St. Louis, MO, isn’t just known for its iconic Gateway Arch. It’s also a growing hub for STEM education and research. For high school students based in the city curious about science, tech, engineering, and math, the city offers a wide range of programs, from university-led research mentorships to hands-on labs and coding bootcamps. Whether you’re interested in cell biology or computer vision, STEM programs can help you level up.
Choosing a local STEM opportunity (if you’re based in St, Louis) can be a financially smart move. Many STEM programs for high school students in St. Louis, MO, are low-cost or free for Missouri students, saving on travel and boarding while giving you access to nationally respected institutions like Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
Let’s dive into 15 STEM programs for high school students in St. Louis, MO.They also include a few virtual STEM programs that allow students in St. Louis, MO, to apply.
15 STEM Programs for High School Students in St. Louis, MO
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year: Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), Spring (March–June); Fall cohort on 14 September
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (August-September), Winter (November); Fall cohort: August 24; apply here
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed for high school students seeking deep, STEM-focused research experience. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to explore advanced topics in fields like physics, computer science, engineering, data science, chemistry, neuroscience, and mathematics. You’ll develop an independent research question, review scientific literature, build a methodology, and produce a research paper grounded in your chosen STEM discipline. Depending on the track, your final paper may also be eligible for college credit through the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). This program is ideal if you’re looking to build technical depth and research fluency in a specific area of STEM.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
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 offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Washington University in St. Louis: Summer Focus (Young Scientist Program)
Location: On-campus at Washington University in St. Louis (Greater St. Louis area) Cost/Stipend: None | $4,500 stipend (pre-tax)
Dates: 8 weeks between June 2–July 25
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri or Illinois)
In this program, you’ll work one-on-one with a graduate student or postdoctoral Mentor in a lab and be supported by a Tutor who helps guide your study of scientific literature and your independent research project. You’ll conduct hands-on lab work in fields such as genetics, neuroscience, cancer biology, biomedical engineering, or ecology. The program includes dedicated courses in science communication and college preparation, covering everything from abstract writing to scholarship navigation. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a symposium to peers, mentors, and faculty. This program is ideal if you’re looking to engage in advanced STEM research while building academic and professional readiness.
4. Saint Louis University: STEM Immersion Experience
Location: Residential on-campus at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: July 6–11
Application Deadline: Spring (typically March–May)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Minimum GPA of 2.5 | must live within a 50-mile radius of St. Louis
Saint Louis University’s STEM Immersion Experience is a week-long residential program designed to expose you to cutting-edge areas of science, technology, and engineering. This program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering you hands-on activities in areas like drone navigation, robotics, environmental monitoring, cybersecurity, and geospatial science. You’ll explore STEM through real lab work and field exercises like coding for autonomous vehicles, analyzing environmental data using GIS software, and reverse-engineering devices in SLU’s innovation labs. Sessions are led by SLU faculty and include industry visits that connect what you’re learning to real-world applications. By the end of the week, you’ll work with a team to present a collaborative project.
5. Donald Danforth Plant Science Center: High School Research Internship
Location: St. Louis, MO (on-site)
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: Summer months (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with an interest in STEM, particularly plant biology, biotechnology, or environmental science
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center offers a summer research internship for high school students interested in plant science and agriculture. As an intern, you’ll work in active research labs alongside professional scientists, gaining exposure to experimental design, data collection, and lab techniques used in molecular biology, genetics, and computational biology. Projects may involve hands-on work in the greenhouse, data analysis using statistical tools, or experiments focused on crop improvement and sustainability. You’ll also receive mentorship, attend seminars, and present your findings at a final symposium. This program is ideal if you’re curious about how STEM fields intersect with global challenges like food security and climate change.
6. Challenger Learning Center St. Louis: Advanced Astronaut & STEM Summer Camps
Location: Challenger Learning Center, Ferguson, MO (part of the St. Louis metro area)
Cost/Stipend: $225–$375 per week (depending on program; scholarships available) | None
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions between June 2 and July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students aged 8–18 (grouped by age levels; high school level includes ages 14–18)
The Challenger Learning Center at St. Louis offers immersive, space-themed STEM camps that combine hands-on learning with advanced science and engineering challenges. In the Advanced Astronaut Training Camp, you’ll experience astronaut-style simulations that include building and programming robots, launching rockets, and participating in underwater SCUBA training designed to mimic microgravity environments. Other high school-level camps include Inventor’s Workshop, where you’ll prototype projects using Arduino microprocessors and 3D printers, and Drone Masters and Drone Explorers, where you can bring your own drone and enhance it with features like cameras, sensors, or LED systems. Each camp emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and STEM exploration through the lens of space, robotics, environmental science, and technology.
7. Saint Louis Science Center: Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program
Location: Saint Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: Year-round; Saturday sessions during the school year and daily sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (entry begins in 9th grade)
Eligibility: High school students in the St. Louis area, entering grades 9–12, with priority given to those from underserved communities
The Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program is a four-year STEM initiative that supports St. Louis high school students through hands-on, project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a YES participant, you’ll engage in real-world investigations and collaborative projects focused on areas such as aerospace, agriscience, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, and health science. Throughout the year, you’ll attend Saturday sessions that emphasize technical skills, scientific thinking, and design-based learning. During the summer, the program shifts into a more intensive format with daily workshops, career exploration activities, and guest speakers from STEM industries. As you progress, you may also take on leadership roles through the Teen Ambassador program.
8. Emerson STEM Academy
Location: St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley campus, North St. Louis County
Cost/Stipend: Cost of textbooks, materials, and supplies for dual enrollment courses is covered, not the tuition for dual credit courses | None
Dates: Follows the St. Louis Community College academic calendar; Fall sessions start from August 25
Application Deadline: Fall session: March 10
Eligibility: Attend a participating high school in North St. Louis County (Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Normandy, Ritenour School Districts) | Cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher
The Emerson STEM Academy is a dual credit and dual enrollment program created by St. Louis Community College in partnership with Emerson Electric Corporation and several North St. Louis County school districts. It allows you to earn college credits or even an associate degree while still completing high school. You will focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, taking rigorous courses like Intermediate Algebra (MTH 140) or more advanced STEM-pathway math classes. You will be engaged in specialized tutoring and mentorship, attending a speaker series, participating in special orientation events, and making use of the exclusive STEM Academy Suite on campus. You will gain technical knowledge, study skills, teamwork, and college readiness.
9. University of Missouri – Geospatial Science Summer Camp for High School Students
Location: University of Missouri–St. Louis
Cost/Stipend: None | $200
Dates: June 23-26
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in 9-12 grade | Must be from the Greater St. Louis area | Must have never attended the UMSL geospatial summer camp | Minimum 3.0 GPA
The University of Missouri–St. Louis Geospatial Science Summer Camp for High School Students is a free, four-day program that introduces you to the fast-growing field of geospatial science, including GIS, satellite imagery, and remote sensing. You will engage in hands-on activities such as map-making with GIS software, using drone or satellite data for environmental analysis, and creating visualizations to solve real-world problems. You will also participate in group projects, explore geospatial careers from guest speakers in the local industry, and tour lab facilities. You will gain valuable skills in spatial reasoning, data interpretation, and teamwork, while building technical experience that is highly regarded on college and scholarship applications.
10. STEM on Wheels
Location: Mobile program serving underserved communities throughout St. Louis, with a focus on North St. Louis. The program travels to schools, community centers, churches, and public spaces in the region
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Offered on ongoing, outreach basis
Eligibility: Specifically focused on students in underserved communities in St. Louis
The STEM on Wheels program is a mobile, community-focused initiative that brings engaging science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education directly to underserved neighborhoods in St. Louis. The program covers topics such as robotics, coding, chemistry, engineering design, and environmental science. You can participate in hands-on activities such as building robots, programming microcontrollers, conducting chemistry experiments, and designing simple machines or engineering challenges. You will develop critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and technical proficiency. Participation in STEM on Wheels shows initiative, community involvement, and practical STEM experience, all of which will strengthen your college application.
11. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | $500 scholarship upon completion
Dates: 5 weeks (July–August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors in the U.S. or Canada with strong academic performance and interest in neuroscience
JHIBS offers you a chance to explore the brain sciences through a virtual research experience. You’ll attend seminars, mentorship sessions, and workshops that introduce you to the fundamentals of neuroscience and academic research practices. The program includes hands-on assignments, skill-building activities, and guided exploration of neuroscience literature. You will learn how to read and analyze neuroscience research papers, collect and interpret neurological data, and use lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy. By the end of the program, you’ll present your findings through a poster or oral presentation. The curriculum is designed to help you build familiarity with research methodology, scientific communication, and critical thinking.
12. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 program fee + $40 application fee (need-based financial aid available covers full cost) | None
Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school student | Above 14 years old by the program’s start | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or provide documentation of valid visa status
This two-week research internship gives you an introduction to AI in healthcare through a mix of lectures, coding labs, and collaborative research sessions. You’ll utilize medical datasets, such as X-rays and CT scans, to develop diagnostic models using convolutional neural networks and gain hands-on experience with Python or MATLAB. Alongside technical learning, the program explores ethical issues in AI, research design, and medical innovation. By the end, you’ll complete a project you can showcase and receive a certificate of completion. If qualified, you can continue to research innovative AI solutions for improved healthcare through AIMI’s extended independent research opportunity.
13. Harvard Student Research Institute (SRI)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: Weekly sessions throughout summer (June–July)
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) worldwide with a strong interest in STEM research
The Harvard Student Research Institute offers a rigorous online research experience across disciplines like computer science, neuroscience, and engineering. You’ll join research pods led by Harvard-affiliated mentors and complete a collaborative project rooted in real-world issues in areas like molecular biology, biochemistry, or computational biology. The program includes research methodology workshops, speaker events with professors and scientists, and weekly pod meetings for guided inquiry. You’ll work with teammates to write a final research paper and present your findings at the virtual Harvard SRI symposium. This program is ideal if you want to experience collaborative STEM research in a pre-collegiate academic environment while building presentation, research, and communication skills.
14. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships)
Location: Virtual or at NASA centers nationwide
Cost/Stipend: None | Provided based on their academic level and session duration
Dates: Spring (Jan–May); Summer (May–Aug); Fall (Aug–Dec)
Application Deadlines: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students | U.S. citizen | At least 16 years old at the time of application | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Through OSTEM’s virtual internships, you can step into the heart of NASA’s research ecosystem without ever leaving home. Whether you’re programming satellite software, developing cybersecurity protocols, or experimenting with machine learning algorithms, you’ll be contributing to real NASA missions. Projects may involve designing components, running simulations, analyzing mission data, or supporting technology development efforts. They are matched to your interests, giving you the chance to dive deep, gain exclusive training, and collaborate with NASA mentors. With structured remote work and tangible deliverables, this is one of the most immersive online STEM opportunities you can pursue.
15. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None; $25 application fee (waivers available); housing and transport not included | None
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Age 15+ for remote/computer lab projects | Age 16+ for in-person/hybrid wet-lab internships
ASSIP gives you the chance to collaborate with GMU faculty researchers over an intensive eight-week internship that adapts to your needs, whether you prefer working remotely, in-person, or in a hybrid setup. You’ll sharpen your research, science communication, and analytical skills while exploring real-world topics in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing, cybersecurity, digital innovation, and computational sciences. Depending on your mentor and project, you might even contribute to published research or present at conferences. If you’re interested in computer science, you can explore areas like software engineering, theoretical CS, optimization, machine learning, or robot planning. With a flexible format and strong academic backing, ASSIP is a solid launchpad for your STEM ambitions.
Image source – George Mason University