For high school students, summer is the perfect time to explore new opportunities, dive deeper into existing interests, and expand your horizons. Summer programs can help you build academic and research skills that will be useful for future opportunities and even in college.
With a wide range of academic institutions, Tennessee offers a variety of summer programs across different subjects. The programs below allow you to conduct independent research, learn how to code in Python, launch your own start-up, and intern at law firms. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
In this blog, we’ll share 8 Tennessee summer programs for high school students!
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. National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) at Tennessee State University
This high school program at Tennesse State University aims to increase awareness about transportation careers. Over four weeks, you’ll build STEM skills and learn what choosing a transportation-related major in college entails. This program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The first three weeks are residential, and the last week is held virtually.
Subject Areas: Transportation
Location: Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
Program Dates: June 9 – July 5
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
Application Deadline: April 5
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: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. 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: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
4. Mock Trial Academy at Rhodes College
The Mock Trial Academy is a one-week program for high school students interested in law. You will work with coaches to improve your public speaking and presentation skills. You will also learn how to create a compelling argument and understand constitutional law. Past programs have included a field trip to the National Civil Rights Museum and meetings with federal and state court judges. This program is a good opportunity to learn more about the judicial system.
Subject Areas: Law
Location: Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
Program Dates: June 16 – 24
Cost: $2,000. Some financial assistance may be available
Eligibility: Students in high school
Application Deadline: April 1
5. Summer Writing Institute at Rhodes College
This program provides a residential experience for students looking to improve their writing and explore creativity. You’ll choose to focus on either critical or creative writing, learning how to construct college-level arguments or compose poems. In the creative track, you’ll attend workshops, peer discussions, and collaborative activities led by faculty. The creative curriculum covers various genres, helping you refine storytelling, personal voice, and style. Regardless of which track you choose, the program will help you refine your reading and analytical skills. At the end of the program, you’ll have a portfolio of your writing that you can use when applying to future opportunities. Students who complete the program receive 2 college credits.
Subject Areas: Writing
Location: Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
Program Dates: TBA, typically 2 weeks in June
Cost: $2,400, financial aid available
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: April 15
6. Governor’s School for the Sciences & Engineering
The Governor’s School for the Sciences & Engineering is a competitive 4-week summer program focused on STEM. It offers intensive coursework and hands-on research in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. In the Evolution of Vertebrates course, you will study fossils and skeletons to understand how vertebrates have changed over time, especially after events like mass extinctions. You will work with faculty and peers, exploring advanced topics beyond the high school level. The program also includes seminars, field trips, and collaborative projects.
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Program Dates: June 1 – 28
Cost: Fully funded
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who attend high school in Tennessee who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have taken at least one year of high school lab science and algebra. Students must be nominated by their school counselors to apply
Application Deadline: December 6
7. Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program
The Nashville Bar Association’s High School Intern Summer Program offers paid internships at law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices in Metro Nashville. You’ll get mentorship from legal professionals, attend sessions on law school and career prep, and network with industry contacts. The program begins with an orientation, after which you can expect to work 8 hours a day for seven weeks. You will attend ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions every Friday to learn from legal experts.
Subject Areas: Law
Location: Various locations in Nashville, TN
Program Dates: June 7 – July 26
Stipend: $10-$15/hour
Eligibility: High school seniors and rising seniors
Application Deadline: March 29
8. Biomedical Research Summer Program at Vanderbilt University
This program lets aspiring scientists engage in hands-on biomedical research alongside Vanderbilt graduate students. You’ll learn basic lab skills that will be useful in future research. You’ll also attend talks by graduate students on topics like the culture of science in academia and making evidence-based decisions. Each student will be paired with a graduate student, who will act as their mentor throughout the program.
Subject Areas: Biomedicine Research
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Program Dates: June 10 – 21
Cost: Free, but students are responsible for their own transportation. Stipend of $200 provided
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: April 15
Image Source – Horizon Logo
