15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Connecticut
If you are a high school student curious about STEM, structured programs offer you the chance to explore these fields beyond the classroom. Through research projects, laboratory work, engineering challenges, and mentorship, you can develop practical skills while learning about potential college majors and careers. Many STEM programs are hosted by universities, research institutions, and hospitals, allowing you to work alongside faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. These experiences can help you deepen your interests, build new skills, and connect with peers who share similar goals.
Why should you attend a STEM program in Connecticut?
Connecticut is home to several credible universities and research organizations, including Yale University, the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, and The Jackson Laboratory, that offer rigorous STEM opportunities for high school students. Depending on the program, you may conduct laboratory research, explore neuroscience, study genetics, analyze data, or work on engineering projects. These opportunities can be a good fit for Connecticut students seeking local experiences, as well as for out-of-state students interested in exploring STEM programs in the region.
To help you get started, we have narrowed down 15 STEM programs for high school students in Connecticut.
If you’re looking for summer programs in Connecticut, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span biomedical research, AI, data science, fisheries science, forensic science, neuroscience, engineering, game design, and marine conservation, so students with a wide range of STEM interests can find a relevant option in or near Connecticut.
Several programs are free or fully funded, including SEAP ($4,000 stipend), Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program ($3,000 stipend), ACS Project SEED ($4,000 stipend), Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars, and Connecticut Science Center Teen Innovation Program, while others, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI, offer need-based financial aid.
Programs range from one-week intensives (Quinnipiac AI: Visual Imagery and Product Design) to eight-week research placements (SEAP, Yale YNSS, Hutton), so students can choose based on their availability and the depth of experience they want.
Application deadlines vary widely, with early deadlines including SEAP (November 1) and Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program (January 25), while several programs, such as Veritas AI, Lumiere, and Quinnipiac's labs, accept rolling or unspecified applications.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the U.S., including in Connecticut
Stipend: $4,000 for first-time participants | $4,500 for returning students
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~300 students/year; Connecticut-specific numbers not available
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are 16 or older and are U.S. citizens; labs may have additional requirements
SEAP is a research-based program that places high school students in real naval labs. During the eight-week program, you will work with professional lab tools and contribute to science and engineering research alongside scientists in an advanced lab setting. Placements span a range of STEM areas, including computer science, engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, and math. You will also learn about careers in naval research and tech while shadowing STEM professionals and accessing professional development opportunities like seminars and presentations.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November). You can find more details and apply to the program 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, started and run by Harvard graduate students, offers various online programs for high school students who are 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 the fundamentals of AI and data science 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 the support of an in-house publication team if you want to secure publications in high school journals. You can check out examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Various locations, including in Connecticut
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Eight-week internship between June and August
Application deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico; the program encourages applications from groups underrepresented in fisheries and aquatic sciences.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that introduces high school students to careers in fisheries, aquatic science, conservation, and environmental research. You will be matched with a professional mentor and gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, data collection, laboratory activities, and other projects related to fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. A key feature of the program is its one-on-one mentorship model, which allows you to work directly with scientists and natural resource professionals in your area. You will learn about environmental challenges, aquatic conservation, and scientific research while building professional skills and exploring potential career paths.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, spring, and winter. Available options range from 12 weeks to one 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 program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a range of subjects that you can explore as a high school student. 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 computer science, data science, engineering, math, psychology, international relations, physics, chemistry, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. ACS Project SEED
Location: Multiple participating institutions across the U.S., including Connecticut
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: 8- to 10-week summer research experience; dates vary by host site
Application deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students under 18 who have completed at least one year of high school chemistry; applicants’ annual family income should not be above 300% of the limits defined in Federal Poverty Guidelines.
American Chemical Society’s Project SEED is a paid program that connects high school students across the country with chemistry research opportunities at universities, labs, and industrial research sites. During the program, you will work closely with scientists on chemical science research projects while familiarizing yourself with lab techniques, scientific problem-solving, and STEM career paths. In addition to lab work, you will have access to professional development opportunities like college-readiness sessions, webinars, and workshops focused on science communication and career exploration. You may also get to return to the program next summer to keep engaging in chemistry research.
6. High School Student Research Apprentice Program
Location: UConn Health, Farmington, CT | Central Connecticut State University campus, New Britain, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free + stipend available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 15 – July 17
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed 11th grade with a ‘B’ average or better and are first-generation college, low-income, and educationally under-resourced students; applicants must be enrolled in Connecticut schools and be Connecticut residents as well as U.S. citizens/permanent residents.
This five-week summer research program places students directly in basic science or clinical research laboratories where they get to work alongside researchers and faculty mentors. You will spend the summer gaining firsthand experience in biomedical research while learning how scientific studies are conducted in professional academic and healthcare settings. Rather than focusing on classroom instruction alone, the program centers on active participation in ongoing research projects. The program also offers insights into what careers in medicine, dentistry, biomedical sciences, and research look like on a day-to-day basis.
7. Connecticut Science Center’s Teen Innovation Program
Location: Connecticut Science Center, Hartford, CT
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~30 students in the last cohort
Program dates: Six-week summer program
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Teenagers who have completed at least one full session of the Connecticut Science Center's Investigate! program or served on the Teen Advisory Council for one school year
The Teen Innovation Program gives high school students the opportunity to work alongside staff at the Connecticut Science Center while creating original STEM exhibits and educational experiences for visitors. Over six weeks, you will collaborate with peers to design programs that help others learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in engaging ways. Unlike many STEM summer programs that focus primarily on classroom learning, Teen Innovation emphasizes leadership, communication, and public engagement alongside STEM exploration. You will gain experience presenting ideas, working in teams, and developing projects for real audiences. The program can also help you explore college and career pathways while building confidence in STEM-related settings.
8. University of Connecticut’s Explore Engineering
Location: University of Connecticut (UConn), Storrs, CT
Cost: $3,500 (Early Bird) | $4,000 (Standard); need-based financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 12 – 24
Application deadline: March 1 (Early Bird); May 1 (Standard)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 11 (rising seniors can apply but the camp is primarily designed for younger high schoolers); open to out-of-state and homeschooled students
Explore Engineering is a two-week residential program, where you will explore a range of engineering fields through faculty presentations, hands-on projects, and collaborative challenges. The core of the program is exploring different engineering disciplines through activities designed by current UConn engineering students and taught alongside engineering faculty. You will also spend more than 20 hours working on a multidisciplinary Grand Challenge project focused on themes like accessibility, rescue, human performance, or community revitalization. Throughout the experience, you will learn practical skills such as circuit building and prototyping while also touring research labs, makerspaces, and other facilities on campus. The program is designed for students who are still figuring out which engineering pathway interests them most and want exposure to multiple specialties before college.
9. Quinnipiac University’s Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation
Location: Quinnipiac University campus, Hamden, CT
Cost: Residential: $3,700 | Commuter: $2,700; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Up to 30 students
Program dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically 15 – 18 years of age at the start of the program
This two-week program lets you learn about forensic science and crime scene investigation under the guidance of Quinnipiac faculty and industry professionals. You will investigate a mock crime scene using the same methods professionals use in the field, gaining hands-on experience in areas like fingerprint analysis, evidence collection, and victim profiling. Throughout the program, you will practice critical thinking and observational analysis as you learn to process a scene and work toward solving a simulated case. The on-campus program will also introduce you to university-level expectations, residential life, and learning environments.
10. Quinnipiac University’s Data Sciences Lab
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: $3,600 (Residential) | $2,600 (Commuter); financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Up to 30 students
Program dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: TBA for next cycle
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically ages 15 – 18
Data Sciences Lab introduces students to the growing field of data science through lessons in statistics, programming, machine learning, data visualization, and ethics. Over two weeks, you will work with real datasets, learn foundational concepts in probability and algorithms, and explore tools like R and Excel. The curriculum combines technical instruction with practical projects, giving you opportunities to analyze data and uncover patterns that can inform real-world decisions. Guest speakers from industry and academia will help you connect classroom topics to careers in areas like healthcare, sports analytics, and artificial intelligence. The program will conclude with a poster presentation where you will showcase your work to family and friends. This can be an opportunity to explore real data-focused applications of mathematics, computing, and problem-solving.
11. Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars Program
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 100+ students/year; 16 students/class
Program dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11 (rising grades 10–12) who are Yale Pathways Scholars
The Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars Program is a fully funded two-week STEM enrichment experience that allows students to explore a variety of scientific disciplines through hands-on workshops and enrichment activities. The program is designed to help you explore several STEM fields rather than focusing on a single subject area, so you will create a personalized schedule that may include workshops ranging from immunology and genetics to climate science, quantum physics, engineering, and data science. Each workshop combines instruction with practical exercises; for instance, depending on the track you choose, you will prepare RNAs from yeast cultures, build batteries and solar cells, image tardigrades on a microscope, or measure radioactive decay. Small classes will give you the opportunity to work closely with Yale faculty, staff, and student instructors. If you are a rising senior, you can also participate in a residential option and spend 10 days developing your Common App essay while experiencing campus life.
12. Quinnipiac University’s Game Design Lab
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: Residential: $3,700 | Commuter: $2,700; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Up to 30 students
Program dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically 15 – 18 years of age at the start of the program
This two-week Quinnipiac University program lets you work within a team to build a 2D or 3D platformer game from start to finish, using the same visual coding tools found in professional game studios. You will practice visual coding using the Unreal Engine Blueprints system, learn the fundamentals of game design, and work on integrating art and audio assets into your project. Led by university faculty, you will explore topics like level design, materials and textures, lighting, and interactive game mechanics, moving from foundational skills in week one to polishing and presenting your finished game in week two. Standout projects may stand a chance to be published to the Google Play or iOS app stores. Outside of class, you will take part in organized weekend excursions, such as trips to Mystic Aquarium or shopping in New Haven.
13. Yale Neuroscience Summer Scholars (YNSS)
Location: Yale University campus, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; likely to be free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Varies; four students in the last cohort
Program dates: Eight-week summer opportunity; dates vary by year
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from New Haven Public Schools
The YNSS provides high school students with a rigorous introduction to neuroscience research through an eight-week summer experience. You will participate in laboratory training, learn research methods, and complete a supervised research project focused on neuroscience, neurodegeneration, or neuroinflammation. A key component of the program is hands-on research, allowing you to work directly with scientific literature, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. Throughout the summer, you will also attend scientific writing workshops and receive guidance on preparing for college science programs and future research opportunities. You will conclude the experience by presenting your research findings at a symposium and submitting written summaries.
14. Quinnipiac University’s AI: Visual Imagery and Product Design
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: Residential: $1,900 | Commuter: $1,600; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Up to 30 students
Program dates: July 6 – 10
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically 15 – 18 years of age at the start of the program
This one-week program lets you explore design thinking and modern AI tools to create digital products, and learn about how artificial intelligence is reshaping art, branding, and product development. You will work with tools like Canva, Adobe Firefly, and DALL-E to build visuals for projects and presentations, while learning the fundamentals of machine learning and generative AI on the Quinnipiac University campus. Guided by faculty, you will also practice applying AI to graphic design tasks used in digital and print advertising, moving from concept to a finished product. Beyond the technical skills, the program will cover AI ethics, copyright considerations, and the technology's broader social impact. You will leave with finished projects that you can add to a creative portfolio.
15. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS): Innovations in Science & Technology
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Program tuition: $7,000 + Application fee (non-refundable): $80 (early application) or $95 (regular); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; 1,800 students selected out of 13,000 applicants in the last cohort
Program dates: June 21 – July 3 | July 5 – 17 | July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Early: October 15; Regular: January 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 16 – 18, from around the world
YYGS is a two-week residential academic enrichment program that brings together students from more than 150 countries for interdisciplinary learning on Yale's campus. You can choose the Innovations in Science & Technology track to explore topics that connect scientific discovery, technological innovation, and real-world problem solving through lectures, seminars, and collaborative discussions. One of the key features of YYGS is its international student body, which will offer opportunities to exchange ideas with peers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Rather than focusing on laboratory research alone, the program emphasizes intellectual exploration and discussion-based learning. You will spend most of your time engaging with complex questions, participating in small-group activities, and learning from Yale-affiliated instructors. The experience can prepare you for rigorous college STEM academics.
Frequently asked questions
1. What STEM programs are available for high school students in Connecticut?
Options include biomedical and laboratory research programs, such as SEAP, UConn Health Student Research Apprentice Program, and Yale YNSS, AI and data science programs, such as Veritas AI, Quinnipiac Data Sciences Lab, and Quinnipiac AI: Visual Imagery and Product Design, forensic science programs, such as Quinnipiac Forensic Science Crime Scene Investigation, engineering programs, such as UConn Explore Engineering, and broad STEM enrichment programs, such as Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars and YYGS Innovations in Science and Technology.
2. Are there free STEM programs for high school students in Connecticut?
Yes, SEAP (with a $4,000 stipend), Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program (with a $3,000 stipend), ACS Project SEED (with a $4,000 stipend), Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars, Connecticut Science Center Teen Innovation Program, and UConn Health Student Research Apprentice Program (with a stipend available) are all free. Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program offer need-based financial aid.
3. Which Connecticut STEM programs are best for students interested in research?
Students interested in research might consider SEAP for naval science and engineering research, UConn Health Student Research Apprentice Program for biomedical and clinical research placements, Yale YNSS for eight weeks of neuroscience laboratory research, Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program for mentored fieldwork in aquatic conservation, and Lumiere Research Scholar Program for independent research with a PhD mentor across STEM disciplines.
4. When should I apply to STEM programs for high school students in Connecticut?
The earliest deadline is SEAP (November 1), followed by Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program (January 25) and Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars (February 24). UConn Explore Engineering closes March 1 (early bird) and May 1 (standard), and UConn Health Student Research Apprentice Program closes April 1. Programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, accept rolling applications year-round, so students should begin researching options in the fall semester.