15 Science Programs for High School Students in Pennsylvania
Science programs give you a way to move beyond classroom learning and try out how research and applied science actually work. You may spend time in labs, work on experiments, and learn how to approach problems using real scientific inquiry methods. You will also get to work with faculty, researchers, or industry professionals, gaining a clearer sense of what different science careers look like day to day. These experiences can help you build practical skills early and explore your interests intentionally, especially if you are aiming for competitive STEM programs.
Why should you attend a science program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has multiple research institutions and universities that run programs for high school students, including the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University. You will have the opportunity to access active labs, work on faculty-led projects, and engage in coursework that reflects how science is studied at the college level. In the state, you will find options across fields like biomedical research, engineering, computer science, and environmental science, many of which include practical work and mentorship opportunities. If you live in Pennsylvania, these programs are accessible opportunities to consider, and if you are visiting from outside the state, these experiences offer a chance to study at well-known institutions.
To help you get started, here is a list of 15 Science Programs for High School Students in Pennsylvania.
If you’re looking for programs in Pennsylvania, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span biomedical research, materials science, chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, AI, and healthcare, so students with a wide range of science interests can find a relevant option in Pennsylvania or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including Wistar Institute Fellowship ($1,500 stipend), SEAP ($4,000 to $4,500 stipend), Monell Science Apprenticeship (stipend provided), CMU SAMS (fully funded), Penn Summer Science Initiative (fully funded), and Penn State STEM Enrichment Program (free).
Many programs prioritize Philadelphia or Pittsburgh residents, including Penn Summer Science Initiative (commuter only), Monell Science Apprenticeship (greater Philadelphia area), and Penn Chemistry Research Academy (scholarships for Philadelphia students), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-week enrichment workshops, such as Penn State STEM Summer Enrichment, to 12-week hybrid semester programs, such as Penn State PULSE, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including SEAP (November 1), Monell Science Apprenticeship (January 14), CMU SAMS and Penn Summer Science Initiative (February 1), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Wistar Institute’s High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 students/cohort
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed at least one high school science course
This is a four-week summer internship for high school students interested in lab-based science. You will spend your time learning core laboratory techniques in a training lab at the Wistar Institute while contributing to ongoing research projects. Alongside lab work, you will read and discuss scientific papers, explore career paths in biomedical research, and build skills in communicating scientific work. The program runs on weekdays and ends with a final presentation of your work. Upon completing the program, you will receive a stipend and the chance to be one of the select few interns who can continue engaging with the program for an additional 3 weeks, gaining mentored research experience in a cancer research lab.
2. Veritas AI
Location: VirtualCost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Summer (May), Fall (September), Spring (January), and Winter (November). You can apply to the programs here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of online programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about data science and AI fundamentals and work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you access to the in-house publication team to help you get your work published in high school research journals. You can check out examples of a few past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and at least 16 when the program begins
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS), conducted at Carnegie Mellon University, is a fully funded pre-college program designed for high school students from underrepresented groups interested in STEM. The program begins with a short virtual jumpstart, followed by a six-week residential experience where you will take rigorous courses, work on hands-on projects, and engage with faculty and mentors. You will also work on a STEM-related research project, which you will present at a research symposium. Additionally, you will attend workshops, explore STEM pathways, and connect with peers who share your interests. After the summer, you will have access to virtual sessions covering college prep and further academic exploration.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Science Track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as ecology, chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, psychology, physics, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 14 students/cohort
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors/seniors who have taken chemistry and/or physics courses, and live within daily commuting distance of Penn’s campus
PSSI at the University of Pennsylvania is a four-week, fully funded program for high school students interested in studying materials science. You will learn through sessions that combine lectures, lab work, and workshops, focusing on how different materials are studied and tested. Throughout the summer program, you will gain exposure to tools and techniques such as microscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing, while also learning to write lab reports and present scientific work. Faculty and researchers will lead sessions. During the program, you may also take part in projects and field trips. PSSI runs as a day program, so you will have to commute to campus each day.
6. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Centre, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No fee; stipend offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10% acceptance rate; 18 – 24 students/year
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application deadline: January 14
Eligibility: High school students in the greater Philadelphia area; students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Non-U.S. citizens and international students can apply, but must have legal working status in the U.S.
Conducted at Monell Chemical Senses Center, MSAP is a paid summer research program for high school students interested in biomedical science or medicine. You will spend about six or seven weeks working full-time with a scientist, contributing to a structured research project in a lab setting. The program also includes a seminar series led by guest speakers who will share insights into their career paths. At the end of the program, you will present your research at a public conference for scientists, peers, and family members.
7. Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students in 10th grade (while applying), ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents with U.S. green cards
CS Scholars at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded, four-week program for rising high school juniors interested in computer science. You will take college-level classes in programming and math while working on hands-on projects that help you apply what you learn to real problems. The program also includes faculty lectures, industry sessions, and exposure to ongoing research. You will attend college prep workshops and receive guidance on applications and financial aid. You will live on campus, collaborate with peers on group projects, and present your work at a final symposium.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. labs, including Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: New participant: $4,000 | Returning participant: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300 students around the country/year; Pennsylvania-specific numbers not available
Dates: Eight weeks (can be extended to 10 weeks); dates vary by location
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who are U.S citizens and have completed at least grade 9
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) gives students the opportunity to work on real research projects with Navy scientists and engineers. You will spend eight weeks in a lab or technical environment, taking on projects, building skills in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, marine science, or engineering, and gaining exposure to naval research. Under the guidance of mentors, you will engage in data analysis and learn how research is carried out in professional settings. You may participate in site visits and briefings to understand how STEM is applied in defense and technology contexts. At the end, you may get to present your summer project work.
9. Penn State’s STEM Summer Enrichment Program
Location: Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 or 10
The STEM Summer Enrichment Program at Penn State Harrisburg is a two-week, fully funded workshop for high school students interested in STEM. You will spend your days learning about STEM through activities across subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and different engineering fields. You will participate in scheduled experiments, projects, and demonstrations, along with field trips to connect what you learn to real-world settings. You will practice presenting scientific work, building both communication and technical skills over the course of two weeks.
10. University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050 + non-refundable $100 application fee; scholarships available for Philadelphia students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students; International students can apply with a tourist or B-2 visa. Students should have completed at least one year of high school chemistry before the program begins.
The Chemistry Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week residential summer program for high school students interested in exploring advanced science coursework before college. You will work in the laboratory, run experiments, test methods, and work through open-ended challenges alongside peers. Classroom sessions focus on chemical bonding, materials science, and analytical techniques such as spectroscopy and gas chromatography. Additionally, you will learn through scheduled research lectures, group discussions, and visits to facilities like nanomaterials labs and research centers. You will read scientific papers, build your research idea, and develop it into a capstone project.
11. University of Pennsylvania’s Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,250 program fee (covers tuition, housing, meals, course materials, and program activities; travel not included) + $90 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; class sizes: 30 – 60 students
Dates: July 12 – 31
Application deadline: Priority and international student deadline: January 31 | Final deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who have completed at least their freshman year (rising sophomores through rising seniors) and are at least 15 at the start of the program; the program accepts international students, though they are not eligible for financial aid.
ESAP is a summer residential program for high school students interested in exploring college-level engineering. You will choose one course track, with options spanning fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, computer science, nanotechnology, or robotics. Then, you will spend three weeks diving into the chosen discipline through theoretical exploration and hands-on work. Led by Penn faculty, you will build technical skills while working with current technologies and tools. You will live on the University of Pennsylvania campus and spend time with like-minded peers from distinct backgrounds who share your interest in STEM.
12. University of Pennsylvania: Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050 + non-refundable $100 application fee; scholarships available for Philadelphia students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11; international students can apply.
The Experimental Physics Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week residential program for high school students who want to study physics beyond the school curriculum. You will explore core topics in physics like mechanics, electricity, quantum physics, and astrophysics while also learning how experiments are designed and evaluated. You will attend lectures, engage in laboratory sessions, and have time to ask questions or work through concepts with support. The schedule includes research talks with faculty, where you can engage in discussion. The program can help you gain a clear sense of how physics is studied at the university level and build a stronger foundation for future STEM study.
13. Penn State: The PULSE program
Location: Hybrid program: Virtual + Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Monday after Labor Day – second week of December
Application deadline: Late April
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The PULSE program at Penn State College of Medicine is a 12-week outreach program for high school students interested in healthcare, science, and research. You will spend a semester engaging in weekly virtual sessions where you will review lecture material in advance and then work through case-based discussions in small groups led by current medical students. You will explore topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, common conditions and disorders, and how these body systems work. The theme can vary by year, with the recent program being neuroscience and behavioral health. You will also have the opportunity to discuss college and career pathways with mentors.
14. University of Pennsylvania’s Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,000 + $100 non-refundable application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 75 students/cohort
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application deadline: Priority deadline: January 28; final deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
M&TSI at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week summer program for rising high school seniors interested in both engineering and business. You will take fast-paced classes led by faculty from Penn Engineering and the Wharton School while exploring how technology and management connect in real-world settings. A central part of the program is a team project where you will design a tech-based product and develop a go-to-market plan. You will present your work to faculty and industry professionals, who will offer feedback on both the idea and execution. The program also includes guest sessions and simulations that introduce you to how innovation works in industry. You will earn college credit upon completion.
15. Temple University’s Summer Institutes and Intensives
Location: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Session I: $1,350 for a nine-day session | Session II & III: $1,450 per two-week session; financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 22 students/course or workshop
Dates: June 22 – July 2 (Commuters only) | July 6 - 17
Application deadline: May 1; priority given to students who apply prior to March 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12
The Summer Institutes and Intensives at Temple University are two-week, topic-focused programs for high school students who want to explore a specific academic field in depth. You can choose from tracks in robotics, health sciences, or architecture. You will spend each day in small classes led by faculty, graduate students, and staff, working through interactive, project-based sessions. The schedule includes workshops, classes, group work, and independent study, giving you room to apply what you learn to real problems. Field trips and social activities may also be a part of the experience.
Frequently asked questions
1. What science programs are available for high school students in Pennsylvania?
Options include biomedical research programs, such as Wistar Institute Fellowship and Monell Science Apprenticeship, materials science and chemistry programs, such as Penn Summer Science Initiative and Penn Chemistry Research Academy, engineering and computing programs, such as ESAP, CMU CS Scholars, and SEAP, AI and data science programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, and university-based enrichment programs, such as CMU SAMS, Penn State PULSE, and Temple University Summer Institutes.
2, Are there free or paid science programs for high school students in Pennsylvania?
Yes, several programs are free or provide financial compensation. CMU SAMS and Penn Summer Science Initiative are fully funded, Penn State STEM Enrichment is free, Wistar Institute Fellowship provides a $1,500 stipend, Monell Science Apprenticeship offers a stipend, and SEAP pays $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning students. Programs, such as Penn Chemistry Research Academy and ESAP, offer scholarships for eligible students.
3. Which Pennsylvania science programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Students interested in biomedical research might consider Wistar Institute's High School Program, Monell Science Apprenticeship, and Penn State PULSE, all of which place students in active research or clinical learning environments with mentorship from scientists and healthcare professionals.
4. Do any science programs in Pennsylvania offer college credit?
Yes, Penn Management and Technology Summer Institute awards college credit upon completion, and ESAP at the University of Pennsylvania operates at a college level with residential coursework across engineering disciplines. CMU CS Scholars and CMU SAMS also provide formal evaluations and research symposium presentations that strengthen college applications.
5. Which programs are open to students outside Pennsylvania?
Several programs are fully virtual and open to students regardless of location, including Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program. Penn State PULSE runs as a hybrid program with virtual sessions, and programs, such as ESAP, Penn Chemistry Research Academy, and Penn Experimental Physics Research Academy, also accept international students and out-of-state applicants.
6. When should I apply to science programs for high school students in Pennsylvania?
SEAP has the earliest deadline, closing November 1. Monell Science Apprenticeship closes January 14, and CMU SAMS and Penn Summer Science Initiative both close February 1. Programs, such as Penn State STEM Enrichment (February 27), ESAP (February 28), and Penn State PULSE (late April), fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall to avoid missing the earliest deadlines.