15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Kansas
As a high school student, STEM programs offer you the opportunity to build practical skills while exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics beyond the classroom. Through projects, research experiences, laboratory work, and mentorship, you can gain valuable exposure to various applications and potential career paths. These programs also help you develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills while connecting with faculty, researchers, and peers who share similar interests.
Why should you attend a STEM program in Kansas?
Kansas is home to several universities and organizations that offer engaging STEM programs for high school students. Organizations such as the KC STEM Alliance, Kansas State University, and Fort Hays State University provide rigorous, college-level experiences tailored for high schoolers. Depending on the program, you may conduct scientific research, build engineering and programming skills, explore healthcare and cancer research, participate in laboratory and field experiments, and work on robotics, drone technology, and mathematics projects. Whether you are a local student looking for programs close to home or an out-of-state student looking to explore STEM in a focused, supportive environment, these programs are designed to meet your academic goals.
To help you find the right opportunity, we've narrowed down 15 STEM programs for high school students in Kansas.
If you’re looking for summer programs in Kansas, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span cancer research, AI and machine learning, aerospace engineering, healthcare, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, aviation, agriculture, and mathematics, so students with a wide range of STEM interests can find a relevant option in Kansas or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including KU Cancer Center Accelerate ($2,940 stipend), AATEE Camp at KU (free), TRIO Math and Science Center at KU (free with stipend), University of Kansas Health System Volunteer Program (free), and Veritas AI and Lumiere (full financial aid available), making strong STEM experiences accessible without significant financial barriers.
Many programs prioritize Kansas residents or students from specific counties, including KU Cancer Center (Wyandotte County and Jackson County students), TRIO Math and Science Center (students from five specific high schools), and AATEE Camp (Kansas rising seniors), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from single-day experiences, such as K-State VetMed ROCKS, to multi-month academic year programs with summer components, such as TRIO Math and Science Center, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including KU Health System Volunteer Program (March 6), KU Cancer Center (March 25), and K-State Health Professions Exploration (February 13), so students should begin researching options in the fall.
1. University of Kansas Cancer Center – Accelerate Cancer Education
Location: University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,940 stipend
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors at a high school in Wyandotte County, KS, or Jackson County, MO; at least 16 years of age with a 3.0 or above GPA and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
University of Kansas Cancer Center's Accelerate Cancer Education is a six-week paid summer program for high school students. The program will allow you to participate in hands-on cancer research while also preparing for a future in science and healthcare. It pairs you with a faculty mentor to work on a summer research project in either an office, a laboratory, or a clinical setting. You will gain in-depth knowledge in cancer research and explore different career pathways. The program culminates in a poster forum where you can share your work with others.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling; 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 have the opportunity 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 program here.
3. University of Kansas Health System High School Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Multiple volunteer locations are available in Kansas and Missouri
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Rising freshmen: June 5 – July 31; rising sophomores to seniors: June 1–11, June 15–25, July 6–16, and July 20–30
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Students entering their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in the fall
The University of Kansas Health System High School Summer Volunteer Program allows high school students to explore healthcare. You will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field while gaining knowledge about both clinical and non-clinical work. You will observe the day-to-day activities and operations of an academic medical center while engaging in patient care. You will either assist with or engage in shadowing exercises with a range of professionals, including technicians, nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff. The program is a great opportunity to gain clarity in pursuing healthcare as a future career.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school and who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
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 STEM, psychology, 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. Advanced Aerospace Technologies Exploration Experience (AATEE) Camp
Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Cost: None
Dates: May 31 – June 12; July 13–25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors attending high school in Kansas
The Advanced Aerospace Technologies Exploration Experience (AATEE) Camp is a two-week program for high school students. The program allows you to explore engineering and computer science and engage in various experiments, including model-car programming, drone piloting, and more. You will work on real-world research projects in collaboration with peers, learn modern programming languages such as Python and ROS, and have the opportunity to receive career guidance and advice. You will gain knowledge about open-source autopilot systems, including ArduPilot, Dronecode, and NVIDIA’s Racer RTX. Along with academic learning, the program also offers enjoyable experiences at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun.
6. TRIO Math & Science Center – University of Kansas
Location: Lawrence, KS
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: Academic year with additional programming, including a 6-week summer component (dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Grades 9th-11th high school students wishing to pursue a college degree; attend Highland Park, Topeka, Lawrence, JC Harmon, or Washington High Schools; meet federal low-income guidelines and/or be a first-generation college student; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The TRIO Math & Science Center at the University of Kansas is an academic support program for high school students. The program will allow you to engage in skill-development workshops, receive tutoring, and receive college application support. Along with year-round academic learning, the program also offers a six-week session involving discussion workshops on ACT/SAT math strategies, tutoring sessions, and academic planning. You will develop knowledge and skills in a range of mathematical subjects, including data interpretation, geometry, and algebra. The program is also a great opportunity to develop problem-solving and fundamental quantitative skills.
7. Kansas State University KAWSE – EXCITE Summer Workshop
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan campus, Manhattan, Kansas
Cost: $350 registration with early-bird discount until April 23, rising to $400 after; full and partial need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 3–5
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: Students who will finish grades 8, 9, 10, or 11 in May
As an EXCITE camper, you spend three days and two nights living on the Kansas State University campus while exploring STEM through a pre-college workshop run by the KAWSE office. You take part in hands-on activities led by K-State faculty, staff, and students that connect directly to their STEM fields and professions, and sessions focus on how scientists and engineers help make the world a better place. You work in small groups of 10–12 students, sampling a broad range of science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines while learning about STEM career options. Evening events highlight life as a Wildcat, and you stay in residence halls and eat in campus dining facilities.
8. Kansas State University College of Agriculture – Feeding Your Future Summer Camp
Location: Manhattan, Kansas (Kansas State University campus)
Cost: $75
Dates: June 9–13
Application Deadline: Open until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school for the upcoming academic year
In this camp, you spend five days at Kansas State University exploring the science behind growing, harvesting, and milling grains into ingredients for baked goods, animal feed, and pet food. You work hands-on in K-State's feed and flour mills, bake labs, and agronomy research farms, applying agronomy, milling science, bakery science, and feed science in real facilities. Past campers formulated poultry feed at the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology and Innovation Center, made pet treats, and explored modern farming technology at the Agronomy Education Center. Industry partners and K-State faculty share career paths and income potential, and you network with peers during a residential campus experience.
9. Kansas State University – Health Professions Exploration Program
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $450
Dates: Session 1: June 7–12, Session 2: June 21–26
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors and seniors
Health Professions Exploration is a one-week program for high school students. The program will allow you to explore different healthcare professions and roles, including food safety experts, disease researchers, public health professionals, and more. You will learn how professionals engage in patient care and holistic healthcare support, participate in hands-on activities, and receive guidance for professional school applications. You will also have the opportunity to interact with fellow students, faculty, and K-State health professions advisors, along with gaining on-campus residential experience.
10. Newman University – Investigative Summer STEM Program (ISSP)
Location: Newman University, Wichita, KS
Cost: $425 if paid by May 1; $450 after May 1; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 7 – 12
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least one completed high school science course
The Investigative Summer STEM Program (ISSP) offers high school students an interactive, hands-on learning experience. You will have the opportunity to choose one interdisciplinary research topic in chemistry or biology and engage in a literature search on that topic while working in a small group. You will receive expert supervision, listen to guest speakers, and participate in small group discussions. The program will allow you to explore a range of activities, including lab or field experiments, data collection, data analysis, drawing conclusions, and sharing your research work with students and faculty.
11. The University of Kansas – Engineering Summer Camp
Location: University of Kansas School of Engineering, Lawrence, KS
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; historical costs typically range between $750 and $1,325 per session; limited scholarships may be available
Dates: July 12–17 (rising 9th–10th graders) or July 19–24 (rising 11th–12th graders)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until all spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students who will be entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the upcoming fall semester
In this camp, you will experience an immersive, overnight introduction to the engineering field right on the Lawrence campus. You will explore a specific academic track of your choice, such as communication, day-to-day life, energy, or transportation. Throughout this week-long residential camp, you will complete a hands-on project, engage directly with university faculty and graduate students, experience KU’s cutting-edge labs, and participate in evening community activities. A unique feature of this program is its overarching theme of “Re-Engineer the World,” challenging you to apply creative problem-solving to real global issues. Ultimately, you will develop practical engineering techniques, teamwork capabilities, and creative problem-solving skills.
12. Bethel College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI)
Location: In-person: Bethel College, North Newton, KS and Virtual (Offered separately)
Cost: $60
Dates: In-Person: July 14–19; Online: June 8–July 3
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students; high school graduates considered if space allows
Bethel College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI) is a one-week summer research program for high school students. You will have the opportunity to engage beyond traditional classroom learning by exploring topics in math and science. The program will allow you to explore a range of research areas, including biology, engineering design, psychology, chemistry, and more. You will work in different research groups during the morning and evening while learning from experienced faculty at Bethel. You will engage in group-based discussions, participate in lab work, data collection and analysis, coding, scientific reasoning, hypothesis testing, and more. You will receive a certificate of completion along with college credits as the program concludes.
13. Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus – K-State Aviation Academy
Location: Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, Salina, Kansas
Cost: $2,000
Dates: June 21–27
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students; between 15–17 years of age at the time of the camp; interest in aviation
At the K-State Aviation Academy, you spend a residential week immersed in aviation STEM at K-State Salina, a campus adjacent to Salina Regional Airport. You work with K-State aviation faculty on aerodynamics and flight theory, FAA regulations, and navigation basics, applying physics and engineering concepts to real flight problems. You train in FRASCA flight simulators to learn safe aircraft operation and explore aircraft airworthiness in the campus's aviation maintenance hangar. You also log up to three hours of real flight time with a K-State-certified flight instructor in university aircraft, building technical, systems-thinking, and airmanship skills. Evening social activities and networking with industry professionals round out each day.
14. University of Kansas – Pharmacy Summer Camp
Location: KU School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, KS
Cost: Day camps: $75; Overnight camps: $250
Dates: Day Camps: June 8 and 10; Night Camp: July 14 and 16; Two-Day, Two-Night Camps: June 16–18 and June 21–23
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; incoming college freshmen are also eligible
The University of Kansas' Pharmacy Summer Camp introduces high school students to the professional aspects of Pharmacy. You will visit community and hospital pharmacies, engage in hands-on activities, and also visit campus research labs. You will engage in non-sterile compounding of medications and thoughtful discussions on pharmacy practices with real practitioners. The program allows you to gain access to pharmacy practice skills, lab, and lecture classrooms while receiving guidance from faculty and current pharmacy students. By participating, you will develop practical medication preparation techniques, essential clinical communication abilities, and foundational patient care skills.
15. Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine – VetMed ROCKS Summer Camp – High School Day
Location: Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas
Cost: $125; scholarships are available
Dates: July 27
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
In this camp, you spend a full day inside the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, working through hands-on labs alongside current DVM students, faculty, and staff. The camp is built around interactive activities, expert-led workshops, and career insights for students interested in becoming veterinarians, giving you direct exposure to animal science and biomedical STEM. You practice applied laboratory skills, interact with the college's teaching animals, and engage with real clinical learning environments used to train veterinary students. Organizers describe campers exploring real-life procedures that build insight into animal healthcare. You also gain career guidance on veterinary school pathways from admissions staff and student mentors.
Frequently asked questions
1. What STEM programs are available for high school students in Kansas?
Options include cancer and biomedical research programs, such as KU Cancer Center Accelerate, healthcare and clinical programs, such as KU Health System Volunteer Program and K-State Health Professions Exploration, aerospace and aviation programs, such as AATEE Camp and K-State Aviation Academy, AI and data science programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, agriculture and food science programs, such as K-State Feeding Your Future Camp, and veterinary and pharmacy programs, such as K-State VetMed ROCKS and KU Pharmacy Summer Camp.
2. Are there free or paid STEM programs for high school students in Kansas?
Yes, KU Cancer Center Accelerate provides a $2,940 stipend, AATEE Camp at KU is free, TRIO Math and Science Center is free with a stipend, and the KU Health System Volunteer Program is free. Lumiere and Veritas AI also offer full financial aid for eligible students, while programs such as EXCITE Camp and Newman ISSP offer need-based scholarships.
3. Which Kansas STEM programs are best for students interested in healthcare and medicine?
KU Cancer Center Accelerate, KU Health System Summer Volunteer Program, and K-State Health Professions Exploration all provide structured clinical or research exposure in healthcare settings, while KU Pharmacy Summer Camp and K-State VetMed ROCKS offer more specialized introductions to pharmacy and veterinary medicine, respectively.
4. Are there STEM programs in Kansas that offer college credit?
Yes, Bethel College Summer Science Institute awards college credits upon completion, and TRIO Math and Science Center provides ongoing academic preparation that connects directly to college readiness. KU Engineering Summer Camp and K-State programs also offer university campus experiences that prepare students for college-level STEM coursework.
5. Which Kansas STEM programs are open to students outside the state?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world, and most residential Kansas university camps, such as KU Engineering Summer Camp, EXCITE, and K-State Aviation Academy, accept out-of-state applicants.
6. When should I apply to STEM programs for high school students in Kansas?
K-State Health Professions Exploration closes February 13, KU Health System Volunteer Program closes March 6, KU Cancer Center Accelerate closes March 25, and Bethel College BCSSI closes April 1, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing applications over winter break.