15 Best Science Programs for High School Students
If you're a high school student looking to explore science before committing to it in college, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or lab work with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Whether your interests lie in biology, physics, computer science, or engineering, these programs can help you test out a field before deciding to pursue it further.
What are the benefits of a science program?
A science program can give you access to lab equipment, mentorship, and research questions that go beyond what a standard classroom offers. Depending on the program you choose, you could conduct experiments alongside faculty and graduate students, work through a computational research project, or contribute to an ongoing study in a specific field. Whether you're drawn to biology, physics, engineering, or computer science, these programs can help you build technical skills while getting a clearer sense of what the field actually involves.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve narrowed down our list to the 15 best science programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span genetics, biomedical research, astrophysics, computational biology, AI, materials science, neuroscience, and engineering, so students with a wide range of science interests can find a relevant option in person or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including JAX Summer Student Program ($7,500 stipend), ARISE at NYU Tandon ($2,000 stipend), Berkeley BLDAP ($500 per week), Simons Summer Research (stipend provided), CMU SAMS (fully funded), and NIST SHIP (free), while SSP is free for families earning under $75,000.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from focused two-week virtual programs, such as Veritas AI, to year-long research cycles, such as MIT PRIMES, so students can choose based on their experience level and availability.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including Rockefeller SSRP (January 2), MIT PRIMES (December 1), RSI (December 10), and JAX Summer Student Program (January 26), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $75 application fee (can be waived)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students worldwide
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors; you can check the additional requirements here
RSI is a six-week residential STEM program hosted at MIT and run by the Center for Excellence in Education. You will begin with a week of intensive lectures delivered by MIT faculty across mathematics, science, and engineering, followed by five weeks of individual research conducted under the direct supervision of a scientist or engineer at MIT or a Boston-area research institution. You will go through the full research cycle: developing a literature review, executing a research plan, and presenting your findings in both written paper and oral form to an external panel of scientists during the final week. Projects span mathematics, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, computer science, robotics, and physics, and five papers and five oral presentations are selected each year for special commendation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. The AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars program or experience with Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and graduating seniors (17+) with demonstrated academic ability
This intensive research program pairs 12 high school students directly with experienced faculty mentors for one-on-one scientific exploration. Research fields include biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and multiple branches of engineering. You’ll spend your days executing experimental protocols, learning advanced data analytics, and participating in active laboratory operations. Alongside lab work, you attend weekly seminars, career development discussions, and academic networking events. The program requires each scholar to write a comprehensive research report and deliver a final presentation to faculty.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
Stipend: $7,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~24 – 28 positions (high schoolers and undergrads)
Dates: May 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (18+) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
In the JAX Summer Student Program, you complete an independent research project focused on genetics and genomics under the supervision of a dedicated mentor. You formulate a specific hypothesis, design control experiments, and utilize advanced laboratory instrumentation to gather genomic data. The curriculum integrates laboratory work with professional development workshops, communication seminars, and ethics discussions. You’ll integrate directly into active research groups, participating in weekly laboratory staff meetings and data reviews. At the conclusion of the ten weeks, you present a formal talk and submit a research report summarizing your scientific outcomes.
6. Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP)
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Public school students in the 10th and 11th grade (16+) by the start of the program
This project-based apprenticeship introduces students to data science, computer modeling, and modern scientific research methodologies. You work directly with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory scientists on current computational research tasks. You’ll learn foundational coding skills, use statistical tools to interpret scientific data sets, and study environmental energy systems. The focus is on real-world applications of STEM to solve complex problems in climate science, physics, and biosciences. The program culminates with students building a digital portfolio and presenting their scientific findings to laboratory staff.
7. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Location: Multiple university campuses across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free for students with a family income <$75,000; scaled fees up to $11,800 for other students. Limited $3,000 lost wages/stipends will be provided for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 36 students/campus
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the prerequisite coursework requirements
SSP allows students to operate in teams of three to conduct a complete, real-world scientific research project from start to finish. The curriculum is split into specialized research tracks, including Astrophysics, Bacterial Genomics, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology. You gather original laboratory data, write custom software to analyze your findings, and model complex biological or astronomical systems. Daily schedules feature intensive morning lectures on core principles, followed by afternoon and evening laboratory or observatory sessions. Rather than on exams or grades, the focus is on peer collaboration and mastery of technical skills.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee (can be waived); limited number of need-based stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
This science program places high school students inside active medical school laboratories to perform hands-on biomedical research. You select one of eight specific focus areas, including Immunology, Cancer Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Medicine, Genetics, or Bioinformatics. Alongside laboratory experiments, you’ll attend specialized lectures regarding pathways to careers in medicine and science. A separate Bioengineering track enables teams to design and assemble operational biomedical prototypes. The experience culminates in a professional poster session where you present your scientific discoveries to the Stanford research community.
9. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (optional housing costs apply); a stipend will be provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
This science program allows high school students to join established faculty laboratories in the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering. You learn to perform advanced laboratory techniques, execute data-collection protocols, and interact with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. The curriculum includes specialized weekly workshops, library research sessions, and special faculty lectures covering current scientific breakthroughs. You’ll be expected to complete independent components of ongoing university research projects during your six weeks on campus. At the end of the program, you’ll present your comprehensive scientific abstracts and findings at a research symposium.
10. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Stipend: Need-based stipends may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
High school students in this science program spend seven weeks working as dedicated junior scientists within a specialized, collaborative research environment called the RockEDU team. You choose specific laboratory tracks that span biomedical sciences, microbiology, structural biology, and biophysics. You’ll learn foundational scientific techniques, read primary academic literature, and design individual protocols to answer specific biological questions. The daily routine balances wet lab experiments, computational analysis, and group modeling sessions. The program concludes with a formal research symposium where you present data to university faculty and peers.
11. ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) – NYU Tandon
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY (hybrid; remote for first 4 weeks, in-person from July onward)
Stipend: $2,000 stipend awarded upon completion
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: Late February
Eligibility: NYC residents attending NYC high schools; rising juniors and seniors only
ARISE is a free 10-week summer research program at NYU Tandon where high school students are placed in one of over 80 university research labs spanning biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, bioengineering, and more. Working directly alongside NYU faculty and graduate student mentors, students contribute to active research projects for the full duration of the program. The program also includes professional development workshops covering scientific writing, resume building, and college preparation, giving students direct access to NYU's academic and professional networks. It concludes with a colloquium presentation at NYU and a poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History, putting students in front of researchers, scientists, and professionals from across New York City.
12. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~40 students
Dates: 5+ weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students (16+) who are U.S. citizens
This science program integrates high school students into ongoing research projects in Princeton's science and engineering laboratories. Selected students work full-time alongside faculty members, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate student researchers. You’ll complete daily tasks involving quantitative mathematical modeling, biological testing, chemical synthesis, or the construction of engineering prototypes. You’ll be fully embedded in the regular schedule of lab meetings, journal clubs, and scientific discussions. The experience focuses on developing practical technical competencies, maintaining precise laboratory notebooks, and learning professional scientific communication.
13. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors (16+) with demonstrated financial need
This program provides rigorous academic training in college-level STEM disciplines through a dual-component curriculum. You attend specialized lectures in calculus, physics, computer science, and chemistry led by university faculty. In addition to core coursework, you’ll work in teams to execute hands-on engineering or science projects within university laboratories. The program focuses on building technical problem-solving skills, data analysis capabilities, and scientific communication proficiency. Dedicated tutoring, academic counseling, and professional development workshops run parallel to the daily scientific schedule. The program concludes with a closing symposium where you present your final technical project outcomes to faculty and peers.
14. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who live within 50 miles of the relevant NIST campus and are U.S. citizens
In this science program, you’ll work alongside professional federal scientists and engineers on active scientific research projects. You’ll be paired directly with a National Institute of Standards and Technology staff mentor within specific laboratory divisions, including material science, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, engineering, and physical measurements. You’ll perform physical experiments, calibrate equipment, and use data analysis software to solve measurement science challenges. You’ll participate in internal laboratory seminars and observe standard testing procedures used in government research. At the end, you’ll compile your technical data and deliver a formal presentation to your respective laboratory divisions.
15. MIT Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science (PRIMES)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores in Greater Boston
This program lets high school students work through a year-long research cycle focusing on advanced mathematics, computational biology, and computer science problems. You’ll be paired directly with MIT faculty members and graduate student mentors to tackle unsolved research queries. The spring semester focuses on foundational reading and background study to prepare for active experimentation. During the summer, you’ll dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to executing computational tasks, data analysis, and algorithm design. In the fall, you’ll compile your findings into formal, publication-quality scientific research papers. At the end of the program, you’ll deliver an oral presentation at the annual MIT PRIMES conference.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the best science programs for high school students?
Strong options include RSI at MIT and Simons Summer Research for competitive research placements, JAX Summer Student Program and Stanford SIMR for biomedical and genetics research, SSP for team-based astrophysics or biochemistry, and Veritas AI and Lumiere for virtual independent research in AI and other scientific fields.
2. Are there free or paid science programs for high school students?
Yes, JAX Summer Student Program provides a $7,500 stipend, ARISE at NYU Tandon provides $2,000, Berkeley BLDAP pays $500 per week, and Simons Summer Research includes a stipend. CMU SAMS and NIST SHIP are free to attend, and SSP is free for families earning under $75,000.
3. Which science programs are most selective?
Simons Summer Research has an acceptance rate below 5 percent, RSI admits only 100 students worldwide, Anson L. Clark Scholars accepts only 12 students, and Rockefeller SSRP accepts 32 students. All four require strong academics and, for most, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
4. When should I apply to science programs for high school students?
MIT PRIMES closes December 1, RSI closes December 10, and Rockefeller SSRP closes January 2. JAX and NIST SHIP both close January 26, and Simons closes February 5. Students should begin researching options in the fall to avoid missing the most competitive deadlines.