15 Science Programs for High School Students in Indiana
Science programs can help you move beyond classroom learning by introducing you to research, technical skills, and specialized fields that are often difficult to access in a typical high school setting. Whether you're interested in biology, chemistry, environmental science, neuroscience, computing, or medicine, these programs offer opportunities to apply scientific concepts through research projects, laboratory work, and mentorship. They can also help you explore potential academic interests before choosing a college major.
Why should you attend a program in Indiana?
Indiana is home to major research institutions such as Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame, all of which offer science opportunities for high school students. Through these programs, you can work in research labs, analyze scientific data, explore topics ranging from cancer biology to sustainability, and learn from university faculty and researchers. These opportunities can be valuable for both Indiana students seeking local experiences and students willing to travel for access to specialized science programs.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 science programs for high school students in Indiana to help you get started.
If you’re looking for summer college programs in Indiana, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are paid or provide stipends, including CTSI SEED/STEM (up to $4,000), Project SEED ($4,000 for low-income students), Future Scientist Program (stipend provided), and EPCR (stipend provided), while programs like IU Physics Research and IU STEM Summer Camp have no cost, making Indiana a strong state for funded and accessible science opportunities.
Programs span a wide range of science fields including cancer and biomedical research (Future Scientist Program, EPCR, CTSI SEED/STEM), molecular medicine and genetics (MMIA, Project SEED), neuroscience (Notre Dame Summer Scholars Neuroscience), chemistry (Notre Dame Summer Scholars Chemistry, Project SEED), physics (IU Physics Summer Research), environmental science (SESE), computing and AI (Veritas AI, Purdue Summer Computing Camp), and biology (Jim Holland Summer Enrichment, IU STEM Camp).
Several programs are hosted at Indiana's leading research universities including Indiana University, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, giving students direct access to university faculty, advanced labs, and research environments.
Students looking for college credit can apply to Notre Dame Summer Scholars Chemistry and Neuroscience programs, both of which award one transferable college credit upon successful completion.
Deadlines are concentrated between January and April, with EPCR closing January 31, Notre Dame Summer Scholars closing February 18, Future Scientist closing February 28, and Project SEED closing April 6, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to January and February deadline programs first.
1. Future Scientist Program
Location: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Juniors in a Marion County public high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Future Scientist Program places high school juniors from Marion County public schools in eight-week paid research internships at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI-designated cancer research institution. Students are paired with a principal investigator who serves as their primary mentor, with additional in-lab support from the program team and high school teachers throughout the summer. Research spans basic science, clinical trials, translational research, bioinformatics, and outreach studies, and students are expected to treat the program as a full-time position. The program concludes with a poster session where participants present their research to the broader cancer center community.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: High school students. The AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience with Python
Veritas AI offers two tracks for students interested in artificial intelligence: the 10-session AI Scholars program and the 12- to 15-week AI Fellowship. The Scholars curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of machine learning using Python, covering supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Students in this track work in small groups to build a collaborative AI model that addresses a specific real-world problem. The AI Fellowship is a one-on-one mentorship experience where you work with a researcher from a top university to develop a unique, independent AI project. You’ll focus on data collection, model training, and the final publication of your technical research paper. Both programs emphasize the practical application of AI in fields like medicine, finance, and social impact.
3. CTSI SEED/STEM Summer Program
Location: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis, and the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute, IN
Stipend: Up to $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 26 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Indiana high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one high school chemistry course
The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) SEED/STEM program places students in high-level research laboratories for an eight-week immersive experience. You work alongside faculty mentors and graduate students on projects across STEM fields like medicine, dentistry, chemistry, computer science, biomedical engineering, and more. You spend the majority of your time conducting research, learning cutting-edge techniques in health, technology, and life sciences. The curriculum includes weekly professional development seminars that cover scientific ethics, technical writing, and public speaking. The summer concludes with a formal poster session where you present your research data to the university’s scientific community.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
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. Physics Summer Research Program
Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (and advanced sophomores)
This science program embeds high school students into active physics research groups to work on professional scientific inquiries. You select research tracks such as biophysics, condensed matter physics, or optical physics and work on projects under the supervision of university professors. You’ll also attend weekly group meetings and seminars to discuss current literature and laboratory progress. The experience emphasizes technical skill development, including data modeling and the use of specialized analytical software. You’ll be expected to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook and contribute to the ongoing goals of your host lab. At the end of the term, you produce a written report and a research poster summarizing your technical contributions and experimental results.
6. Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR)
Location: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
This program provides students with a foundational understanding of the biological and clinical aspects of cancer research through a mix of classroom and lab instruction. You engage in laboratory modules that demonstrate how scientists study cancer cells, including techniques in cell culture and genetic analysis. The curriculum focuses on the cellular mechanisms of cancer, prevention strategies, and the development of new therapeutic treatments. Faculty and medical professionals lead seminars on the social determinants of health and the importance of diversity in clinical trials. You gain direct exposure to high-tech imaging and screening facilities used in modern oncology research. The experience concludes with a symposium where you present on a specific type of cancer and the current research being conducted to treat it.
7. Molecular Medicine In Action (MMIA)
Location: The Westin and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Two-day program in the spring
Application Deadline: Applications open in the fall
Eligibility: Indiana students in grades 10-12
MMIA is a two-day immersion program that introduces high school students in Indiana to the latest advancements in molecular medicine and genetics. You work alongside medical faculty to perform laboratory procedures such as DNA isolation and microscopic analysis of diseased tissues. The program features tours of research facilities, including zebrafish labs and core imaging centers, to show how different models contribute to human health. You also attend lectures on topics like gene therapy, cancer biology, and the ethics of modern medical research. Interactive workshops allow you to practice clinical skills and discuss medical school pathways with current students.
8. Project SEED
Location: IU Indianapolis, Butler, Purdue, and other labs
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 350+ students annually
Dates: 8-10 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one course of high school chemistry, whose annual family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Project SEED offers a summer of full-time research for students interested in the chemical sciences. You’ll be placed in academic or industrial laboratories to work on authentic research projects alongside professional scientists and graduate students. The program provides rigorous training in laboratory safety, chemical handling, and advanced instrumentation. You’ll have to complete a specific project goal that contributes to the broader research objectives of your host laboratory. The summer concludes with a symposium where you present your research posters to the local scientific community.
9. Summer Computing Camp
Location: Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: July 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores to seniors
This science camp introduces students to the technical distinctions between computer science, computer engineering, and information technology. You engage in hands-on modules covering Python programming, hardware electronics, and cybersecurity. A central component of the program is a capstone project involving the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi devices. You also attend guest lectures from industry professionals who share insights into current trends in the tech sector. The curriculum is designed to be interactive, blending instructional time with open lab hours for experimentation. The program concludes with a demonstration of the students' IoT capstone projects.
10. Jim Holland Summer Enrichment Program in Biology
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost: $125 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who have taken science/math courses and have a 3.0+ GPA
The Jim Holland Summer Enrichment Program is a science program designed to introduce high-achieving students to various sub-disciplines in the biological sciences. You attend daily lectures and laboratory sessions led by Indiana University faculty, covering topics such as molecular biology, plant science, and genetics. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experimentation, allowing students to use professional laboratory equipment to test biological hypotheses. Evening sessions involve workshops on the college admissions process, financial aid, and career opportunities in STEM. The program culminates in a group project or presentation where you showcase what you’ve learned throughout the week.
11. Operation Catapult
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute
Cost: $2,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – 18; Session 2: June 22 – July 2; Session 3: July 14 – 24
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who have completed a year of chemistry or physics
Operation Catapult allows high school students to apply their knowledge of physics and mathematics to complex, hands-on engineering projects. You work in small teams to design, build, and test prototypes using professional-grade laboratory equipment and software. Faculty members serve as advisors, providing technical guidance while allowing students to take the lead on problem-solving and project management. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including robotics, renewable energy, and chemical engineering processes. The program culminates in a public project exhibition where teams demonstrate their completed engineering solutions to family and faculty.
12. Summer Scholars: Exploring the World of Chemistry
Location: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Cost: $5,200 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session I: June 6 – 20; Session II: June 27 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who have completed one year of high school chemistry
This intensive science course provides a deep dive into advanced chemical principles and laboratory techniques on a college campus. You spend several hours each day in the lab performing experiments that go beyond the standard high school curriculum, including synthesis and spectroscopic analysis. The program covers specialized topics such as organic chemistry mechanisms, medicinal chemistry, and environmental chemical monitoring. Faculty-led lectures are supplemented by collaborative study sessions where you tackle complex problem sets. You’ll earn one transferable college credit upon successful completion of the coursework and final assessments.
13. Summer Scholars: Neuroscience: Understanding the Human Body's Command Center
Location: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Cost: $5,200 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session I: June 6 – 20; Session II: June 27 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with strong academic standing
This science program for high school students investigates the biological basis of behavior and the complex functions of the human nervous system. You examine topics ranging from cellular neurobiology and synaptic transmission to higher-order cognitive functions and neuroanatomy. The course includes laboratory sessions where you observe neural tissues and participate in simulations of brain activity. You’ll get experience in measuring human electrophysiology and the analysis and presentation of EEG data. You also work on experiments in small teams and present your findings to the rest of your peers.
14. STEM Summer Camp
Location: IU Indianapolis School of Science, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $375 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: June 8 – 11
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students
This camp offers a broad survey of the various disciplines within the School of Science. Each day is dedicated to a different field, including biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and forensic science. You perform hands-on experiments in state-of-the-art university laboratories, using equipment typically reserved for undergraduate students. The program focuses on real-world applications of scientific principles through interactive demonstrations and data collection exercises. Faculty and current students lead small-group activities to encourage exploration and questions about scientific careers.
15. Summer Experience in Sustainability & the Environment (SESE)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – 21
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
SESE is a pre-college initiative that explores the interdisciplinary intersections of environmental science, policy, and technology. You engage in daily live modules led by Indiana University faculty that focus on urgent global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. The curriculum includes at-home hands-on activities that allow you to analyze environmental data within your own local ecosystems. You also participate in moderated Q&A sessions with experts to learn about niche career paths in sustainability and environmental justice. At the end of the program, you receive a certificate of completion and access to a network of university researchers for future academic guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What types of science programs are available for high school students in Indiana?
Options include paid cancer and biomedical research internships (Future Scientist Program, EPCR, CTSI SEED/STEM), paid chemistry research internships for low-income students (Project SEED), physics and biophysics research programs (IU Physics Summer Research), neuroscience and molecular medicine programs (Notre Dame Summer Scholars, MMIA), engineering and computing programs (Operation Catapult at Rose-Hulman, Purdue Summer Computing Camp), biology and genetics programs (Jim Holland Summer Enrichment), environmental science programs (SESE), and virtual AI and research programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere).
Which Indiana science programs offer the largest stipends or financial support?
CTSI SEED/STEM Program provides up to $4,000 for eight weeks of research at IU School of Medicine. Project SEED provides $4,000 and is specifically designed for students from low-income families. Future Scientist Program and EPCR both provide stipends, though exact amounts are not publicly specified. Notre Dame Summer Scholars programs offer financial aid for students who qualify.
Which programs are best for students interested in cancer or biomedical research?
Future Scientist Program places Marion County juniors in IU Simon Cancer Center labs for eight weeks alongside a principal investigator mentor. EPCR provides graduating seniors with direct exposure to cancer cell culture, genetic analysis, and oncology imaging facilities. CTSI SEED/STEM places students across medicine, biomedical engineering, and related disciplines at IU School of Medicine for eight weeks. MMIA is a two-day intensive introducing molecular medicine, gene therapy, and zebrafish research labs.
Are there Indiana science programs specifically for underrepresented or low-income students?
Project SEED is specifically designed for students whose family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, providing a $4,000 stipend for chemistry research. Future Scientist Program is restricted to Marion County public high school students, many of whom come from underrepresented communities. CTSI SEED/STEM targets Indiana students broadly with financial support built into the program.
Which programs are best for students interested in engineering or computing?
Operation Catapult at Rose-Hulman allows students to design and build engineering prototypes across robotics, renewable energy, and chemical engineering over two weeks. Purdue University Fort Wayne Summer Computing Camp covers Python, hardware electronics, cybersecurity, and an IoT capstone project using Raspberry Pi. Veritas AI provides virtual AI and machine learning programs ranging from introductory boot camps to advanced individual research projects.
When should I apply to science programs for high school students in Indiana?
EPCR closes January 31 and Future Scientist Program closes February 28. Notre Dame Summer Scholars programs close February 18 and CTSI SEED/STEM closes March 1. IU Physics Summer Research closes April 15 and Project SEED closes April 6. Purdue Summer Computing Camp closes July 6, one of the latest deadlines on this list. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize January and February deadline programs well before the winter break.