If you’re a high school student looking to boost your resume, you should know that your academics aren’t the only thing you need to showcase! Summer programs, along with a rigorous academic profile, offer you a unique opportunity to gain real-world skills, build impressive resumes, and explore your interests in a hands-on environment.
If you’re a student in North Dakota seeking to expand your knowledge or work on a research project, this list highlights 12 summer programs that provide solid experiences across various fields. Each program is selected for its rigorous focus and development potential. 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 North Dakota
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
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.
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 very 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 will be paired with a professor or a Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You will then develop a 20-page university-level research paper suitable for submission to prestigious journals.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
2. University of North Dakota Summer Camps
Subject Areas: Robotics, Rocket Design, Concrete Infrastructure, Environmental Engineering, General STEM
Location: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Eligibility: Open to students from various grade levels (Grades 1-12, depending on the camp)
Application Deadline: Not listed, assumed rolling admissions
Program Dates: June – August
Cost: Varies by camp (ranges from $50 to $80 for day camps)
The University of North Dakota’s Summer Camps offer a range of hands-on STEM experiences designed to engage students in robotics, rocket design, sustainable infrastructure, and more. Options include the BatSuBot Camp (robotics and engineering challenges for Grades 9-12) and Intro to Rocket Design (using the Kerbal Space Program for space simulations, open to ages 9-14). Additional camps cover advanced topics like concrete mixing and environmental engineering, providing a blend of academic learning and real-world applications.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: AI, Coding, Computer Science
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple start dates are available throughout the year.
Cost: AI Scholars – $1790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship – $4900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) – $5900
Founded by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI offers programs for high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science and AI. The curriculum covers neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, you build real-world projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase your interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship which provides one-on-one mentorship with experts from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks.
4. Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars
Subject Areas: Varied academic disciplines (based on program partner offerings, including STEM, humanities, and social sciences)
Location: Partner institutions across the U.S. (e.g., Harvard, Brown, MIT, and more)
Eligibility: High-achieving female-identifying high school students from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota entering grades 11 or 12 (exceptional rising 10th graders are occasionally considered)
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: Vary by partner institution; typically summer sessions range from 2 to 6 weeks
Cost: Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, covering full or partial tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and supplies
The Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars program provides young women with scholarships to attend pre-college academic programs at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. As a Scholar, you’ll gain exposure to diverse disciplines, engage in rigorous coursework, and experience college life. The program is designed to provide academic tools, leadership development, and the confidence needed to succeed at selective institutions.
5. Indians Into STEM
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
Location: Valley City State University, Valley City, ND
Eligibility: Native American students in North Dakota who have completed at least 6th grade; priority given to enrolled members and descendants of federally recognized tribes
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 16 – 20 (9th – 10th grade) | June 23 – 27 (11th – 12th grade)
Cost: Free
The Indians Into STEM (INSTEM)Academy is a 4-day summer program designed to increase awareness and interest in STEM fields among Native American students from North Dakota. Hosted by the Great Plains STEM Education Center at VCSU, INSTEM provides hands-on STEM activities, field trips to STEM-related businesses, and exposure to potential career paths in STEM industries. Through labs and projects, you’ll gain practical skills in various STEM disciplines, while also building teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Participants stay in university residence halls, offering them a chance to experience campus life and prepare for future academic environments.
6. North Dakota Governor’s School
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
Location: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors who reside in North Dakota and have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June 2 – June 28
Cost: Free
The North Dakota Governor’s School offers a four-week residential program for academically motivated students interested in deepening their knowledge in STEM fields. You will select from pathways such as Laboratory Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. Each pathway provides hands-on experience through a combination of classroom learning, lab work, and field trips. You’ll also have opportunities to engage in collaborative research and apply problem-solving skills in real-world projects, using tools like CAD or statistical software, tailored to your chosen focus.
7. University of North Dakota International Aerospace Camp
Subject Areas: Aviation, Air Traffic Control, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Location: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 15-20 | June 22-27
Cost: $1,800
The University of North Dakota International Aerospace Camp offers an aviation opportunity for high school juniors and seniors. Over a week, you will learn the fundamentals of flight, including hands-on experience with flight simulators and introductory flight lessons. The program also covers areas like air traffic control, flight physiology, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). You will work with industry-leading instructors and have access to advanced technology, including flight training devices and UND’s aircraft fleet.
8. Dakota State University GenCyber Camp
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Network Security, Cryptography
Location: Dakota State University, Madison, SD
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 through 12
Application Deadline: Not listed
Program Dates: June 8-13
Cost: Free
Dakota State University’s GenCyber Camp is designed to introduce high school students to the world of cybersecurity through hands-on learning and real-world applications. Throughout the camp, You’ll explore areas such as ethical hacking, network security, cryptography, and digital forensics. No prior experience in cybersecurity is required, and students will work alongside industry professionals and DSU professors. Additionally, the camp offers electives in areas like website building and engineering light shows, providing a well-rounded technical learning experience.
9. PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Laboratory Science
Location: Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year in fall
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: May 27 – August 1
Cost: Free; includes a $2,500 scholarship and 3 undergraduate elective credits at the University of South Dakota
The PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship is a 10-week immersive research experience for high school students with an aptitude for biomedical sciences. You will work directly with Sanford Research scientists on advanced research projects, gaining hands-on experience with techniques like cell culture, Western blotting, and luciferase assays. The program also includes professional development workshops and concludes with a scientific poster presentation at the Sanford Research Symposium. Scholars not only contribute to real-time research but also earn 3 undergraduate elective credits.
10. Culinary Intensive
Subject Areas: Culinary Arts, Food Preparation, Baking, Presentation Techniques
Location: North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND
Eligibility: Students aged 16 and older with an interest in culinary arts
Application Deadline: May 24
Program Dates: June (4-day program, exact dates TBD)
Cost: $350 (includes meals, supplies, and instruction)
The Culinary Intensive offers high school students an immersive experience in professional cooking and food preparation. Over four days, you’ll work with NDSCS Culinary Arts faculty to learn essential culinary skills, including knife techniques, food safety, baking, and meal presentation. The program offers hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, where you’ll prepare gourmet dishes and gain a feel for the fast-paced, creative culinary environment. Ideal for aspiring chefs, this program provides a valuable glimpse into a career in the culinary industry.
11. University of North Dakota INMED Summer Institute
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Math, Communication/Study Skills
Location: University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND
Eligibility: American Indian students entering grades 7-12
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Not listed
Cost: Free
The INMED Summer Institute is a six-week academic enrichment program designed for American Indian students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and health, alongside communications and study skills essential for healthcare careers. The experience includes living in dorms on a college campus, 24/7 supervision, and field trips that enhance learning. With opportunities to interact with American Indian healthcare professionals, this program offers a well-rounded introduction to college life and healthcare education.
12. Rising Leadership North Dakota
Subject Areas: Leadership, Professional Development, Business, Healthcare
Location: University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: Not listed
Program Dates: Not listed
Cost: Not mentioned
Rising Leadership North Dakota is a four-day summer camp designed for high school students to develop key professional skills, gain insight into career paths, and network with industry leaders. Hosted at the University of Mary, the program provides a blend of hands-on learning activities, such as business simulations and healthcare workshops, designed to deepen students’ understanding of potential career paths. You’ll engage in workshops led by business and healthcare leaders, gain insights through networking with industry innovators, and have focused sessions with university faculty in both business and health sciences.
Our Thoughts
North Dakota offers a wide array of summer camps designed to engage youth in practical, hands-on learning experiences. These programs cover a range of subjects, from STEM and outdoor skills to cooking and leadership, helping students explore their interests in unique ways. The camps emphasize both fun and education, with activities like archery, robotics, livestock handling, and environmental exploration. Overall, these camps focus on skill-building, teamwork, and personal development in an outdoor setting.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
