Summer programs for high school students in Rhode Island offer opportunities to focus on specialized skill development. These programs push you beyond foundational knowledge, delving into advanced techniques and nuanced aspects of your chosen discipline.
Whether developing algorithms in computer science, crafting original compositions in music, or conducting field studies in marine biology, you will tackle advanced projects that deepen your expertise. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here are 10 summer programs for high school students in Rhode Island!
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 PhD 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, Humanities, Data Science, and more
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! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
2. Brown Environmental Leadership Lab: Rhode Island
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab is a two-week program that combines environmental studies with leadership development. Held on the Brown University campus and featuring site visits across Rhode Island, the program allows you to choose from 3 courses:
- Geological, Recent, and Modern Climate Change focuses on geological and terrestrial ecology through field investigations.
- Marine Ecosystems, Coastal Communities, and Climate Resilience explores coastal management strategies. This course will teach you how to survey and monitor coastal ecosystems.
- Digging Into Rhode Island’s Food System examines local food resources through visits to farms, a dairy, and a food bank, addressing food waste and sustainable practices without an overnight retreat.
Throughout the program, you will engage with environmental advocacy and justice resources, identifying a pressing issue of interest. With support from instructors and peers, you will develop an Action Plan to apply your leadership skills to this issue when you return home.
Subject Areas: Environmental Science, Leadership
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $5,716
Application Deadline: March 9
Program Dates: June 22 – July 3
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12, ages 16 to 18 by June 15
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
- Need-based financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
4. Summer@Brown
Brown University’s summer program offers high school students a wide selection of over 300 non-credit courses, available both online and on campus. The program covers a broad range of disciplines, including biology, business, liberal arts, visual and performing arts, engineering, technology, and social sciences. In the liberal arts, course topics range from “Introduction to Neural Networks and the Philosophy of AI” to “Power and the Production of History” and “The Racial Politics of Skepticism.” STEM offerings include courses such as “Marine Ecology,” “Neurobiology of Learning and Memory,” “May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages,” and “Logic and Paradox.”
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: Varies according to the number of courses and their duration. Some financial aid is offered
Application Deadline: May 9
Program Dates: 1–3 week sessions are available between June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Students who are completing 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are between the ages of 14 to 18 years old by June 15
5. RWU’s Forensic Science Summer Camp
The RWU Forensic Science Summer Camp is a week-long residential program designed for those interested in forensic science and investigative techniques. You will have the opportunity to work in RWU’s advanced laboratories, participating in activities such as fingerprinting, collecting footwear evidence, and analyzing unknown substances. The camp also includes a virtual reality experience that allows you to take on the role of a crime scene investigator, analyzing bloodstain patterns. This program provides a practical introduction to the tools and methods used in forensic investigations.
Subject Areas: Forensic Science
Location: Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Cost: $995
Application deadline: No information available
Program dates: July 13 – 18 | July 20 – 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11, and 12
6. Brown Summer High School
Brown Summer High School offers an in-person, three-week summer program for 150–200 high school students, focusing on English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. You can select up to three courses and learn through lectures, project work, lab sessions, and field trips.
The courses are taught by master’s students from Brown University, and completing the program provides academic credit. Previously, English students studied writing by Darci Little Badger, while math students developed games using principles from algebra, geometry, and statistics. Science students examined the connection between racism and health disparities, and social studies students explored ethical storytelling on social media platforms.
Subject Areas: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Applications will open on March 1
Program Dates: July 7 – 25
Eligibility: The program prioritizes rising high school students from Providence, Central Falls, and local areas. You must be at least 14 years old by September
7. Rhode Island School of Design’s (RISD) Pre-College Program
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College Program offers high school juniors and seniors from Rhode Island the chance to explore art and design. For five weeks, you’ll follow a college-level curriculum, attending day-long studio classes, working on projects, and participating in critiques. With access to RISD’s facilities and guidance from professional artists and instructors, you’ll develop and refine your portfolio in the medium of your choice.
As part of the program, you’ll take foundational courses in drawing, design, and critical studies, while majoring in subjects like animation, jewelry design, painting, ceramics, photography, interior design, and more. Your time in the program will culminate in a final exhibition where you can display your work.
Subject Areas: Design, Art
Location: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Cost: Residential program: $12,095 | Commuter program: $9,300. Application fee of $60. Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: Applications will open in November
Program Dates: June 28 – August 2
Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th or 11th grades and are 16–18 years old
8. PrepareRI High School Internship Program
The PrepareRI High School Internship Program offers a structured 7-week work-based learning experience for Rhode Island public high school juniors, including those from public charter schools and home-schooled students. For the summer, participants will be placed in paid internships that pay $15.00 per hour, allowing them to earn up to $4,200 during the program.
This program is designed to be inclusive, accommodating students of all abilities, learning styles, and career interests. To assist students with their applications, SkillsRI provides coaching services. The program partners with over 200 organizations in Rhode Island, ensuring that a wide range of internship opportunities across sectors are available to students.
Subject Areas: Business and Marketing, Arts and Creative Industries, Public Service and Nonprofit
Location: Multiple locations across Rhode Island. Precise location depends on the internship role you are matched with
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $15/hour is provided for a 40-hour workweek
Application Deadline: Applications will open on November 4
Program Dates:
- Work-readiness bootcamp: June 23 – 27
- 6-week internship: July 7 – August 15
Eligibility: Current juniors in high school who:
- Attend a Rhode Island public or public charter high school, or be home-schooled with an identified local LEA
- Are Rhode Island residents
- Will be at least 16 years old by March 30
- Are eligible to work in the U.S.
9. Roger Williams University’s (RWU) Marine Biology Camp
RWU’s Marine Biology Camp offers a week-long residential experience for high school students interested in marine biology. The curriculum includes a study of coastal ecosystems, food webs, and marine life. You will participate in field excursions, laboratory demonstrations, and seminars led by experts.
Field activities include oceanographic sampling, kayaking in bay ecosystems, snorkeling along barrier beaches, and a whale-watching boat trip off Cape Cod. In the laboratory, you will learn about plankton sampling as well as shellfish and finfish biology. Guest seminars will cover important marine biology issues, including marine mammal protection, invasive species, overfishing, and aquaculture.
Subject Areas: Marine Biology
Location: Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Cost: $1,400 (includes lodging, meals, instruction, materials, field trips)
Dates: July 14 – 20 | July 21 – 27 | July 28 – August 3
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 15 and 17
10. Brown Leadership Institute
The Brown Leadership Institute offers a chance for youth to enhance their understanding of social issues and develop skills for promoting social justice. You can participate in either a two-week on-campus program or a four-week online format, connecting with students who share interests in law, educational equity, and activism.
The program involves discussions with peers and instructors to tackle complex problems and brainstorm solutions. You will select a course from a variety of interdisciplinary themes, with past offerings including “Women and Leadership,” “More than a Game: Leadership and Social Change in Sports,” and “Leadership in Changing Business: Social Entrepreneurship.” This collaborative approach helps you build skills in active listening, public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork. By the end of the program, you will create an Action Plan to implement in your school or community, applying the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired.
Subject Areas: Political Science, Leadership, Law, Restorative Justice
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI (2 weeks) or online (4 weeks)
Cost: $5,498 (residential), $4,318 (commuter), $5,314 (online)
Application Deadline: May 9
Program Dates: June 23 – July 5 | July 14 – 26
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18
Image Source – Horizon Logo
