15 Pre-College Summer Science Programs for High School Students

If you're a high school student looking to explore science before committing to it in college, a structured pre-college program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or lab work with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Whether your interests lie in biology, physics, computer science, or engineering, these programs can help you test out a field before deciding to pursue it further.

What are the benefits of attending a science pre-college program?

A science pre-college program can give you access to lab equipment, mentorship, and research questions that go beyond what a standard classroom offers. Depending on the program you choose, you could conduct experiments alongside faculty and graduate students, work through a computational research project, or contribute to an ongoing study in a specific field. Whether you're drawn to biology, physics, engineering, or computer science, these programs can help you build technical skills while getting a clearer sense of what the field actually involves.

To help you find the right fit, we have narrowed down a list of 15 science summer pre-college programs for high school students.

If you’re looking for STEM research programs, check out our blog here.

Key takeaways

• These 15 programs span biomedical research, genomics, AI in healthcare, computational biology, astrophysics, engineering, neuroscience, and environmental science, so students with a wide range of science interests can find a relevant option in person or online.

• Several programs are free or paid, including RSI (free), SAMS at CMU (fully funded), SEAP ($4,000 to $4,500 stipend), Clark Scholars (fully funded with stipend), Broad Summer Scholars ($3,600 stipend), and Aspirnaut at University of Michigan ($3,000 stipend), while SSP and COSMOS offer need-based financial aid.

• Programs vary significantly in depth and format, from two-week virtual intensives, such as Stanford AIMI, to seven-week residential research placements, such as Clark Scholars and Simons Summer Research, so students can choose based on their experience level and availability.

• Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including RSI (December 10), SEAP (November 1), Broad Summer Scholars (January 21), and Simons Summer Research (February 5), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.

1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive 

Program dates: June 28 – August 8

Application deadline: December 10

Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the institute's requirements. 

Research Science Institute (RSI) is designed for highly motivated high school juniors who want to gain hands-on experience in advanced scientific research. This free, highly competitive summer program begins with STEM classes and research seminars led by experts, followed by matching students with a researcher or scientist mentor for an individual project in fields such as physics, biology, chemistry, or neuroscience. Along the way, you will learn how to read scientific literature, develop a research plan, and present your findings through written and oral presentations. The program also offers field trips and opportunities to connect with researchers, scientists, and like-minded peers. 

2. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Cost: Free

Acceptance rate: Highly Selective

Dates: June 27 – August 8 

Deadline: March 

Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens, with a strong interest in STEM. 

The Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a fully funded six-week residential STEM program for high school students interested in exploring advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the program, you will take rigorous STEM courses, work on hands-on projects, and conduct research under the guidance of faculty and mentors. You will also participate in college preparation workshops, career exploration sessions, and collaborative learning experiences with students from across the country. Throughout the program, you will strengthen your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills while gaining exposure to college-level academics and a STEM career path.

3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Multiple Department of the Navy laboratories across the United States 

Cost: Free. Accepted students receive a stipend of $4,000 (first-time participants) or $4,500 (returning participants). 

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Dates: 8-week summer internship (typically June–August, depending on the laboratory)

Deadline: November 1 

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9, are at least 16 years old by the start of the internship, and are enrolled in high school. Graduating seniors may also apply. Most positions require U.S. citizenship. 

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students the chance to spend the summer working in Navy research laboratories alongside professional scientists and engineers. Rather than learning through simulations or classroom exercises, you will contribute to ongoing research projects in areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, mathematics, physics, and ocean science. Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from experienced researchers, develop technical and research skills, and gain exposure to the day-to-day work of STEM professionals. The program is an excellent opportunity to explore potential career paths, build hands-on experience, and see how scientific discoveries and technological innovations are developed in real research environments.

4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas (Residential) 

Cost: Free. The program covers room, meals, and program expenses, and participants receive a stipend. 

Acceptance rate: Highly selective 

Dates: June 21 – August 6 

Deadline: February 15 

Eligibility: You must be at least 17 years old by the start of the program. 

In this program, you will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor on an independent research project while gaining firsthand experience in a university research environment. The program not only focuses on classroom instruction but also immerses students in active research across fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, economics, and physics. Throughout the seven-week experience, you will investigate a research question in depth, attend seminars, engage with faculty members, and present your findings at the end of the program. With intensive mentorship, hands-on research, and a cohort of only 12 students, the program offers a highly personalized and rigorous introduction to academic research.

5. Florida State University's Young Scholars Program (YSP)

Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend available 

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: June 7 – July 18

Application deadline: February 15

Eligibility: Open to students who have completed grade 11 in Florida public/private high schools, have maintained an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, have scores in the 90th percentile or better in math on nationally standardized exams, and are enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus 

The University of Florida Student Science Training Program (SSTP) is a six-week pre-college research experience that allows high school seniors to explore advanced topics in mathematics, science, and computer programming while conducting an Independent Research Project (IRP). Along with taking challenging courses and attending lectures and seminars, you will work on a research project that may involve fieldwork, data analysis, or computer-based investigation. The program concludes with a research paper and poster presentation, allowing you to showcase your findings. You will also participate in weekend trips, social activities, and connect with faculty mentors, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and lab staff throughout the summer. 

6. Broad Institute's Broad Summer Scholars Program

Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA

Cost/Stipend: Free;  $3,600 stipend 

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: June 29 – August 7

Application deadline: January 21

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Massachusetts who live within commuting distance of the institute, have earned at least a B in science and math courses, and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with valid work authorization. 

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week research program that allows high school students to work in fields such as chemical biology, computational biology, and cancer biology. After completing lab training, you will be matched with a mentor and research project based on your interests and skills. Throughout the program, you will learn experimental and computational techniques, attend scientific talks and lab meetings, and gain exposure to ongoing research across multiple labs. You will also participate in social events, connect with fellow scholars, and attend a college fair. The program concludes with a scientific poster session where you present your research findings.

7. University of Michigan's Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship

Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus, MI

Cost/Stipend: Free;  $3,000 stipend

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly competitive

Program dates: June 14 – July 24

Application deadline: February 15 

Eligibility: Rising seniors attending a high school in the State of Michigan, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents or non-U.S. citizens with employment authorization documentation

The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship is a free, six-week residential program hosted by the University of Michigan's Life Sciences Institute that introduces high school students to life sciences research. During the program, you will work with a University of Michigan scientist in an on-campus laboratory and contribute to a real research project aligned with your interests. Beyond the research experience, you will participate in college and test preparation sessions, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and social activities. The program concludes with a research presentation where you share your findings with peers, scientists, and members of the public. 

8. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Cost/Stipend: No tuition; residential fee: $2,360.25; Stipend offered 

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive 

Dates: June 29 – August 7

Application deadline: February 5

Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are at least 16 years old

At the Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University, you will work alongside faculty researchers and research teams on ongoing STEM projects in fields such as geoscience, computer science, physics, astronomy, engineering, and chemistry. Throughout the program, you will gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, research tools, and scientific methods while contributing to real research. In addition, you will attend faculty-led lectures and workshops that introduce you to different STEM disciplines and help strengthen your research skills. The program concludes with the submission and presentation of a research abstract and poster showcasing your work. 

9. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Virtual or at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Cost: $1,299 for 3 college credits plus a $25 application fee, and both fees are fully waivable based on financial need.

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 18 – August 12

Application deadline: February 15

Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old

This pre-college research program, hosted by George Mason University, offers high school students the opportunity to work on active research projects in STEM fields such as engineering, biology, medicine, computer science, neuroscience, physics, and data science. Through virtual or on-campus participation, you will work with a faculty mentor, learn how to review scientific literature, apply research methods, and strengthen your scientific writing and communication skills. The program also includes career exploration sessions with professors and STEM professionals. At the end of the summer, you will present your work at a research symposium and learn about projects conducted by other participants across the program.

10. Bethel College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI)

Location: Bethel College Summer Science Institute, North Newton, KS (virtual option may be available)

Cost: $60 registration fee

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive

Program dates: July 14 – 19

Application deadline: April 1 

Eligibility: Open to students who have completed grades 9–12 by the start of the program. Students should have an interest in science and research. The program welcomes both in-state and out-of-state applicants.

The Bluegrass College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI) is a week-long pre-college program that allows high school students to explore scientific research in fields such as forensic science, biology, psychology, and human health. During the program, you will work in two different research groups, gaining exposure to multiple areas of science through lectures, laboratory work, and field-based activities. With guidance from faculty and undergraduate assistants, you will learn laboratory techniques, data collection methods, and basic research skills. You will also collaborate with peers on a group project and present your findings at a symposium. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion and earn one hour of college credit. 

11. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual

Cost: Application fee: $45 +Tuition: $2,400

Acceptance rate: Selective

Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17

Application deadline: February 20

Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older and U.S. citizens; those with prior experience in a healthcare project and/or strong math or computer programming skills are preferred.

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a pre-college program that introduces high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. During the two-week virtual program, you will attend lectures led by Stanford researchers and clinicians, work in small teams on a health AI research project, and receive mentorship from Stanford student leaders and researchers. The program also includes workshops, speaker sessions, and discussions exploring how AI is used in clinical and research settings. By the end of the program, you will have gained experience in health AI research, teamwork, and scientific communication while learning about careers in medicine, technology, and research. 

12. Summer Science Program

Location: Multiple residential campuses across the United States, including institutions such as Albion College (Michigan), Georgia College & State University (Georgia), Linfield University (Oregon), and others, depending on the research track.

Cost/Stipend: $11,800, covering tuition, housing, meals, supplies, and local transportation. Need-based financial aid is available. $3,000 stipends are available 

Acceptance Rate: Not officially published 

Dates: Program dates vary by campus and track 

Application Deadline: January 29 (International applicants) and February 19 (U.S. applicants)

Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors (rising seniors) who will be at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during the program. 

It is a highly selective pre-college STEM program that allows high school juniors to engage in intensive, hands-on scientific research while living on a college campus. Through tracks such as Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Bacterial Genomics, and Cell Biology, you will work in small teams on college-level research projects under the guidance of scientists and educators. Along the way, you will learn research methods, analyze data, use professional scientific equipment, and strengthen your scientific writing and presentation skills. The program also includes guest lectures, mentorship, field trips, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers who share an interest in science.

13. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

Location: Multiple University of California campuses

Cost: $5,518 for the four-week residential program. Need-based financial aid is available.

Acceptance Rate: Selective

Dates: July 5 – August 1

Deadline: February 6

Eligibility: California students entering grades 9–12 in Fall 2026 who demonstrate strong interest and aptitude in STEM subjects 

The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) is a four-week residential STEM program that allows high school students to explore advanced scientific and technical subjects at a University of California campus. Through a specialized academic cluster, you will engage in hands-on laboratory work, research activities, faculty-led lectures, and collaborative projects rather than traditional high school coursework. The program offers in-depth exposure to fields such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology, environmental science, mathematics, and physics while connecting you with like-minded peers and university researchers. You will also gain experience using university facilities, strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills, and develop a deeper understanding of potential STEM pathways. 

14. Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program

Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Residential and Online options available)

Cost: $3,500 

Acceptance Rate: Not specified

Dates: Vary

Deadline: Rolling 

Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12 with a strong academic record and interest in exploring a field of study. International students are eligible to apply.

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program allows high school students to explore a potential academic or career pathway through intensive, hands-on learning experiences. You can choose from a wide range of institutes, including medicine, neuroscience, engineering, psychology, business, law, filmmaking, artificial intelligence, and more. Throughout the program, you will learn from Wake Forest faculty, researchers, and industry professionals while participating in discussions, projects, simulations, and field-specific activities. Beyond academics, the program offers opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, experience college life, and gain a clearer understanding of your interests and future goals. 

15. Brown Pre-College Program

Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island (Residential)

Cost: Approximately $5,788 (includes tuition, housing, and meals). Need-based financial aid and scholarships are available.

Acceptance Rate: Not publicly available. The program is selective and operates on a rolling admissions basis, with spaces filling as applications are reviewed.

Dates: July 12–24

Deadline: May 8

Eligibility: Students completing grades 8 or 9 (rising 9th and 10th graders), typically ages 13–15. International students are eligible to apply.

The Brown STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders Program allows students to explore STEM in a university setting through immersive, project-based learning. During the two-week experience, you will investigate scientific and technological concepts through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and interactive coursework led by Brown instructors. The program encourages students to think creatively, ask questions, and tackle complex problems while working alongside peers with similar interests. Along the way, you will strengthen your critical thinking, teamwork, and analytical skills, gain exposure to advanced STEM topics, and get a firsthand look at academic life at Brown University.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the best science pre-college programs for high school students?

Strong options include RSI at MIT for highly competitive independent STEM research, SAMS at CMU for fully funded college-level STEM coursework, Clark Scholars for personalized one-on-one faculty research, Broad Summer Scholars for genomics and cancer biology research, and Stanford AIMI for virtual AI in healthcare projects.

2. Are there free or paid science pre-college programs for high school students?

Yes, RSI, SAMS, and Clark Scholars are fully funded. SEAP provides $4,000 to $4,500 in stipends, Broad Summer Scholars provides $3,600, and Aspirnaut at the University of Michigan provides $3,000. SSP, COSMOS, and Simons Summer Research all offer need-based financial aid, and ASSIP at George Mason waives both fees for students with demonstrated financial need.

3. Which science pre-college programs are most selective?

RSI has an acceptance rate below 2.5 percent and admits 100 students globally, Clark Scholars accepts only 12 students per year, and Simons Summer Research has an acceptance rate below 5 percent. Aspirnaut at the University of Michigan and Broad Summer Scholars are also highly competitive with small cohorts relative to their applicant pools.

4. When should I apply to science pre-college programs for high school students?

SEAP closes November 1, and RSI closes December 10. Broad Summer Scholars closes January 21, Simons Summer Research closes February 5, and Stanford AIMI closes February 20. Programs, such as Wake Forest Summer Immersion and Brown Pre-College, accept rolling admissions, but students should begin preparing materials in the fall to avoid missing the most competitive deadlines.

If you're looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!

With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student's experience in the program here. You can apply here!