15 Camps for High School Students in Michigan
If you are trying to build technical skills, explore a subject deeply, or spend part of your summer doing something more focused than a general enrichment program, camps can be a practical option. Compared to semester-long research programs or internships, camps are usually shorter and more structured, which makes them easier to fit into your schedule. Many camps focus on one subject area at a time, so you get focused exposure to topics such as engineering, medicine, coding, aerospace systems, biotechnology, or environmental science.
Why should you attend a camp in Michigan?
Many high school camps in Michigan and beyond are hosted by universities, government labs, and research institutes, offering direct exposure to professional environments. Some programs focus heavily on biomedical science and laboratory methods, while others explore quantum computing, aerospace engineering, AI, cybersecurity, or environmental science. In many of these camps, you will work on technical projects, learn how to analyze data, use scientific software, or collaborate with mentors on research-based tasks. Several camps for high school students in Michigan also expose you to presentation skills, poster sessions, coding workflows, and real scientific communication.
To make things easier, we narrowed down this list to 15 camps for high school students in Michigan.
If you’re looking for programs in Michigan, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 camps span quantum computing, AI, game development, electrical engineering, computational biology, genomics, nanotechnology, plasma science, biomedical research, and healthcare, so students with a wide range of STEM interests can find a relevant option in Michigan or online.
Several camps are free or low-cost, including MSU Quantum Motor City Camp (free, including housing and meals) and SEE Camp at University of Michigan ($750 with financial aid available), while most University of Michigan engineering camps run at $900, making them accessible relative to many university pre-college programs.
Many University of Michigan camps, including Power Up, Nano Size It, Entangle It, Zap It, and the miRcore computational biology series, give students direct access to professional research facilities, such as cleanrooms, the ZEUS high-power laser system, and high-performance computing clusters.
Programs vary in length and format, from three-day residential introductions, such as MSU Quantum Motor City Camp, to multi-module research programs spanning several weeks, such as Sequencing Your Genome Camp.
Most camps use rolling admissions without fixed application deadlines, including all University of Michigan engineering camps, miRcore camps, and Oakland University's health careers camp, so students should apply early to secure a spot rather than waiting for a posted deadline.
1. Quantum Motor City Camp – Michigan State University
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free, including on-campus housing and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective cohort-based admissions
Dates: July 29 – 31
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM, physics, mathematics, or computer science
The Quantum Motor City Camp is a free residential STEM camp supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and hosted at Michigan State University. The program introduces students to quantum technology, an emerging field that combines physics, mathematics, and computer science. Participants will learn foundational STEM concepts while also getting the opportunity to program a real quantum computer and tour a quantum computing laboratory. The camp also includes college preparation activities designed to help students better understand STEM pathways and university applications.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program; need-based financial aid available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective cohort-based admissions
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions for January, May, September, and November cohorts. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; AI Fellowship applicants should have prior AI or Python experience or have completed AI Scholars
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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.
3. Making a Game of It (MGIT) – Michigan State University
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $1,199
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited residential cohort; moderately selective
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: July 10
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international students entering grades 11–12 in Fall 2026, as well as recent graduates; applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in core STEM subjects such as math, science, and technology
Making a Game of It (MGIT) is a residential coding and game development camp for students interested in computer science and STEM careers. Participants learn Python programming while also designing and creating their own video games through practical projects. The program is led by Michigan State University faculty and graduate students with expertise in computer science research and teaching. Students acquire hands-on coding skills and enhance their problem-solving, creativity, and technical thinking abilities. MGIT additionally prepares participants for future enrollment in MSU’s Computer Science degree by introducing college-level computing concepts in an engaging setting.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition varies by program duration and track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions; students work individually with mentors
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic achievement (accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3/4 or higher); no prior research experience required
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. High School Engineering Institute (HSEI) – Michigan State University
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $1,099
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited residential cohort; moderately selective
Dates: Session 1: June 14–18; Session 2: June 21–25; Session 3: July 5–9; Session 4: July 12–16
Application Deadline: June 5 (Session 1); June 12 (Session 2); June 26 (Session 3); July 3 (Session 4)
Eligibility: U.S. and international students entering grades 10–12 in Fall 2026, as well as recent graduates; minimum 3.0 GPA in core STEM subjects such as math, science, and technology; transcript required
The High School Engineering Institute (HSEI) is a residential camp for students interested in engineering careers. Participants engage in activities, demonstrations, team problem-solving, and lab tours to explore various engineering majors. They also get the opportunity to interact directly with engineering faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates, providing them with firsthand experience of college-level STEM education. The program also includes presentations from the Honors College, the Admissions Office, the Study Abroad programs, and the internship/research opportunity centers.
6. Power Up – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; separate cohort for each week
Dates: July 13 – 17; July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students interested in energy systems, electrical engineering, and electric vehicles
By engaging directly with transformers, simple circuits, generators, solar cells, and electric motors, Power Up camp students grasp key concepts in modern electrical engineering. The program emphasizes how today's grid systems produce and distribute electricity, with particular attention to electric vehicle technology and electric drives. In addition to testing basic components, you'll explore how engineers address worldwide energy challenges through wireless power transfer, sustainable transportation designs, and renewable energy solutions.
7. Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp) – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $750; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small residential cohort; selective admissions
Dates: July 5 - July 11
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–11, especially students with limited access to engineering resources
The Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp) is a week-long residential STEM camp hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan. Students explore different engineering disciplines through hands-on engineering activities, design challenges, and collaborative problem-solving projects. During the week, campers collaborate in small teams to utilize the engineering design process to address a real-world challenge. They also explore the University of Michigan campus and the Big House, gaining insights into college admissions and student life from current students and staff. The camp features team-building and social activities like kayaking, leadership exercises, and tie-dye sessions, fostering a fun and supportive atmosphere.
8. Computational Biology Hybrid Camp – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $875 (In-person); $610 (Virtual); $75 application fee; Limited partial scholarships available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions; acceptance decisions released within 7–10 business days after essay review
Dates: Session 1: June 15–19; Session 2: July 6–10
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Academically motivated current high school students and incoming 9th graders interested in biology, medicine, math, and computation; a computer is required
The Computational Biology Hybrid Camp introduces students to genomics, transcriptomics, and computational disease research using real patient RNA expression data. Participants work in small groups to investigate diseases and identify potential RNA biomarkers, diagnostics, or treatment strategies through computational analysis. Students learn how scientists use tools such as gene expression analysis, statistics, protein pathway mapping, and biological data interpretation in modern medical research. In-person participants also complete wet-lab experiments or field trips, while virtual students follow a separate online research program.
9. Biotechnology Sequencing (BTS) Camp – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $875 (In-person); $610 (Virtual); $75 application fee; Limited partial scholarships available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions based on application essay; decisions released within 7–10 business days
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Academically motivated high school students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine; the prerequisite is a high school biology course
The Biotechnology Sequencing (BTS) Camp is an intensive summer program where students use real next-generation sequencing (NGS) data to investigate human infections such as COVID-19 and RSV. You’ll learn Linux, computational genomics, sequencing analysis, and biotechnology research methods while working in collaborative teams. Alongside scientific research, students also develop a startup idea and business pitch based on their findings, combining science with entrepreneurship and communication skills. The camp is supported by the Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering (MICDE), giving students access to the university’s high-performance computing cluster for advanced research.
10. Advanced Computational Biology Camp – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $875 (In-person); $610 (Virtual); $75 application fee; Limited partial scholarships available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions based on application essay; students grouped by coding experience
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Academically motivated high school students and exceptional 8th-grade students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine; no prior coding experience required
The Advanced Computational Biology Camp is a research-focused summer program where students analyze real cancer patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using the R programming language and machine learning tools. Students learn to identify cancer biomarkers, analyze microRNA sequencing data, and create scientific graphics for professional research and science fairs. The camp combines computer programming, statistics, genetics, and biomedical research to help students understand how data science is used in modern medicine. Students work with datasets in a collaborative environment while receiving support from multiple teaching assistants and instructors.
11. Sequencing Your Genome (SYG) Camp – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Full SYG Camp: $3,650 (includes one-year miRcore student membership); Students who previously completed the Computational Biology Camp: $2,775; $75 application fee; Additional discounts available for related camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions on a rolling basis
Dates: Module 1: June 15 – 19, July 6 – 10, or July 27 – 31 | Module 2: July 13 – 17 | Module 3: August 3 – 7
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Academically motivated high school students aged 16+ and college students interested in computational genomics; prerequisite is a high school biology course
The Sequencing Your Genome (SYG) Camp is an advanced summer research program in which students learn to analyze their own genomes using real sequencing data and computational biology tools. Participants explore topics such as personalized medicine, genetics, RNA sequencing, machine learning, and disease research through a three-module curriculum. Students also gain experience using the University of Michigan’s high-performance computing cluster to perform genomic analysis in a Linux environment. A major highlight of the program is the opportunity to use machine learning packages to predict ABO blood types and contribute anonymously to ongoing genomics research projects.
12. Explorations in Health Careers Summer Camp – Oakland University
Location: Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Cost/Stipend: $480
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; cohort-based participation
Dates: Section 1: June 15 – 19; Section 2: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 interested in healthcare and health sciences
The Explorations in Health Careers Summer Camp is a hands-on healthcare program designed for students interested in making a difference through careers in medicine, wellness, and public health. You can explore a wide range of health science fields through interactive problem-solving activities, simulations, and real-world healthcare scenarios. Students gain exposure to careers such as physical therapy, physician assistant studies, nutrition, public health, medical laboratory science, and exercise physiology. The camp is hosted in Oakland University’s state-of-the-art Human Health Building, which includes simulation labs, clinical learning spaces, and advanced technology classrooms.
13. Nano Size It – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; separate cohort each week
Dates: June 15 – 19; June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering, electronics, renewable energy, and nanotechnology; completion of required online safety courses before camp
The Nano Size It camp introduces students to the world of semiconductor engineering, nanotechnology, and renewable energy systems. Students work inside a world-class nanofabrication cleanroom facility to explore how semiconductor materials are transformed into technologies such as computer chips, solar panels, and electric vehicle systems. A major highlight of the camp is the opportunity to design, build, and test a working solar cell before using it to power a custom-built solar car. You also learn how digital logic circuits and smart hardware systems manage and monitor energy in modern electronics.
14. Entangle It – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; small cohort-based program
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students interested in physics, quantum computing, and advanced STEM topics; completion of required online training before camp
The Entangle It camp engages students with the intriguing realm of quantum mechanics and quantum technology via interactive learning. Through guided instructions and interactive lab simulations, you will examine the physics behind quantum entanglement, superposition, and subatomic behavior. The curriculum demonstrates exactly how these specialized scientific theories are currently being used by engineers to build quantum computers, advanced electronics, and secure communication systems.
15. Zap It – University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment; small cohort-based program
Dates: August 10 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students interested in physics, lasers, engineering, and plasma science; completion of required online safety and instructional courses before camp
Featuring an exclusive look inside the University of Michigan’s ZEUS Facility — which houses the highest-power laser system in the United States — the Zap It camp delivers an intensive introduction to plasma science and optics engineering. Students explore the practical, real-world engineering and scientific research applications of high-intensity beams through live lab demonstrations. Working alongside university researchers, you will discover how scientists use extreme laser systems to study advanced energy solutions and complex physics environments. The camp combines interactive learning with demonstrations and guided exploration of real research environments used by scientists and engineers.
Frequently asked questions
1.What camps are available for high school students in Michigan?
Options include quantum computing camps, such as MSU Quantum Motor City Camp and University of Michigan Entangle It, engineering and electronics camps, such as Power Up, Nano Size It, and Zap It, computational biology and genomics camps, such as miRcore's Computational Biology, BTS, and Sequencing Your Genome camps, coding and game design programs, such as MSU MGIT, healthcare and biomedical camps, such as Oakland University Explorations in Health Careers, and virtual research programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere.
2. Are there free camps for high school students in Michigan?
Yes, MSU Quantum Motor City Camp is fully free, including on-campus housing and meals. SEE Camp at the University of Michigan charges $750 with financial aid available, and the miRcore computational biology camps offer limited partial scholarships for eligible students. Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program also offer need-based financial aid for virtual programs.
3. Which Michigan camps are best for students interested in biology and medicine?
Students interested in biology and medicine might consider miRcore's Computational Biology Camp, Biotechnology Sequencing Camp, and Sequencing Your Genome Camp for genomics and computational disease research, Oakland University's Explorations in Health Careers for broad healthcare exploration, and Lumiere Research Scholar Program for independent research in biomedical or related fields.
4. Are there Michigan camps that offer access to real research facilities?
Yes, several camps place students inside professional university research environments. Nano Size It uses the University of Michigan's nanofabrication cleanroom, Zap It provides access to the ZEUS high-power laser facility, Entangle It uses quantum computing lab simulations, and miRcore camps use the university's high-performance computing cluster for genomic data analysis.
5. Which Michigan camps are open to students outside Michigan?
Several programs are fully virtual and open to students regardless of location, including Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program. MSU's residential camps, such as MGIT and HSEI, and University of Michigan camps also explicitly welcome U.S. and international students from outside Michigan.
6. When should I apply to camps for high school students in Michigan?
Most camps use rolling admissions without fixed deadlines, so applying early is the best approach. SEE Camp at University of Michigan has the only clearly posted deadline, closing February 19. MSU Quantum Motor City Camp closes April 18, and Sequencing Your Genome Camp closes May 31. For all other programs, students should monitor program websites from early spring onward and submit applications as soon as they open.