10 Math Research Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
Programs that focus on math research are a strong option if you already enjoy problem-solving and want to see what math looks like beyond textbooks. These programs help you build practical research skills, explore real mathematical questions, and often work closely with mentors who actively teach or research in the field. Many also allow you to work with mentors who teach or conduct research in mathematics while developing analytical thinking, proof-writing, and mathematical communication skills.
Why should you attend a program in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to several universities and research institutions that offer advanced academic opportunities for high school students interested in mathematics. Programs in the state often emphasize theoretical problem-solving, proof-based reasoning, and long-term research mentorship through structured academic environments. Since many major mathematics institutes and university research groups are located in the region, students can explore rigorous mathematical study and connect with faculty, researchers, and peers who share similar interests.
To help with your search, we’ve compiled this list of 10 math research programs for high school students in Massachusetts.
If you’re looking for free programs in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost, stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 100 students worldwide
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students) with exceptionally strong academic records; recommended PSAT Math 740+, EBRW 700+, or ACT Math 33+ and Verbal 34+
Research Science Institute is a six-week summer research program at MIT that selects about 100 students globally. If you are chosen for the math track, you start with one week of advanced STEM seminars taught by MIT faculty. You then spend five weeks working with a graduate student mentor on an original research project. Past math topics include braid group symmetries and Poisson geometry. You learn how to read academic papers, design a research plan, and present your findings through a formal paper and presentation. This experience closely mirrors what undergraduate and graduate math research feels like.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students passionate about AI with a supportive environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Northeastern University Young Scholar Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who live and attend school in Massachusetts within commuting distance of Northeastern University
The Young Scholars Program at Northeastern University is a six‑week summer research experience that places rising high school seniors in university research laboratories across engineering, science, and health sciences. Students work under the guidance of faculty, graduate students, and lab mentors on ongoing research projects, gaining exposure to practical research methods and problem‑solving. While YSP spans multiple STEM fields, the program includes quantitative reasoning, data interpretation, and analytical skills related to mathematical approaches in scientific research. The schedule also includes seminars and presentations that highlight different areas of science and engineering, offering context on how mathematical thinking supports broader research activities.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Math Track
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program, financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records
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.
5. MIT PRIMES-USA
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: January 1 – December 31
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school sophomores and juniors near Boston
MIT PRIMES is a free, year‑long research program that connects high school students with mathematical research mentors, usually graduate students or faculty, to work on open problems in mathematics and related quantitative areas. Participants meet regularly, either in person (for those in Greater Boston) or via remote collaboration, to engage with advanced reading, problem sets, and ongoing research tasks that reflect practices in mathematical investigation. Projects span pure and applied mathematics and may include topics linked to theoretical computer science or computational approaches, emphasizing reasoning, proof, and analytic thinking. The PRIMES structure is designed to provide students with sustained exposure to research processes and problem‑solving beyond standard high school coursework.
6. Mathroots Program
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 1 - July 15 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: March 3 (Tentative)
Eligibility: Ages 14–18; U.S. citizens or U.S. high school students
Mathroots is a two-week summer program focused on creative mathematical thinking. You participate in instructor-led classes and collaborative problem-solving sessions. The program emphasizes proof techniques and non-standard approaches to mathematics. Precalculus is recommended but not required. Housing and meals are fully covered by the program. Instruction takes place on MIT’s campus.
7. Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle Program
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free (Application fee $5; waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: February – May
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school students living near Boston
The Menezes Challenge PRIMES Circle Program places you in small mentor-led math reading and discussion groups. You meet weekly on the MIT campus for in-depth exploration of advanced topics. Emphasis is placed on concept mastery rather than speed. You develop expository writing skills alongside problem-solving. At the end, you submit a formal paper and present your work. The program requires consistent in-person attendance in Massachusetts.
8. UMass Amherst Discovering Mathematics Program
Location: UMass Amherst, MA
Cost/Stipend: $4,119 (Residential) | $2,337 (Commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: July 26 – Aug 8
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to high school seniors
This two-week classroom-based program focuses on strengthening your mathematical foundations. You attend daily in-person sessions covering structured coursework. The program emphasizes guided instruction over independent research. You earn academic credit while engaging with faculty and peers. Residential and commuter options are available. While not research-driven, this program helps prepare you for future advanced math study.
9. Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)
Location: Hampshire College, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: $6,511; free for domestic students under $85,000 income
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 51 students
Dates: June 29 – August 9
Application Deadline: April end (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students
HCSSiM is a six-week residential program focused on college-level mathematics and problem-solving. During the first half, you study material similar to undergraduate number theory or combinatorics in daily workshops. In the second half, you select one advanced maxi-course and two focused mini-courses. You also attend daily PrimeTime Theorem lectures from visiting mathematicians. Instruction is intensive and discussion-driven. This program is known for deep theoretical engagement rather than applied research.
10. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $3,750; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 students
Dates: Session One: June 15 – July 3 | Session Two: July 6 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
SUMaC is a selective virtual mathematics program for students interested in advanced theoretical topics. You work in small collaborative groups on challenging proofs and abstract problem sets. The curriculum focuses on abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology. You also explore the limits of classical constructions and symmetry analysis. Instruction mirrors the pace and style of undergraduate mathematics. The program emphasizes group discussion, formal reasoning, and deep theoretical engagement.
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