Summer math programs for high school students offer a solid opportunity to delve deeply into advanced mathematical concepts and develop a specialized skill set. These programs are designed to challenge you beyond the standard school curriculum, allowing you to explore complex topics in areas such as algebra, geometry, calculus, etc.
By engaging in rigorous coursework and hands-on problem-solving, you can cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a solid understanding of mathematics, all of which can come in handy while applying to advanced research programs as a college student! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
With that, here are 13 math summer programs for high school students.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Math track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as math, 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!
Horizon offers a summer course in Theoretical Mathematics focused on Knot Theory, a branch of topology with applications such as analyzing DNA structures. This course explores how knot theory can be used to understand causality and the relationship between events, examining knots and links in 2+1-dimensional spacetimes and applying link invariants to detect causality between points or events.
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. Apply here!
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! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Each year, the Research Science Institute (RSI) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) admits 100 high school students with demonstrated aptitude in STEM fields. RSI holds the distinction of being the first fully-funded summer program that integrates theoretical coursework on campus with off-campus research immersion. Within this framework, approximately twelve students engage in research projects of their choice, mathematics research projects. These students are paired with graduate student mentors from the MIT Mathematics Department, selected based on overlapping research interests.
The research projects are developed collaboratively between the graduate student mentors and the MIT faculty advisors, Prof. David Jerison and Prof. Ankur Moitra, ensuring alignment with the student’s academic strengths and interests. Daily meetings between mentors and students facilitate ongoing guidance and feedback throughout the research process. André Dixon supports the program as the assistant, ensuring the smooth operation of the mentoring system. This structured approach provides RSI students with focused, individualized mentorship in mathematical research.
Note: We’ve detailed how you can build a strong application to get into RSI here.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend provided, $40 application fee with a need-based refund.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: 6 weeks
Eligibility: High School Juniors only (U.S. and International).
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Mathematics Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct mathematics research under the mentorship of esteemed PhD scholars. Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, this entirely virtual program enables participants to engage in research from anywhere in the world. Students are paired with a top PhD mentor for one-on-one collaboration, culminating in the production of a university-level research paper.
The program’s duration is flexible, and tailored to the depth of exploration desired by the student. With mathematics being a broad discipline, the program supports research across diverse topics and encourages interdisciplinary approaches that integrate mathematical interests with other fields. You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: There are four cohorts throughout the year. Applications are due in February, May, September, and December, respectively. Apply here!
Program dates: There are four cohorts throughout the year spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: All high school students may apply.
4. MITES Summer
MITES is a competitive six-week residential program designed to promote diversity in STEM fields by providing an academically enriching experience for 80 talented high school juniors. The program includes five rigorous courses in subjects such as Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, and Science Writing and Communication. Participants also benefit from lab tours, social events, and college admissions counseling during the program.
Location: Residential, MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None. Students will have to arrange transportation to the MIT campus.
Application Deadline: TBA. Please keep checking here.
Program Dates: 6 weeks in late June through early August (based on the previous year’s schedule).
Eligibility: High school juniors from minority backgrounds and other underrepresented segments of the population. Must be a U.S. citizen.
5. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers a focused research internship for 12 high school juniors and seniors, including those with a strong interest in mathematics. Throughout a 7-week summer program, students have the opportunity to select a research subject of their choice, including mathematics. Math-focused participants work closely with faculty members, leveraging mentorship to design research projects that integrate mathematical concepts and methodologies. The program supports various mathematical approaches, such as modeling and data analysis, allowing students to apply their mathematical skills to their chosen research area.
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
Cost/Stipend: No cost, the program provides a $750 stipend. On-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities/programming are covered. Travel to and from the program location and personal and medical expenses are not covered.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in this or next year (U.S. and International).
6. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara — Math Track
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program provides a competitive summer opportunity for high school students interested in hands-on, interdisciplinary mathematics research at the university level. Participants choose projects across various STEM fields and work closely with mentors. Throughout the program, students engage deeply with their projects, gaining insights into research methods and professional pathways. The program is especially valuable for those exploring the intersections of STEM and other disciplines, offering a meaningful research experience.
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option) | $6,599 (housing option)
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: June 17 — August 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA, can apply.
7. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
SUMaC, hosted by Stanford University, is a program for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors interested in a rigorous mathematical experience. Offered both virtually and in-person, this 4-week camp provides an in-depth exploration of advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving. Tailored for students passionate about cutting-edge mathematical research and its real-world applications, SUMaC immerses participants in a college-level workload, aiming to deepen their understanding of complex mathematical concepts and their practical uses across scientific fields.
Location: Virtual OR Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $3,550 (online), $8,250 (residential). Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: TBD
Program dates: TBD
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
8. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
SAMS offers high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds a chance to advance in higher-level math and science while earning college credit. This six-week, tuition-free program is led by Carnegie Mellon University faculty and includes rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, and courses in professional and academic development.
The program concludes with a day-long Symposium where students present their STEM research. Applicants should have a strong interest in math, active extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in education. Students from low-income families, underrepresented communities, and schools with limited access to top-tier institutions are especially encouraged to apply.
Note: Scholars selected for SAMS cannot engage in conflicting programs, whether virtual or in-person, ensuring dedicated focus and involvement in this enriching opportunity.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: As per the previous program’s dates, most likely 6 weeks long from the end of June to August.
Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors from high school and underrepresented communities.
9. Mathroots at MIT
Mathroots, a 14-day summer program hosted by MIT-PRIMES, is designed for high school students from underrepresented or underserved communities who have a strong passion for mathematics. The program offers an immersive experience where participants explore advanced mathematical topics and enhance their problem-solving skills. Guided by experienced instructors skilled in both research and competition math, students engage in a variety of activities, including classes, group sessions, and lectures. Throughout the program, participants discover new mathematical concepts and deepen their understanding of the subject.
Location: Residential, MIT, MA.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Match 1st
Program Dates: As per the previous program’s schedule, it will likely be 14 days from June to July.
Eligibility: US citizens or students attending high school in the US (before the last year of high school) who are between the ages of 14–18.
10. UC Irvine’s Math ExpLR Summer Research Program
This 6-week program in mathematical biology pairs students with UC Irvine undergraduates to collaborate on a computational biology research project under the mentorship of a principal investigator. Participants will gain exposure to computational biology and university-level instruction, while also attending workshops designed to enhance their skills in mathematical research, modeling, presentation, and research paper writing. The program provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical concepts to real-world research challenges, leading to a thorough understanding of computational biology.
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks from June to July. The program will run from June 17 to July 25.
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be high school students, and not be graduating in spring.
11. Mathematics Courses by Harvard University
Harvard University, in collaboration with edX, offers a selection of free, self-paced online mathematics courses for high school students to complete remotely during the summer. These include “Calculus Applied!”, which uses single-variable calculus to develop and analyze mathematical models in various scientific fields; “Data Science: Inference and Modeling”, focuses on fundamental statistical tools for data analysis; and “Data Science Probability”, which explores probability theory through a case study on the 2007–2008 financial crisis.
Location: Online
Cost: Free.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
12. The Ross Mathematics Program at Ohio State University
The Ross Mathematics Program offers a rigorous six-week residential summer experience for highly motivated high school students passionate about mathematics, with a particular focus on Number Theory. Participants attend ten hours of class per week, including five hours of lectures and five hours of small-group sessions. The remainder of the time is dedicated to independent work on challenging mathematical concepts and problem sets. Topics covered include Euclid’s Algorithm, Quadratic Number Fields, Polynomials, and Gaussian integers. The Ross Program provides an excellent environment for deepening mathematical knowledge in a supportive and collaborative setting.
Location: Residential, Otterbein University or the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (depending on which session you choose).
Cost: $6,000 program tuition.
Application deadline: Typically in March.
Program dates: Otterbein University: June 9 — July 19 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: June 16 — July 26
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 years.
13. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
If you’re a high school student with a strong interest in STEM subjects, including mathematics, consider applying to COSMOS. This four-week residential summer program is designed to challenge and inspire mathematically gifted students by providing opportunities to collaborate with esteemed faculty, researchers, and scientists. Through hands-on, lab-intensive curricula, COSMOS enhances students’ skills and awareness of educational and career pathways in STEM fields.
COSMOS features several ‘Clusters’ across campuses at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. Math-specific clusters include advanced topics such as Tissue and Tumor Biology, Mathematical/Computational Modeling, Computation and Machine Learning, Number Theory and Discrete Math, and Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems.
Location: Residential, choice between UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.
Cost: $4,770 program tuition.
Application deadline: February 9
Program dates: 4 weeks from July to August.
Eligibility: California State students who are rising 8th-11th graders.
Image Source – Harvard Logo
