13 Math Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student looking to explore math beyond the classroom, a program in the field can be a great next step! Math programs can help you dive into unique topics in the field and learn about the applications of math in various disciplines. These opportunities can help you build problem-solving confidence, explore advanced topics in math, and build connections with mentors.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington is home to credible universities and organizations that offer math-focused learning experiences to high schoolers. Here, you will find a mix of on-campus pre-college opportunities, STEM-based programs, experiences focused on competitive math, and flexible math exploration. You may get to work on math-based research projects, team challenges, or competition training that can help clarify the academic and career paths you want to pursue. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, you can find a program in Washington that suits your interests.
To help you with your search, we have listed 13 math programs for high school students in Washington state.
If you are looking for programs in Washington State, you can check out our blogs here and here.
1. University of Washington’s Monthly Math Hour
Location: University of Washington’s Savery Hall, Seattle, WA
Cost: None
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Sundays every month during the Spring
Application deadline: None; no registration required—you can just walk in!
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 10 in Seattle
The Monthly Math Hour is a recurring series of one-hour sessions focused on mathematics designed for middle and high schoolers. On Sundays during the spring, you will visit the University of Washington campus to explore niche topics in mathematics taught by professors from UW and other universities in the country. Following the talks delivered by speakers, you will have the opportunity to connect with professors, ask questions, and engage in group discussions. The program, supported by NSF awards and the UW Department of Math, allows you to dive into math beyond the standard curriculum. You can choose specific sessions to attend by subscribing to the program’s mailing list.
2. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts scheduled throughout the year; dates vary
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; you can apply to the program here
Eligibility: High school students who either have some experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers various project-based learning experiences to high school students interested in artificial intelligence. Started by Harvard researchers, the programs are led by instructors from top universities like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Princeton. The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program allows you to work one-on-one with a university mentor, someone experienced in AI or machine learning, and develop an interdisciplinary research project. You can choose to work on a project that examines the intersection of math and AI. The program offers access to a publication team that will help you prepare your work for submission to high school research journals. You can explore past student projects here.
3. University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Mid June – Mid July (four weeks); exact dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 who attend public schools and are from underrepresented minoritized groups
Summer Academic Challenge is a project-based STEAM enrichment program meant for middle and high school students. Over four weeks, you will explore math, science, technology, engineering, and arts through hands-on classes, labs, outdoor learning, field trips, and special events. You will also participate in workshops on writing and oral presentation. Themes differ by grade group; you may explore the underlying math and science in home design, marine ecosystems, and the evolution of transportation. Each track is designed to help you build teamwork and critical thinking, as well as prepare for the school year and long-term academic goals.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by format; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts a year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who hold an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual opportunity for high school students to dive into a topic they’re passionate about while conducting research with the help of a Ph.D. mentor. You can choose from a broad range of subjects, including math, data science, and statistics. In addition to working one-on-one with your mentor, you will receive guidance from a writing coach to help you develop and refine your research topic. The program includes research method workshops and provides support for writing a full-length research paper. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! On completing the program, you may also be eligible for UCSD credit. You can find more details about the application and available program formats here.
5. SEAS Summer Immersion Program (SSIP) @ Gonzaga University
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students/year
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students
SSIP at Gonzaga University is a fully funded summer program for high school students interested in math and science. Over five days, you will learn about various career paths in math, engineering, and computer science while engaging in tours and project-based learning. You will connect with Gonzaga students and faculty, work on various projects, and use makerspace tools. You will also engage in research rotations and attend a symposium where you will share your summer experience with peers and faculty. Workshops and sessions covering college preparation, STEM career pathways, and Gonzaga University admissions and financial aid details are part of the experience.
6. UW Math Olympiad
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Held once a year, typically on a Sunday in early June
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–10
UW’s Math Olympiad is an oral mathematics competition where you get to solve problems and then explain your solutions to judges. Here, you will first get five problems to solve in three hours; if you solve at least three, you will receive two more challenging problems. For each problem, you will discuss the answers with mathematician judges, who will provide feedback and allow up to three presentation attempts per problem. While not a traditional program, the competition’s collaborative learning format is designed to help you refine critical thinking and communication skills while exploring math beyond the school curriculum. Top performers receive certificates. You will also have access to the UW archive of past problems and a handbook to prepare for the event.
7. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: Varies each year; past sites have included Washington-based universities
Cost: $0–$6,000 based on family income; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 130 students (65 new students + 55 returning alumni)
Dates: June 29 – August 3 (tentative, based of past program dates)
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students, ages 13–18
Mathcamp is a five-week residential program, designed to help you explore concepts beyond the standard school mathematics curriculum, from theoretical topics such as topology, abstract algebra, or real analysis, to applied math areas like physics, linguistics, and quantum computation. At camp, you will attend math classes, engage in social activities in the evenings, participate in problem-solving sessions and competitions, and dive into math discussions with peers and faculty. You will work on projects independently and with peers, and present your work at the end of camp. Additionally, you will attend the Colloquia series, which offers talks covering a range of topics, including string theory, the math of origami, and cognitive science.
8. UW Summer Stretch
Location: University of Washington Robinson Center, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,450; financial aid available
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – July 23
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open on February 15
Eligibility: Current 7th–10th graders; prerequisites vary by course.
Summer Stretch is an in-person summer program designed for students who want to dive into a single subject area over four weeks. Here, you will join small classes led by specialist instructors. You can choose between accelerated academic courses (such as Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, or Chemistry) and enrichment courses (such as American Literature, Mock Trial, or Robotics). If you choose a math class, like algebra, pre-calculus, and geometry, you will explore core topics within the assigned track and engage in group work, self-study, and test-taking.
9. UW Youth & Teen Programs Introduction to Math Modeling
Location: University of Washington, Seattle campus, WA
Cost: $995; $50 nonrefundable registration fee per quarter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 14 – 25 | July 28 – August 8
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Incoming 9th–12th graders with basic algebra knowledge
Introduction to Math Modeling is an in-person, two-week academic enrichment course that exposes you to the broad applications of mathematics in science, engineering, business, and research. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises, you will explore how mathematical models are used to understand and predict real-world phenomena such as disease spread, ocean waves, stock market behavior, and aerodynamics. You will also complete a final project in which you extend or investigate a model discussed in class. You will learn at an accelerated pace and meet professionals from various disciplines who can share insights into how math is used in their fields.
10. American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)
Location: Administered at schools, universities, math circles, and learning centers worldwide
Cost: Varies by host institutions
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open competition
Dates: November 5 and 13
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines in the fall
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 to 12
AMC is a problem-solving contest for students from elementary through high school. Although not a traditional program, AMC can help you broaden your mathematical understanding by challenging you with engaging, non-standard problems that help you add to your school-based learning. The AMC 10 and AMC 12 cover advanced algebra, number theory, and geometry concepts. Here, you will work on your problem-solving abilities and get to prepare for international math competitions.
11. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 students/year
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – July 3 | Session 2: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
SUMac is an intensive program designed for students passionate about exploring advanced mathematics. At SUMaC, you will explore mathematical topics like abstract algebra and number theory through lectures, group problem-solving, and guided research. The program exposes you to ongoing areas of mathematical inquiry, the evolution of major mathematical theories, and applications across scientific fields. You will choose one of two structured courses: one focused on algebra and number theory, and the other on algebraic topology, both of which link classical mathematics to modern applications. The workload mirrors college-level expectations.
12. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual opportunities available for Washington students
Cost: $25 application fee with need-based fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years old or older
ASSIP offers mentored research internships in various fields, including math, statistics, and computational and data sciences. You can choose a mentor who is offering remote internships focused on math research during the summer. Over the course of eight weeks, you will work with your mentor, contributing to mathematics research and developing scientific writing and communication skills. As an intern, you will learn about careers and pathways in STEM while connecting with professors and researchers. The program ends with a research symposium, where you will learn about the research your peers conducted over the summer.
13. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY): Math Courses
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round courses
Application deadline: No deadline; courses are open as and when they are available
Eligibility: High school students
Johns Hopkins CTY offers virtual courses in math that allow you to explore various topics, from algebra to cryptology and game theory. All the courses combine online lectures with group discussions and independent assignments, offering you a mix of guided learning and personal exploration opportunities. You can choose academic enrichment by enrolling in courses like Logic and Proofs, or focus on preparing for math competitions such as the AMC through problem-solving clubs and advanced CTY classes. These courses also connect mathematics with broader areas like strategy, economics, and computer science. Each course is designed to help you build reasoning and analytical thinking.
Image Source - Johns Hopkins University Logo