15 STEM Programs for High School Students in PA (Pennsylvania)
For high school students in Pennsylvania interested in STEM, participating in summer programs can be a great way to explore subjects such as engineering, coding, environmental science, robotics, and more. You can develop skills, collaborate on projects, and learn to work with tools and technologies professionals use daily. These experiences not only strengthen your understanding of potential career paths but also give your college applications a competitive edge by showcasing initiative.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve curated 15 STEM programs for high school students in PA (Pennsylvania)!
1. Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College CS Scholars and AI Scholars Program
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by the program start date and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students who are registered with DACA are also eligible. Applicant must be a sophomore in high school at the time of application submission.
Carnegie Mellon offers four-week summer programs that allow you to explore computer science through classes, research projects, talks by instructors, and interactions with tech companies. In the CS Scholars track, you'll learn fundamental programming concepts, such as using variables, functions, if-statements, loops, and data structures like lists and dictionaries. You will learn to solve problems with Python by planning your code, testing it, and fixing errors. You will also take a math class to develop your coding skills. If you complete the CS Scholars program and demonstrate a strong interest in further learning at Carnegie Mellon, you could be invited to join the AI Scholars program the following year. That program also offers an opportunity to explore new research in artificial intelligence.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
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).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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. Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP)
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 11 | Session 2: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: High school students from Philadelphia and the surrounding communities who are at least 14 years old
TRIP is a laboratory program for high school students interested in exploring science and medicine through research activities conducted at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. There are three phases: the Project Design phase, where you will receive experimental conditions to explore factors influencing organism health and development. The Experimentation phase involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and refining your scientific reasoning skills. Finally, the Communication phase requires presenting your research and discussing its applications, which will also be shared on their platform website. You will study how factors such as food, stress, and genetics affect growth and health.
4. STEM Summer Enrichment Program - Pennsylvania State University
Location: Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students currently in 10th and 11th grade
The STEM program at Penn State Harrisburg enables you to explore various science and engineering subjects. During the first week, you'll focus on biology projects such as DNA analysis and polymer synthesis, while also exploring math topics like spatial shapes and secret codes. You can explore aerodynamics and experiment with 3D printing in mechanical engineering. In physics, you'll learn about X-rays, while in chemistry, you'll get to do fun activities, such as a zombie-themed lab. In the second week, you'll delve into civil engineering by building bridges, work with robotics in electrical engineering, and learn to apply computer science for coding and AI. Throughout the entire program, you will participate in lab work, try hands-on demonstrations, and take trips.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
6. Penn Summer Prep Program - University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $5,949 (If you live in Philadelphia and go to a public or charter high school in the city, you can get a full scholarship.)
Dates: July 5 – July 19
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students
In the Penn Arts and Sciences High School Program, students enroll in two college-level courses taught by Penn faculty and graduate students. If you choose the STEM track, you can take a class called ‘Philosophy of Science and AI,’ where you examine how people understand science and AI, discuss ethical concerns related to AI, and learn about influential figures like Alan Turing. Another class is 'Understanding Climate with Data Science,' where you learn to analyze climate change using data, tell stories with Google Earth, and practice fundamental Python coding. You will also stay on campus and spend time with Penn College students.
7. MathILy at Bryn Mawr College
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Cost: $5,300 ($1,060/week). Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
MathILy is a 5-week summer program designed for high school students who enjoy math and wish to deepen their knowledge. You will live on campus and participate in classes that focus on advanced mathematical concepts, primarily in discrete mathematics. You can solve problems by reflecting deeply, collaborating with others, and asking questions. One component of the program is the Week of Chaos, during which you join fast-paced classes on various math topics. The aim is to foster your growth as a thinker and to learn math in a manner that is both challenging and encouraging.
8. The Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP) - University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,000 + $85 non-refundable application fee
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students in 9th-11th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and strong performance in math and science subjects (international students can apply as well).
ESAP is a summer program for students who excel in math and science and wish to take college-level classes on a real college campus. You can select a subject such as AI, biotechnology, nanotechnology, computer science, robotics, or computer graphics. Each course has its own plan, and you will earn college credit upon completing it. Over three weeks, you'll use advanced tools, learn from University of Pennsylvania instructors, and experience college life while socializing with fellow participants. Outside of class, you’ll participate in evening discussions, workshops, and weekend activities as part of the residential program.
9. Lehigh University Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Location: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 30 – July 13 | Session 2: July 14 – July 27
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from underrepresented/underserved communities
Lehigh University’s Summer Engineering Institute is a program for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups. The program lasts for two weeks at Lehigh’s College of Engineering, where participants will learn about engineering and technology through a mix of classroom instruction and practical projects. You will work with other students to solve problems and use real tools and labs at the university. The program is made to support students who are the first in their families to go to college or who come from diverse backgrounds.
10. The Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) - University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,000 + $100 application fee (scholarships are available)
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors
The Management and Technology Summer Institute at the University of Pennsylvania is a 3-week program where you learn how business and technology work together. This course is part of the Jerome Fisher Program, taught by instructors from Wharton and Penn Engineering. You will develop a product idea and create a sales plan, receiving guidance from teachers and insights from business owners and investors.. Additionally, you might participate in business activities with companies like Google. Completing the program grants you one college credit.
11. Whitaker Center’s ‘Surgery Live!’ Program
Location: Virtual or University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: $25 + $25 for the chaperone + $10 for activities after the surgery
Dates: Various surgery dates from February to June
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: High school students
If you’re a high school student interested in healthcare, this program offers you the opportunity to observe an actual surgery. It is organized by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. During the procedure, the surgeon will describe each step of their actions, while the operating room staff will discuss how they use different tools and their reasons for the surgery. If you attend in person, you will participate in a brief session after the surgery to review what you saw and gain a deeper understanding of the medical terms and steps involved. You can attend in person or online, but a chaperone is required for both options.
12. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: New participant: $4,000 | Returning participant: $4,500
Dates: 8 weeks, dates vary by location
Application Deadlines: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S citizens and have completed Grade 9, are currently enrolled in high school, and are 16 years of age or older by the internship start date.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program is a paid, eight-week summer internship run by the Department of the Navy. You will work in a Navy lab somewhere in the country, participating in actual research projects related to robotics, programming, and engineering. There, you'll learn from scientists and engineers and enhance your technical skills by tackling real-world problems. The program helps you understand how science and engineering are used in Navy research. You will also explore various STEM careers and gain hands-on experience with the tools and systems used in the field.
13. Drexel BIOMED Summer Academy
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $1,500
Dates: Session I: July 7 – July 11 | Session II: July 14 – July 18 | Session III: July 21 – July 25 | Session IV: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The BIOMED Summer Academy at Drexel University is a one-week program designed for high school students interested in learning about biomedical engineering. You will participate in hands-on lab work and learn research skills, such as creating nanoparticles and measuring brain waves. You will also engage in discussions, tour labs or companies, and hear from field professionals. The program is designed to help you grasp both the scientific principles and the practical uses of biomedical engineering.
14. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)- Virtual
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $500 stipend
Dates: 5 weeks from July – August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a research program in neuroscience designed for high school juniors and seniors. You will explore brain science through live lectures, lab simulations, and mentorship from Johns Hopkins researchers. You can participate either in person or online. The curriculum covers lab techniques and professional development training to equip you for your future academic pursuits. At the end of the program, you will share your work by giving a short talk or presenting a research poster.
15. The Coding School: Summer Research Program with Columbia University
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders and recent high school graduates
The Summer Research Program at Columbia University offers high school students hands-on experience in data science. You will gain hands-on experience working with data through activities like data analysis, chart creation, web scraping, data cleaning, and using R programming. Additionally, you'll learn how to follow research procedures and effectively share your results. You will contribute to real research projects supervised by Columbia professors and Ph.D. students across areas like medicine, sports, and social science. The program concludes with a final presentation and awards a certificate upon completion.
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