9 Free Math Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in math, a summer program can be a great opportunity for you to delve deeper into your interests. Math summer programs give you a chance to stretch beyond the classroom and see the subject in new and exciting ways. These free opportunities provide you with exposure to skills, research methods, and even glimpses of how math is used in different industries. Since they come at no cost, they open doors for students from all backgrounds to gain experience and connections without financial barriers. Many of these programs are hosted by prestigious universities and organisations, making them good stepping-stones for students who want to challenge themselves and prepare for future academic or career paths. For students interested in math, computer science, engineering, or related fields, such programs are an exciting way to apply knowledge in new contexts and build lasting peer networks.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 free math summer programs for high schoolers.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Dates: Late June to Early August
Cost: Free (including tuition, housing, and meals)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors); exceptionally strong academic background required
Deadline: January 15 for US students, March 15 for International students
Each summer, the Research Science Institute brings together 100 of the most accomplished high school students from around the world to MIT for a 6-week STEM experience. RSI is fully cost-free for students and is one of the most competitive pre-college programs available. It combines an intensive week of theory-based classes with a 5-week mentored research internship, allowing you to experience the full research cycle - from designing experiments and analysing data to presenting conference-style papers and talks. Students with strong math and science backgrounds will find this program particularly rewarding, as it demands both academic excellence and genuine curiosity for research.
2. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Cost: Fully funded program
Eligibility: High school students or rising college freshmen with strong academic records
Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project over 12 weeks. You can choose topics in areas such as applied math, computer science, AI, and more. With multiple cohorts each year, you can choose a timeline that works for you and gain experience that strengthens both your academic and personal growth.
3. Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS) - Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free (fully funded; financial documentation required)
Dates: June 16 - 17 (virtual Jumpstart); June 21 - August 2 (residential program)
Eligibility: Current 11th graders; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; at least 16 years old by program start
Deadline: February 1
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a fully funded, 6-week residential program at Carnegie Mellon University designed to support high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM. You will begin with a 2-day virtual “Jumpstart” before moving into a rigorous in-person curriculum that blends math, science, research projects, and college preparation. Beyond academics, you will also take part in mentoring groups, writing workshops, and career exploration sessions - all while building a strong peer community. This is a highly competitive program that concludes with a Symposium where you will present your STEM projects and reflect on your learning.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program - Mathematics Track
Location: Virtual
Dates: Fall, Winter and Spring cohorts available
Cost: Varies based on program type; Full financial aid available
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance; must have completed Calculus I (AP Calc AB, IB Math HL, or equivalent)
Deadline: Fall - Aug 31, Winter - Nov 23, Spring - Feb 15
The Theoretical Mathematics: Knot Theory track at Horizon Academic is designed for high school students ready to go beyond classroom math and explore higher-level concepts usually encountered in university courses. Knot theory is a branch of topology that studies the properties of knots - not the kind you tie with rope, but abstract mathematical objects with surprising applications in physics, biology, and computer science. You will work closely with professors and researchers to engage in undergraduate-level research, culminating in a 20-page academic paper. This is an ambitious but rewarding option for those who already have a strong math foundation and want to test their skills in a rigorous, research-based environment.
5. √mathroots (MIT-PRIMES)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Dates: July 1 - July 15
Cost: Free (including tuition, housing, and meals)
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest and potential in mathematics; students from underrepresented or challenging backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Deadline: March 3
√mathroots is a 14-day summer program designed for high school students with a strong interest in mathematics and creative problem solving. Hosted by MIT-PRIMES, the program goes beyond the standard curriculum, exposing you to elegant mathematical ideas, proof techniques, and innovative approaches to problem solving. You will engage in classes, group activities, and lectures led by experienced instructors, while also building connections with peers who share a passion for math. The program especially values students who have shown resilience and initiative in overcoming barriers to learning.
6. (MS)² - Phillips Academy Andover
Location: Phillips Academy, Andover, MA (residential)
Dates: June 30 - August 2 (five weeks each summer, for three consecutive summers)
Cost: Free (tuition, room/board, materials, and transportation included)
Eligibility: 9th-grade students at publicly funded schools from underrepresented communities in math/science; preference for first-generation or low-income applicants
Deadline: January 15 (apply fall of 9th grade)
The Mathematics & Science for Minority Students (MS)² program at Phillips Academy Andover is a 3-summer residential experience designed for high-achieving high school students from underrepresented communities in math and science. Each summer, scholars spend five weeks on campus immersed in rigorous courses in Math, Science, and English - alongside college counselling and enrichment activities. The program also emphasises leadership, community, and personal growth, with opportunities to build new connections. Established in 1977, (MS)² has a long track record of helping students strengthen their academic foundation and prepare for careers in STEM fields. This is a great fit if you’re motivated in math and science and looking for a community that will challenge and support you over multiple summers.
7. IMA-MathCEP Math Modelling Camp
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (in-person, limited online slots may be available)
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 - 27
Eligibility: High school students who will have completed single-variable calculus by the end of the 2024-25 school year (graduating seniors eligible)
Deadline: May 31
The IMA-MathCEP Math Modelling Camp is a 1-week summer program that introduces high school students to how mathematics can be used to solve pressing real-world problems. Through practical projects, you will work on topics such as predicting population trends, analysing traffic, or modelling disease spread, while developing skills in collaboration and applied problem-solving. The camp is hosted at the University of Minnesota and gives you the chance to experience mathematical research.
8. G2 Math Program
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Dates: July 16 - August 1
Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and up to $500 airfare)
Eligibility: Female or non-binary students entering grades 9-12 (Fall 2025), at least 14 years old, U.S./Canadian citizens/residents or students enrolled in U.S./Canada schools
Deadline: March 31
Held at MIT, this opportunity is designed specifically for high school girls and non-binary students who want to dive deep into the world of Olympiad-level math. Over 2 weeks, you will learn advanced problem-solving techniques through classes, problem sets, and practice exams, while also enjoying seminars, group activities, and chances to connect with peers who share the same passion. With full funding that covers housing, meals, and even airfare, this program removes barriers so students can focus entirely on learning and community.
9. RIT Math Summer Workshop
Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Deadline: Applications will open in July.
The RIT Math Summer Workshop is a 5-day program for high school students who want to explore math beyond the classroom in a fun yet challenging way. This workshop combines problem-solving with unusual and creative mathematical themes. You will get to engage with topics like probability, functions, mathematical biology, and even more unconventional puzzles like the Sisyphus function or the “insane grocery shopper’s problem.” With guidance from RIT professors, you will be encouraged to stretch your problem-solving skills and experiment with new ways of thinking about mathematics
10. PROMYS - Boston University
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Dates: June 29 - August 9
Cost: Varies based on family income. Free for families earning under $80,000; for information on higher income brackets, check the website.
Eligibility: Ages 14-18 who have completed 9th grade
Deadline: March 3
PROMYS is a 6-week intensive summer program at Boston University for highly motivated high school students to dive deeply into mathematics. Through number theory, you will explore advanced concepts, collaborate in a close-knit community, and attend lectures, seminars, and labs led by faculty and visiting mathematicians. First-time participants focus on rigorous problem-solving, while returning students join advanced seminars and research projects. With counsellors and mentors from top math programs, the program offers both challenge and support in equal measure.
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