Summer is a great time to explore your interests, build new skills, and prepare for future career opportunities. The right summer program can provide invaluable hands-on experience in areas like environmental science, technology, and beyond. These programs are designed not only to boost your college applications but also to develop your knowledge and expertise in real-world settings.
If you’re a high school student in Wyoming eager to gain practical experience this summer, look no further. Here’s a list of 12 summer programs in Wyoming that provide a deep dive into various fields, helping you build a solid profile for future research projects or internships. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
12 Summer Programs for High School Students in Wyoming Accepting Applications
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
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! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
2. Broadway Musical Theater Intensive
Program Dates: June 14-30
Location: Sheridan College, Wyoming
Application Deadline: Usually by March 25
Cost: $1200-$1600
Eligibility: Ages 15-26
Subject Area: Theatre
Open to students ages 15 to 26, this program connects aspiring performers and tech enthusiasts with industry pros, giving them real-world stage experience. Whether you’re interested in the performance side or the technical side, you’ll get hands-on practice that builds toward a finale: multiple live performances of the rock opera Chess. This immersive experience is perfect for those eager to explore theater in-depth, guided by professionals in a collaborative environment.
3. Ladder Internship Program
Subjects Offered: Technology, Business, Finance, Machine Learning, AI, Healthcare, Software Engineering, and more
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
The Ladder Internship Program provides high school students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in high-growth startups across diverse industries such as technology, AI, and health tech. Throughout an 8-week internship, you’ll work on real projects, guided by seasoned managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Through personalized training and collaborative sessions with peers, you’ll develop essential skills in a professional environment. The program culminates in a presentation of your work, allowing you to showcase what you’ve learned.
With exposure to companies backed by strong funding and led by influential founders, this program is a solid opportunity for aspiring professionals looking to break into emerging fields.
4. PEAK Summer Program
Program Dates: Peak 1: June 1 – 15; Peak 2: June 16 – June 30
Location: Wyoming Catholic College
Application Deadline: March 1 to receive Early-Bird Discount
Cost: $1,195 (Early-Bird registers receive a $300 discount)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Subject Area: Geography
The PEAK Summer Program invites you, as a spiritually-minded high school junior or senior, to engage in both intellectual and outdoor pursuits. You’ll split your time between exploring classic “Great Books” and participating in outdoor adventures such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and a thrilling four-day backpacking trip. With scheduled time for prayer, contemplation, and the sacraments, this program offers a balanced experience, providing space for both personal reflection and exciting challenges.
5. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Youth Camp
Location: Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp, Wyoming
Program Dates: Boys Camp: June 6 – 12; Girls Camp: July 15 – 21
Cost: N/A
Eligibility: Ages 12-15
Application Deadline: Applications open on January 1. You can fill out an interest form to get updates.
Subject Area: Camping, Geography
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Youth Camp invites you, as a younger high school student (ages 12-15), to explore your passion for wildlife and outdoor adventure. During this week-long camp, you’ll discover careers like biologist and game warden, meet real agency personnel, and engage in hands-on activities like animal identification and scientific research. Phones are left behind to ensure an immersive, screen-free environment, allowing you to fully embrace outdoor exploration and learning.
6. Jackson Hole Science Expeditions
Location: Kelly Campus, Grand Teton National Park
Dates: July 1–24
Cost: $6,155
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Application Deadline: TBA
Subject Areas: STEM
Offered by Teton Science Schools, this 26-day program dives into the rich ecosystems of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Through front-country camping and backpacking adventures, you will conduct field research guided by expert instructors. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience in environmental science and wilderness exploration. The experience concludes with a presentation of your findings to the Teton community and environmental leaders. With a small cohort of around 20 campers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to collaborate closely with your peers throughout the journey.
7. SOAR Summer Camps
Location: SOAR Eagle View Ranch, Dubois, Wyoming
Dates: July–August, varies by activity
Cost: Varies by activity. See the full pricing list here.
Eligibility: High school students with ADHD and/or LD
Application Deadline: TBA
Subject Areas: Outdoor Activities
Tailored for teens with ADHD or learning disabilities, SOAR’s outdoor camps provide a unique opportunity to engage in activities like canoeing and horsepacking while developing life and social skills. With expert instructors, you’ll explore natural wonders such as Yellowstone’s geothermal features and predator behaviors. These immersive camps focus on building confidence, fostering teamwork, and strengthening your connection to nature in a supportive, inclusive setting.
8. Yellowstone Summer Music Camp
Location: Northwest College, Wyoming
Dates: June 15–20
Cost: $590 (overnight) / $390 (commuter)
Eligibility: High school students with at least one year of junior high/middle school band experience
Application Deadline: Usually in May
Subject Area: Music
Hosted by Northwest College, this weeklong camp brings young musicians together to perform in bands and choirs, study music theory, and explore topics like composing and digital art. With guidance from seasoned instructors, you can improve your musical skills and join fun fitness sessions. The camp also includes a college orientation covering financial aid, scholarships, and application tips.
9. Engineering Summer Program
Location: University of Wyoming
Dates: June 9-15
Cost: $350
Eligibility: High school juniors
Application Deadline: Usually in April
Subject Area: Engineering, Computer Science
This summer program offers high school juniors a hands-on introduction to engineering across multiple fields. Participants will dive into practical projects, like building digital circuits, programming robotic devices, and researching solutions to environmental issues. Through the Engineering Summer Program (ESP) at the University of Wyoming, you will work alongside faculty and advanced engineering students, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world lab settings.
The program provides insights into diverse engineering-related careers, spanning medicine, law, business, and core engineering fields. Admission is competitive, with only 36 students selected.
10. Native American Summer Institute (NAIS)
Location: University of Wyoming
Dates: Usually from June 2-8
Cost: Participants will receive a stipend of $1500
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
Application Deadline: N/A
Subject Area: Leadership, History
The Native American Summer Institute invites you, as a Native American high school student, to experience college life through an immersive program. You’ll stay in residence halls, attend academic workshops, and participate in on-campus and off-campus activities. The program also includes cultural activities that help strengthen your connection with your heritage and identity. Throughout the experience, you’ll build leadership skills, form supportive relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, and connect with current Native American college students, fostering a strong sense of community and support.
11. Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival
Location: University of Wyoming
Program Dates: Young Dancers’ Workshop (13–16): July 14–20; Pre-Professional/Professional Intensive (16+): July 21–27.
Cost: Varying costs. Find the full list here.
Eligibility: Ages 13-18
Application Deadline: Usually in July
Subject Area: Dance, Theatre
The Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival (SRSDF) is a dynamic five-day event for dancers, ages 13 and up, who want to elevate their skills and explore a range of dance styles. You will get to train with professional faculty across ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, pointe, and more. The festival wraps up with an inspiring Gala Performance, where dancers showcase what they’ve learned in front of an audience. Scholarships are available, making this an accessible opportunity for dancers to immerse themselves in professional training while building confidence and artistry.
12. Summer High School Institute (HSI)
Location: University of Wyoming
Program Dates: July
Cost: $325
Eligibility: High school juniors
Application Deadline: Usually in July
Subject Area: Computer Science, Law, STEM
The Wyoming Scholars Program invites you to immerse yourself in college life during a three-week experience at the University of Wyoming (UW). You’ll take college-level classes, stay in dorms, engage in community service, and participate in events both on and off campus. This program is designed to help rising juniors go beyond academics, fostering self-discovery and personal growth. Through a variety of activities, you’ll develop the “whole” person, challenge yourself, build meaningful connections, and gain a broader perspective on college and your future goals.
Image Source – University of Wyoming Logo
