina, is a summer camp designed for students entering grades 6 through 12. If you’re looking for an academic environment that also offers opportunities to connect with new friends, this program could be a great fit. Led by USC faculty and researchers, the camp covers a variety of subjects, offering a blend of learning and personal development. With small class sizes capped at 20 students, you’ll receive focused guidance from instructors. Subjects for camps are yet to be announced.
Subject Areas: Camp topics TBA
Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Cost: $1,150 for residential; $750 for commuter plus evening; $665 for commuter. Some scholarships may be available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until courses are filled. Early bird pricing deadline: April 17
Program Dates: June 15 – 20 | June 22 – 27 | July 13 – 18
Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders who have a GPA of at least 3.25 or meet certain standardized testing requirements
7. SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Summer Programs
The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities offers summer programs for students in grades 6 through 11, giving you a chance to explore various artistic disciplines. These residential sessions, ranging from 1 to 5 weeks in June and July, allow you to explore subjects like Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Film, Music, and Visual Arts. The drama program, for example, gives you actor training through new acting methods and tools, culminating in a final performance.
Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Film, Music, and Visual Arts
Location: SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC
Cost: Vary depending on program, financial assistance available
Application Deadline: Applications open in the late fall, keep an eye on the website
Program Dates: Typically 1 to 5-week programs in June and July. Specific dates depend on the program and grade level
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-11, specific eligibility varies by program
8. Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy Summer Camp
The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy Summer Camp offers a week-long experience designed to give you an overview of various pharmacy fields and their connection to patient health, disease, and society. You’ll engage in hands-on activities and experiments. You’ll maintain a notebook to record your results and present your findings through graphs and calculations. The program is aimed at students with an interest in pharmacy and other biomedical sciences, such as medicine, dentistry, or laboratory research. Courses are taught by pharmacists, biomedical scientists, and medicinal chemists, giving you insight from those working in these areas.
Subject Areas: Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine
Location: Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC
Cost: Residential: $400, commuter: $200, scholarship information available upon request
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 23 – 29
Eligibility: Rising sophomores in high school up to rising freshmen in college
9. The Department of Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with an immersive experience in Naval research through an eight-week summer internship. SEAP places you in one of the Department of Navy laboratories across the United States, working alongside experienced scientists and engineers. This program offers hands-on exposure to advanced technologies and personalized mentorship. If selected, you’ll spend the summer contributing to significant STEM research with the option to extend your internship for up to two additional weeks.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: NIWC Atlantic Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Charleston, SC. There are other labs across the United States
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $4,000 is provided for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer with the possibility of extending up to 10 weeks
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9, are solely U.S. citizens, and are at least 16 years old by the internship start date. Each lab may have additional requirements
10. Fine Arts Center Summer Arts Intensive
The Fine Arts Center’s summer intensive is a four-day program offering students the opportunity to explore Architecture, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre Design and Production, Theatre Performance, and Visual Arts. Music students have specialized options such as jazz studies, percussion, recording arts, strings, and winds. The program focuses on skill-building and preparation for future auditions at the Fine Arts Center. With personalized guidance from faculty, students will also participate in performances during the program. The morning sessions cater to beginners looking to strengthen their fundamentals, while the afternoon sessions are geared toward more advanced students seeking to refine their craft.
Subject Areas: Architecture, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre Design and Production, Theatre Performance, Visual Arts
Location: Fine Arts Center, Greenville, SC
Cost: No information available
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Dates: June 2 – 5
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who intend to audition for the FAC
Image Source – Horizon Logo
