15 Science Programs for High School Students in Oregon
Why should you attend a Science program in Oregon?
Oregon is home to universities, healthcare institutions, environmental organizations, and research centers that offer science programs for high school students across a range of disciplines. Depending on the program, you may explore biomedical research, environmental science, healthcare, engineering, biotechnology, or conservation through research experiences, internships, fieldwork, and mentorship. Whether you are interested in laboratory science, medicine, ecology, or interdisciplinary STEM fields, Oregon offers a variety of opportunities to explore scientific interests in a structured setting.
To help you explore further, we’ve compiled a list of 15 science programs for high school students in Oregon.
If you’re looking for medical programs in Oregon, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free or provide stipends, including ONPRC Apprenticeship ($500 to $1,500 depending on hours), Ted R. Lilley CURE Program at OHSU ($12.50/hr), Youth Conservation Corps (at least minimum wage), University of Oregon SAIL (free with a $1,000 scholarship for students who enroll at UO), and University of Portland Nurse Camp (free), making Oregon a strong state for paid and accessible science programming.
Programs span a wide range of science disciplines including biomedical and cancer research (ONPRC, Ted R. Lilley CURE, PSI Program, Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship), cardiovascular medicine (Knight Cardiovascular Institute), biophysics and imaging (OHSU Biomedical Engineering Internship), nursing and healthcare careers (University of Portland, MedQuest, On Track OHSU), environmental conservation and ecology (Youth Conservation Corps, SMILE Program), AI and machine learning (Veritas AI, Lumiere), and STEM outreach and engineering (OSU STEM Academy).
Several programs specifically prioritize students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds, including University of Oregon SAIL (low-income, first-generation students), University of Portland Nurse Camp (diverse, low-income, first-generation students), Ted R. Lilley CURE (socially or economically disadvantaged students with a 3.0 GPA), SMILE Program (rural Oregon students), and On Track OHSU (students from specific partner high schools).
Students looking for year-long or extended research experiences can apply to PSI Program at OHSU (16-week academic year course leading into a summer internship), On Track OHSU (year-round pathway program), and SMILE Program (weekly after-school clubs throughout the academic year), all of which build sustained scientific engagement over time.
Deadlines are spread from December through April, with PSI Program closing December 1, Ted R. Lilley CURE closing January 8, ONPRC closing March 6, and Knight Cardiovascular Institute closing April 6, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to January and March deadline programs first.
1. ONPRC High School Student Apprenticeship Program
Location: Oregon National Primate Research Center
Cost/Stipend: $40 nonrefundable application fee / Stipend of $1,500, $1,000, or $500, depending on the total internship hours
Dates: 8–10 weeks between mid-June and the end of August
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years of age to qualify for a position at ONPRC (usually between their junior and senior years of high school); live near internship locations or have adult family/friends to stay with nearby; reside in the U.S. throughout the program
The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) at Oregon Health & Science University offers several outreach and research opportunities for high school students interested in biomedical science, neuroscience, genetics, and healthcare careers. Through programs such as the Science Ambassadors initiative and the Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering (ASE) summer internships, you work with scientists and researchers on hands-on science activities, laboratory experiences, mentorship projects, and leadership development. High school participants can also attend tours, workshops, research presentations, and career exploration sessions that introduce them to biomedical research and STEM pathways while building communication, teamwork, and scientific inquiry skills.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Program cohorts run all year; the AI Scholars runs for 10 weeks, and the AI Fellowship program runs for about 12 to 15 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; you can apply to the programhere
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students; AI Fellowship: 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 who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from theAI Scholars program.Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is theAI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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 programhere.
3. Knight Cardiovascular Institute Summer Program
Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Stipend: None
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: Oregon high school students enrolled in the spring semester who are at least 16 years old by May 30; no prior cardiology experience required
This program gives high school students the opportunity to explore cardiovascular medicine through hands-on learning and mentorship. You will learn how heart disease is prevented, diagnosed, and treated, while also gaining a broader understanding of how the healthcare system operates. The experience includes structured activities and opportunities to observe medical professionals in action. Through this exposure, you can better understand the daily work of clinicians and researchers in the field. The program is designed to introduce you to potential career paths in cardiology and other areas of medicine.Overall, it offers an early, practical insight into healthcare and cardiovascular science.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial assistance is available
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer, spring, fall, and winter cohorts, are scheduled each year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
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. University of Oregon Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL)
Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Every SAIL participant who enrolls at the University of Oregon as a first-year student in the fall receives a $1,000 scholarship
Dates: Residential Program: July 12–17; Day Program: July 20–24
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Eligibility: Oregon residents enrolled in high school; Residential Program is open to rising 11th and 12th graders; Day Program is open to all high school students (rising 9th–12th grade); financial eligibility required - low-income households (e.g., SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, ACA, and/or Pell Grant eligible)
The Student Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) at the University of Oregon is a free pre-college program for middle and high school students from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds. Through hands-on classes, lab activities, creative projects, leadership workshops, campus tours, and mentorship sessions, you explore subjects such as environmental science, business, journalism, performing arts, and technology. The program also offers college-preparation support, including admissions guidance, essay assistance, and career exploration, while introducing you to university life through residential and community-building activities.
6. Ted R. Lilley CURE Program at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Location: Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cancer Research Building, Portland, OR
Stipend: $12.50 per hour
Dates: June 26 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Oregon high schools with GPAs of 3.0 or higher from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who will be at least 16 years old by the program start date
This 8-week program introduces high school students to the world of biomedical research and health sciences in a real laboratory setting. You will take part in hands-on experiments, collaborate with professional researchers, and explore how medical studies are conducted at a leading research institute. The experience helps you build strong technical and analytical skills while working on meaningful scientific questions. Along the way, you gain exposure to real-world health science careers and research pathways. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific communication. By the end, you develop a deeper understanding of biomedical fields and what it takes to pursue research in medicine and science.
7. University of Portland High School Summer Nurse Camp
Location: University of Portland, Portland, OR
Cost: None
Dates: July 13–16
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current high school students; 16 years of age on the first day of camp
University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations runs a short summer program that introduces high school students to the field of healthcare and nursing. It is especially designed for diverse, low-income, and first-generation students and is offered at no cost. Over four days, you will get hands-on exposure through clinical simulations, classroom-style workshops, and community-based activities. The program also helps you understand how healthcare professionals think and work in real situations. You will learn about nursing education, patient care, and different career pathways in the medical field. Overall, it provides an early, practical glimpse into healthcare careers and helps you explore your interest in nursing.
8. Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) Program
Location: Portland, Oregon
Cost: None
Dates: January – May
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Oregon or the Portland metro area; students must be at least 16 by summer to participate in the internship
In this 16-week academic-year course, you build foundational knowledge of the scientific process and learn how research is designed, conducted, and analyzed. You also interact with Oregon Health & Science University personnel, gaining exposure to real-world work in medicine and biology. The program continues beyond the classroom, often leading into a summer internship where you work alongside a research mentor in an academic or clinical environment. This hands-on phase allows you to contribute to ongoing projects and observe how scientific studies are carried out in practice. Overall, PSI helps you develop research skills whilst giving you early exposure to careers in biomedical science.
9. On Track OHSU! (High School Track)
Location: Oregon Health & Science University
Cost: None
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies annually; applications typically open during the academic year
Eligibility: High school students enrolled at Jefferson, Parkrose, Woodburn, Madras, Mazama, or Chiloquin high schools
The TRACK OHSU program is a STEM and healthcare pathway initiative at Oregon Health & Science University that supports high school students interested in medicine, biomedical science, and healthcare careers. Through hands-on lab activities, research projects, mentorship from scientists and healthcare professionals, career panels, workshops, and campus experiences, you gain exposure to biomedical research and clinical fields while building academic and leadership skills. The program also offers college-preparation support, networking opportunities, and guidance on pursuing higher education and careers in health sciences.
10. Biomedical Engineering Summer Internships – Quantitative Biology / Biophysics Internship
Location: Portland, Oregon
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 8 weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: All high school students
In this internship, you join the Galbraith Lab within OHSU's Spatial Systems Biology Group and Biomedical Engineering Department to conduct hands-on quantitative biology and biophysics research alongside principal investigators. Past and recent projects span super-resolution microscopy, image analysis, -omic analysis, photophysics of dyes, immunohistochemistry, and basic molecular biology, including a cohort that used nanolithography to fabricate cell-sized mazes, imaged cells navigating them, and applied machine learning to track movement. You meet with PIs nearly daily, keep detailed logbooks, verify reagents, back up data, and learn quantitative analysis workflows central to modern life-science research. Each week, you deliver a two-minute, two-slide update tying your task to the lab's broader scientific question.
11.Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Oregon Programs
Location: Various national forests and public lands across Oregon, including sites in the Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6) and Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free and tuition-based programs are available / Stipend is at least minimum wage
Dates: Summer programs lasting 1–3 months
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Ages 14–18; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must have a valid Social Security Number
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in Oregon is a paid summer program that gives high school students an immersive experience in environmental conservation and public land stewardship. Working alongside conservation professionals on national forests and protected public lands, you will get to contribute to projects such as trail restoration, habitat conservation, invasive species management, campsite improvement, and environmental education initiatives. Beyond fieldwork, the program helps you develop leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills while introducing you to career pathways in forestry, ecology, wildlife conservation, environmental science, and natural resource management.
12. SMILE (Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences) High School Program
Location: Oregon State University, Oregon
Cost: None
Dates: Year-round program during the academic year; check here
Application Deadline: No formal public application deadline; students join through their school's existing SMILE Club
Eligibility: High school clubs are for grades 9–12 enrolled in participating rural Oregon schools
The SMILE (Science & Math Investigative Learning Experiences) Program at Oregon State University helps high school students from underrepresented and rural communities explore STEM through hands-on learning and college-preparation activities. Through weekly after-school clubs, engineering design challenges, science investigations, field trips, leadership workshops, and College Connection events, you work on real-world STEM projects while developing teamwork, research, and problem-solving skills. The program also provides mentorship, exposure to university campuses, and interactions with STEM professionals to help students explore careers in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
13. MedQuest Health Careers Camp
Location: Northeast Oregon Area Health Education Center, Dalles, La Grande, Crane/Burns, Oregon
Cost: $25 application fee
Dates: March, June, and July
Application Deadline: February and April
Eligibility: Oregon high school students, including graduating seniors; some programs require students from specific Oregon counties
The MedQuest program by Northeast Oregon Area Health Education Center is a healthcare career exploration camp for Oregon high school students interested in medicine, nursing, emergency care, and public health. Through hands-on clinical simulations, hospital and clinic visits, CPR and emergency response activities, medical workshops, and mentorship from healthcare professionals, you gain exposure to real-world healthcare environments while building teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The program also introduces students to rural healthcare careers and educational pathways in medicine and allied health fields.
14. Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program
Location: Oregon Health & Science University
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Flexible start and end dates; 10-week minimum
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students; at least 16 years of age
This internship is designed to introduce high school and undergraduate students to the world of scientific research, specifically in the field of biomedical imaging and contrast agent development. In this program, high school and college students gain hands-on experience in biomedical engineering and cancer research through laboratory training and mentorship at the University. You will work alongside researchers while learning techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, spectroscopy, immunostaining, organic synthesis, and image analysis through real-world scientific projects. The experience also introduces students to experimental design, coding, data analysis, and scientific communication while providing exposure to careers in biomedical research, healthcare technology, and engineering.
15.Oregon State University (OSU) STEM Academy High School Camps
Location: Oregon State University STEM Academy
Cost: Varies by camp; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June – July; dates vary
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school camps are generally for students entering grades 9–12; some camps require Oregon residency
The STEM Academy at Oregon State University offers hands-on STEM summer camps and classes for students in grades 9–12. Through programs in engineering, coding, robotics, forensic science, ocean science, and computer science, you work on interactive projects, experiments, and team-based activities led by OSU faculty and STEM professionals. The academy also provides specialized opportunities such as the Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering, and Math (AWSEM) program and Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering (ASE), helping students explore STEM careers while building practical skills and experience.
Frequently asked questions
What types of science programs are available for high school students in Oregon?
Options include paid biomedical research internships (ONPRC, Ted R. Lilley CURE, OHSU Biomedical Engineering Internship, Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship), free cardiovascular medicine programs (Knight Cardiovascular Institute), free healthcare and nursing programs (University of Portland Nurse Camp, MedQuest, On Track OHSU), paid environmental conservation programs (Youth Conservation Corps), free STEM outreach programs (University of Oregon SAIL, SMILE at OSU), year-long research pipeline programs (PSI Program), and virtual AI and research programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere).
Which Oregon science programs offer the largest stipends or financial support?
Ted R. Lilley CURE Program pays $12.50 per hour for eight weeks, making it the highest hourly rate on this list. Youth Conservation Corps pays at least minimum wage for one to three months of fieldwork. ONPRC Apprenticeship Program pays $500 to $1,500 depending on total internship hours. University of Oregon SAIL awards a $1,000 scholarship to participants who enroll at UO as first-year students.
Which programs are best for students interested in biomedical or cancer research?
Ted R. Lilley CURE Program places students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute for eight weeks of paid biomedical research. ONPRC Apprenticeship places students in primate research center labs for eight to ten weeks in neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical science. PSI Program at OHSU provides a 16-week academic year course followed by a summer research internship in biomedical science. Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship introduces cancer imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and organic synthesis at OHSU.
Are there Oregon science programs specifically for underrepresented or rural students?
Ted R. Lilley CURE is specifically for students from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds with a minimum 3.0 GPA. University of Oregon SAIL targets low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students and is free. University of Portland Nurse Camp specifically prioritizes diverse, low-income, and first-generation students. SMILE Program at OSU is designed for students in rural Oregon schools. On Track OHSU is available only to students at specific partner high schools serving underrepresented communities.
Which programs are best for students interested in environmental science or conservation?
Youth Conservation Corps is a paid summer program placing students in national forests and protected lands across Oregon for trail restoration, habitat conservation, and invasive species management. SMILE Program at OSU engages rural students in science investigations and engineering design challenges through weekly school-based clubs. OSU STEM Academy includes an ocean science track alongside engineering and robotics programs for high school students.
When should I apply to science programs for high school students in Oregon?
PSI Program closes December 1 for its January start. Ted R. Lilley CURE closes January 8 and ONPRC closes March 6. University of Portland Nurse Camp closes March 31 and Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship closes March 15. Knight Cardiovascular Institute closes April 6. OSU STEM Academy accepts rolling applications through the spring. MedQuest closes in February and April depending on the session. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize December and January deadline programs first.