If you’re a high school student in Mississippi, you’re in luck! The state offers a wide variety of summer programs in different fields. Whether you’re into technology, art, or aiming for a future in medicine or science, Michigan has something for you.
In this blog, we’ll feature 14 summer programs for high school students in Mississippi to help you kickstart your journey.
Note: Some of the programs listed below are free and provide a stipend as well!
14 Summer Programs for High School Students in Mississippi
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 Ph.D. 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
Location: Virtual
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.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
2. Mississippi State University Summer Scholars Program
This program allows you to work on research projects in areas like robotics, biomedical engineering, and environmental science under MSU faculty supervision. You’ll also attend workshops on college readiness and leadership.
Subject Areas: Robotics, biomedical engineering,
Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Program Dates: May 28 – July 19
Cost: Free.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: Varies based on programs
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches.
You can choose from subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication.
Subject Areas: STEM, social sciences
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
4. Mississippi Governor’s School
The Mississippi Governor’s School is a residential honors program designed to enhance leadership and critical thinking in high-achieving students. You’ll take part in classes, workshops, and service-learning projects, collaborating with professors and guest speakers on subjects like creative writing, environmental science, and political theory. The program is a pretty solid way to build analytical thinking skills, as well as reading and writing skills for college!
Subject Areas: Creative writing, environmental science, and political theory
Location: Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
Program Dates: June 1 – 14
Cost: Free.
Eligibility: Applicants must reside in Mississippi and be currently enrolled in the 10th or 11th grade of an accredited Mississippi secondary school. They must meet at least one performance qualification and have not attended a previous MGS session.
Application Deadline: November 1
5. University of Mississippi Summer College for High School Students
The program allows high school students to experience college life and earn college credits by taking university-level courses in subjects like engineering and liberal arts. It includes optional field trips, workshops, and access to university facilities. While class sizes vary, small groups ensure a focused learning environment with academic guidance from university faculty.
Subject Areas: Engineering and liberal arts
Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: $2920- $2940 per course for national and 5,233 – $7,566 for international students (scholarships and financial aid available)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: TBA
6. Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute – CORE Arts Camp
The Delta State University Summer Youth Camp offers workshops in music, theater, and visual arts for students interested in the arts. The camp ends with a student showcase, where you can present your work. The camp provides opportunities for collaboration with peers and mentorship from artists and professors.
Subject Areas: Music, theater, and visual arts
Location: Delta State University, Cleveland, MS
Program Dates: June 12 – June 28
Cost: Non – Residential: $1050 | Residential: $1400.
Eligibility: Open to students aged 11-18
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in May.
7. Lifeguard Certification Class @DSU Campus
Held on the DSU campus, this lifeguard certification course includes both classroom and pool instruction led by Ronnie Mayers. You must be at least 15, in good health, attend all four days, and pass a swim test on the first night. The course equips you with life-saving skills and the qualifications needed to become a lifeguard.
Subject Areas: Swimming
Location: DSU Campus, MS
Program Dates: May 6-9
Cost: $150 Registration Fee + $40 Certification Card.
Eligibility: Students age 15 years old
Application Deadline: NA
8. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Insight Summer Enrichment Program
The Insight Summer Enrichment Program encourages high school students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in Mississippi to explore careers in medicine. Participants gain insights from UMMC doctors and medical students, learning the steps to becoming a physician. The program offers presentations on medical and practical topics, interview skills with mock interviews, clinical shadowing with patient interaction, and hands-on training using UMMC’s advanced simulation technology.
Subject Areas: Medicine
Location: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Program Dates: June.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in marine biology
Application Deadline: Applications mostly close in February.
9. University of Southern Mississippi Ocean Science and Technology Camp
The Ocean Science and Technology Camp provides students with hands-on experience in marine science, including work with USM scientists and cutting-edge ocean technology. Participants build autonomous vehicle models, learn about Gulf Blue and ocean technology sectors, and explore the Mississippi Sound aboard a USM research vessel. The camp is a highly interactive experience focused on fieldwork, marine ecosystems, and ocean conservation.
Subject Areas: Marine Science, Tech
Location: Marine Education Centers, MS
Program Dates: July 10 – July 14
Cost: $450
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in marine biology
Application Deadline: Applications close typically in May.
10. Discover Engineering at UM
Discover Engineering at UM offers students interested in math and science hands-on problem-solving and creative opportunities to explore engineering. The week-long program covers chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, focusing on career paths in these fields. Each day presents a new engineering challenge in university labs led by UM faculty. Topics include robotics, electrical, and civil engineering. The program is quite competitive and only selects 50 participants for each edition!
Subject Areas: Robotics, electrical, and civil engineering
Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Program Dates: June 24 – June 28
Cost: $710 Residential; $400 Commuter.
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders
Application Deadline: NA
11. The Lott Leadership Summer Institute
The Lott Leadership Summer Institute is a month-long, dual-credit program for high school juniors at the University of Mississippi. It helps you improve leadership skills, tackle public policy issues, and practice public speaking and networking. At the end of the program, you will present policy proposals to experts and engage with national leaders.
Subject Areas: Public Policy and Leadership
Location: Clinton, MS
Program Dates: Sessions are available in June and July. Exact dates TBA.
Cost: $900 program fee. $100 registration fee.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in May.
12. Mississippi State Veterinary Camp
This program provides aspiring veterinarians with hands-on experience in veterinary medicine through clinical simulations, lab work, and fieldwork alongside MSU faculty. You will explore animal anatomy, microbiology, radiology, and other key aspects of a career in animal care.
Subject Areas: Veterinary medicine
Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Program Dates: Varying dates but usually 4- 5 days program.
Cost: $400 for a three-day camp.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors aged between 10 – 17 interested in veterinary science
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March.
13. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science High School Field Camp
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science High School Field Camp immerses you in the state’s natural habitats and wildlife. You’ll study species like black bears, bats, and gopher tortoises, and explore fossils with guidance from research scientists. The camp offers a firsthand look at research science and the region’s ecosystems, ideal for those interested in wildlife and environmental research.
Subject Areas: Natural Sciences, Research
Location: Percy Quin State Park, McComb, MS
Program Dates: June 10 – June 14
Cost: $575 for MMNSF Members and $625 for non-members
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in environmental science
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in May.
14. Tougaloo College Summer Science & Engineering Program
The program offers two tracks: Physical Science & Pre-Engineering and Biological Science. The Physical Science & Pre-Engineering Track covers Physics, Math, and Engineering fields like Aerospace, Biomedical, and Mechanical, with projects on Self-Driven Cars and Drone Technology. It also includes scientific presentations and visits to NASA and the UMMC Simulation Center. The Biological Science Track focuses on Biology, Chemistry, and Math, with projects on DNA Fingerprinting in Forensics and Water Quality Analysis in Mississippi lakes.
Subject Areas: Physical, Engineering & Biological Science.
Location: Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS
Program Dates: June 2 – June 28
Cost: Free, Students will be provided free room & board. A cash stipend of up to $400.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a composite ACT score of 18 can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in May.
Image Source – Mississippi State University Logo
