15 Math Programs for High School Students in Indiana
If you enjoy puzzles, spotting patterns, or working through proofs, math programs for high school students in Indiana offer a structured way to go beyond the standard curriculum. These programs provide exposure to practical skills like mathematical modeling, data analysis, computational thinking, and proof writing, often through projects and guided research. You will also build valuable connections with faculty, graduate students, and peers who share your enthusiasm for mathematics. Many of these opportunities are hosted by prestigious universities and research institutes, making them strong additions to college applications.
Why should you attend a program in Indiana?
Indiana is home to several well‑regarded universities and research centers, such as Purdue, Indiana University, Notre Dame, and Rose‑Hulman, that run dedicated math enrichment experiences for high school students. Math programs from these universities allow you to work on projects such as exploring number theory, participating in a math circle, or conducting mentored research in a university lab. Whether you live in Indiana or are an out‑of‑state student curious about what the state offers, you can find a program that fits your schedule and interests.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 15 math programs for high school students in Indiana.
If you’re looking for programs in Indiana, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
This blog lists 15 math programs for high school students in Indiana, spanning number theory, cryptography, AI, and mathematical modeling.
Costs range widely, from free options like Purdue's Math Circle and the Indiana Academy (for Indiana residents) to $7,500 for the Ross Mathematics Program at Rose-Hulman.
Two programs are fully virtual, Veritas AI and Lumiere Education's Mathematics Research Track, while the rest involve in-person instruction at Indiana universities.
Application deadlines range from February 18 (Notre Dame Summer Scholars) to rolling admissions (Purdue Math Circle, Rose-Hulman Project SELECT), so students should check individual timelines early.
1. Purdue University Math Circle
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, and virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Regular ongoing meetings (exact dates are scheduled based on participant interest and availability)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in Indiana
Purdue University's Math Circle introduces high school students to advanced math topics beyond the K‑12 curriculum. Each meeting is facilitated by faculty and graduate students, and you will explore fun, accessible topics in a collaborative environment that emphasizes discovery rather than rote learning. The program operates with a multi-track format, including in-person meetings on the Purdue campus, occasional visits to Indiana high schools, and a Zoom option available to students from any high school in Indiana. Activities might include problem‑solving sessions, short lectures, and group discussions of themes like parity, invariants, game theory, or modular arithmetic.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small group and 1:1 mentorship formats
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or show experience with Python/AI concepts
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni, delivers online programs that introduce high school students to artificial intelligence and machine learning through a blend of group learning and individual project development. In the AI Scholars track, you complete 25 hours of foundational instruction, working with peers to explore neural networks, computer vision, and natural language processing, all of which rely heavily on linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics. For students seeking deeper mentorship, the AI Fellowship pairs you one‑to‑one with a mentor from top universities to develop an original AI research project over 12–15 weeks. Past projects have included using regression models for medical diagnosis and applying game theory to reinforcement learning problems.
3. SEED/STEM Summer Research Program
Location: IU Indianapolis campus and affiliated research institutes, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Up to $4,000 need‑based stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 79 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current Indiana high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed at least one chemistry course
The SEED/STEM program is an eight‑week, full‑time summer research experience that pairs you with a faculty mentor at the IU School of Medicine, IU Indianapolis, or the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute. You will contribute to an ongoing research project in computational chemistry, biostatistics, mathematical modeling of biological systems, or bioinformatics, working alongside professional researchers for 8 hours a day. The program includes a structured orientation on research ethics and methods, weekly lab meetings, and a final research symposium where you present a poster on your findings. Admission is highly competitive; a strong application includes teacher recommendations and a clear statement of research interest.
4. Lumiere Education’s Mathematics Research Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small mentor groups
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated high academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
Lumiere Education’s Mathematics Research Track is a virtual program that connects high school students with PhD mentors to conduct original research in pure or applied mathematics over 12 weeks. You choose a specialization, such as number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, mathematical modeling, or statistics, and work one‑on‑one with a mentor to design and execute a research project, culminating in a university‑style research paper. Weekly meetings include both independent research time and structured sessions on mathematical writing, proof techniques, data analysis, and presentation skills. Because the program is fully online, you can participate from anywhere in Indiana without needing to travel. Lumiere’s model is especially suited for self‑motivated students who want a deep, mentored research experience from their own home.
5. IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center — Future Scientist Program
Location: IU School of Medicine downtown campus, Indianapolis, Indiana
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Junior at a Marion County public high school at the time of application; minimum 3.0 GPA; able to obtain a work permit if age 16 or under; selection based on scholastic ability, maturity, school attendance, and evidence of interest in scientific research
In this program, you spend eight weeks working alongside a university researcher on a cancer-focused project at the IU School of Medicine's downtown Indianapolis campus, applying quantitative reasoning to real scientific questions. Your project may involve laboratory-based research, computer-based database analysis, or clinical research, so you collect measurements, organize datasets, and interpret results using statistical thinking. You learn to apply mathematical concepts to experimental data, track patterns across samples, and translate numerical findings into evidence. Working through professional development sessions and mentorship from program directors, managers, and teachers, you build skills in data analysis, scientific methodology, and quantitative interpretation.
6. Purdue GER²I Summer Residential – Pulsar
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana (Purdue University campus)
Cost: $2,850 per two-week session plus a $100 application fee; limited need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; counseling groups of 10 or fewer students
Dates: Session 1: June 28 – July 11; Session 2: July 12–25
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 9–12; 3.5/4.0 GPA in the talent area, an intelligence test score of 120 or higher, achievement or aptitude results at or above the 90th percentile
As a Pulsar student in this residential program for gifted high schoolers, you choose one morning and one afternoon course for each two-week session and pursue them at an accelerated pace, often two to three grade levels above your current grade. Math-oriented and quantitative STEM offerings let you apply mathematical reasoning to real problems, such as modeling phenomena, working with coding and circuitry in device-prototyping labs, and using CAD and 3D modeling tools to design and test prototypes. You work in small, interactive classes taught by Purdue faculty, graduate students, and experienced educators, present project work, and join field trips and recreational activities while living in campus residence halls.
7. IU Indianapolis STEM Summer Camp
Location: Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $375; scholarships available; IU affiliates receive a 10% discount
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; maximum 30 participants
Dates: June 8–11
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
This four‑day camp at IU Indianapolis provides a broad introduction to the School of Science's programs, with hands-on experiments and visits to state‑of‑the‑art science labs. You will rotate through modules that could include mathematical modeling, data analysis in biology, computational chemistry, and statistical reasoning, all in a university research setting. Each day includes a mix of lab activities, faculty talks, and small‑group problem-solving. A 10% discount is available for families with an IU affiliate, and need‑based scholarships can be requested by emailing the camp coordinator.
8. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology – Operation Catapult
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus, Terre Haute, Indiana
Cost: $2,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small, faculty-led project groups
Dates: Session 1: June 8–18; Session 2: June 22–July 2; Session 3: July 14–24
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: Students during the summers after their sophomore or junior year of high school; one year of chemistry or physics required
In this program, you spend nearly two weeks living on Rose-Hulman's Terre Haute campus, applying mathematical and physical reasoning to hands-on engineering and science projects guided by full-time faculty. Working in small project groups, you might design and test a hovercraft, model submarine, or wind turbine, calculate aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, or measure thrust over burn time using a high-speed data acquisition system. An introductory Python option lets you build computational and programming skills even with no prior experience. Across morning and afternoon lab sessions, you translate years of math and quantitative coursework into measurement, analysis, and iterative design. You also join guest lectures, corporate visits, and intramurals, and earn two free Rose-Hulman elective credits upon completion.
9. University of Notre Dame Office of Pre-College Programs – Summer Scholars
Location: University of Notre Dame campus, Notre Dame, Indiana
Cost: $5,200 + non-refundable $75 application fee; limited need-based partial-to-full-tuition scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small classes
Dates: Session I: June 6–20; Session II: June 27–July 11
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors with strong academic standing and solid extracurricular activities; at least 16 years old by or on August 1, with no exceptions; submission of an online application
In this program, you spend two intensive weeks living on Notre Dame's campus and taking a single college-level course taught by university faculty, with mathematics most directly represented by the Cryptography: From Classical to Quantum-Secure Systems track. You work through classical methods like Caesar and Vigenère ciphers, progress to modern systems such as the RSA and ElGamal cryptosystems, and then study lattice-based, post-quantum algorithms. You apply these ideas through a hands-on Python component, implementing cryptographic algorithms and running experiments that build coding and algorithmic thinking. Small classes connect you with faculty such as a mathematics Ph.D. from the Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics department.
10. Jim Holland Research Initiative in STEM Education
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, IN
Cost/Stipend: $125 non-refundable registration fee upon acceptance / $600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 21 – July 3
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Grade 11 students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 who are taking/have taken science and math courses
The Jim Holland Research Initiative in STEM Education (RISE) is a two-week residential summer research camp hosted by Indiana University Bloomington. It serves as the third-year capstone component of the Holland Summer Science Programs. In this program, you will attend research‑intensive lectures and participate in hands-on activities delivered by university faculty members. You will gain insight into the scientific process, research ethics, and standard methodologies while also learning how to network within STEM fields. The program includes workshops on college planning, covering academic preparation for credit‑bearing STEM coursework, admission procedures, financial advising, and scholarship access.
11. Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
Location: Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Cost: None for Indiana residents; room and board is $2,700 per year, plus optional dual credit and rental fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 140 new students annually
Dates: August – May (academic year)
Application Deadline: April 22
Eligibility: High-ability Indiana residents who typically apply in their sophomore year to enter as juniors
The Indiana Academy is a two‑year public residential high school located on the campus of Ball State University, designed for academically gifted students in Indiana. You will take university‑level mathematics courses, ranging from multivariable calculus and linear algebra to number theory and mathematical problem solving, alongside your high school core subjects, earning both high school and college credit. The program emphasizes independent research, and many students complete a year‑long math research project under the guidance of Ball State faculty. You live in an Academy dormitory, eat at campus dining halls, and have full access to Ball State’s libraries, labs, and recreational facilities.
12. Purdue University – Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP)
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Cost: $2,500; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~320 students
Dates: Session 1: July 5–11; Session 2: July 12–18; Session 3: July 19–25; Session 4: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until all spots are filled
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; completion of three years of high school math and one year of chemistry or physics by summer 2026 recommended; submission of standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT, or ACT)
At STEP, you spend an intensive week at Purdue engaging in engineering through the lens of mathematics, applying analytical modeling to hands-on design challenges. Working in groups of four, you tackle exciting design challenges culminating in a final design competition, including building a functional roller coaster, coding a video game with Arduino software, and guiding an autonomous robot. You strengthen quantitative reasoning through physics, programming, 3D modeling, and design principles, translating theoretical math concepts into measurable, working systems. Current Engineering Honors students, hired as interns, design the content and lead every lecture and challenge lab. You also explore two engineering disciplines through guided facility tours while previewing rigorous first-year engineering coursework.
13. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology – Project SELECT
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus, Terre Haute, Indiana
Cost: $1,650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served basis; ~77 students
Dates: Session 1: July 12–18; Session 2: July 19–25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students during the summers after their freshman or sophomore years of high school
If you are motivated by math, Project SELECT lets you apply the algebra, geometry, and quantitative reasoning you already know to hands-on engineering problems. Across one residential week, you rotate through faculty-led projects from several academic departments, using mathematical analysis to measure the strength of biodegradable polymers, manufacture solar cells, and design and test air-quality sensors of your own. You work alongside Rose-Hulman professors and current students, applying calculation, measurement, and data interpretation to validate your designs on state-of-the-art equipment. You build quantitative problem-solving and experimental-design skills while connecting classroom science and mathematics to real engineering applications.
14. Purdue University – Summer College for High School Students
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana (residential, on-campus), with online course options also available
Cost/Stipend: Varies as per type of student, more details here; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; more than 1,000 available spots
Dates: Short-term residential courses run one to two weeks in June and July, and traditional coursework runs across summer modules from May 18 to August 7
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale for priority consideration; completed grade-level-appropriate college prep coursework shown on the transcript; at least 16 years old and finished sophomore year by the time coursework begins, with younger students permitted to apply; residential participants under age 18 for the duration of the stay
In this program, you enroll as a non-degree student and complete real Purdue coursework alongside current undergraduates, with mathematics a natural entry point through introductory classes such as MA 15800 Pre-Calculus, a three-credit course open to qualifying high school students. Working through the Brightspace learning platform, you tackle college-level problem sets, attend faculty-taught lectures, and sit the in-person proctored exams now required for all summer math courses. You build quantitative reasoning, study discipline, and time-management skills while earning transferable college credit. The experience also includes residence-hall living, academic advising, and immersion in Purdue's STEM-focused campus.
15. Ross Mathematics Program at Rose‑Hulman Institute of Technology
Location: Rose‑Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $7,500; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 60 first-year students per site
Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 who are well prepared in standard high school math
The Ross Program is a six‑week residential summer session that immerses students in the world of advanced mathematical discovery, focusing intensively on number theory. This program is designed to provide a first step toward independent mathematical research, and it emphasizes writing clear, convincing proofs for every claim you make. You will spend most of each day working on challenging problem sets that require deep thinking and collaboration with peers and counselors (undergraduate and graduate math students). By focusing on one subject for the entire summer, you gain a profound understanding of its underpinnings and learn to communicate mathematical ideas effectively.
Frequently asked questions
1. Which programs in this list are free to attend?
Purdue's Math Circle is free for all participants, and the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is free for Indiana residents, though room and board costs $2,700 per year.
2. Which programs on this list are fully virtual?
Veritas AI and Lumiere Education's Mathematics Research Track are both offered remotely, allowing participation from anywhere in Indiana.
3. Which programs focus on research or independent projects?
Students interested in research can consider the SEED/STEM Summer Research Program, Lumiere's Mathematics Research Track, the Jim Holland RISE program, and the Ross Mathematics Program, which centers entirely on number theory research.
4. Which programs are limited to Indiana residents?
The SEED/STEM Summer Research Program and the IU Simon Cancer Center's Future Scientist Program both require Indiana residency, and the Indiana Academy is free only for Indiana residents.