Summer programs are an excellent way to expand your horizons, especially for high school students seeking to explore new fields or deepen their knowledge in subjects they are passionate about. These structured learning experiences extend beyond the traditional classroom, offering you unique opportunities to develop specialized skills across STEM, leadership, and the arts. Participating in a summer program allows you to build advanced technical competencies, explore potential career paths, and gain invaluable hands-on experience in your fields of interest through intensive, focused learning.
Why should you choose Nevada as a high schooler?
Nevada offers an advantageous location for these programs, providing you with quality educational experiences close to home that eliminate relocation costs and travel expenses. You will benefit from the diverse opportunities hosted by prestigious organizations, institutions, and government agencies throughout the state, making it practical to find programs aligned with your academic and career goals. University partnerships, community organizations, and industry leaders collaborate to create programs that provide mentorship from experienced professionals and researchers, allowing you to gain exposure to university environments, work on real-world projects, and develop professional networks.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 summer programs for high school students in Nevada.
In addition, here are two more blogs of summer programs for high school students you can look at: 15 Summer Service Programs and 15 Vet Summer Programs.
1. Engineering Adventures Camp
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Cost/Stipend: $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: Registrations open February 1
Eligibility: High school students 15 – 17
This camp introduces you to various engineering disciplines and their applications in solving real-world problems. You will participate in hands-on activities designed to showcase how different engineering fields address challenges in infrastructure, medicine, and technology. The program uses interactive demonstrations and project-based learning to help you understand the career opportunities available within engineering. You will work with experienced faculty and engineering professionals who provide guidance and insights into different specializations. By the end of the camp, you will have a clearer understanding of which engineering disciplines align with your interests and strengths. You will develop an understanding of which engineering disciplines align with your interests. This experience helps clarify your potential career path in engineering.
2. Civil and Environmental Engineering Summer Camp
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Cost/Stipend: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Contact program for specifics
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Registrations open February 1
Eligibility: High school students 15 – 17
You will explore how civil and environmental engineers design and maintain infrastructure while prioritizing sustainability and community safety. The program includes hands-on projects such as designing water filtration systems, creating aerodynamic structures, and utilizing advanced simulation tools. Faculty and industry professionals from civil and environmental engineering firms lead interactive sessions and field experiences. You will have opportunities to visit construction sites and water treatment facilities to see engineering principles applied in practice. This camp provides practical exposure to the planning, design, and implementation processes that characterize civil and environmental engineering work. You will gain a practical understanding of infrastructure design and maintenance.
3. Smallwood Multimedia Boot Camp
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 participants selected
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from Northern Nevada; minimum 3.0 weighted GPA in core academic courses; experience in video, photography, graphic design, computer science, web design, audio, or related digital media fields
You will receive intensive instruction in video production, cinematography, audio techniques, special effects, and media editing over five days. The program covers industry-standard software and techniques for creating professional digital media content. You will develop video projects and build digital portfolios that support future college applications and internship opportunities. Instruction takes place in state-of-the-art multimedia facilities led by award-winning faculty. You will also have opportunities to tour multimedia spaces across the university campus to understand how different departments utilize digital media production. This camp helps you create a strong portfolio for college applications.
4. Lake Tahoe Music Camp
Location: Private beach on the shore of Lake Tahoe, University of Nevada, Reno
Cost/Stipend: $790 + $30 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Contact program for cohort details
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: Not specified, registrations on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students completing 6th through 12th grades; students completing 6th grade may participate with approval from the Camp Director
This residential music camp offers workshops and clinics led by faculty from the University of Nevada, Reno, guest conductors, and professional chamber and jazz musicians. You will participate in concert bands and can audition for jazz bands to advance your ensemble performance skills. The program balances focused musical instruction with recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, and water sports on the lake. You will conclude the camp with a final concert for family and friends. The intimate setting and professional instruction create an environment for developing advanced musical techniques and building connections with peers who share your musical interests. You will enhance your ensemble performance skills in a beautiful setting.
5. Nevada Boys State
Location: University of Nevada, Reno Campus, NV
Cost/Stipend: $75 (need-based waivers and grants available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 80 high school juniors selected
Dates: June 12 – 19
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising male high school juniors demonstrating academic and leadership excellence
This week-long program provides an immersive introduction to Nevada’s political and governmental processes through a combination of legislative simulation, campaign activities, and team competitions. You will participate in political party caucuses, committee meetings, campaign activities, and legislative sessions where you create and vote on actual legislation. The program includes athletic competitions and team-building exercises that develop leadership skills and create lasting friendships. You will have opportunities to apply for academic credit for exceptional students and potentially attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. Through direct engagement with the governmental process, you will develop an understanding of civic responsibility and political participation. You will gain hands-on experience in the legislative process.
6. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum: YouthWorks Internship
Location: DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Las Vegas, NV
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 15 – 17
You’ll gain professional work experience in a museum environment through the YouthWorks Internship at DISCOVERY Children’s Museum in Las Vegas, a paid program for high school students. The program combines education, career guidance, work readiness, and life skills training within an interdisciplinary museum setting, helping you build a community service record for high school credit and college portfolios. You’ll begin by volunteering across the museum’s eight galleries to become familiar with its policies, procedures, and mission. As an intern, you’ll perform job assignments alongside staff members while gaining practical experience across different areas of the organization as a beginner in a professional environment.
7. Clark County Information Technology Internship Program
Location: Clark County, Las Vegas, NV
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; hourly rate determined upon selection
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 26 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 2 – 26
Eligibility: High school students; in-person work required; transportation is the student’s responsibility
You will develop practical information technology skills while working with Clark County IT professionals across multiple disciplines. Departments where you may work include software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, project management, cloud platforms, infrastructure, technical support, and help desk services. You will be paired with a mentor who will guide your learning and provide insight into IT career pathways. All work takes place in-person at County facilities; remote work is not available. This internship provides real-world experience in technology fields and helps you develop technical skills applicable to college and career preparation. You will gain practical IT skills and receive mentorship from professionals.
8. Community of Bilingual English-Spanish Speakers (CBESS) Student Researcher Program
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 30 bilingual students selected for full programming; an additional 64 students selected for limited programming
Dates: Summer plus continuation during senior year; contact program for specific dates
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Bilingual English-Spanish speaking high school juniors from Northern Nevada who demonstrate leadership and academic potential
You will participate in career exploration events, a one-week on-campus summer research program, virtual coursework conducted in English and Spanish, and the development of a student-led research project addressing community health issues. The program provides instruction in hypothesis-driven research methodology with emphasis on STEM and healthcare topics. You will receive tours of research and healthcare facilities to understand professional environments. Near-peer mentoring with bilingual undergraduate students continues through your senior year. The program strengthens communication and writing skills while building an understanding of the relevance of health research to your community. You will research community health issues and enhance your communication skills.
9. Bishop Gorman High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Bishop Gorman High School, Las Vegas, NV
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 28 – July 4
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school juniors at Bishop Gorman High School with strong academic standing
You’ll gain early professional exposure during the summer before your senior year through internships with local Las Vegas organizations across diverse industries, including healthcare, law, engineering, marketing, finance, media, construction, and sports management. The program places you with partner organizations such as the Vegas Golden Knights, various hospitals, law firms, engineering consultancies, and community foundations, where you’ll observe and participate in day-to-day professional work. Throughout your internship experience, you’ll develop communication skills, professionalism, and career awareness while gaining practical insight into workplace expectations. The program emphasizes career exploration rather than specialization, helping you clarify your long-term academic and professional goals before college.
10. James Lathrop & Wayne Capurro Memorial Internship
Location: Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) administrative regions—Western (Reno), Eastern (Elko), or Southern (Las Vegas), NV
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: very selective
Dates: Seasonal
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school seniors attending Nevada schools and planning to graduate; intending to pursue an undergraduate degree in wildlife management, biology, ecology, or a closely related field;
This paid internship offers hands-on fieldwork in wildlife management, including hiking, camping, and construction of wildlife infrastructure in remote Nevada locations. You will work 40 hours per week and gain direct experience with the daily work of professional wildlife managers. The program requires relocation to rural areas within Nevada, where you may live independently in camp trailers. You will develop skills operating vehicles on rough terrain and managing field equipment in challenging environments. This internship is particularly valuable for students committed to careers in wildlife management or environmental conservation. You will gain extensive fieldwork experience in wildlife management in Nevada’s remote areas.
11. Summer Business Institute (SBI)
Location: Clark County, Las Vegas, NV
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; $12 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300 participants selected; applications close when capacity is reached
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; at least 16 years old by June 9; minimum 2.0 GPA
You will gain practical work experience in professional settings across fields, such as law, medicine, engineering, education, information technology, and communications. The program places you with one of more than 80 local businesses in Clark County coordinated through the Clark County School District. You will work Monday through Wednesday for eight hours daily, with Thursdays dedicated to workshops covering financial literacy and life skills to complement your workplace experience. Upon completion, you may qualify for college bonuses, making this program both financially rewarding and academically beneficial. You will acquire practical business skills and receive financial literacy training.
12. Amazon Future Engineer
Location: Virtual and various locations
Cost/Stipend: Scholarship opportunities up to $40,000 plus paid internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive for scholarship recipients
Dates: Year-round program with summer internship opportunities
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school seniors from underserved and underrepresented communities
Amazon Future Engineer is an end-to-end program designed to expand access to computer science education for students from underrepresented communities, supporting them from early childhood through career entry. Scholarship recipients gain the added opportunity to complete a paid summer internship at Amazon, where they join embedded software or hardware engineering teams. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with fellow interns, managers, and mentors on real projects that have a direct impact on Amazon’s customers. Your work may span cutting-edge technologies such as Alexa voice technology, Amazon Web Services, and Amazon’s retail platform infrastructure. The program also features virtual career tours that highlight the breadth of Amazon’s technology ecosystem and the career paths within it. Overall, you’ll build both technical skills and a professional network at one of the world’s most influential technology companies, while discovering how computer science intersects with a wide range of industries and fields.
13. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
Location: Online (you can participate from Nevada)
Cost: $1,380; More info here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited enrollment to maintain small group instruction
Dates: June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors ages 16 – 18
During this intensive one-week workshop, you’ll focus on creative writing by selecting either fiction, nonfiction, or poetry and working closely with others in small, specialized groups. Your mornings will start with craft presentations from visiting writers who introduce you to various genres and writing approaches. You’ll spend three-hour afternoon sessions workshopping your pieces and receiving thoughtful critique from peers. Throughout the week, you’ll produce new writing and present it to your group for discussion, with the program emphasizing revision and willingness to experiment in a collaborative, encouraging setting. You’ll also build connections with other young writers and work alongside experienced faculty committed to supporting your growth as a writer.
14. Girls Who Code
Location: Virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Free programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots
Dates: 7 weeks; summer programs run from June to July
Application Deadline: Varies by program; typically spring deadline
Eligibility: High school students (specifically girls and gender nonconforming students); all experience levels welcome
Girls Who Code is an intensive seven-week summer program that blends hands-on computer science training with mentorship from women who are leaders and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. The program is built around gender inclusion, fostering an environment where young women feel empowered and supported to explore technical fields. Through collaborative projects, you’ll develop practical skills in coding, robotics, web design, and mobile development that can help in growing your confidence as a budding technologist. You’ll also be connected with accomplished women working at top tech companies, gaining real-world inspiration and actionable advice for building a career in tech.
15. Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening (RYLA)
Location: Grizzly Creek Ranch, near Portola, CA (very close to NV)
Cost/Stipend: Free (scholarships fully cover attendance)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Contact program for details
Dates: June 14 – 19 or June 21 – 26 (two- week options available)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Northern California and Northern Nevada; selected based on leadership potential
This intensive program focuses on developing leadership skills, resilience, and commitment to service through a combination of team challenges and character-building activities. You will participate in adventure-based learning at the Grizzly Creek Ranch Ropes Course, which emphasizes communication, trust, and cooperation within team settings. The program introduces you to Rotary’s core value, “Service Above Self,” and connects you with peers who demonstrate leadership potential. You will engage in workshops and activities designed to build mental toughness, gratitude, and compassion. Fully funded scholarships ensure accessibility for selected participants from across the region. You will build resilience and develop a commitment to service through adventure learning.
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 – Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening (RYLA)