If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, summer can be the perfect time to dive deeper into your interests outside of the classroom. STEM camps give you the chance to focus on one subject—like coding, machine learning, or biology—in a way that’s more hands-on and intensive than what you usually get in school. Because many of these camps are short-term, often lasting about a week, you can pick up new skills quickly without committing your entire summer.
These programs also let you experiment with real-world problem solving, whether that’s through lab research, building tech projects, or exploring new scientific ideas. Along the way, you’ll meet peers who share your interests and connect with mentors who can guide your growth.
To help you find options that fit your goals, we’ve put together a list of 15 STEM summer camps for high school students.
15 STEM Summer Camps for High School Students
1. Nextgen Bootcamp – Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Program NYC
Location: in-person in NYC with an online option
Cost: $2,195
Dates: Multiple dates from June 29 – August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students with a strong interest in coding
This 2-week data science camp introduces high school students to Python, a leading programming language known for its power and beginner-friendly design. The course begins with Python fundamentals and progresses to hands-on projects in data science, utilizing Pandas, Matplotlib, and Sci-Kit Learn, enabling students to analyze, visualize, and interpret data effectively. Designed for students passionate about coding, the camp requires no prior programming experience but expects basic computer literacy. Ideal for those exploring careers in coding, finance, journalism, or marketing, it offers valuable skills but may feel intensive for students unfamiliar with technical concepts.
2. David J. Sencer CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: Atlanta, GA with online options as well
Cost: None
Dates: June 23 – 27; July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Currently be a sophomore or junior | 16 years of age on the first day of camp
In this camp, you will learn how public health professionals investigate and respond to complex health challenges by exploring topics such as infectious disease, global health, environmental health, epidemiology, and public health law. You will gain hands-on experience in data analysis, outbreak simulations, and scientific communication while working collaboratively with peers and CDC experts to solve real-world public health problems. The program also emphasizes teamwork and critical thinking, culminating in opportunities to present findings and reflect on solutions, giving you direct exposure to the practices and decision-making processes that define careers in public health and biomedical research.
3. Stanford University Mathematics Camp
Location: Virtual and residential on Stanford University Campus
Cost: Residential: $8,575; Online: $3,580; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Session One: Online – June 16 – July 4; Session One: Residential – June 22 – July 18; Session Two: Online – July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising sophomores or juniors
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a prestigious three-week online program designed for high school sophomores and juniors with a passion for advanced mathematics. You will explore challenging topics through two courses: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory, focusing on foundational problem-solving, and Algebraic Topology, which applies algebraic methods to topological concepts. The program emphasizes collaborative learning with live sessions, daily problem sets, and guidance from Stanford teaching assistants, along with insights from guest lectures by mathematicians and professionals in related fields. With a rigorous curriculum and a collegiate-level workload, SUMaC fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Dates: The summer cohorts (I and II) are on June 2 and July 14 respectively
Application Deadline: Summer I: May 11; Summer II: June 23; Apply here
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program enables high school students to undertake an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. The program features workshops on research methodologies and provides specialized coaching for writing a comprehensive academic research paper. You will work with a writing coach to refine and develop your research ideas, and subjects can include disciplines such as chemistry, biology, math, philosophy, psychology, history, data science, physics, linguistics, computer science, and engineering. If you have interests outside these fields, you can collaborate with your mentor to establish a personalized research topic. Although Lumiere is not affiliated with a university, successful completion of the program may qualify participants for UCSD academic credit.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program – Computational Neuroscience Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Summer cohorts are typically held in July
Application Deadline: Typically June
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) | 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 across subject areas such as science, engineering, medicine and other STEM related subjects! 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. In its Computational Neuroscience track, you will begin with a foundation in the structure and function of the central nervous system, then learn techniques such as electrophysiological recording and mathematical or computer-based modeling to analyze neural coding, biophysics of neurons, and neural networks. Through simulations and hands-on lab experiences, you will explore topics such as the electrical properties of membranes, synaptic transmission, and models of learning and memory.
6. New Mexico Consortium – Summer Physics Camp
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe
Cost: None
Dates: June 2 – 13
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students living in New Mexico, New Mexico tribal communities or East Hawaii Island | Completed Algebra I or high-level math course and is looking to explore careers in STEM
This two-week STEM camp is designed to help high school students develop both technical and professional skills through hands-on learning. You will study core concepts in physics, engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, computer programming, and cybersecurity while working on multi-day engineering projects and experiments related to energy and energy security. Through lab tours, demonstrations, and collaborative projects, you will explore renewable and non-renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power, and examine how science can address real-world infrastructure challenges. In addition to technical training, you will gain exposure to professional development tools, including writing a resumé, preparing for interviews, and exploring career pathways in national labs and higher education.
7. NYU Tandon’s Summer Camp for Machine Learning
Location: NYU’s Washington Square Park campus
Cost: $3,050; $308 per week for housing and $192 per 10 meal packages + $30 Dining Bucks are optional
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 18; Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: High school students who have successfully completed Algebra 2 or equivalent and have had some programming experience in any language | Minimum 3.0 GPA
NYU Tandon’s two-week Summer Camp for Machine Learning immerses high school students in the core concepts of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), covering topics like neural networks, linear regression, and model development. You will be exposed to higher levels of mathematics, computer science, data science, and electrical engineering in relation to machine learning. You will engage in hands-on learning, gaining problem-solving skills to address societal challenges. Classes are led by Tandon faculty and supported by graduate mentors, ensuring personalized guidance. While intensive and requiring prior math and coding knowledge, the camp offers a valuable introduction to cutting-edge fields.
8. University of Michigan – Summer Engineering Exploration Camp
Location: University of Michigan
Cost: $700, but need-based financial aid will be available for camp
Dates: July 6 – 12
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students of all genders going only into grades 10-11, especially those with limited access to engineering resources
The Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) Camp, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, is a week-long residential program designed to introduce high school students to engineering fields and their real-world applications. You will explore disciplines such as chemical, civil, electrical, and marine engineering through guided lab activities, facility tours, and hands-on workshops. It also includes a week-long design challenge, where you will apply the engineering design process in teams to develop practical solutions, gaining experience in problem-solving, collaboration, and project development. The camp also includes structured opportunities to engage with faculty, researchers, and student panels, offering insight into academic pathways and professional engineering practice.
9. USC Viterbi – CS@SC Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and in-person
Cost/Stipend: $200 for Virtual classes and $600 for In-Person classes
Dates: June 23 – July 11 (In-Person); July 7 – August 1 (Virtual)
Application Deadline: Summer camp registrations are open now. Click here to apply
Eligibility: Students enrolled in Grades 9 – 12
The CS@SC Coding Camps, offered by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, provide K-12 students with the opportunity to explore topics not typically covered in traditional curricula. These camps cover a range of subjects, including stand-alone programming, web development, mobile app creation, game design, and robotics. For high school students, CS@SC offers specialized courses in areas such as Cyber Security, Game Design, Java, Mobile App Development, Python, and Web Development. These programs are designed to equip students with hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of the evolving field of computer science and engineering.
10. Wharton Global Youth Program – Data Science Academy
Location: Philadelphia, USA (on campus)
Cost: $9,799; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: July 13 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10-11 | Strong background in math and coding
The Wharton Data Science Academy offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to master data science techniques while tackling real-world problems. You will learn essential skills like data visualization, data wrangling, and modern machine learning methodologies, with a focus on the R programming language, widely used in academia and industry. Guided by expert Wharton instructors and supported by undergraduate and graduate TAs, you will analyze real-world data, engage with guest speakers from the field, and collaborate on a team project presented to peers. You will earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
11. Rice University – Tapia STEM Camps
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $2,500; limited scholarships are available
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 11; Session 2: July 13 – 18; Session 3: July 20 – 25; Session 4: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Current 7th–12th graders
This week-long residential camp engages you in STEM projects that link mathematics, science, and technology to real-world issues. You can work on applied challenges such as designing carbon storage systems or analyzing college admissions algorithms. One track, Techniques of a Pro Mathematician, focuses specifically on advanced mathematical methods. The program emphasizes not only solving technical problems but also explaining your reasoning through written and oral presentations. Throughout the week, you’ll receive structured feedback from faculty, peers, and professionals on how to refine both your approach and communication. The camp also includes field trips to the NASA Johnson Space Center and the Space Center Houston.
12. Girls Who Code – Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 18; Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: All female and non-binary students who are current 9th-11th graders
Girls Who Code’s two-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) features live, virtual classes on game design, covering coding basics, UX design, and the game development process, with sponsorship from industry leaders like Bank of America and Logitech. The six-week self-paced program allows you to independently explore web development, cybersecurity, data science, and AI, learning languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By bridging the gender gap and building a community of like-minded young women and non-binary students, this program is paving the way for the next generation of technologists and innovators. It includes hands-on projects, professional connections, and a supportive community, with no prior experience required.
13. University of the Pacific – Data Science Boot Camp
Location: University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus
Cost: $3,650 + $500 non-refundable deposit; $500 discount available to Pacific Alumni and other privileged groups
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 12; Session 2: June 17 – 27
Application Deadline: Typically 15 days to a month before the respective session’s start
Eligibility: All high school students
This data science camp introduces high school students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and data analysis. Over the course, you will learn basic Python programming, process and transform data, identify patterns, build predictive models, and create compelling data visualizations. Topics include Python, machine learning, predictive modeling, and storytelling through visuals. The program requires no prior experience, making it accessible to beginners, but its fast-paced nature may be challenging for those entirely new to coding or data science. It offers a solid foundation for students curious about AI and its real-world applications.
14. Arizona State University – Underwater Robotics Camp
Location: Arizona State University – Polytechnic Campus
Cost: $600
Dates: June 3 – 8
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders who are either Arizona residents or are residing in Arizona over the summer with family | Good academic standing GPA
The ASU Underwater Robotics Camp, offered by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, introduces high school students to engineering concepts through the design and construction of underwater robots. You will learn technical skills such as buoyancy control, electrical wiring, and autonomous navigation while working collaboratively on a team project that culminates in competing at the National Underwater Robotics Competition. Guided by ASU engineering faculty, you will gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and project development while also engaging with professional engineers and touring state-of-the-art laboratories on campus. The program concludes with an opportunity to present your work in a competitive setting.
15. National Youth Leadership Forum – Medicine & Health Care
Location: Multiple locations all over the US (mentioned in the description)
Cost: Residential $4,499 – $4,599; Commuter $3,999
Dates: Various dates from June 25 to July 11 (based on locations)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: All high school students
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine & Health Care, offered at universities such as Yale University, Emory University, Rice University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Michigan, provides a rigorous introduction to medical training and healthcare careers for high school students. You will learn core clinical skills through hands-on experiences such as medical rotations, triage response exercises, and outdoor emergency care simulations designed by experts in emergency and wilderness medicine. Over the course of eight days, you will also explore anatomy, diagnostics, and patient care while working closely with medical professionals and advisors, gaining insight into both the technical and human sides of healthcare. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.
Image source – Arizona State University