If you’re a high school student living and want to learn something new outside your regular school routine, summer programs can be a great place to start. These programs help you build real skills and try out subjects in a more focused way. You might explore healthcare, engineering, law, science, or even business, depending on what you’re interested in.
If you’re based in or around Kentucky, the state has multiple universities and local organizations that run these programs every year. Since they’re based in the state, you don’t have to travel far or pay for things like flights or housing. That makes it a smart option if you want something solid and skill-based without spending a lot. Some programs are even free or offer financial aid. This helps you understand how things work in the real world and lets you see if a subject is something you want to study more seriously later.
To help you choose, here’s a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Kentucky!
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Kentucky
1. 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.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program type. Financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI is led by Harvard graduate students and offers hands-on programs for high schoolers who want to dive into artificial intelligence. If you’re just getting started with AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program is a solid entry point. Over 10 sessions, you’ll learn core concepts and build real-world projects that show how AI works in practice.
If you’re ready for something more advanced, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase lets you work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a project you design yourself. You’ll also get support from Veritas’s publication team to help you publish your work in high school research journals. You can browse past student projects here.
3. University of Kentucky High School Student Research Program
Cost: Free
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Dates: Varies by faculty mentor; typically, summer placements are May–August.
Application Deadline: No formal centralized deadline; students coordinate with faculty directly throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students from across Kentucky interested in conducting research with UK faculty
The University of Kentucky High School Student Research Program allows motivated students to gain hands-on research experience by working directly with UK faculty across disciplines, including genetics, engineering, chemistry, and social sciences. Rather than a single, centralized program with an application process, you can now independently reach out to faculty mentors whose research aligns with your interests. You’ll work with your mentor to plan a project that may take place during the school year or summer, with some options counting for academic credit and others as extracurricular experience.
4. Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP)
Cost: Free
Location: Three rotating Kentucky college campuses. Latest hosts: Morehead State University (June 14–July 18), Centre College (June 15–July 19), and Murray State University (June 22–July 26)
Dates: Five-week summer program, dates vary by campus
Application Deadline: Typically in December for the following summer; schools nominate students in the fall
Eligibility: Kentucky high school juniors (rising seniors) from all 120 counties; selection is highly competitive, based on academics, extracurriculars, recommendations, and a written component
The Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program is a competitive five-week summer experience for rising seniors across Kentucky, held at three college campuses. Each year, over 1,000 students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. You’ll choose a Focus Area, like environmental issues, engineering, journalism, healthcare, or political science, attend General Studies classes, and participate in a Leadership Seminar. The experience includes guest speakers, field trips, and a close-knit residential community. Scholars often receive scholarships to Kentucky colleges after completing the program.
5. Northern Kentucky University CINSAM STEM Summer Camps
Cost: $150 (half-day), $325 (full-day); Scholarships available for eligible students (minus $25 seat-holding fee)
Location: Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky
Dates: Makers in the Middle: June 2–6; Laser Light Spectacular: June 2–6; The Art of Nature Exploration: June 9–13
Application Deadline: Registration closes four weeks before each camp’s start date (e.g., May 5 for June 2 sessions)
Eligibility: Rising 7th–9th graders (Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio students accepted)
Northern Kentucky University’s CINSAM STEM Summer Camps are one-week programs for students entering grades 7 to 9. You’ll get to build game controllers, code simple projects, and explore light and optics through hands-on experiments. One camp takes place at NKU’s field station, where you’ll do real environmental research and collect data outdoors. All camps focus on lab safety, teamwork, and learning how STEM is used in college and research settings. Scholarships are available for students in Kentucky, Indiana, or Ohio who qualify for free or reduced meals.
6. Northern Kentucky University CINSAM STEM Summer Academies
Cost: $185 (half-day), $320 (full-day); Scholarships available for eligible students (minus $25 seat-holding fee)
Location: Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky
Dates: Vary by academy. Sessions run from late June to mid-July.
Application Deadline: Registration closes four weeks before each academy (e.g., May 26 for June 23 sessions)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders (Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio students accepted)
Northern Kentucky University’s CINSAM STEM Summer Academies are one-week programs for high school students that give you hands-on experience in advanced STEM fields. You’ll work in college labs with NKU faculty and use real research tools and equipment. Academy options include electrical engineering, neuroscience, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. You might design circuits, analyze brain signals with EEGs, test network security, or explore how machine learning works. Each academy focuses on building technical skills, learning how to design experiments, and thinking through problems like a researcher.
7. Kentucky State University Summer Programs
Cost: Free (federally funded and/or university-supported)
Location: Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky
Dates: Dates: Vary by program. Most run between early June and late July
Application Deadline: Varies by program; typically closes in April–May
Eligibility: Kentucky high school students (specific programs target rising 9th–12th graders; some prioritize first-generation and underrepresented students)
Kentucky State University offers summer programs that help you explore college life and career paths while building real skills. In AgDiscovery, you’ll explore animal science and veterinary careers through lab work and field visits. The Pre-College Academy lets you earn up to nine college credits while living on campus and strengthening your academic foundation. Upward Bound supports your college prep with classes in communication, mental health, and financial literacy. If you’re interested in STEM, the Summer Apprenticeship Program gives you hands-on lab and research experience. The Summer Transportation Institute introduces you to civil engineering and logistics through team projects and site visits.
8. University of Louisville Speed School Summer Engineering Programs
Cost: Varies by camp. Check full details here.
Location: J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Dates: Vary by camp. Check all details here.
Application Deadline: Varies by program. Typically closes in April–May.
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders (some programs accept 8th graders)
The Speed School at the University of Louisville offers hands-on engineering programs for high school students. In Chip Design Camp, you’ll explore how microprocessors work and learn the basics of semiconductor fabrication. Bioengineering lets you try bioprinting, genetic analysis, and cell culture in a real lab. AMIST teaches 3D modeling and scanning, and you’ll build your prototype using additive manufacturing tools.
INSPIRE is a free residential program where you’ll visit industry sites, learn core engineering skills, and take on a team design challenge. Systems Thinkers focuses on industrial engineering and human-centered design, while Chemistry Camp gives you AP-level lab experience and training in experimental design.
9. Western Kentucky University – VAMPY (Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth)
Cost: $3,900 (needs-based financial assistance available; $400 deposit due at application)
Location: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dates: June 22–July 12
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April; rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students completing grades 7–10 (gifted/high-ability students)
VAMPY is a three-week residential program where you’ll focus on one subject for six hours each weekday, with nightly study halls to support your learning. Courses include advanced math, physics, computer science, and humanities, taught by WKU faculty and experienced teachers. You’ll dive deep into your subject, build research and problem-solving skills, and collaborate with peers who share your interests. While living on campus, you’ll also take part in evening and weekend activities that help you connect socially and academically.
10. Southern Kentucky AHEC Summer Health Career Camp
Cost: Free
Location: Various sites within the Southern Kentucky AHEC 15-county service region (Boyle, Casey, Estill, Garrard, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lincoln, McCreary, Madison, Mercer, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley Counties)
Dates: Varies by location; sessions typically run in June–July
Application Deadline: Rolling; priority registration in spring
Eligibility: Incoming 9th–12th grade students from the Southern KY AHEC service region
Southern Kentucky AHEC’s Summer Health Career Camp is a free program for incoming 9th to 12th graders from its 15-county service region. You’ll explore a wide range of health careers through hands-on activities like suturing, airway management, blood typing, and DNA extraction. Led by healthcare professionals, the camp introduces fields like athletic training, optometry, physical therapy, and respiratory therapy. You’ll use pediatric simulation models, try augmented reality anatomy tools, and take part in labs focused on behavioral health and clinical diagnostics.
11. Western Kentucky University Upward Bound
Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program)
Location: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dates: June 9–July 19
Application Deadline: Current Upward Bound students: April 14 | New students (admitted after March 1): May 15
Eligibility: High school students from Allen County-Scottsville, Butler County, Edmonson County, Hart County, Logan County, and Russellville High Schools; must be low-income (per federal guidelines) and/or potential first-generation college students; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum GPA 2.25
Upward Bound at WKU is a year-round college prep program for students from six partner high schools in south-central Kentucky. During the school year, staff visit your school three times a month and host Saturday sessions on campus to help with study skills, ACT prep, and college planning. In the summer, you’ll live on campus for six weeks, take academic classes, and explore college life through cultural and social activities. The program supports first-generation and low-income students and helps you stay on track with course selection, financial aid, and career planning.
12. Kentucky Forest Leadership Program
Cost: $400 (includes housing, meals, and program materials; scholarships available)
Location: Robinson Forest, University of Kentucky, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Dates: June 1–6
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in environmental science, forestry, or wildlife management
The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program is a week-long residential camp held at Robinson Forest for high school students interested in natural resource management. You’ll choose one of three tracks – Forestry, Entomology, or Wildlife, but all tracks work together throughout the week to simulate real conservation teamwork. In the Forestry track, you’ll learn tree and plant identification, forest evaluation, soil and water quality testing, and fire management. The Entomology track covers insect identification, collection, preservation, and ecology. The Wildlife track focuses on species diversity, population surveys, and wildlife management techniques in Kentucky habitats.
13. University of Kentucky – Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) Camp
Cost: Free (meals, housing, and program fees covered through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation)
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (in-person and virtual options)
Dates: July 6–10
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and current seniors in Kentucky high schools with documented disabilities; approval through the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is required
University of Kentucky’s Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) Camp is a free residential program for Kentucky high school students with disabilities, typically ages 16 to 20. The camp runs for four days and three nights on the UK’s campus, with sessions focused on self-advocacy, college readiness, and career planning. You’ll stay in Haggin Hall, participate in workshops on assistive technology, accommodations, and independent living, and hear from speakers with lived experience. Activities include team building, etiquette training, and informational sessions on vocational training, financial aid, and disability support services.
14. University of Louisville – Young Leaders Academy (YLA)
Cost: Free (includes lodging, meals, and all conference materials)
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Dates: July 15–19
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Kentucky students who have completed at least one year of high school (grades 9–12)
University of Louisville – Young Leaders Academy (YLA) is a four-day, all-expenses-paid residential program for Kentucky high school students who have completed at least one year of high school. Hosted by the McConnell Center, the program focuses on American constitutionalism, leadership, and civic engagement. You’ll study topics like the origins of the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates, and current civic challenges. Sessions are led by University of Louisville faculty, staff, and guest experts. The program includes lectures, discussions, and workshops designed to build critical thinking and leadership skills.
15. Murray State University – Fun with Economics Youth Camp
Cost: $35 (includes materials and lunch)
Location: Murray State University, Business Building Room 104, Murray, Kentucky
Dates: June 16
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Murray State University – Fun with Economics Youth Camp is a one-day summer program for middle and high school students interested in economics. You’ll explore how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions, how markets work, and how economic forces shape outcomes. Activities include interactive simulations, real-life economic scenarios, and problem-solving exercises led by MSU economics faculty.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Murray State University