15 Math Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in math, a mentor-led and curriculum-oriented program is a good option to explore it beyond the classroom. These programs give you the chance to study advanced topics, work on challenging problems, and gain insight into how math is used in fields like computer science, engineering, economics, and research. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with like-minded students and mentors to work on challenging projects.
Many are hosted by prestigious universities and organizations, giving you the chance to learn directly from experienced faculty and engage with current developments in mathematics. Along the way, you’ll see how math plays a role in shaping technology, scientific breakthroughs, finance, and even everyday decision-making. Whether you want to sharpen your skills, discover new areas of interest, or prepare for college-level study, these programs create a supportive environment for growth.
To make the search easier, we’ve carefully selected 15 math programs for high school students.
Here are 15 math programs for high school students.
1. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided, $40 application fee with a need-based refund.
Application Deadline: TBA. More info here
Dates: Typically 6 weeks between July and August
Eligibility: High School Juniors only (U.S. and International)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a summer program hosted at MIT that combines academic coursework with research experience in STEM fields. If you are selected for a mathematics project, you will work with an MIT faculty advisor and a graduate student mentor on a topic that matches your background and interests. The program includes an initial period of classes followed by several weeks of focused research, during which you meet regularly with your mentors. Mathematics research at RSI is overseen by faculty, including Professors David Jerison and Ankur Moitra, with support from program staff such as André Dixon. The goal is to introduce you to the structure and expectations of academic research in mathematics within a supportive setting.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program — Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, the Spring and Fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the Summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June to September)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12), with most accepted students being in grades 10 or 11. A strong GPA (3.67 unweighted or equivalent) and a demonstrated interest or achievement in the chosen subject are required
Horizon Academic is a trimester-long research program where you work one-on-one with a faculty mentor in a subject area of your choice. For students interested in mathematics, one option is a course in Theoretical Mathematics and Knot Theory, taught by Professor Vladimir Chernov from Dartmouth College. In this course, you study how knot theory connects to models of spacetime and explore mathematical tools like knot invariants, including quandles and polynomials. These concepts are used to examine whether two events in a (2+1)-dimensional spacetime can be causally linked. Over the course of the program, you develop a research paper based on your work. The program is designed to support focused academic writing and independent study within a specific topic.
3. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 21–August 2 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors from underrepresented communities who are 16 or older when the program begins can apply.
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a six-week program at Carnegie Mellon University for high school juniors interested in strengthening their background in math and science. As a participant, you take academic courses, join research activities, and attend workshops focused on topics like experimental design, data collection, and analysis. The program also includes seminars, group discussions, and a final event where you present your work. Leading up to the summer, you take part in virtual sessions that introduce skills such as academic writing, time management, and using digital tools. SAMS is designed to support students who may have had limited access to similar opportunities in the past.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Math Track
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June — August), fall (September — December), winter (December — February), and spring (March — June)
Eligibility: Must be a current high school student with strong academic performance (typically a 3.3 GPA or higher); No prior experience in your field of interest is required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research program where you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on a topic of your choice. The program includes a range of fields, including options in mathematics for students interested in theoretical or applied topics. You will choose your subject area at the start, then develop an independent research question with guidance from your mentor. Over the course of the program, you will meet regularly to plan, revise, and build your project. By the end, you would have completed a research paper based on your findings. The structure supports independent work while offering feedback throughout the process. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free for students whose annual family income is under $80,000. Up to $7,000 for the six-week residential program, depending on financial aid award
Application Deadline: March 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 29 — August 9 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older, have finished 9th grade, and are not yet in college can apply
PROMYS is a six-week summer program for high school students interested in mathematics. Each day, you will attend lectures focused on number theory and then participate in an advanced seminar of your choice. Previous seminar topics have included subjects like graph theory, Galois theory, and dynamical systems. You will also work in a small group on a research problem developed specifically for the program. A mentor supports your group as you work through the problem, prepare a written report, and present your findings. Some students have gone on to publish their work or present it at mathematics conferences.
6. Mathroots at MIT
Location: Residential, MIT, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: As per the previous program’s schedule, 2 weeks from June to July.
Eligibility: US citizens or students attending high school in the US (before the last year of high school) who are between the ages of 14 and 18
Mathroots is a 14-day summer program hosted by MIT-PRIMES for high school students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds who are interested in mathematics. The program introduces topics not usually covered in school and helps you develop your problem-solving approach through lectures, group work, and discussions. Instructors have experience in both mathematical research and competition settings. Throughout the program, you will explore new concepts, work through challenging problems, and strengthen your understanding of mathematical ideas in a collaborative environment.
7. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
Cost: No cost; the program provides a $750 stipend. On-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities/programming are covered. Travel to and from the program location, personal expenses, and medical expenses are not covered.
Application Deadline: February 16 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 22 — August 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in this or next year (U.S. and International)
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research program for high school juniors and seniors. If you are interested in mathematics, you have the opportunity to work on a research project under the guidance of a faculty member. The program accepts 12 students each year and includes regular meetings with mentors as you develop and complete your project. At the end of the program, you submit a written report summarising your research. Participants also receive a $750 stipend for their work over the summer.
8. Bryn Mawr College’s MathILy
Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)
Cost/Stipend: $5,300 ($1,060/week). Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: April 29 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 22 — July 26 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in mathematics. Students turning 18 during the program are eligible only for the online format
MathILy (Mathematics Infused with Levity) is a five-week summer program held at Bryn Mawr College for high school students interested in exploring advanced mathematics. The program focuses on proof-based learning and includes topics such as combinatorics, graph theory, and linear algebra. The structure includes two weeks of core coursework, one week of shorter exploratory classes called the “Week of Chaos,” and two final weeks of advanced instruction. You will work in a classroom environment that encourages discussion, questioning, and developing formal proofs. Faculty includes PhD-level mathematicians and graduate students who also help support activities outside of class. In addition to academic work, the program includes structured discussions and events focused on personal and academic development.
9. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara — Math Track
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara
Cost/Stipend: Commuter $5,175, Residential $12,474. Need-based scholarships are available. Priority given to California residents
Application Deadline: March 17 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 16 — August 1. Mandatory Preparation Webinar: May 29/May 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a six-week summer program where you will work full-time on a research project under the guidance of a faculty member, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher. The program covers a wide range of subjects across STEM, humanities, and social sciences, including areas like neuroscience, data science, and environmental policy. For example, past projects have included topics such as mathematical modelling in superconducting circuits. Along with your research, you will take two university courses — one focused on formal research writing and the other on presentation skills — earning 8 college credits. You typically spend 35 to 50 hours each week conducting lab work, fieldwork, or data analysis. The program concludes with a written research paper and a presentation of your findings at a final symposium.
10. IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp at The University of Minnesota
Location: On-campus at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), with limited remote slots for students in greater Minnesota who cannot commute
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; students are responsible for daily commute and meals
Application Deadline: May 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 23–27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to high school students (including graduating seniors) who have completed a year-long course in single-variable calculus by the end of the school year
At the IMA-MathCEP Math Modelling Camp, you will spend one week on the University of Minnesota campus working with a team to address problems through mathematical modelling. Faculty and educators guide you as you explore open-ended issues like traffic patterns, disease transmission, or environmental impacts. Your group analyses the problem and develops solutions, then presents your results to other participants, giving you experience in explaining mathematical concepts clearly. The program is intended for students who have completed a full year of single-variable calculus and want to apply their knowledge in a collaborative environment. Most sessions take place in person, though some remote spots are available for students living in greater Minnesota.
11. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: San Diego, Irvine, Davis, Santa Cruz, or Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,256 + a non-refundable $44 application fee; financial aid available | None
Application Deadline: February 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: UCI, UCSD: July 6 — August 1 | UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 — August 2 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12 | Desirable GPA of 3.5 or higher
COSMOS is a four-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM fields. You will join a specific “cluster” at one of the UC campuses, where you will work on lab-based projects alongside researchers, faculty, and scientists. Each cluster focuses on a different area, including subjects like engineering, computer science, robotics, biomedical sciences, ecology, mathematics, physics, and more. Depending on your cluster, you might study topics such as quantum mechanics, nanotechnology, climate science, or mathematical modelling in biology. The program provides opportunities to work in advanced laboratories and engage with material that extends beyond typical high school courses.
12. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual and residential sessions available
Cost/Stipend: Online: $3,580, Residential: $8,575. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: February 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Session One: Online June 16 - July 4 | Session Two: Online July 7 -25 | Session One: Residential June 22 -July 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in mathematics
At Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), you spend three to four weeks studying advanced mathematical topics that go beyond the typical high school curriculum. You will choose between two main areas of focus: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory, or Algebraic Topology. The program emphasises proof-based learning and encourages careful reasoning and discussion. If you attend in person, your schedule includes academic sessions along with structured activities and time to interact with other students. The online option follows a similar format, with live classes, collaborative problem-solving, and opportunities to connect with participants from different locations. Both tracks are designed to support focused study and engagement with complex ideas in mathematics.
13. The Ross Mathematics Program at Ohio State University
Location: Residential, Otterbein University or the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (depending on which session you choose).
Cost: $6,000 program tuition
Application deadline: TBA in January
Program dates: June 15 — July 25
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 years
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential summer program for high school students with a strong interest in mathematics. The program centres on number theory, with a curriculum that includes both lectures and small-group sessions — five hours each per week. Outside of class, you will spend time working independently on problem sets that build on the material covered. Topics explored in the program include Euclid’s Algorithm, Gaussian Integers, Polynomials, and Quadratic Number Fields. The program is designed to support sustained work on challenging problems in a setting that encourages careful reasoning and collaboration.
14. MIT PRIMES USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: November 18
Dates: Runs year-long
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores (or home-schooled students of the same age) residing in the United States outside the Greater Boston area. Students from Underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged
PRIMES-USA is a remote, year-long research program in mathematics offered by MIT for high school students with a strong background in the subject. If accepted, you’re paired with a mentor and begin with reading assignments during the spring to build the foundation for your project. Over the summer and into the fall, you work more independently as the project develops, meeting regularly with your mentor to discuss progress and next steps. The program includes set deadlines and a final research paper, along with a presentation of your results. Sophomore participants are generally placed in small groups, while juniors usually take on individual projects. The structure allows you to explore a specific area of mathematics in depth over an extended period.
15. MathQuantum High School Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free, stipend not included
Application Deadline: February 14 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: July 25 — August 6 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students
MathQuantum is a two-week online summer program for high school students interested in the intersection of mathematics and quantum information science (QIS). Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the program introduces you to foundational topics such as linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and cryptography. You will take part in coding labs, guided discussions with mentors, and complete a small project related to the course material. The curriculum also includes conversations about the ethical aspects of QIS and exposure to tools used in the field, such as ion traps and QLab. The program may also offer optional participation in the Qubit by Qubit summer camp and includes sessions focused on academic and career planning.
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