15 Online Chemistry Summer Programs for High School Students
As a high school student, online summer programs give you the flexibility to learn from top universities and instructors without having to travel. You can explore topics like chemical reactions, molecular structure, and lab simulations while building analytical and problem-solving skills. Many of these programs include interactive sessions, virtual labs, and research-based projects that mirror college-level study.
What are the benefits of a chemistry program?
During a chemistry program, you can work through molecular models, reaction mechanisms, and data-driven problem sets while sharpening analytical skills that carry over into research, medicine, engineering, and environmental science. Many programs incorporate demonstrations, virtual lab simulations, or case analysis, giving you a sense of how chemical concepts operate beyond the textbook. As many of these opportunities are developed by established universities and respected organizations, they offer credible preparation for students considering STEM pathways.
We have put together a focused list of 15 online chemistry summer programs for high school students.
If you are looking for online internships, check out our blog here.
1. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost: Free; $25 application fee (waivers available)
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are 15 or older (for the remote internships)
ASSIP is an eight-week, full-time research internship offered by George Mason University, where you will work directly with faculty or partner laboratories on projects spanning chemistry, biotechnology, forensic science, nanoscience, or related fields. You will spend your days conducting experiments, analyzing data, and learning advanced scientific techniques that reflect real laboratory workflows. Chemistry-focused projects may focus on topics like molecular interactions, drug discovery, analytical chemistry, or materials characterization. This program also includes forums where scientists discuss career paths and research developments, giving you insight into the broader STEM landscape. Additionally, you will practice scientific writing and prepare a research poster summarizing your findings for the closing symposium. Some interns contribute to work that later appears in publications or conference presentations.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in the summer
Application deadline: On a rolling basis; May/June deadlines for summer sessions
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts/Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 10%
Dates: June 23 – August 21
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older by June 1 of the application year, have a minimum 2.8 GPA, are residents of specific regions of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and are U.S. citizens
The ASPIRE program at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory gives you a remote internship experience where you will contribute to STEM projects under the guidance of an APL mentor for six to nine weeks. You will complete at least 190 hours of work, focusing on areas such as chemistry, biology, engineering, or data science, depending on the project assigned. The online chemistry program for high school students begins with an orientation, after which work proceeds virtually through check-ins and progress reviews. You will learn how to present your findings through a digital poster that will be showcased at the end of the summer program. You can also choose to continue collaborating with your mentor during the school year if your project requires additional work.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Chemistry Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on the program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including in the summer; sessions run for 12 weeks to a year, depending on the format.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students, preferably with a GPA of 3.3 or above out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an online research experience in which you work with a Ph.D. mentor to develop a full-length academic paper in an area of your choice, which can be chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or any related field. You will begin by defining a research question, reviewing scientific literature, and outlining the methodology needed to explore your topic. Chemistry-focused projects may focus on subjects such as renewable energy materials, reaction kinetics, nanomaterial applications, or chemical processes in biological systems. Weekly meetings with your mentor will guide your progress, helping you refine your analysis and ensure that your paper follows academic standards. You can also earn UC San Diego credit for your participation and submit your finished work to journals or competitions.
5. UCLA Summer Online: Chemistry Track
Cost: $350 registration fee + $385/unit fee; total cost varies based on the number of units, additional international/extracurricular, and documentation fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Vary depending on the course; the program runs for 3, 6, 8, 9, or 10 weeks from June to September
Application deadline: Several deadlines based on the course; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 and above
UCLA’s Summer Online program lets you take for-credit chemistry courses remotely, exploring topics in introductory general chemistry to advanced topics such as organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and biochemistry. Depending on the course, you may engage with material on molecular structure, reaction mechanisms, lab techniques (delivered through virtual formats), chemical thermodynamics, or quantum principles. Each class is designed to mirror UCLA’s academic rigor, with lectures, homework, labs, and exams adapted for an online learning environment. You can choose from a broad catalog offering courses like General Chemistry for Life Scientists, Organic Reactions and Pharmaceuticals, Chemical Structure, and Catalysis in Modern Drug Discovery, based on their background and goals. You will complete graded assignments on a structured timeline and earn a transferable UCLA credit recorded on an official transcript upon completing the course.
6. Johns Hopkins University Pre-College: Applications of Chemistry in Medicine Course
Cost: $1,950 + $85 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: Rolling; starts November 20
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade before the start of the program and have a minimum 3.0 out of 4 GPA
This online chemistry program for high school students offered by Johns Hopkins University guides you through the chemical principles behind drug development, diagnostic technology, and materials used in healthcare. You will study how compound synthesis, reaction pathways, and molecular interactions shape modern pharmaceutical practices and support innovations in cosmetics, pigments, and polymers. The curriculum combines theoretical study with case-based examples that demonstrate how chemistry directly influences clinical and consumer applications. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, but you will progress through modules while meeting weekly deadlines and attending optional live sessions that allow discussion and clarification. By the end, you will earn one academic credit from Johns Hopkins, which can be added to your official academic record.
7. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Topics in Biochemistry Course
Cost: $3,200; financial aid available
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11
Stanford offers a wide range of summer pre-college courses to high schoolers. Its Topics in Biochemistry course is a two-week opportunity to dive into biochemical science. As a participant, you will explore topics such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, and examine how issues with these macromolecules can cause major health problems. You will learn through live lectures, asynchronous assignments, small group learning activities, and group presentations. For the final group project, you will choose a topic that draws on concepts from multiple areas of biochemistry, such as the keto diet, mRNA vaccines, CRISPR-Cas9, or bacterial antibiotic resistance. This course can help you prepare for post-secondary biochemistry courses, especially if you are planning to major in health sciences or medicine.
8. University of California, Berkeley’s Extension Program’s Introduction to Chemistry Course
Cost: $1,325
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Self-paced course; typically involves ~45 hours of instructional time and 90 hours of study time
Application deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students
UC Berkeley’s online Introduction to Chemistry is a self-paced course that equips you with foundational knowledge in atomic structure, chemical bonding, reaction types, stoichiometry, and equilibrium. You will move through modules that cover acids and bases, redox processes, and quantitative problem-solving methods. You will independently manage readings, assignments, and exams while using online resources to support your learning. This online chemistry program for high school students does not include laboratory components, and the focus is on conceptual clarity and applying mathematical reasoning to chemical systems. Upon earning a passing score on the final exam, you will receive academic credit.
9. Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track
Cost/Stipend: ~$615/unit for domestic students + registration, document, and application fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions between May and August
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 10th or 11th grade, will be at least 16 by program start, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
This online chemistry program for high school students lets you take real UC Berkeley chemistry courses online, completing a full semester’s material in an accelerated six- or eight-week format. You will study alongside Berkeley undergraduates, choosing from courses like General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, General Chemistry Laboratory, and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, depending on the year’s offerings. Each course follows Berkeley’s academic standards, offering you access to synchronous and asynchronous instruction, virtual office hours, and a structured online learning environment. The courses carry official UC Berkeley credit, so you can request a transcript from the Registrar and, in many cases, transfer those credits to your future institution. The program also issues a commendation letter from the Dean of Extended Education for students who successfully complete their coursework. In addition to academics, you can join virtual orientations, workshops, and advising sessions designed to help you manage college-level expectations.
10. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Chemical and Environmental Engineering Course
Cost: $3,200; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 who have completed an algebra course
In this two-week online course offered by Stanford, you will learn about the chemistry and engineering behind major industrial processes like cement, steel, transportation fuels, and ammonia production. The course focuses on how these processes impact the environment and explores strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You will use core engineering concepts such as energy use, material properties, and chemical equilibrium to evaluate decarbonization strategies. The course includes daily online lectures, interactive activities, simulations, and group projects designed to help you develop critical thinking and systems-level understanding.
11. Harvard Secondary School Program: Planets, Moons, and Their Stars: The Search for Life in the Cosmos
Cost: $4,180 (four-credit course) + a non-refundable $75 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application deadline: June 17
Eligibility: High school students
This course, one of Harvard Secondary School’s online offerings, introduces you to the scientific foundations of astrobiology by examining how chemistry, geology, planetary science, and astronomy contribute to the search for life beyond Earth. You will explore current research on early Earth, the chemical conditions that may have supported life’s emergence, and what recent missions reveal about bodies such as Mars, Venus, Europa, Titan, and Enceladus. The course discusses methods for detecting and characterizing exoplanets, the role of stars in determining planetary habitability, and how chemical signatures in space guide scientists toward potential biospheres. You will also study the evolution of stars and galaxies to understand how elements essential for life form and disperse. Instruction covers examples from ongoing robotic missions and observational programs, giving you insight into how scientists investigate environments where life may exist.
12. James Madison High School’s Online Chemistry Course
Cost: $399
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment
Dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who have taken Algebra I and Geometry
James Madison High School’s online chemistry course is a flexible, credit-bearing opportunity to explore matter, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and major branches of chemistry. You will progress through lessons on thermochemistry, electrochemistry, organic and biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry while also examining the role of water, solutions, and energy changes in everyday processes. You will learn while reading modules, engaging in review activities, taking quizzes, and completing a final exam, with opportunities to join live teacher-led sessions for additional support. Support from academic advisors and instructors is accessible through the virtual platform, allowing you to ask questions as you move at your own pace.
13. Wake Forest University Precollege Program: Learn To Think Like A Bioscientist
Cost: $1,595; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Multiple two- and four-week sessions available throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and up
Wake Forest University’s “Learn to Think Like a Bioscientist” course introduces you to the molecular and chemical foundations of infectious diseases by examining how pathogens such as HIV, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 spread and are treated. You will learn how to distinguish viral and bacterial infections, study how molecules replicate inside cells, and analyze how the immune system responds to different types of threats. The course integrates epidemiology with biochemistry, guiding you through case studies on how diseases emerge, how “patient zero” is identified, and how treatments and vaccines are developed. You will also practice using scientific databases and research literature to trace disease progression and evaluate biomedical findings. Throughout this online chemistry program for high school students, you will refine your skills in critical reading, communication, and scientific reasoning while exploring career paths in medicine, public health, and research.
14. The American Academy’s Chemistry SCI310 Course
Cost: $238/semester
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and above
The American Academy’s Chemistry (SCI310) course is a fully online, self-paced option that covers both introductory and intermediate chemistry topics across two semesters. You will begin with foundational material such as states of matter, atomic theory, periodic trends, bonding, reactions, nomenclature, and stoichiometry, connecting these ideas to the scientific method. The second semester moves on to thermodynamics, reaction rates, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox processes, and electrochemistry while introducing organic chemistry concepts like functional groups and polymerization. Biochemistry and nuclear chemistry are also covered in the course, offering you exposure to how chemical principles apply in living systems, energy production, and medical technologies. Licensed teachers offer instruction.
15. Arizona State University’s Introductory Chemistry Online Course
Cost: $25 application fee + $400 credit conversion fee that you pay only if you’re satisfied with your grade and want to add it to your transcript
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Self-paced; typically, requires a commitment of 16 weeks
Application deadline: Continuous enrolment
Eligibility: High school students
Arizona State University’s Introductory Chemistry course covers core chemical principles through a molecular lens, linking atomic structure, bonding, reactions, and properties of materials to examples drawn from biology, engineering, and health sciences. In this online chemistry program for high school students, you will study topics such as blood pH regulation, the formation of everyday materials, and the chemical basis of life, using online modules. The course runs over a 16-week term and is conducted through video lessons, guided notes, problem sets, quizzes, and lab components to help you practice molecular-level reasoning. On completing this course, a part of the ASU’s Universal Learner system, you can earn four transferable college credits while also satisfying high school requirements.
Image source - Johns Hopkins Logo