15 STEM Pre-College Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in STEM subjects, pre-college programs offer a structured way to explore advanced topics while getting a preview of college life. These programs are typically hosted by universities or research institutions and provide work experience in labs, access to expert faculty and networking opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded peers.
Beyond deepening your academic knowledge, STEM pre-college programs help you build practical skills like coding, data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Some programs also offer research projects, certificates, or even college credit, giving you a head start on your academic and professional goals.
Below are 15 STEM pre-college programs for high school students, selected for their academic rigor, mentorship opportunities, and learning experiences.
1. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 20 – August 1, with a virtual jumpstart session held before the program
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are in the 11th grade at the time of application | Must be 16 years or older by the program start date
The SAMS program at CMU is a fully funded pre-college program designed to help high school students from underrepresented communities deepen their understanding of STEM fields. Over several weeks, you’ll take part in courses covering math, science, and computational skills, while participating in a faculty-mentored research project. The curriculum also includes a credit-bearing college transition course called From Student to Scholar, which explores identity development, self-regulated learning, and academic readiness. You’ll also attend writing workshops, mentoring sessions, and discussions with university faculty and industry professionals. Beyond the summer, you can stay connected through virtual enrichment sessions focused on college prep and career development.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 10–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: 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. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI 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 the AI 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.
3. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Semester
Location: Mostly virtual, plus an in-person conference at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly Competitive
Program Dates: June 16 – December 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MITES Semester is a six-month STEM pre-college program for high school students that combines rigorous academic enrichment with college preparation and mentorship. You’ll take two live, online courses — one project-based and one core course in areas like Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing — while exploring advanced topics such as Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, Robotics, or Astrophysics. Through weekly webinars, workshops, and mentoring sessions with MIT undergraduates and STEM professionals, you’ll gain both technical knowledge and insight into college life and career pathways. The program also includes opportunities to collaborate on group projects, engage with admissions counselors, and receive personalized feedback from instructors on your academic growth.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – STEM Tracks
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 12.5%
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual research experience designed for high school students who want to dive deeper into STEM fields through hands-on, independent projects. You’ll be paired 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university to develop a research paper on a topic of your choice. The program emphasizes academic inquiry and original thinking, guiding you through every step of the research process, from forming a research question to presenting your findings. You can choose from STEM-focused research areas, including biotechnology, data science, machine learning, software development, environmental and civil engineering, chemistry, and psychology, among others. By the end of the program, you’ll have completed a full-length academic paper and gained first-hand experience in the process of scientific investigation, which can be an ideal foundation for future college-level research. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Cornell Precollege Summer Residential Program – STEM Tracks
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Varies depending on the credits and duration of the program | $75 Application fee | Financial assistance available; check here
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Three-week Session 2: June 22 – July 12 | Three-week Session 3: July 13 – August 2 | Six-week Session: June 22 – August 2 (tentative)
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors between the ages of 16 and 18 | Check here for course-specific prerequisites
The Cornell Precollege Summer Residential Program allows you to experience college life while earning academic credit through rigorous three- or six-week undergraduate courses. You’ll live on Cornell’s campus, take classes taught by university faculty, engage in supervised recreational activities, and connect with peers from around the world. You can choose from a range of STEM courses, including veterinary medicine, programming fundamentals, engineering, and architecture, gaining both technical knowledge and critical thinking skills. The program also includes college admissions workshops that give you insight into how you can impress a college admissions committee. By combining rigorous academics with residential living, this pre-college program gives you a glimpse into the pace and expectations of college life.
6. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,250 (does not include travel costs) | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Typically 32–60 students, depending on the course
Program Dates: July 13 – 31
Application Deadline: February 28; priority deadline is on January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program | Minimum required GPA of 3.0 or equivalent, with a preference for strong performance in math and science subjects, as well as honors and advanced coursework | There might be course-specific prerequisites; check here
ESAP offers a three-week, college-level experience that blends engineering theory with hands-on application. Designed for high school students with a strong background in math and science, ESAP offers courses in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Computer Science, or Robotics. Under the guidance of Penn faculty and undergraduate students, you'll acquire practical experience with advanced technologies while potentially earning college credit. The program also offers you the chance to connect with peers from across the world and explore various engineering fields before applying to college.
7. UVA Advance – STEM Tracks
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $7,097 for Virginia residents and $14,975 for non-Virginia residents (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25 – 50% | Around 60 – 65 students each year
Program Dates: July 11 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors between the ages of 15 and 18 | Must have good academic standing with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 in a college prep curriculum | Some core classes and electives might have their own prerequisites; check here
UVA Advance is a four-week, credit-granting pre-college program that lets you experience college-level academics and campus life at the University of Virginia. You’ll take two college-level courses: one core class designed specifically for UVA Advance students and one elective from the university’s Summer Session offerings. Core STEM courses include Introduction to Oceanography and Introduction to Data Science with Python, while electives such as Physics of Sports and Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe allow you to explore scientific concepts through real-world examples. The program also includes workshops on study skills, library research, and mental wellness, helping you prepare for the transition to higher education while earning six transferable college credits.
8. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $3,580 (Online) | $8,575 (Residential) | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 64 participants in the Online Programs and 40 participants in the Residential Program
Program Dates: June 16 – July 4 (Session 1: Online) | June 22 – July 18 (Session 2: Residential) | July 7 – 25 (Session 2: Online)
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors | Students 18 and older are not eligible for the Residential Program, but they can apply to the Online Program
SUMaC brings together a small group of rising high school juniors and seniors from around the world for intensive study in advanced mathematics. Over the course of the camp, you’ll explore topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology through lectures, guided research, and daily problem-solving sessions. The program offers both residential and online formats, each featuring a rigorous college-level workload and opportunities to present final research work. In the residential track, you’ll live on the Stanford campus, participate in structured social activities, and attend field trips, while the online track includes live discussions, guest lectures, and virtual collaboration with peers and instructional assistants. Both formats emphasize active engagement, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the discipline of mathematics.
9. NYU Precollege – STEM Tracks
Location: Online or in-person at New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Varies based on the number of courses and whether you are going to stay on campus; check here for more information (a limited number of scholarships are available for the Summer Term)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: September 2 – December 11 (Fall Term) | January 20 – May 5 (Spring Term) | July 1 – August 12 (Summer Term)
Application Deadline: June 17 – August 15 (Fall Term) | November 1 – January 5 (Spring Term) | February 1 – June 15 (Summer Term)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0
NYU Precollege allows high school students to take undergraduate courses in the fall, spring, or summer while earning college credit and exploring potential majors. Through college-level courses across disciplines — including STEM subjects like Calculus I, Introduction to Computer Programming, Creative Coding, and Human Biology — you’ll build academic and technical skills in your areas of interest. During the summer term, you can enroll full-time, attending optional College 101 sessions and workshops on college admissions, research skills, and academic writing. You can also choose to live on campus, joining peers from around the world for academic and social events across New York City.
10. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students – STEM Tracks
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee | Limited number of scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Class sizes typically range from 12 – 18 students
Program Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 2 | Session II: July 5 – 17 | Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: April 1 or until all course waitlists are full
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors between the ages of 16 and 18
Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students offers an immersive two-week experience that combines academic exploration with college life on campus. During the program, you’ll take one non-credit college-level course in fields such as Biology, Computer Science, Physics, or Statistics, studying in small classes led by Harvard instructors. You’ll live on campus with peers from around the world, balancing rigorous coursework with co-curricular and social activities designed to build collaboration and independence. Each day includes three hours of class, with 2–4 hours set aside for homework, mirroring the pace of college academics. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation and a Harvard transcript noting whether you’ve completed the course.
11. USC Summer Pre-College Programs – STEM Tracks
Location: USC (University of Southern California), Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $7,812 (Commuter) | $11,347 (Residential) | $65 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least the 9th grade
USC Summer Programs give you a chance to experience college life through four weeks of immersive, credit-bearing courses taught by USC faculty and professionals. You’ll explore subjects through a mix of lectures, labs, workshops, and group projects designed to build both technical and collaborative skills. You can choose from more than 20 subjects, including STEM-focused options such as engineering, video game development, neuroscience, psychology, or architecture. Classes often incorporate guest speakers, field trips, and final projects that simulate real-world problem-solving. You can also participate in supervised campus and weekend activities and connect with like-minded peers.
12. Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, NY
Cost: $5,880 (Commuter Program) | $10,705 (Residential Program) | Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~25 students per class
Program Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 24 | Session 2: July 17 – August 14
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March
Eligibility: Open to all high school students | Only students 16 and above can apply to the residential program
Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE is a STEM pre-college program for high school students interested in exploring engineering through hands-on, college-level coursework. Over three weeks, you’ll take one intensive, project-based course in areas such as robotics, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer programming, or data science, taught by Columbia University faculty. Participants may utilize Columbia’s Makerspace, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC tools, to develop and test prototypes. The program combines coursework with electives and workshops on leadership, public speaking, and college preparation.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,700 + $35 application fee (need-based financial aid)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Available year-round, with Summer, Fall, and Spring terms
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by term
Eligibility: Open to high school students | Check individual Mathematics and Physics pages for course-specific prerequisites
Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics is a STEM pre-college program for high school students, offering 13 advanced, self-paced Math and Physics courses that mirror Stanford’s own university curriculum. Depending on the course you choose, you might get to explore topics such as multivariable differential calculus, linear algebra, real and complex analysis, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. You’ll study at your own pace while participating in optional live sessions and office hours led by Stanford instructors, ensuring academic support and guidance throughout. Courses might also include graded assessments and proctored exams, helping you build analytical thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning skills.
14. Northwestern Pre-College Online Medicine Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 per course | Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year for all the courses
Application Deadline: Varies by program and session
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 13 and 19, including gap year students who are no more than one year post-high school graduation
The Northwestern Pre-College Online Medicine Programs let you explore key areas of healthcare and medical science through flexible, self-paced online courses designed by Northwestern faculty. You can choose from topics such as Medical Research: Evaluating Claims and Facts, Physiology: Understanding the Body’s Systems, and Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment. Each course includes 20–30 hours of instruction, assignments, and engaging activities that strengthen your understanding of how medicine and research connect to real-world healthcare. A highlight of the program is the Final Capstone Project, where you apply what you’ve learned in a presentation and receive feedback from mentors.
15. Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend Programs – STEM Courses
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 for single course registration (each additional course costs $2,700) + $80 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: September 19 – December 7 (Fall Session) | January 23 – March 29 (Spring Session)
Application Deadline: Varies by session; Spring general application deadline is December 15
Eligibility: High school students
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend Programs offer a flexible way for high school students in grades 9–12 to explore advanced STEM topics during the academic year. Over ten weekends, you might study topics such as neuroscience, data science, machine learning, or molecular biologya through live, interactive online classes taught by Columbia faculty and expert practitioners. Courses emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, connecting theory to real-world applications in science and technology. You’ll also have opportunities to join digital community groups, participate in virtual clubs, and receive mentoring from Student Life Interns. Upon completion, you’ll earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter highlighting your performance in the program, which you can add to your college applications.
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