12 STEM Programs for High School Students
12 STEM Programs for High School Students
Dec 5, 2025
Author: George Gatsios
If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, getting a head start through programs that go beyond classroom instruction is a great way to strengthen your college applications. STEM programs for high school students offer structured, hands-on experiences that let you explore your interests in science, technology, engineering, and math while building practical skills.
There are many STEM programs available – from AI projects and coding bootcamps to research programs and work-based experiences where you collaborate with experts and gain real-world exposure.
To help you find the right opportunity, we’ve compiled a list of 12 STEM programs for high school students.
RSI is a STEM-focused program where high school students engage in scientific research at MIT. This competitive program is hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education and invites 100 students each year to combine on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.
As an RSI scholar, you will go through a week of intensive STEM classes with professors and then spend five weeks conducting research for individual projects under the guidance of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week, you deliver written and oral presentations on your research.
Cost: Application fee - $75
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: Second week of December
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet RSI’s academic prerequisites
Delta Launch by Delta Institute is designed for high school students interested in technology. You can pick between AI and code pathways and engage in master classes, technical workshops, and personalized mentorship. The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills necessary to develop a unique, personal project by the end of the program using AI/code problem-solving techniques. Delta Launch has two program formats:
Intensive - 5 weeks of cohort + 1:1 learning, hands-on skill development, and collaborative projects.
Immersive - 12 weeks of 1:1 mentorship to build a personalized project in any field at the intersection of AI/code (e.g., AI & finance, AI & medicine, AI & sustainability) from scratch.
Cost: Intensive - $2,200, Immersive - $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. You can schedule a call to learn more here.
Program Dates: Throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) program is a unique opportunity for high school students to work with scientists and engineers at NASA. As a student interested in STEM, you will get to work directly with NASA scientists and engineers on different projects.
Some of the tasks involved are learning how to interpret NASA satellite data, astronomy, remote sensing, space geodetic techniques to understand Earth systems, natural hazards, and climate science. The internship has an initial virtual learning component and an onsite component at the University of Texas, Austin for students to present their research at the program's symposium.
Cost: No cost
Location: University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: May to July
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (at the time of the program) who are U.S. citizens
Deepen is a customized mentorship program designed for high school students to dive deep into a specific subject area. Over 8 weeks, you receive guidance from Ivy League alumni and industry leaders to develop advanced skills, work on personalized projects in an area you are passionate about. The program is a great fit for students who would benefit from a tailored curriculum and are interested in building their STEM portfolio for college admissions.
By the end of the program, you have an industry-relevant project, hands-on experience, feedback from experts, and a recommendation letter. Past student project areas include biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, data science, and more. You can learn more by joining an infosession here.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. You can schedule a call to learn more here.
Program Dates: Throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
SAMS provides students from underrepresented communities the opportunity to explore STEM-related fields. As part of the program, you will have the chance to dive deep into STEM subjects through classroom teaching, immersive projects, and interaction with faculty members and experienced mentors. The program consists of three parts – 1) a virtual component focused on skill-building; 2) 6-week, in-person program with courses and meetings; 3) networking and engagement experiences.
With the university’s strong academic standing, this program is a good fit for you if you’re interested in advanced coursework, research experience, collaboration with experts, and experiencing college life.
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen/permanent resident and at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
Indigo provides students with an opportunity to engage in research in a field they are passionate about – data science, AI, computer science, engineering, robotics. Through the program, you will work with a PhD teaching fellow and faculty members to create a publishable research paper.
Indigo’s offerings vary and can be either group-based or 1:1 and run from anywhere between 2 to 50 weeks based on the type of program selected. This program is a great fit for you if you want to get involved with in-depth, college-level research early on, and want to have a tangible outcome to show on college applications.
Cost: Varies depending on program selected
Location: Virtual or in-person at Oxford
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program selected (usually rolling admissions)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program selected
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
MITES Summer is a 6-week, residential program for high school juniors interested in experiencing academically rigorous courses in STEM and humanities. As part of the program, you will take five college-level courses in math, physics, life sciences, humanities, and a project-based elective like machine learning, engineering design, electronics.
The program consists of lab tours, daily classes, and workshops, allowing you to experience college life. You get to engage with like-minded peers, gain access to admissions guidance, exposure to real-world applications of STEM, and get individualized written evaluations from instructors.
Cost: Free
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: Mid-June
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/’permanent residents currently in grade 11
NYU’s Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC) is an opportunity for high school students to learn the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. This 2-week program will introduce you to foundational programming skills, electrical and mechanical engineering, hands-on experience with robotics, and robot competitions and challenges.
Mentored by professors from NYU Tandon’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, you will gain practical experience in robotics through classes, workshops, and access to innovative tools and softwares.
Cost: $3,300
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Grade 9–12 students who have taken AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry. Preference for completion of PreCalc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus
SUMaC is designed for high school students interested in an intensive study of math. As part of the program, you will engage in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. SUMaC is a good fit for you if you are interested in exploring mathematics independently of other sciences and are able to manage college-level coursework and assignments. The program is offered virtually (3-weeks) and in-person (4-weeks), both consisting of daily lectures, synchronous problem-solving sessions, and a final research project presentation.
Cost: $3,750 (online); $8,950 (in-person)
Location: Virtual or in-person (Stanford University, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadline: To be announced. Applications open mid-December
Program Dates: June – July
Eligibility: Grade 10 and 11 students
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Programs are designed for middle and high school students to explore fields they are interested in. CTY offers a range of online and in-person programs from coding, and algebra, to physics and neurology. Taught by expert instructors, the courses help you gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen subject. You can choose from self-paced or session-based formats which allow you to interact with classmates through discussion boards, live meetings, and small clubs.
Cost: Varies by course
Location: Virtual or in-person in the summer (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD)
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Program Dates: Varies by course
Eligibility: Students must achieve qualifying test scores on CTY assessments (CTY-Level or above); grade levels vary by course
ASSIP offers high school students with on-campus and virtual research internships in STEM fields like computer science, engineering, neuroscience, statistics, physics, and more. As part of the 8-week internship, you can choose a mentor engaging in research in your field of interest and contribute to their work. Through this experience, you will receive mentorship, gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and technologies, develop research skills, refine your scientific writing and communication skills, and develop creative skills to perform innovative research.
The program is a great opportunity for you if you’re interested in exploring STEM career choices through engaging discussions with professors and researchers, while also earning college credits from George Mason University.
Cost: $25 (application fee)
Location: Virtual or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
COSMOS is an intensive academic program for high school students developed by STEM researchers and professionals. This program is designed for students who have an interest in STEM and could benefit from deeper learning and guidance. COSMOS helps students hone their interests, skills, and build awareness of educational and career options in STEM fields through an advanced curriculum, hands-on work, and lab experience.
You can pick from any of the following COSMOS campuses - UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. Each campus curriculum varies slightly based on the faculty and the campus’ unique teaching and research expertise.
Cost: $5,564
Location: University of California campuses
Application Deadline: February 6
Program Dates: July 5 – July 31
Eligibility: Students must be California residents in grade 8-12, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Author: George Gatsios
If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, getting a head start through programs that go beyond classroom instruction is a great way to strengthen your college applications. STEM programs for high school students offer structured, hands-on experiences that let you explore your interests in science, technology, engineering, and math while building practical skills.
There are many STEM programs available – from AI projects and coding bootcamps to research programs and work-based experiences where you collaborate with experts and gain real-world exposure.
To help you find the right opportunity, we’ve compiled a list of 12 STEM programs for high school students.
RSI is a STEM-focused program where high school students engage in scientific research at MIT. This competitive program is hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education and invites 100 students each year to combine on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.
As an RSI scholar, you will go through a week of intensive STEM classes with professors and then spend five weeks conducting research for individual projects under the guidance of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week, you deliver written and oral presentations on your research.
Cost: Application fee - $75
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: Second week of December
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet RSI’s academic prerequisites
Delta Launch by Delta Institute is designed for high school students interested in technology. You can pick between AI and code pathways and engage in master classes, technical workshops, and personalized mentorship. The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills necessary to develop a unique, personal project by the end of the program using AI/code problem-solving techniques. Delta Launch has two program formats:
Intensive - 5 weeks of cohort + 1:1 learning, hands-on skill development, and collaborative projects.
Immersive - 12 weeks of 1:1 mentorship to build a personalized project in any field at the intersection of AI/code (e.g., AI & finance, AI & medicine, AI & sustainability) from scratch.
Cost: Intensive - $2,200, Immersive - $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. You can schedule a call to learn more here.
Program Dates: Throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) program is a unique opportunity for high school students to work with scientists and engineers at NASA. As a student interested in STEM, you will get to work directly with NASA scientists and engineers on different projects.
Some of the tasks involved are learning how to interpret NASA satellite data, astronomy, remote sensing, space geodetic techniques to understand Earth systems, natural hazards, and climate science. The internship has an initial virtual learning component and an onsite component at the University of Texas, Austin for students to present their research at the program's symposium.
Cost: No cost
Location: University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: May to July
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (at the time of the program) who are U.S. citizens
Deepen is a customized mentorship program designed for high school students to dive deep into a specific subject area. Over 8 weeks, you receive guidance from Ivy League alumni and industry leaders to develop advanced skills, work on personalized projects in an area you are passionate about. The program is a great fit for students who would benefit from a tailored curriculum and are interested in building their STEM portfolio for college admissions.
By the end of the program, you have an industry-relevant project, hands-on experience, feedback from experts, and a recommendation letter. Past student project areas include biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, data science, and more. You can learn more by joining an infosession here.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. You can schedule a call to learn more here.
Program Dates: Throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
SAMS provides students from underrepresented communities the opportunity to explore STEM-related fields. As part of the program, you will have the chance to dive deep into STEM subjects through classroom teaching, immersive projects, and interaction with faculty members and experienced mentors. The program consists of three parts – 1) a virtual component focused on skill-building; 2) 6-week, in-person program with courses and meetings; 3) networking and engagement experiences.
With the university’s strong academic standing, this program is a good fit for you if you’re interested in advanced coursework, research experience, collaboration with experts, and experiencing college life.
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen/permanent resident and at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
Indigo provides students with an opportunity to engage in research in a field they are passionate about – data science, AI, computer science, engineering, robotics. Through the program, you will work with a PhD teaching fellow and faculty members to create a publishable research paper.
Indigo’s offerings vary and can be either group-based or 1:1 and run from anywhere between 2 to 50 weeks based on the type of program selected. This program is a great fit for you if you want to get involved with in-depth, college-level research early on, and want to have a tangible outcome to show on college applications.
Cost: Varies depending on program selected
Location: Virtual or in-person at Oxford
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program selected (usually rolling admissions)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program selected
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
MITES Summer is a 6-week, residential program for high school juniors interested in experiencing academically rigorous courses in STEM and humanities. As part of the program, you will take five college-level courses in math, physics, life sciences, humanities, and a project-based elective like machine learning, engineering design, electronics.
The program consists of lab tours, daily classes, and workshops, allowing you to experience college life. You get to engage with like-minded peers, gain access to admissions guidance, exposure to real-world applications of STEM, and get individualized written evaluations from instructors.
Cost: Free
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: Mid-June
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/’permanent residents currently in grade 11
NYU’s Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC) is an opportunity for high school students to learn the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. This 2-week program will introduce you to foundational programming skills, electrical and mechanical engineering, hands-on experience with robotics, and robot competitions and challenges.
Mentored by professors from NYU Tandon’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, you will gain practical experience in robotics through classes, workshops, and access to innovative tools and softwares.
Cost: $3,300
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Grade 9–12 students who have taken AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry. Preference for completion of PreCalc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus
SUMaC is designed for high school students interested in an intensive study of math. As part of the program, you will engage in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. SUMaC is a good fit for you if you are interested in exploring mathematics independently of other sciences and are able to manage college-level coursework and assignments. The program is offered virtually (3-weeks) and in-person (4-weeks), both consisting of daily lectures, synchronous problem-solving sessions, and a final research project presentation.
Cost: $3,750 (online); $8,950 (in-person)
Location: Virtual or in-person (Stanford University, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadline: To be announced. Applications open mid-December
Program Dates: June – July
Eligibility: Grade 10 and 11 students
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Programs are designed for middle and high school students to explore fields they are interested in. CTY offers a range of online and in-person programs from coding, and algebra, to physics and neurology. Taught by expert instructors, the courses help you gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen subject. You can choose from self-paced or session-based formats which allow you to interact with classmates through discussion boards, live meetings, and small clubs.
Cost: Varies by course
Location: Virtual or in-person in the summer (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD)
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Program Dates: Varies by course
Eligibility: Students must achieve qualifying test scores on CTY assessments (CTY-Level or above); grade levels vary by course
ASSIP offers high school students with on-campus and virtual research internships in STEM fields like computer science, engineering, neuroscience, statistics, physics, and more. As part of the 8-week internship, you can choose a mentor engaging in research in your field of interest and contribute to their work. Through this experience, you will receive mentorship, gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and technologies, develop research skills, refine your scientific writing and communication skills, and develop creative skills to perform innovative research.
The program is a great opportunity for you if you’re interested in exploring STEM career choices through engaging discussions with professors and researchers, while also earning college credits from George Mason University.
Cost: $25 (application fee)
Location: Virtual or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
COSMOS is an intensive academic program for high school students developed by STEM researchers and professionals. This program is designed for students who have an interest in STEM and could benefit from deeper learning and guidance. COSMOS helps students hone their interests, skills, and build awareness of educational and career options in STEM fields through an advanced curriculum, hands-on work, and lab experience.
You can pick from any of the following COSMOS campuses - UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. Each campus curriculum varies slightly based on the faculty and the campus’ unique teaching and research expertise.
Cost: $5,564
Location: University of California campuses
Application Deadline: February 6
Program Dates: July 5 – July 31
Eligibility: Students must be California residents in grade 8-12, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
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