15 Programs for High School Students in Indiana
Structured academic programs can offer you a more focused way to explore your interests outside the classroom and the chance to work on projects, such as running experiments, building prototypes, or analyzing data. These programs are usually designed around specific subjects and guided by faculty, researchers, or industry professionals, meaning you’ll benefit from mentorship, regular feedback, and a clearer sense of work in your chosen field. You can explore areas like medicine, computer science, engineering, mathematics, business, or the arts. Some experiences are research-based, while others are more focused on skill-building or exposure to college-level coursework.
Why should you attend a program in Indiana?
Indiana is home to several universities, research centers, and organizations that run structured programs for high school students. Institutions like Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame offer opportunities that range from lab-based research to discussion-driven seminars and technical workshops. Depending on the program, you might work in a biomedical lab, collaborate on a tech project, explore mathematical theory, or take part in college-style classes.
With that in mind, here are 15 programs for high school students in Indiana.
If you’re looking for STEM programs in Indiana, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span biomedical research, AI and computer science, cancer biology, mathematics, law, business, engineering, and healthcare career exploration, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant opportunity in Indiana or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM (up to $4,000 stipend), CREATES-HS ($3,900 stipend), Future Scientist Program (stipend provided), EPCR (stipend provided), Future Deaf Scientist Program ($1,500 stipend), and Project STEM (free), while programs such as Lumiere and Veritas AI offer need-based financial aid.
Many programs prioritize underrepresented students or students from specific counties, including EPCR (underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical fields), Future Scientist Program (Marion County public schools), and Future Deaf Scientist Program (Indiana School for the Deaf), so eligible students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-day introductory experiences, such as Molecular Medicine in Action, to 10-week full-time research placements, such as EPCR and Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including EPCR (January 31), Ross Mathematics Program (March 8), and Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM (March 1), so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing applications over winter break.
1. Indiana CTSI K-12 STEM Program (SEED/STEM)
Location: Indiana University – School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend up to $4,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: November 1 – March 1
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders who have completed at least one chemistry course
During the SEED/STEM program, you’ll be placed in a research lab where you will work on a project in areas like chemistry, biomedical engineering, or life sciences. The program runs full-time, and your responsibilities can include running experiments, collecting data, and working alongside professional researchers. In addition to lab work, there are workshops on college preparation and STEM careers. You’ll be expected to contribute to ongoing research rather than follow pre-designed activities. The program ends with a research presentation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit 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. If you’re looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, consider the AI Scholars program, which is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science. It also offers you the chance to work on real-world projects. If you’re looking for a more challenging program, consider the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcaseprogram, which lets you work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. You will also have access to an in-house publication team, which will help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can find some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Future Scientist Program at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location: Indiana University – School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend provided
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 28 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors from Marion County public schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Future Scientist Program is an eight-week program that places you in a research setting where you’ll work on a science project under the guidance of a university mentor. Your experience is centered around developing independence, so you’ll be expected to manage your time, follow research protocols, and contribute to ongoing work. In addition to research, the program functions as a structured summer job, with expectations around attendance, professionalism, and accountability. The program also evaluates applicants based on factors like academic performance, maturity, and interest in science. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of research expectations and workplace dynamics in STEM fields.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR)
Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend provided
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical fields
This is a 10-week, full-time research program where you’ll work about 40 hours a week on cancer-related projects. Depending on your placement, your work may involve lab experiments, computational research, or clinical data analysis. You’ll attend workshops on research skills and career pathways while working closely with a mentor. The structure mirrors an entry-level research role, with consistent expectations and long hours. You’ll present your work at the end of the program, which gives you experience communicating scientific findings.
6. Project STEM Residential Summer Research Program
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 18 – June 30
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM fields
This two-week residential program introduces you to research through guided projects and faculty mentorship. As a participant, you’ll work in small groups and learn how to approach research questions, analyze data, and present findings. The schedule includes both lab work and discussions with researchers. It’s shorter than most research programs, but still structured around real academic work. You’ll get to present a poster at the end of the program.
7. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI)
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: January 5 – March 20
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) program includes a series of one-day sessions focused on business and leadership. As a participant, you’ll work through case studies and attend discussions led by faculty. The sessions emphasize communication, teamwork, and decision-making. You’ll also get the chance to engage with peers interested in business topics. The program focuses on exposure rather than extended projects.
8. Molecular Medicine in Action (MMIA)
Location: Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: February (2 days)
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders
Molecular Medicine in Action (MMIA) is a short, intensive program focused on biomedical science and disease research. For around two days, you’ll participate in hands-on lab activities related to genetics, cancer biology, and medical technologies. The program also includes discussions on bioethics and current challenges in healthcare. While brief, it gives you direct exposure to lab techniques and research concepts. It’s designed more as an introduction than a full research experience.
9. Indiana State University: Sycamore Summer Scholars
Location: Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
Cost/Stipend: $500 – $600; Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: February 2 – May 22
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 2.4+
The Sycamore Summer Scholars is a short residential program where you’ll stay on campus and take a college-level seminar in a subject of your choice. Over five days, you’ll attend classes, explore a potential major, and get a sense of what academic life at a university looks like. The program includes options across different fields, allowing you to focus on a subject that interests you. You’ll attend structured classes led by university faculty and engage with college-level material. Outside the classroom, you’ll live in dorms and interact with other students in the program.
10. Future Deaf Scientist Program
Location: Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,500 stipend
Cohort Size: Up to 5 students
Program Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from the Indiana School for the Deaf
This four-week program focuses on clinical shadowing and hands-on exposure to cancer research and medicine. You’ll spend time observing clinicians in areas like oncology, surgery, and pathology while also participating in lab-based activities. The program includes daily lessons in science and medicine, along with structured discussions about careers and challenges in the field. You’ll also join virtual conversations with deaf physicians and scientists across the country, which adds a unique perspective on navigating careers in medicine. Throughout the program, you’ll build familiarity with clinical environments and basic research concepts. At the end, you’ll present what you’ve learned to an audience of peers, instructors, and family members.
11. Ross Mathematics Program
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost/Stipend: $7,500 (financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 60 students
Program Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18) with a strong math background
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential math program focused on number theory and proof-based problem solving. As a participant, you’ll spend most of your time working through challenging problems and writing formal mathematical proofs. The program emphasizes independent thinking and persistence. The workload is heavy and centered almost entirely on mathematics. You’ll also collaborate with peers and discuss solutions in group settings.
12. The Supreme Court and My Hometown
Location: Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 24 – June 28
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in the Indianapolis area
The Supreme Court and My Hometown is a week-long summer day program that focuses on how Supreme Court cases develop from local disputes into constitutional decisions. You’ll study a case connected to Indiana, examining its background, legal arguments, and the path it took through the court system. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in discussions with judges, attorneys, and legal scholars who explain how federal courts operate. You’ll spend time analyzing both the legal reasoning and the historical context behind the case. The program also includes collaborative work with other students on a final project. By the end, you’ll help design an exhibit for the Federal Court Learning Center that presents the case and its significance.
13. Luddy Pre-College Summer Academy
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $300 – $950 depending on format; Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment until full
Program Dates: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling; Opens in January
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders
As a participant in the Luddy Pre-College Summer Academy, you can choose from different tracks like AI, cybersecurity, or game design. Each track includes lectures, hands-on exercises, and small projects; the structure is closer to a guided course than a research experience. You’ll also get to learn foundational concepts and apply them using tools relevant to the field and work with instructors and peers on short assignments. The program is designed to introduce key concepts in a short time frame.
14. Butler University Pre-College Programs
Location: Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Varies by track (need-based financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 1-week sessions from June 7 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students
The Butler University Pre-College Programs offers one-week residential camps where you choose a track like business, healthcare, or exploratory studies. In the business track, you will attend hands-on classes at Butler’s Lacy School of Business, where you will learn about concepts like marketing, sales, insurance, risk mitigation, and more. The healthcare track will allow you to explore various careers in healthcare, including pharmacy, nursing, respiratory therapy, and more. The exploratory track allows you to explore various subject areas and fields and discover what you’re passionate about. You’ll attend sessions led by faculty and participate in hands-on activities. The experience is designed to introduce you to college-level coursework and life on a college campus.
15. University of Notre Dame: Law Summer Scholars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost/Stipend: $75 application fee + $5,200 program fee (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 6 – 20; June 27 – July 11
Application Deadline: October 15 – February 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+)
The Law Summer Scholars is a two-week academic program that introduces you to different areas of the American legal system through lectures, discussions, and case-based learning. You’ll begin with an overview of how courts operate and how legal authority is structured, then move into topics like constitutional law, human rights, immigration, and intellectual property. The program includes classroom instruction as well as guest speakers who provide insight into legal careers and current issues. You’ll research a specific human rights topic and present your findings as part of the course. You’ll also examine how cases move through the court system, including the role of appellate courts and the Supreme Court. The structure is similar to an introductory college course, with an emphasis on reading, discussion, and analysis.
Frequently asked questions
1. What programs are available for high school students in Indiana?
Options include biomedical and cancer research programs, such as Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM, Future Scientist Program, and EPCR, AI and computer science programs, such as Veritas AI and Luddy Pre-College Summer Academy, mathematics programs, such as Ross Mathematics Program, law and humanities programs, such as Notre Dame Law Summer Scholars and Supreme Court and My Hometown, career exploration programs, such as Butler University Pre-College Programs and Nationwide Children's Career Academy, and independent research programs, such as Lumiere.
2. Are there free or paid programs for high school students in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM offers up to $4,000 in stipends, Future Scientist Program and EPCR both provide stipends, Future Deaf Scientist Program offers $1,500, and Project STEM is free, while Lumiere and Veritas AI offer need-based financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which Indiana programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM, Future Scientist Program, EPCR, and Molecular Medicine in Action all place students in active biomedical or cancer research environments, while Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers virtual mentorship for producing an independent paper in medicine or biology.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Indiana?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world; Ross Mathematics Program accepts students from across the U.S., and Notre Dame Law Summer Scholars and Summer Scholars programs also accept out-of-state applicants.
5. Which Indiana programs are best for students with no prior research experience?
Project STEM Residential Summer Research Program, Molecular Medicine in Action, and Butler University Pre-College Programs are all designed as introductory experiences that do not require prior research background, making them accessible entry points for students earlier in their academic journey.
6. When should I apply to programs for high school students in Indiana?
EPCR closes January 31, Ross Mathematics Program closes March 8, Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM closes March 1, Future Scientist Program closes February 28 (tentative), and Notre Dame Law Summer Scholars closes February 18, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing materials over winter break.