14 Online STEM Camps for High School Students
If you're a high school student looking to explore science, technology, engineering, or math beyond your regular curriculum, a structured online camp can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, projects, or mentor guidance to help you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Online camps, in particular, let you access this kind of experience from anywhere, without the logistical barriers of in-person programs.
How are STEM camps different from other programs in high school?
STEM camps tend to run shorter and more focused than a typical school course, letting you explore a specific subject like AI, robotics, or data science over a few days or weeks rather than a full semester. You could build an AI model with a mentor, work through a physics or engineering research project, or complete a coding course that ends with a finished project to show for it. Whether you're just starting to explore a field or already have some experience, these camps can give you a clearer sense of what direction you want to pursue.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 14 online STEM camps for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 14 online STEM camps for high school students span AI and machine learning (Veritas AI, Kode With Klossy, Stanford AI4ALL), coding and data science (USC Viterbi, Columbia SPS, Girls Who Code), and specialized research topics (Penn's Genomics and Bioinformatics, Stanford's SPINWIP).
Several camps, including SPINWIP, Girls Who Code Pathway, and Kode With Klossy, are entirely free and specifically designed for beginners with no prior coding or subject experience required.
Programs like Kode With Klossy and Girls Who Code Pathway target girls, nonbinary, and gender-expansive students, while others like WIE RISE and Veritas AI are open to all students regardless of gender.
Costs vary widely, from free options to over $4,000 for selective programs like Stanford AI4ALL and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, with financial aid available for several paid programs.
1. SPINWIP (Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Three weeks, July 6 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9-11 at the time of application. Students from outside the U.S. may apply
SPINWIP puts you directly into current physics research, covering areas like quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology through lectures from Stanford professors and researchers. Alongside the research content, you learn to code in Python and apply those skills to physics-based projects in small groups led by Stanford undergraduates. The program also includes college planning and career development workshops, plus the chance to build an ongoing mentorship relationship with a Stanford student or professor. Because no prior physics or coding background is required, the three weeks are built to bring you up to speed rather than assume you already have a foundation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 12-15 week cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide | AI Fellowship applicants should have prior AI knowledge, either by completing the AI Scholars program or through experience with AI concepts or 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 learn 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 can work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus is access to the in-house publication team, which helps students 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. WIE RISE! An Introduction to Engineering Research
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25. Scholarships available for demonstrated financial need
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: One week, July 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified; check website for updates
Eligibility: Open to rising 9th-12th graders. Open to all students regardless of gender
WIE RISE gives you a different engineering discipline each day of the week, covering fields like aerospace, bioengineering, chemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, fire protection, materials science, and mechanical engineering. Each day includes a virtual lab tour and demo from a University of Maryland engineering lab, run by current Maryland engineering undergraduates. You also learn how to read and understand scientific research papers, plus complete asynchronous at-home experiments using materials you gather yourself. Since the program is introductory rather than a research internship, it's designed to help you sample different engineering fields rather than produce your own research output.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type | financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer cohorts (I and II) are on June 2 and July 14
Application Deadline: Summer I: May 11; Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program enables high school students to undertake an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. The program includes workshops on research methodologies and provides specialized coaching on developing a comprehensive academic research paper. You will work with a writing coach to refine and develop your research ideas across disciplines such as chemistry, biology, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, history, data science, physics, linguistics, computer science, and engineering. If you have interests outside these subjects, you can collaborate with your mentor to create a personalized research topic. Although Lumiere is not affiliated with a university, successful completion of the program may qualify participants for academic credit through the University of California, San Diego. Alongside the technical experience, you will also build professional skills through resume writing, interview preparation, and exposure to career pathways in national laboratories and higher education, giving you a comprehensive introduction to STEM fields.
5. Girls Who Code Pathway
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective
Dates: Offered throughout the year with flexible, self-paced learning modules and scheduled live events/workshops.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students, including girls, nonbinary, and gender expansive students interested in coding, computer science, and STEM fields.
The Girls Who Code Pathways program helps high school students learn coding and explore technology through free virtual lessons and projects. In this program, you can study topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, web development, game design, and data science while building hands-on coding skills. The program also includes workshops, mentorship, and career sessions where you can learn directly from technology professionals and connect with other students who share similar STEM interests. Through these experiences, you gain practical computer science skills and a better understanding of technology careers.
6. Kode With Klossy Summer Camp
Location: Virtual, open to scholars globally
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Two weeks, with multiple sessions offered between June and August
Application Deadline: Not specified on this page
Eligibility: Open to girls, gender nonconforming, and trans students ages 13-18. No prior coding experience required
Kode With Klossy's camp puts you in one of three custom tracks: AI/ML, Data Science, or Web Development, each built around a real technical skill rather than a general coding overview. In the AI/ML track, you learn the foundations of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including how to train a chatbot using Python, while also addressing bias in the field. The Data Science track has you working with SQL, Python, and visualization tools to build your own data visualization on a topic you choose. Because no prior coding experience is required, the two weeks are built to take you from the fundamentals to a finished project you can point to afterward.
7. USC Viterbi – CS@SC Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and in-person
Cost/Stipend: $200 for virtual classes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 - 31
Application Deadline: Summer camp registrations are open now.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9 - 12
The CS@SC Coding Camps, offered by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, give students the opportunity to explore areas of computer science that are not typically covered in school. You will learn through hands-on modules in topics such as programming, web development, mobile app creation, game design, and robotics, while building practical skills. For high school students, the program includes more specialized courses in areas such as cybersecurity, Java, Python, and app or web development. These camps are designed to help you develop a stronger understanding of computer science while helping you gain real-world, industry-relevant skills in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
8. Penn SAS Online Seminars – Genomics and Bioinformatics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,950; scholarships available for Philadelphia residents attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: Check the website for updates
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students; international students welcome, no visa required
Penn SAS's Online Seminars pair advanced academic content with real-world application, and the Genomics and Bioinformatics track lets you explore both over two weeks. Daily live sessions with University of Pennsylvania faculty and professionals in the field walk you through core concepts, while roughly 10 hours of independent coursework across the program deepens your understanding between classes. The seminar leans into discussion and applied thinking rather than straight lecture, and completing both the synchronous sessions and the asynchronous work earns you a certificate of completion.
9. Columbia University School of Professional Studies Data Science and Machine Learning
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: 1-week program: $2,890 | 2-week program: $4,040
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 6 - 17 | July 20 - 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9 to 12) | While not a prerequisite, a basic understanding of algebra, geometry, statistics, and computer programming is recommended
The Data Science and Machine Learning 1 course offered by Columbia University School of Professional Studies is a two-week pre-college program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of data science and machine learning. You will explore core concepts such as Python programming, basic machine learning algorithms, and real-world data science applications across industries such as AI, healthcare, and business, while gaining experience analyzing and presenting data ethically and effectively. The course is beginner-friendly and requires no prior coding experience, making it suitable for students who are new to programming. Through hands-on projects and guided instruction, you will build foundational skills in coding and data analysis, while also gaining early exposure to how data-driven technologies are shaping modern industries.
10. Shooting Stars Foundation STEM Camps
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Not fixed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: K–12 students, depending on program | most high school STEM camps are designed for middle and high school students, often beginner-friendly and open globally
The Shooting Stars Foundation STEM Camp offers virtual and in-person programs that introduce students to fields such as coding, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, and entrepreneurship through hands-on, project-based learning. In this camp, you will work on real-world challenges, build practical technical skills, and collaborate with peers and mentors while completing interactive projects and activities. The program also includes exposure to industry professionals and focuses on developing teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making it a supportive environment to explore different STEM pathways.
11. Create & Learn STEM Camp
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students from elementary through high school | beginner-friendly, no prior experience required for most introductory courses
Create & Learn is an online learning platform that offers live, instructor-led STEM classes and summer camps for students across different age groups, including high school learners. In these programs, you will explore subjects such as coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, game development, and data science through small-group, interactive sessions that emphasize hands-on learning. Instead of passive instruction, you will actively build projects, solve problems, and apply concepts in real-world scenarios with guidance from experienced instructors. The platform also provides structured learning pathways and short intensive camps that help you gradually develop technical skills while developing creativity, logical thinking, and confidence in STEM fields.
12. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Online & Residential
Cost/Stipend: $4,120
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 - 26
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Stanford AI Summer Camp is for current 9th graders who want to explore the AI field.
Stanford AI4ALL introduces high school students to the fundamentals and real-world applications of artificial intelligence. In this course, you will explore how AI technologies work and how they can address real societal challenges, with a strong focus on ethical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. The program combines online lectures delivered by Stanford faculty and AI experts with interactive learning experiences that help you build a strong conceptual foundation in the field. Alongside lectures, you will take part in small-group mentoring sessions led by researchers and graduate students, where you will receive personalized guidance.
13. CTY Online Programming (STEM Courses)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course and length. Payment plans and need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round, offered in fall, spring, and summer terms
Application Deadline: Rolling, tied to each term's start date. Fall enrollment closes September 15 for an October 11 start
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 2-12. Requires a qualifying score on an above-grade-level test such as the SCAT, SAT, ACT, or STB
CTY's online STEM courses put you in a live virtual classroom rather than a set of recorded lectures, and you work through material well beyond what a typical school curriculum covers. Course options span math, robotics and technology, and science and engineering, so you can pick a track based on your specific interest rather than a general STEM survey. Each course pairs live sessions with expert instructors alongside independent work between classes, and instructors are specifically trained to engage academically advanced students. Because CTY runs courses continuously across the year, you can build a schedule around your existing school year rather than waiting for a single summer window.
14. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application Deadline: March 13
Dates: June 15 - 26 and July 6 - July 17
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide in grades 8 - 11
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Summer Institutes offer high school students an opportunity to study a single subject in depth through an intensive two-week virtual program. You can choose from a wide range of STEM-focused courses, including artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and chemical and environmental engineering, while learning in small, seminar-style classes taught by Stanford educators. The program combines live daily instruction with collaborative projects and discussions involving students from around the world, creating an academically rigorous and interactive learning environment. Unlike traditional high school classes, these courses focus on advanced and specialized topics that encourage deeper exploration, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the best online STEM camps for high school students?
Strong options depend on interests and experience level. Students new to coding might consider Girls Who Code Pathway or Kode With Klossy; those interested in AI might look at Veritas AI or Stanford AI4ALL, and students wanting a research-based experience might consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
2. Are there free online STEM camps for high schoolers?
Yes, several camps are free, including SPINWIP, Girls Who Code Pathway, and Kode With Klossy Summer Camp, all of which require no prior experience in the subject area.
3. Are any of these online STEM camps designed specifically for girls or gender-expansive students?
Yes, Kode With Klossy is open to girls, gender nonconforming, and trans students, and Girls Who Code Pathway is designed for girls, nonbinary, and gender-expansive students interested in coding and STEM.
4. Can students work with a mentor on an independent research project through an online STEM camp?
Yes, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs students with a PhD mentor for an independent research project, and Veritas AI's AI Fellowship offers 1:1 mentorship from university mentors for a unique AI project.