14 STEM Programs for High School Students in Oregon
STEM programs can help you explore science, technology, engineering, and math beyond what you typically study in school while building practical and academic skills. Many of these programs include research activities, lab work, coding projects, and mentorship, introducing you to fields such as cybersecurity, environmental science, biomedical research, and data science. You can also gain exposure to university and professional learning environments while exploring different STEM interests alongside students with similar goals .
Why should you attend a program in Oregon?
Oregon is home to universities and organizations that offer STEM programs across a wide range of subject areas for high school students. Depending on the program, you can explore topics such as toxicology, veterinary medicine, cybersecurity, healthcare, or data science through workshops, lab activities, research projects, and technical training. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are an Oregon student looking for programs nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring STEM programs in a different academic environment.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 14 STEM Programs for High School Students in Oregon.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program at OHSU
Location: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | about 10 students
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, or seniors from Oregon high schools | minimum GPA of 3.0 | at least one lab science class (preferably biology) | disadvantaged background preferred
You will work up to 40 hours each week for eight weeks in a Knight Cancer Institute laboratory under the guidance of a faculty mentor, contributing to hands-on biomedical research and ongoing projects. Alongside your hands-on lab work, you may attend weekly seminars and follow a structured curriculum aligned with mentor expectations. The program is designed to promote health equity by increasing the participation of students from underserved backgrounds in biomedical and health-related fields. Throughout the experience, you can develop laboratory techniques, data analysis skills, and a deeper understanding of cancer research careers. The program concludes in a poster presentation where you share your research contributions with laboratory staff, directors, and institute members.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 - 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 looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity 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. OSU STEM Academy Toxicology Camp
Location: OSU Campus, Corvallis, OR
Cost/Stipend: $140 fee (needs-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open registration
Dates: July 7 - 9
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 - 12
You will explore how chemicals can be harmful or safe by studying how substances affect people, animals, and the environment through hands-on field sampling and laboratory testing. You can conduct your own toxicology experiments, analyze real data, and investigate topics such as chemical effects on daphnia and molecular processes in glowing zebrafish. Working directly with OSU faculty and researchers, you also examine real-world toxicology challenges and learn how scientists protect humans and ecosystems from hazardous substances. The short, focused format allows you to build practical laboratory and analytical skills without a full-summer commitment, while gaining insight into environmental chemistry and related STEM careers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (STEM Track)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
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: Currently enrolled high school students with a strong academic record
You will work one-on-one with a PhD mentor from a leading university to design and develop an independent STEM research project in areas such as biology, data science, computer science, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Across 12 weeks, you can develop a research question, conduct a literature review, design experiments or analyses, and write a full university-level research paper. Weekly mentor sessions and writing coach support guide you throughout the process, from selecting a topic to final edits. By the end of the program, you will present your work and may choose additional publication support. The fully virtual format allows you to participate from anywhere while producing a substantial research outcome.
5. MedStars-Klamath Falls
Location: Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech Campus), Klamath Falls, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 20 participants
Dates: August 3 - 6
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors interested in healthcare careers
You will participate in a multi-day, hands-on health careers exploration program focused on nursing, allied health, and medical career pathways. Through practical clinical experiences, you can learn healthcare skills such as suturing, measuring vital signs, and earning BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, while participating in lab simulations and exploring advanced facilities. Faculty from Oregon Tech and OHSU School of Nursing, along with current medical and allied health students, provide you direct mentorship, career guidance, and insight into healthcare education pathways. The program emphasizes real-world applications in health-related STEM fields, helping you build foundational clinical knowledge, professional connections, and clarity about future opportunities in medicine and healthcare fields. Its small cohort format creates a supportive and interactive learning environment for motivated high school students.
6. University of Portland High School Summer Nurse Camp
Location: University of Portland, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: Four days, July 13 - 16
Application Deadline: March 31 (varies by year)
Eligibility: Current high school students (must be at least 16 years old by the start of camp) | not open to graduating seniors | interest in nursing or healthcare
This intensive four-day camp introduces you to nursing and broader healthcare STEM careers through hands-on clinical simulations and practical healthcare training sessions. You will practice infection control, patient assessment techniques, vital signs measurement, and scenario-based simulations within a dedicated nursing learning resource center. Nursing faculty and current students from the University of Portland offer mentorship and guidance as you explore college preparation, public health concepts, and healthcare career pathways. The program also includes campus tours and discussions about real-world healthcare challenges, giving you a practical understanding of nursing education and clinical practice within a supportive university environment.
7. CyberPDX at Portland State University
Location: Portland State University, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: July 20 - 25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (rising 9th - 12th graders) | priority for native or indigenous students
You will participate in a free, five-day residential STEAM camp focused on cybersecurity concepts, principles, policies, and careers. Through hands-on activities, you can explore topics such as network hacking techniques, digital forensics, phishing defense, encryption, and logical puzzles without prior experience. You also meet professionals, learn how cybersecurity supports critical infrastructure, and collaborate in teams. The program is designed primarily for Native American and Indigenous high school students while welcoming broader participation. Throughout the program, you can gain practical technical exposure and insight into STEAM-related career pathways within a supportive campus environment.
8. Saturday Academy - Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration (ASE) Program
Location: Various host organizations in Portland, Corvallis, and other Oregon sites
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (non-refundable)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (more than 400 applicants for about 75 - 100 positions)
Dates: 4 - 8 weeks in summer (varies by internship)
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders interested in math/science careers; must not have participated in ASE before
You may spend four to eight weeks in a pre-professional internship designed by mentors at universities, hospitals, research institutions, or private companies across the Portland and Corvallis areas, with some placements available in other Oregon locations as well. You will contribute directly to ongoing work involving laboratory experiments, field data collection, product testing, or research that occasionally supports published research papers. Mentors provide day-to-day guidance while you can develop professional experience in areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and environmental science. You will work part-time or full-time, depending on the placement, gaining insight into real-world STEM careers through collaboration rather than classroom-style instruction. The program emphasizes contribution and learning alongside experts, making it an ideal option for students who want real-world industry or research experience in Oregon.
9. Data in Action: Sustainability, Science, and Storytelling at Lewis & Clark College
Location: Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 as a fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 - 17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders who are interested in data, sustainability, and real-world problem solving
You will spend six days learning data science and data journalism using environmental datasets focused on sustainability issues. Guided by Lewis & Clark data science faculty, you can gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques used to analyze data and create compelling, data-driven stories. Through workshops, you may explore data visualization, mapping, analysis, and storytelling, and then create your own interactive data journalism project. You also work with real-world environmental data to create visualizations and communicate your findings effectively, supported by mentorship, guest speakers, and collaborative activities. By the end of the program, you can leave with polished portfolio projects and stronger skills in using data to understand and advocate for sustainability issues.
10. OSU STEM Academy Blender Camp
Location: OSU Campus, Corvallis, OR
Cost/Stipend: $200 as a fee (needs-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open registration
Dates: June 22 - 26
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 - 12
You will learn the fundamentals of 3D computer graphics using the free Blender software through daily hands-on sessions focused on modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, animation, and working with 3D space and geometry. Inspired by the visual effects used in movies, TV shows, and video games, you can create individual or collaborative projects that develop into polished, professional 3D scenes or animations. The camp introduces a wide range of Blender techniques while giving you the flexibility to explore your own creative interests. Because the Blender software is free, you can continue developing your work after the program concludes. Overall, the experience strengthens both technical and creative STEM skills while offering you insight into digital art and computer graphics career pathways in a short, accessible format.
11. OSU STEM Academy NW Cyber Camp - High School Edition
Location: OSU Campus, Corvallis, OR
Cost/Stipend: $200 fee (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open registration
Dates: July 13 - 17
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 - 12 | no prior computer science experience is required
You will participate in hands-on cybersecurity activities such as network intrusions, digital forensics, phishing simulations, and encryption puzzles in a supportive, team-based environment. Through logic games and collaborative activities, you can build problem-solving skills while learning how hackers attempt to access systems and how these threats can be identified and prevented. You also interact with cybersecurity professionals and students, gaining practical insight into real-world career pathways and the importance of cybersecurity in protecting personal data and critical infrastructure. The camp introduces foundational cybersecurity concepts in an accessible way, helping you understand how cybersecurity functions in organizations and why it is an increasingly important field.
12. OSU STEM Academy Summer Veterinary Experience
Location: OSU Campus, Corvallis, OR
Cost/Stipend: $400 fee (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Secondary application required after initial registration
Dates: July 20 - 24
Application Deadline: Rolling (secondary application due within two weeks of registration)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11 - 12 | Oregon resident | at least 16 years old | B or better in all sciences | demonstrated maturity and interest in veterinary medicine.
You will gain hands-on experience in veterinary medicine through interactive activities such as conducting physical examinations, using microscopes to identify parasites, observing necropsy procedures, participating in clinical skills laboratories, and attending demonstrations on small animal rehabilitation. Guided by experienced mentors and instructors in a supportive environment, you can build an understanding of basic sciences, animal and human health, and social sciences while engaging in teamwork and open discussion. Career panels and veterinary hospital tours, including visits to large-animal facilities, introduce you to a variety of professional pathways in small, large, and non-traditional animal care. The program combines practical experience with professional career exploration, making it well-suited for high school students interested in veterinary or related health careers.
13. Summer Experience in Science and Engineering for Youth (SESEY) at OSU
Location: OSU Campus, Corvallis, OR
Cost/Stipend: $250 program fee (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: One week, July 19 - 24
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 11 | priority for girls and underrepresented minority students with aptitude in math and science
You will spend one week in a residential program at Oregon State University working alongside an engineering faculty mentor to complete a mini research project in engineering or related STEM fields. Through hands-on laboratory work, experiments, discussions, and faculty-led sessions, you can gain direct exposure to college-level science and engineering while developing both technical and professional skills. The program is designed to support students from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering, while remaining open to anyone aligned with its mission, and it emphasizes both skill-building and career exploration. You also tour research laboratories and engage in activities that reflect authentic research environments within a structured university environment. The experience concludes with a presentation of your research project, often featured during the Corvallis da Vinci Days celebration, and encourages building long-term interest in engineering pathways.
14. Future Health Leaders at Lewis & Clark College
Location: Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: June 21 - 26
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students curious about a college track in pre-med, pre-nursing, psychology, public health, and other health care fields
You will explore health-care careers through a week-long residential mini-med school experience that combines hands-on sessions, faculty discussions, and campus activities focused on medicine, public health, and related STEM fields. You can visit research laboratories, participate in practical training such as CPR instruction, and earn Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certification while learning about healthcare techniques, public health communication, and narrative medicine. Throughout the program, you may engage with a range of health professionals, collaborate with peers on a public health project, and explore how different academic disciplines connect to health. Supported by faculty, staff, and college students, you also gain practical experience and insight into real-world healthcare challenges, helping you prepare for future study and careers in health-related STEM fields.