10 Online Summer Camps for High School Students
High school summer camps can be a great way to make the most of your school break! These camps offer opportunities to explore academic interests, develop practical skills, and connect with peers and professionals. Many online camps are either free or offer scholarships, which can help you explore your interests without the financial burden of in-person programs.
Many of these programs are hosted by top universities and organizations, giving you access to high-quality instruction and mentorship from the comfort of your home. Virtual formats make these camps accessible, allowing you to attend live sessions, complete interactive assignments, and collaborate on projects from anywhere.
High school summer camps are designed to provide exposure to various areas of interest, including medicine, science, technology, the arts, and business. Additionally, at camp, you may participate in guest lectures, hands-on challenges, and final projects that you can include in your portfolio or resume.
To help you get started, here are 10 online summer camps for high school students!
1. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 64 students accepted for the online program
Cost: $3,580; financial aid is offered
Program dates: Session One: June 16 – July 4 | Session Two: July 7 – 25
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from around the world
For students interested in advanced mathematics and theoretical problem solving, SUMaC provides a rigorous, three-week online experience in abstract math. In this course, students dive into topics such as number theory, abstract algebra, and algebraic topology through daily live lectures, intensive problem-solving sessions, and guided independent research. It is structured to reflect the pace and depth of a college-level course and focus on mathematical reasoning that goes beyond standard high school curricula. You will also engage with historical developments and current research areas in mathematics, gaining perspective on how the field has evolved and where it’s heading. Collaborative learning is a key part of the experience, with opportunities to work closely with peers, instructors, and graduate student assistants offered during the program. You will also get to work on a final presentation of your research project, which will allow you to apply concepts and communicate complex ideas.
2. Veritas AI
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Cost: AI Scholars program: $2,290 | AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase: $5,400 | Both combined: $6,900 | Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Several 12- to 15-week cohorts run during the year, including summer sessions
Application deadline: Summer cohorts’ applications are due in May/June
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students | To be eligible for the AI Fellowship, you need to have completed the AI Scholars program or have some experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers structured opportunities to high school students interested in artificial intelligence and related fields. If you are fairly new to the subject, the AI Scholars program introduces foundational concepts in AI/machine learning and data science over the course of 10 interactive sessions, culminating in real-world project work. For those with prior experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase allows you to pursue an independent research project under the mentorship of experts from leading institutions. You will also receive guidance from an editorial team to help you with getting your work published in high school research journals. The program offers personalized mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to showcase your work through tangible outcomes. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Rice University NeuroCamp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 19 – 20
Application deadline: Applications open in March and are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: All high school students
RNS NeuroCamp is a summer experience that focuses on offering neuroscience education, research exposure, and career mentorship for high school students interested in STEM fields. Over the course of the program, you will study foundational neuroscience concepts such as neuron function, neurotransmission, neurological disorders, and neuroanatomy through interactive lectures and demonstrations. In addition to academics, this high school summer camp covers more advanced areas like computational neuroscience and the philosophy of mind.
You will also get to develop basic lab skills by conducting independent experiments at home, guided by the programming team’s instructions. Professional development is built into the curriculum, with sessions led by Rice University’s Center for Career Development, as well as panels featuring neuroscientists and current college students who share insights into career paths and the college admissions process.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 500 accepted out of 4,000+ applicants
Cost: $2,990; full need-based financial assistance is offered
Program dates: Vary by cohort; summer sessions begin in June/July and last 12 weeks to 1 year based on the chosen format
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; the upcoming summer cohort’s applications are due on June 23
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Research Scholar Program offered by Lumiere Education provides high school students with rigorous research experiences. As a participant, you will have access to one-on-one guidance offered by Ph.D.-level mentors. Over 12 weeks or more, based on the program format you choose, you will engage in independent research and come up with a detailed research paper. The program offers research experiences in various areas, including public policy, chemistry, engineering, psychology, math, philosophy, medicine, and biology, allowing you to explore a field of choice in depth. This setup is designed to help you develop critical thinking, research skills, and academic growth. You can learn about the available program formats, research areas, and application here.
5. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; eligible applicants accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Cost: Free
Program dates: Multiple two-week sessions available between June 2 and August 15
Application deadline: March/April; dates TBA
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens between the ages of 13 and 18
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are free, two-week online programs designed for high school students from underrepresented genders in STEM. The camps offer hands-on training in one of four coding tracks. Based on your experience and availability, you will be placed in one of four tracks—web development, machine learning, mobile app development, or data science. Each track involves working on a functional final project. For instance, you could work on designing a responsive website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, developing an iOS app with Swift and SwiftUI, training a chatbot with Python and machine learning, or analyzing real-world datasets using SQL and visualization tools. The curriculum of this high school summer camp is dedicated to discussing bias in tech, UI/UX design, and effective data interpretation. You will also attend speaker sessions featuring women in tech and get insights into different career paths.
6. Rosetta Institute Biomedical Camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Varies by program, but typically ranges from $510–$1,100; financial aid is available
Program dates: Multiple camps/workshops available between June 9 and August 15
Application deadline: Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students who are 14–18 years old; students over 12 or 13 years of age are eligible for select sessions
Rosetta Institute’s online biomedical camps are structured in the form of in-depth workshops taught by PhD-level instructors. They are designed for high school students interested in fields like medicine, biomedical research, and drug development. Depending on the course you select, you will explore how healthy cellular processes function, the role of genetics in medicine, and/or how they change in disease states. These high school summer camps combine interactive lectures with practical tasks like analyzing real biochemical data and designing experiments, giving you early exposure to research techniques. In more advanced sessions, you will study drug development strategies and bioinformatics tools to gain a deeper understanding of gene expression and molecular interactions. Each workshop culminates in a research project where you apply what you have learned to investigate a gene or disease-related process of your choice. The experience also offers support for science fair preparation or early research exploration.
7. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center Camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; open registrations
Cost: $420/camp
Program dates: Camps are available on-demand, all year round
Application deadline: None
Eligibility: Middle and high school students | Each camp has specific grade level requirements
The DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory offers several on-demand virtual camps to middle and high school students interested in genetics and biology. Here, you will get to access pre-recorded video sessions and a lab kit (delivered to you) containing lab materials, camp workbooks, and protocols. You will engage in hands-on activities like using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to learn about variations in the human genome, or analyzing DNA sequences and identifying species using web-based bioinformatics tools. These camps can offer you insights into cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, and molecular biology. You will also have access to video chat sessions, where you get to discuss your assignments and class topics with instructors.
8. Indiana University’s Cybersecurity & Cyber Defense Summer Camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; open registrations
Cost: None
Dates: June 3 – 7
Application deadline: May 20
Eligibility: High school students
At the IUPUI Cybersecurity & Cyber Defense Summer Camp, you will get to explore foundational concepts behind securing computer systems and networks through hands-on, online learning experiences. This high school summer camp covers key topics such as operating system security, vulnerability detection, and system hardening using virtual machines running Windows and Ubuntu within VMware. At camp, you’ll also work with Cisco Packet Tracer to simulate and secure complex network environments, including routers, switches, gateways, and servers. Through interactive labs and guided exercises, you will practice identifying and mitigating security risks across both systems and networks. The camp gives you structured exposure to real-world cybersecurity tools, strategies, technical skills, and critical thinking needed in the field.
9. New York Film Academy Teen Camps
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Varies as per camp; scholarships available
Program dates: Multiple camps throughout the year; find a summer camp here.
Application deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: High school students who are 14–17 years old
A prestigious institution in media and performing arts education, the New York Film Academy offers online high school summer camps focusing on filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, photography, game design, and more. These programs emphasize a practical, project-based approach where you’ll spend most of your time actively creating within your chosen field. Whether you’re scripting a short film, editing footage, building a digital game, or performing in front of the camera, the camp will simulate real-world workflows under the guidance of experienced industry professionals. Each program also integrates soft skills, such as collaboration, presentation, and critique, helping you build confidence and communication skills. If you opt for screenwriting or broadcast journalism, you’ll delve into story structure, character development, and reporting techniques, while fields like 3D animation or musical theatre focus on technical tools and performance craft. These camps typically can span one or more weeks, with both full- and part-time schedules available.
10. CU Denver GenCyber Summer Camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Free
Dates: July 15 – 19
Application deadline: Rolling; applications accepted until camp is full
Eligibility: High school students in Colorado
If you're interested in understanding how cybersecurity works from the ground up, the CU Denver GenCyber Summer Camp provides an online environment to explore topics like ethical hacking, digital forensics, and social engineering. At camp, you’ll use tools like Raspberry Pi kits and Kali Linux to perform penetration testing, investigate cyber intrusions, and explore ways attackers exploit personal data through phishing, ransomware, and social media manipulation. You will study basic computer and networking systems, learn about common attack types such as DDoS and malware, and experiment with configuring secure systems using firewalls and VPNs. The curriculum also covers ethical frameworks related to cybersecurity behavior and privacy, digital forensics, data hiding techniques, and the ethical considerations of emerging technologies like smart devices and wearables. You will also engage in hands-on lab sessions, virtual simulations, and exercises to understand concepts like online safety, data privacy, and the human factors that contribute to cyber vulnerabilities.
Image Source - Stanford University logo