15 Free Programs for High School Students in Michigan
Structured programs can be a solid option for high school students looking for hands-on learning beyond the classroom. They can help you build practical skills, work on projects, and explore fields such as research, healthcare, technology, or the arts while learning from educators and professionals. Many are free or offer full financial aid, making them accessible opportunities to explore your interests and connect with peers who share similar goals.
Why should you attend a program in Michigan?
Michigan is home to a range of universities, research centers, hospitals, and nonprofits that run free summer programs specifically for high school students. Depending on the program you choose, you might work in a research lab, explore cybersecurity or computer science, engage in healthcare simulations, or take part in creative and community-based projects. Whether you live in Michigan or are coming from out of state, these programs offer a chance to explore different fields while learning in an academic environment.
To make your search easier, we have narrowed down to 15 free programs for high school students in Michigan.
If you’re looking for online STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship @ University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $3,000 + housing and meals provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6 – 10 interns/year
Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors enrolled in and attending a high school in Michigan; applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with employment authorization documentation.
Aspirnaut is a residential summer research program that allows you to spend six weeks on the University of Michigan campus and work full-time in a life sciences research lab. You will assist with ongoing research projects, collect and analyze data, and get a realistic look at what day-to-day work as a scientist involves. Outside the lab, you’ll live in a residence hall with other interns, take part in social activities, and interact with students from other summer programs on campus. The program also includes structured programming on science communication, with training supported by the U-M Museum of Natural History, as well as talks from researchers across different scientific fields. You will present your research publicly at the end of the program.
2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 – 15-week cohorts run several times each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship typically accepts previous AI Scholar participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) @ Facility for Rare Isotope Beams
Location: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; room and board available if required
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application deadline: March 5
Eligibility: U.S. students currently enrolled in high school
PAN is a week-long free summer program that can help you learn about atomic nuclei and how nuclear physics connects to astrophysics and cosmology. Led by faculty, staff, and students from FRIB, the program combines hands-on activities, demonstrations, and experiments tied to ongoing research at the rare-isotope laboratory. You will get direct exposure to nuclear physics research while working alongside scientists who study everything from precision measurement to cosmic processes. The schedule is structured but varied, combining lab activities with discussions about research paths, science careers, and what college-level science looks like day to day.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation’s Breakthrough Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year; summer, spring, winter, and fall sessions available
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and financial hardship
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a nonprofit research initiative for academically gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, which offers one-on-one research opportunities, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at no cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. Here, you will work with a Ph.D. mentor on a one-on-one basis to design an independent research paper. You can choose from a wide range of research areas, including economics, computer science, engineering, international relations, social sciences, psychology, data science, physics, and chemistry. You will finish the program with a complete research paper!
5. RYSE MED Program @ Henry Ford Health
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – August 7 + monthly events during the academic year (September – May)
Application deadline: TBA; applications open on February 28
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders in Metro Detroit with at least a 2.5 GPA
RYSE MED is a year-long program with a six-week, in-person summer immersion focused on healthcare, research, and health equity. During the summer, you will spend Monday through Thursday at Henry Ford Hospital, shadowing clinicians and researchers, participating in simulations and workshops, and learning about a wide range of healthcare careers. You’ll also work in groups to conduct research on a health equity topic and create an infographic, which you will present during a closing celebration. A key focus of the program is long-term mentorship, with continued monthly meetings and enrichment activities available throughout the academic year. Following the summer, you will choose at least one academic-year track that may focus on college access, research, or continued career exploration.
6. Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $1,000 available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students/year
Dates: Academic-year program + a summer internship between June and August
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Detroit-area high school students
The Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program provides Detroit-area students free exposure to the medical and surgical fields during the academic year. On Saturdays, you will attend sessions at Henry Ford Hospital’s Surgical Simulation Suite, where you will learn about and practice suturing, knot-tying, and laparoscopic simulations under the guidance of health professionals. You will also observe healthcare teams, tour hospital departments, and interact with physicians and medical students to gain a deeper understanding of medical careers. At the end, you will have the chance to secure a paid summer internship. As an intern, you will continue learning about surgical and medical specialties through hands-on activities.
7. High School Summer Science Program @ Eastern Michigan University
Location: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 – 12 students/year
Dates: June 22 – July 13
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Local high school students who have completed at least one science class
Eastern Michigan University’s High School Summer Science Program is a free opportunity to work on real research alongside university faculty and undergraduates. Over three weeks, you will work within a small team on a project in chemistry, biology, or physics, learning how to perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and present your results. You will also learn about research ethics, lab safety, and how to maintain accurate documentation, gaining insights into how professional research is conducted. The program culminates in a formal presentation of your work to peers and faculty.
8. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Varies by year; held in the past at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; additional financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~100–160 students/year
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors), ages 15 – 17; open to both U.S. and international students.
TASS is a tuition-free, highly competitive five-week residential program conducted on a university campus. As a participant, you will engage in intensive, college-level seminars in the humanities and social sciences, with weekday classes centered on discussion and critical inquiry rather than lectures. You will explore themes such as history, politics, literature, art, and systems of power through collaborative, faculty-led dialogue. In addition to academics, TASS emphasizes shared governance and community responsibility, encouraging you to participate in collective decision-making and to organize activities. You will also gain experience in applying principles of transformative justice within a democratic living setup.
9. University of Michigan’s Future Ready Scholars
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – 17 (summer camp) + academic year programming
Application deadline: April 5
Eligibility: High school students in Southeast Michigan
Future Ready Scholars is a fully funded, multi-year STEM enrichment and college-readiness program for high school students in Southeast Michigan. The program runs a two-week summer camp on the University of Michigan campus, where you will use the Engineering Design Process to develop creative solutions to real-world problems. Additionally, the program includes college and career readiness training, including SAT preparation support, job shadowing, and career exploration opportunities. Programming continues through the school year with Saturday sessions to help you stay engaged and continue exploring STEM pathways.
10. Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) @ Michigan State University
Location: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: NoneAcceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – 31
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11
MAP is a four-week summer program that offers you a structured introduction to college life and academic and career paths in agriculture, natural resources, and related STEM fields. You will be matched with a faculty member to work on a research or applied project in areas like food science, animal science, forestry, environmental management, horticulture, or agricultural engineering. Alongside project work, you will take part in field trips, leadership seminars, and group activities designed to help you understand how these fields connect to real-world problems. You will also experience life on a college campus while living in dorms and engaging in on-campus activities.
11. 826michigan’s Ann Arbor Teen Leadership Lab
Location: Ann Arbor District Library’s Pittsfield Branch, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 9 – August 13
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who have just completed grades 9 – 12
The Ann Arbor Teen Leadership Lab is a weekly summer program where you will mentor younger students in grades 2–8 while also developing your own writing skills. You will meet once a week in the evening and work directly with elementary and middle school writers, helping them brainstorm ideas, draft pieces, and revise their work. Each session includes structured professional development to help you learn how to guide younger students and reflect on your role as a mentor. A key feature of the program is the built-in debrief after every session, where staff will help you process your mentoring experience and build leadership skills. You will also have time to share your own writing, offer and receive peer feedback, and access support for publishing.
12. University of Michigan’s Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: 11th-grade students who are Michigan residents and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers is a four-week opportunity to explore nuclear engineering through academic, technical, and leadership experiences at the University of Michigan. In the mornings, you will receive math and science instruction and college entrance exam preparation support, while in the afternoons, you will attend seminars on college readiness, leadership, and communication. You will also engage in lab visits to explore facilities such as the ZEUS laser system, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, and the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant. You will additionally attend community engagement workshops, where you will discuss nuclear energy topics with local residents. The program also lets a select few participants collaborate with faculty on research projects.
13. 826michigan’s Education Justice Zines
Location: Ypsilanti District Library’s Michigan Avenue branch, Ypsilanti, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 18
Education Justice Zines is a multi-session, in-person workshop where you will explore how writing and creative expression can be used to advocate for change in your community. Committing to weekly sessions on Friday afternoons, you will learn how to turn your ideas, experiences, and opinions into zines that communicate a clear message. The program emphasizes both writing and action, helping you explore issues related to education and justice while developing your own voice. You will create an individual zine from start to finish and have the chance to distribute it to the community at the end of the workshop. Sessions are collaborative and discussion-based and conducted with support from partner organizations focused on youth advocacy.
14. Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs Astronomy at the Beach
Location: Island Lake State Park, Brighton, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free event (state park entry fee or Recreation Passport required for parking)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: September 26 – 27
Application deadline: None (no registration required)
Eligibility: Open to the public, including high school students
Astronomy at the Beach is a large, free, two-day astronomy outreach event where you can explore the night sky alongside amateur and professional astronomers from across southeastern Michigan. You will have access to dozens of telescopes for solar observing in the afternoon and night sky viewing in the evening, with opportunities to see planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. The event also features hands-on activities, astronomy talks, and demonstrations, including a keynote lecture each night by Guy Consolmagno, a planetary scientist and director of the Vatican Observatory. You can attend talks, ask questions directly to astronomers, and get an up-close look at how telescopes and astrophotography actually work. The schedule is flexible, so you can drop in for a few hours or stay for the full evening.
15. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (two weeks); dates TBA
Application deadline: Not specified (interest list and waitlist available)
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive students, ages 13 – 18
Kode With Klossy’s Summer Camps are free, two-week coding-intensive programs designed to introduce you to tech and computer science applications through hands-on projects. You will dive into one of four tech-focused tracks and spend the program building real projects in areas like web development, mobile app development, machine learning, or data science. You will focus on practical applications of coding while building websites or apps, visualizing data, or programming a chatbot. You will also have the opportunity to connect with women in technology during the camp’s speaker series.
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