15 Math Programs for High School Students in Pennsylvania
Classroom instruction may not cover complex problem-solving, research, and quantitative exploration that can help you build an advanced skill set. Summer and academic-year math programs help fill that gap by giving you focused exposure to topics like number theory, combinatorics, and applied modeling that go beyond your standard curriculum. Beyond the technical depth, math programs can help you build practical skills, industry experience, and valuable connections that can serve you well into college and beyond. You will work alongside peers who share your interest, learn from faculty and graduate mentors, and potentially build a portfolio of projects you can highlight in college applications.
Why should you attend a math program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to various research universities that offer math-focused programming for high school students. You can explore competition-level problem-solving at Carnegie Mellon, run independent research with Penn faculty, sharpen sports analytics at Wharton, or join statewide programs like the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences that bring together top students from across the state. Whether you live and study in Pennsylvania or are visiting from out of state, you can find an option that works for you.
To help you with your search, we have narrowed down 15 math programs for high school students in Pennsylvania.
If you’re looking for programs in Pennsylvania, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span proof-based mathematics, competition math, cryptography, data science, sports analytics, AI, and independent research, so students with a wide range of interests within mathematics can find a relevant option in or near Pennsylvania.
Several programs are fully funded, including PGSS at Carnegie Mellon, SAMS at Carnegie Mellon, CMU CS Scholars, Penn State Harrisburg STEM Enrichment, and University of Pittsburgh Girls Summer Math Camp, while others, such as Lumiere, Wharton Data Science Academy, and MathILy, offer need-based financial aid.
Programs range from four-day introductory camps (Penn State Cryptography) to year-long research commitments (MIT PRIMES-USA), so students can choose based on their mathematical preparation and available time.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including MIT PRIMES-USA (December 1), PGSS and SAMS at Carnegie Mellon (January 31 and February 1), and Wharton Data Science Academy and Moneyball Academy (January 28 priority), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) @ Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free (full scholarship covering tuition, housing, and meals)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Pennsylvania high school juniors (rising seniors); two teacher recommendations and a counselor letter are required
Running annually every summer on Carnegie Mellon's campus, PGSS is a selective five-week residential program designed for high school juniors from across Pennsylvania who want a serious introduction to college-level math and science research. The program is fully funded by the state and private donors, so accepted students pay nothing beyond travel to Pittsburgh. You will take core courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science, attend faculty lectures, and design a team research project that you present at the end of the program. You will leave with a finished research poster, career insights offered by guest speakers, and a peer network across Pennsylvania.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November). You can find more details and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, started and run by Harvard graduate students, offers various online programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about the fundamentals of AI and data science and work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you the support of an in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school journals. You can check out examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors entering 12th grade, ages 16 and up by June 20; applicants typically demonstrate financial need.
Held over six weeks on the CMU campus, SAMS is a selective residential program for rising seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who want a college-level experience in math, science, and computer science. You will sit in on undergraduate-style lectures with CMU faculty, work through structured coursework, and complete a final team project alongside mentorship in college planning. In math classes, you will explore Game Theory, the intersection of mathematics and economics, and how to model and analyze decision-making situations. You will leave the program with experience in managing college-equivalent coursework and a clearer view of life at a top STEM university. You will also create a research poster, which you will present at the closing symposium.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, spring, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to one year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a broad range of subjects that you can explore as a high school student. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as math, computer science, data science, engineering, physics, chemistry, psychology, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students in 10th grade (entering 11th), ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with U.S. green cards
CS Scholars at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded, four-week program for rising high school juniors interested in math, programming, and computer science. You will take college-level classes in programming and math while working on projects that help you apply what you learn to real problems. The schedule includes faculty lectures, industry sessions, and exposure to ongoing research. You will also attend college prep workshops and receive guidance on applications and financial aid. You will live on campus, work with peers on group projects, and present your work at a closing symposium.
6. Temple Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS)
Location: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Year-round program with a summer component
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th grade students attending Philadelphia public district, charter, or cyber high schools
UBMS at Temple University is a long-term college access and STEM enrichment initiative designed to support Philadelphia students throughout high school. You will engage in year-round academic programming and summer experiences focused on strengthening preparation for college and careers in technology, science, engineering, and mathematics. You will receive academic support, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities intended to help you build confidence in tackling rigorous coursework. In addition to STEM-focused learning, the program will also help you with college preparation through advising, structured support systems, and community-building activities.
7. Penn State Harrisburg STEM Summer Enrichment Program
Location: Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Middletown, PA
Cost: Free to attend + lunch provided
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Local program; cohort size not publicly listed
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Local high school students; specific grade requirements vary by year
Penn State Harrisburg’s STEM Summer Enrichment Program gives students a broad introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on workshops and collaborative activities. Over two weeks, you will explore subjects including mathematics, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, and multiple engineering disciplines while taking part in experiments, demonstrations, projects, and field trips. The math track focuses on cryptography, covering how to encode messages and information numerically and how to correct errors in messages. The program is designed to help you strengthen both technical knowledge and practical STEM skills, including scientific communication and presentation.
8. Penn State University’s Cryptography for Everyone
Location: Penn State University, University Park, PA
Cost: $335
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens February 3
Eligibility: Students ages 12 – 15
This four-day camp introduces you to cryptography with a focus on the mathematics behind creating and breaking secret codes. You will experiment with both classic and modern encryption methods, including RSA, while working on STEM challenges designed to make advanced math concepts more approachable. The curriculum is designed to help you explore the real-world applications of advanced mathematics. Throughout the experience, you will get a glimpse into college life. The camp may end with a closing showcase for families.
9. University of Pittsburgh Girls Summer Math Camp
Location: University of Pittsburgh, Department of Mathematics, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Small cohort
Dates: August 3 – 7
Application deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Female high school students, ages 15 – 17, attending schools in the greater Pittsburgh area
This week-long math camp at the University of Pittsburgh introduces students to advanced mathematical ideas through lectures, collaborative projects, and hands-on exploration led by university faculty. You will explore topics ranging from number theory and linear algebra to network science and quantum mechanics, with each day combining morning instruction and afternoon group problem-solving sessions supervised by graduate students. The program emphasizes mathematical reasoning and proof-writing while also helping you see how abstract concepts connect to fields such as search algorithms, disease modeling, and quantum science. In addition to classroom learning, you will engage in lab tours, activities, and panel discussions on studying math at the university level. The experience concludes with presentations and certificates recognizing your work throughout the week.
10. University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Mathematics Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $6,700 (financial aid available for Philadelphia public and charter students) + $100 application fee
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; specific details not publicly available
Dates: July 11 – 25
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current 9th – 11th grade students who have completed at least one year of Algebra II/Trigonometry
The Mathematics Academy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Arts and Sciences is a two-week residential program that introduces high school students to proof-based, university-level mathematics. You will explore topics such as graph theory, combinatorics, topology, game theory, and mathematical logic while developing proof-writing skills in sessions led by Penn professors and graduate students. The curriculum focuses on abstract reasoning, communication, and the process of mathematical discovery through discussion and group work. Each weekday includes multiple faculty-led sessions alongside smaller TA-led problem-solving workshops where you will refine ideas and tackle challenging exercises collaboratively.
11. University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Global Youth Data Science Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School), Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,599 + $100 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Approximately 75 students per session
Dates: June 21 – July 11 | July 12 – August 1
Application deadline: January 28 (priority); March 18 (final)
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students with a strong background in math, coding, and statistics; international applicants also eligible.
The Wharton Data Science Academy brings high schoolers onto Penn's campus to learn about applications of math in machine learning, statistics, and data analysis with a focus on methods used by Wharton researchers. You will spend three weeks working in small groups on real datasets, attend lectures from Wharton faculty, and complete a capstone project applying the techniques you have learned. You will also sharpen coding skills during the program, using R and Python for deep learning and LLMs. Throughout the program, you will have access to the mentorship of Penn undergraduate and graduate TAs. Student panels, guest lectures, and college-prep sessions are also part of the experience.
12. University of Pennsylvania Young Scholars High School Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $4,714/course unit + a nonrefundable $100 application fee; waivers available for students in the District of Philadelphia public or charter schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; not specified
Dates: Fall: August 25 – December 17 | Spring: January 20 – May 17
Application deadline: Fall: August 1 | Spring: December 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors attending local high schools within a one-hour commute of Penn; competitive applicants typically have standardized test scores in the 85th percentile or higher and a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA.
This selective program lets you take real undergraduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies, earning official college credit while still in high school. You can enroll in courses like Ideas in Mathematics (MATH 1700), which covers logic, sets, calculus, probability, game theory, geometry, and the history and philosophy of mathematics, along with math’s relevance to science and society. All classes are held in person and are graded using the same standards as Penn undergraduates, so you will take on homework, papers, and exams alongside college students. The experience can help you experience college-level academic expectations and give you a head start in future coursework.
13. University of Pennsylvania Wharton Global Youth Program Moneyball Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School), Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,599 + $100 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; ~75 students
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority); March 18 (final)
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 10 and 11 with strong math backgrounds and an interest in sports analytics; international students are eligible.
Wharton’s Moneyball Academy blends statistics, data science, and sports analytics into an intensive three-week pre-college experience designed for quantitatively inclined students. Centered on sports analytics, the program uses real data from professional sports as the backdrop for teaching statistical reasoning, R programming, and data visualization. You will analyze player performance, build predictive models, and work with peers on a data analytics project. Drawing on Wharton undergraduate statistics courses, the curriculum covers topics such as probability, the R programming language, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and statistical reasoning to help you learn to analyze sports data. Throughout the program, you will explore how professional teams and analysts use data to make decisions, with projects modeled after the work of outlets such as FiveThirtyEight and FanGraphs. Guest speakers from professional sports organizations, including executives and data scientists from major leagues, add industry context and expose you to real applications of analytics in sports management.
14. MathILy @ Bryn Mawr College
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Cost: $6,175 tuition; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; ~45 students
Dates: June 28 – August 1
Application deadline: April 28 (priority consideration); applications accepted till spots are filled
Eligibility: Mathematically talented high school students, generally ages 14 – 17
Hosted at Bryn Mawr each summer, MathILy (Mathematics Infused with Levity) is a five-week residential math camp for high schoolers who want to gain exposure to advanced, proof-based mathematics. You will attend core sessions focused on algorithms, root systems, combinatorial games, and either category theory or knot theory, as well as choose electives, engage in problem-solving sessions, and work on an end-of-program research presentation. The schedule also includes discussions on college and career paths as well as social activities on campus. You will leave with an evaluation of your performance written by your instructor, who will share insights into your progress, strengths, and areas of improvement.
15. MIT PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Extremely selective
Dates: January – December (year-long mentorship cycle)
Application deadline: December 1 (decisions announced in late January)
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school sophomores and juniors who live outside the Greater Boston area
PRIMES-USA is a year-long research experience built for students who are already comfortable with advanced proof-based mathematics and independent study. You will be matched with mentors from MIT and partner universities to investigate unsolved problems in pure or applied mathematics, including areas connected to computer science and computational biology. The program progresses through several phases, beginning with intensive reading and preparation, then moving on to active research, independent work, and culminating in a polished research paper and conference presentation. As projects are open-ended and research-focused, you will spend significant time learning how mathematicians approach unfamiliar problems, communicate ideas clearly, and refine arguments over many months.
Frequently asked questions
1. What math programs are available for high school students in Pennsylvania?
Options include residential university programs, such as PGSS at Carnegie Mellon, SAMS, MathILy at Bryn Mawr, and University of Pittsburgh Girls Summer Math Camp, data science and applied math programs, such as Wharton Data Science Academy and Wharton Moneyball Academy, cryptography programs, such as Penn State Harrisburg STEM Enrichment and Penn State Cryptography for Everyone, college credit programs, such as UPenn Young Scholars, and year-long research programs, such as MIT PRIMES-USA and Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
2. Are there free math programs for high school students in Pennsylvania?
Yes, PGSS at Carnegie Mellon, SAMS, CMU CS Scholars, Penn State Harrisburg STEM Enrichment, and University of Pittsburgh Girls Summer Math Camp are all fully funded. Programs, such as Lumiere, Wharton Data Science Academy, and MathILy, charge tuition but offer need-based financial aid.
3. Which Pennsylvania math programs are best for students interested in proof-based or competition mathematics?
Students interested in proof-based or competition mathematics might consider MathILy at Bryn Mawr for a five-week residential experience covering algorithms, combinatorics, and knot theory, UPenn Mathematics Academy for university-level proof writing in graph theory and topology, and MIT PRIMES-USA for a year-long research mentorship on unsolved mathematical problems.
4. When should I apply to math programs for high school students in Pennsylvania?
The earliest deadlines are MIT PRIMES-USA (December 1) and PGSS at Carnegie Mellon (January 31). Wharton Data Science Academy and Moneyball Academy have a priority deadline of January 28 and a final deadline of March 18. Programs, such as MathILy (April 28), University of Pittsburgh Girls Summer Math Camp (June 15), and Lumiere (rolling), have later or flexible deadlines, so students should research options in the fall and apply early for the most competitive programs.