Author: George Gatsios

STEM summer programs for high school students are a great way to dive into your field of interest early on. From internships and 1:1 mentorship to research programs and bootcamps, these opportunities allow you to build new technical and practical skills. Whether you want to explore science, technology, engineering, or math, STEM programs help you learn beyond the classroom and gain hands-on experience that can strengthen your college applications. 

Choosing the right STEM summer program can be challenging, so to help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 20 STEM summer programs for high school students. 

1. Delta Launch

Delta Launch by Delta Institute is a tech program designed specifically for high school students. You can choose between AI and code pathways, participate in master classes and technical workshops, and receive personalized mentorship from academics and industry experts. As part of the program, you will develop the necessary skills needed to build a unique, personal project using AI or coding problem-solving techniques. 

• AI Intensive / Code Intensive - A 5 week program of cohort + 1:1 learning, hands-on skill development, and collaborative projects. 

• AI Immersive / Code Immersive - A 12 week program of 1:1 mentorship to build a personalized project in any field at the intersection of AI/code (e.g., AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & sustainability) from scratch. 

Cost: Intensive - $2,200, Immersive - $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally 

2. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

COSMOS is a 4-week residential summer program for high school students interested in STEM. As part of the program, you have the opportunity to work with University of California faculty, researchers, and scientists to dive deep into STEM topics beyond classroom learning. The goal of the program is to foster interest, skills, and awareness of educational and career pathways in STEM fields through a rigorous curriculum that includes hands-on and lab-intensive learning. 

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’s 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: Rising 9th graders - 12th graders in California with a minimum GPA of 3.0

3. Delve Work-Experience Program

Delve Work-Experience is a 4-week internship program for high school students to engage with industry leaders and work on real-world projects in their field of interest. The program is fully virtual, and you can choose from companies such as Ferrari, AWS, Adobe, NHS, and more. 

This work-experience opportunity is a great fit for students who want to understand what the day-to-day of work in their chosen industry looks like, gain practical, hands-on skills, and network with industry professionals. The program includes direct mentorship from company managers and structured training. At the end of the program, students present their work and receive a certificate and a letter of recommendation from the company. 

Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the company 
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company 
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally

4. Harvard Pre-College Program

The Harvard Pre-College Program is an intensive 2-week program for high school students designed to give you a glimpse of college life. Students can choose from a variety of subjects such as biology, computer science, astronomy, statistics, physics, and math. Through the program, you will engage with industry professionals and academics, participate in group discussions, and work on hands-on projects. This program is a great fit for students looking to engage in college-level coursework, experience the rigor of university life, and connect with like minded peers. 

Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Location: Harvard University, Massachusetts
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions (June–July)
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-19

5. Deepen by Delta Institute – STEM Track 

Deepen is a 1:1 mentorship program designed to provide high school students with personalized guidance to dive deep into a specific subject area. Over 8 weeks, you receive mentorship from Ivy League alumni and industry leaders to develop advanced skills and work on a project in an area you are passionate about. 

This program is a great fit for students who are looking for a tailored curriculum, want to build their STEM portfolio for college admissions, and would benefit from a fully virtual program. In the past, students have worked on projects in fields such as biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, data science, and healthcare. 

Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally 

6. Indigo Research – STEM Track 

Indigo Research provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in research in a field they are interested in – computer science, biomedical engineering, AI, healthcare, data science, and more. Students are paired with a PhD teaching fellow or faculty member to develop a publishable research paper. 

Indigo’s offerings vary and can be either group based or 1:1, running anywhere from 2 to 50 weeks depending on your preferences. This program is a great fit if you’re interested in conducting in-depth, college level research and want to showcase a tangible outcome on your college applications.

Cost: Varies depending on the 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 

7. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

SUMaC is designed for talented high school students interested in advanced math. As a participant, you will engage in an intensive study of math, attend lectures, work on a guided research paper, and work on problem sets with peers. SUMaC is a great opportunity for students wanting to learn college-level math while still in high school, and are able to manage advanced coursework and assignments. The program is offered virtually (3 weeks) and in-person (4 weeks) and consists of daily lectures, problem-solving sessions, and concludes with 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 

8. Summer Science Program (SSP)  

SSP is a STEM research program with the goal of equipping high school students with the tools for scientific inquiry. Students can choose from different fields of study such as astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, cell biology, and synthetic chemistry. Over the course of 5 weeks, you will work in groups of three to delve into college-level scientific research with mentorship from leading scientists, researchers, and educators. 

Cost: $9,800
Location: Multiple university campuses across the U.S.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the field of study
Program Dates: Varies depending on the field of study 
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

9. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Programs (CTY)

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Programs are designed for middle and high school students to explore fields they are passionate about. CTY offers a range of in-person and online programs such as coding, algebra, physics, neurology, and more. As a participant, you will learn from expert instructors and gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen subject. You can choose from self-paced or session-based learning which allows you to interact with classmates through discussion boards, live meetings, and small clubs. 

Cost: Varies depending on the course
Location: Virtual or in-person in the summer (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the course selected
Program Dates: Varies depending on the course selected
Eligibility: Students must achieve qualifying test scores on CTY assessments. Required grade varies for each course

10. NYU Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC)

New York University’s Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC) is geared towards high school students interested in robotics, mechatronics, and programming. Through the 2-week program, you will gain an introduction to foundational programming skills, electrical and mechanical engineering, hands-on experience with robotics, and robot competitions and challenges. 

The program is taught by professors from NYU Tandon’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. You will gain practical experience in robotics through a combination of classes, workshops, and innovative tools and software. 

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, and Trigonometry. Preference for completion of PreCalc and enrolment in AP Stats/Calculus

11. MathCamp

MathCamp is an intensive, 5-week summer program for mathematically talented high school students in the USA and Canada. This program is an opportunity for students passionate about math to explore advanced college-level topics while building their problem-solving skills. Some of the topics include discrete mathematics, algebra and number theory, calculus and analysis, set theory, logic, and foundations, and more. You attend lectures and workshops, and work on math projects individually and with peers. 

Cost: $7,500
Location: Champlain College, Burlington, VT
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: June 28 – August 12
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 13 and 18

12. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) at MIT

The Beaver Works Summer Institute is hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT’s School of Engineering. Through the program, high school students engage in innovative STEM programs over the summer and dive into subjects of their choice. You can choose from different courses such as autonomous cognitive assistance, autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, autonomous underwater vehicles challenge, basics of ASICs, cyber operations, quantum software, remote sensing for disaster response, and serious games development with AI. 

BWSI is a good summer program for you if you are curious and interested in developing soft skills like teamwork and critical thinking, while working with cutting-edge technologies to succeed in future studies and careers in STEM. 

Cost: $2,350
Location: Online or at MIT, Cambridge, MA (depending on the course selected)
Application Deadline: March 30 
Program Dates: July 6 – August 2
Eligibility: 9-11 grade students residing and attending a high school in the U.S.

13. Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

SAMS provides an opportunity for high school students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields. As a participant in SAMS, you will dive into STEM subjects through classroom teaching, immersive projects, and interaction with faculty members and experienced mentors. The program has three key parts: 

• Virtual component focused on skill-building 

• 6-week, in-person program with courses and meetings 

• Networking and engagement experiences 

This program is a good fit for you if you’re interested in advanced, college-level coursework, research experience, collaboration with experts and like-minded peers, and experiencing college life. 

Cost: No cost 
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 20 – August 1 
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program

14. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) 

RSI is a STEM-focused program for high school students to engage in scientific research at MIT. Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education, this competitive program accepts 100 students each year and combines on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus research in science and technology.

As part of the program, you will engage in one week of intensive STEM classes with MIT professors, followed by five weeks of conducting individual research for a project under the guidance of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. At the conclusion of the program, you will deliver a written and oral presentation 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

15. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Girls Who Code aims to help girls around the world gain experience in coding to better prepare them for computer science and tech jobs. As part of this mission, the Summer Immersion Program introduces young girls to computer science while helping them build their network within the industry. As part of the program, you will attend live virtual classes sponsored by companies such as Bank of America, Game Design, and MetLife. The program is designed for beginners and gives you an introduction to computer science concepts, design processes, UX design basics, and game design. 

Cost: No cost
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Identify as a girl or non-binary. U.S. applicants must be freshman, sophomore, or junior and international students must be between the ages of 14-18

16. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer 

MITES Summer is a 6-week residential program designed for high school juniors interested in experiencing academically challenging courses in STEM and humanities. As part of the program, you will take five college-level courses in math, physics, life science, humanities, and a project-based elective like engineering design, electronics, or machine learning. The program includes daily classes with faculty and lab tours. 

You should consider this program if you’re interested in networking with like-minded peers, gaining access to admissions guidance and exposure to real-world STEM applications, and getting individualized written evaluations from instructors. 

Cost: No cost
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February 1 
Program Dates: Mid-June onwards
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents in grade 11

17. Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

The Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program is an 8-week program for high school students. The program aims to create interest in medical science, help students gain research skills, and increase diversity in the field. Through the program, you engage in basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers on a medically oriented project. Students can choose from different disciplines such as immunology, neurobiology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cancer biology, genetics and genomics, and more. 

Cost: Application fee - $50; stipend - $500 (minimum)
Location: Stanford University, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 8 – July 30 
Eligibility: Juniors at the time of application (16 years or older) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents living in the U.S. 

18. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

ASSIP is an opportunity for high school students to engage in STEM research. As part of the internship program, you choose from fields such as computer science, engineering, statistics, neuroscience, physics, and more. Over the course of the 8-week internship, you will choose a mentor engaging in research in your field of interest and contribute to their work. 

This is a great fit for students who want to receive mentorship, gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and technologies, develop research skills, refine their scientific writing and communication skills, and develop creative skills required for innovative research. As part of the program, you will explore STEM career choices, engage in discussions with professors and researchers, and earn college credits from George Mason University. 

Cost: Application fee - $25
Location: Virtual or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old

Check out more internship opportunities for high school students here! 

19. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program 

Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a competitive research program for high school students at Texas Tech University. The program takes place over 7-weeks in the summer and only 12 students are accepted each year. Through the program, you will conduct research in various fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, cancer biology, physics, and more. You will also participate in weekly seminars, field trips, discussions, and social activities. Students work directly with faculty on the general academic campus and the Health Science Center in a research-intensive setting. 

Cost: Application fee - $25
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February 16 
Program Dates: June 21 – August 5
Eligibility: Students must be at least 17 years of age at the start of the program be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

20. Columbia University’s HK Maker Lab 

HK Maker Lab is an initiative in collaboration with Columbia Engineering designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in STEAM. The 5-week program is engineering-design focused and combines rigorous coursework with hands-on application of theoretical learning. As a participant, you will gain in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering, gain hands-on experience in design and innovation techniques, and complete projects under the guidance of experienced instructors at Columbia University. 

Cost: No cost
Location: Columbia University, NY
Application Deadline: December 5
Program Dates: July 6 – August 7
Eligibility: Grade 10 or 11 students attending an NYCDOE public or charter high school and can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage