12 STEM Programs for High School Students in Philadelphia
If you're a high school student looking to explore STEM before committing to it in college, a structured program can be a good option to explore. Through these programs, you can work on real projects, learn from experts, and build connections that may support your future academic and career goals. Many of the strongest opportunities are offered by well-known universities and organizations, giving students access to resources and experiences that are often difficult to find elsewhere.
Why should you attend a STEM program in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is home to several universities, hospitals, research centers, and STEM-focused organizations that offer high school students meaningful learning experiences. Depending on the program, you may have the opportunity to conduct research in university labs, explore engineering challenges, learn computer programming, participate in medical and healthcare-focused projects, or engage in scientific investigations alongside experienced professionals. These opportunities can be especially valuable for students living or studying in Philadelphia, as well as those from outside the city who are interested in accessing the region’s strong academic and research ecosystem.
To help you find the right fit, we've narrowed down our list to 12 STEM programs for high school students in Philadelphia.
If you’re looking for programs in Philadelphia, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span materials science, biomedical research, AI, engineering, electrical and computer science, and interdisciplinary STEM, so high school students in Philadelphia with a wide range of interests can find a relevant option.
Several programs are free, including Penn Summer Science Initiative, Glassman Penn Scholars Program, and Thomas Jefferson University STEM Summer Camp, while others, such as Wistar Institute High School Fellowship, provide a $1,500 stipend. Veritas AI and Lumiere offer need-based financial aid.
Programs range from one-week intensives (Drexel BIOMED Summer Academy, ECE Summer Institute) to multi-month commitments (Lumiere, Veritas AI), so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines range from January (Penn Summer Science Initiative, M&TSI priority) to June (ECE Summer Institute), with several programs, such as Veritas AI, Lumiere, and BIOMED Summer Academy, accepting rolling applications throughout the year.
1. Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 14 students
Dates: July 6–July 30 (Monday–Thursday)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year; must have taken chemistry and/or physics; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must live within daily commuting distance of the University of Pennsylvania
Designed for students who want to explore how materials shape modern technology, the Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI) offers a rigorous introduction to materials science research. Over four weeks, you'll participate in hands-on laboratory experiments, attend lectures from University of Pennsylvania faculty and researchers, and engage in workshops, projects, and field trips. The curriculum exposes students to a range of materials characterization techniques, including microscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and X-ray diffraction. You'll also develop scientific communication skills through lab report-writing seminars and independent assignments completed outside program hours. Because of its small cohort and intensive structure, the program provides a highly interactive learning environment for students interested in STEM.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly specified.
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Typical application cycles include Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students. Applicants to the AI Fellowship should have either completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrated prior experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI is a virtual organization for artificial intelligence education and research, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program is designed for high school students interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Beginners can participate in the AI Scholars program, a structured boot camp that introduces core AI and data science concepts through hands-on projects. More advanced students can pursue the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where they work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities to develop an independent AI research project. Fellowship participants also receive support from an in-house publication team to help prepare their work for submission to high school research journals. The program emphasizes mentorship, project-based learning, and real-world AI applications.
3. High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Students receive SEPTA transit passes and a $1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 15 students selected annually.
Dates: July 6 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by July 6 and have completed at least one high school science course.
The High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research at The Wistar Institute is a four-week summer research program designed for highly motivated high school students interested in biomedical science. You can learn essential laboratory techniques, contribute to active research projects in Wistar’s training laboratories, and gain experience reading and analyzing scientific literature. The program also introduces you to a variety of careers in biomedical research while providing hands-on exposure to scientific investigation. No prior research experience is required, making it accessible to students who are new to laboratory research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid is available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring). Program options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research program for high school students founded in collaboration with researchers from Harvard and Oxford. You are paired one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors to conduct independent research in a field of your choice. You can pursue projects across a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, and chemistry. Over the course of the program, you develop an original research paper while receiving individualized mentorship and academic guidance. The program emphasizes rigorous inquiry, advanced scholarship, and the development of research skills typically encountered at the university level. It is particularly well-suited for students seeking a substantial independent research experience before college.
5. Glassman Penn Scholars Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free of charge for participants. No stipend specified.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective inaugural cohort; exact cohort size and acceptance rate not published.
Dates: June 23 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current 11th-grade students) from Philadelphia schools who demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential in STEM.
The Glassman Penn Scholars Program is a five-week summer pre-college initiative designed to prepare talented Philadelphia high school students for success in STEM-focused college programs. The program provides rigorous academic preparation through five pre-college STEM courses and hands-on learning experiences. You'll receive mentorship from Penn undergraduates and gain exposure to university-level STEM coursework while building critical academic and professional skills. In addition to STEM instruction, the program offers guidance on college applications, resume development, personal branding, networking, communication, and leadership. Through its combination of advanced coursework, mentorship, and workforce development, the Glassman Penn Scholars Program helps students prepare for post-secondary education and future careers in science and engineering.
6. Biomedical Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students
The Biomedical Research Academy is an intensive three-week residential summer program that introduces high school students to the cellular, molecular, and genetic foundations of biomedical research. Through a combination of daily lectures, faculty research talks, journal clubs, and laboratory experiences, students explore how modern biological research is used to understand and treat disease. You’ll engage in hands-on molecular biology experiments using techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, restriction analysis, and ELISA while working in the University of Pennsylvania teaching laboratories. You can also participate in computational biology sessions, learning to analyze biological data with Python and explore the growing field of bioinformatics.
7. Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,000; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 75 participants
Dates: July 5–25
Application Deadline: January 28 (Priority Deadline); March 25 (Final Deadline)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
If you're interested in how business and engineering come together to drive innovation, M&TSI offers an intensive introduction to both fields. Run by the Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology in partnership with Penn Engineering and the Wharton School, the program combines coursework, guest lectures, simulations, and hands-on project work. You'll learn from Penn faculty and entrepreneurs while exploring topics related to technological innovation, venture creation, and management. A major component of the experience is working in teams to develop a prototype and go-to-market strategy for a high-tech venture, which is then presented to faculty and industry professionals for feedback. Students who complete the program earn college credit from the University of Pennsylvania.
8. BIOMED Summer Academy
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $1,500 before May 29; $2,000 after May 29; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 6–10, July 13–17, or July 20–24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; Early Bird Tuition Deadline: May 29
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed one year of biology and demonstrate an interest in mathematics, engineering, or the health and life sciences
Designed for students seeking an introduction to biomedical engineering, the BIOMED Summer Academy combines laboratory experiences with exposure to real-world engineering applications in healthcare. During this one-week program, you'll develop foundational research and lab skills through hands-on activities while learning about topics that shape the biomedical field. Beyond the laboratory, the program includes site visits, seminars, and presentations from industry professionals, giving you insight into career pathways and current developments in biomedical engineering. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning and encourages students to connect concepts from biology, engineering, and medicine.
9. STEM Summer Camp Experience
Location: Thomas Jefferson University – East Falls Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: August 3–20
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–9 in the upcoming school year; application form and teacher recommendation required
Through a series of hands-on projects, the STEM Summer Camp Experience introduces younger students to the ways engineers use technology and problem-solving to address real-world challenges. Over three weeks, you'll explore topics such as data analytics, 3D printing, programming, engineering design, and supply chain logistics while working on activities connected to everyday interests. Projects may include analyzing statistics from Philadelphia sports teams, designing and producing objects with CAD software and 3D printers, and writing code to investigate sports performance data. The program emphasizes experimentation and practical application, helping students see how mathematics, science, and engineering intersect in modern industries.
10. College-Bound STEM Academy
Location: KleinLife, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: STEM workshops: $99; Dual Enrollment courses offered at a significantly reduced cost; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited enrollment
Dates: STEM workshops offered in multiple seven-week sessions throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: STEM workshops are open to students in grades 7–12; eligibility for math enrichment and dual enrollment courses varies by academic preparation and placement
For students looking to build STEM skills beyond the traditional classroom, the Penn State @ KleinLife STEM Academy offers a sequence of hands-on workshops, mathematics enrichment courses, and college-level dual enrollment opportunities. You can explore topics such as electronics, programming, Python game development, robotics, and engineering design while developing practical technical skills through project-based learning. The academy also provides a structured mathematics pathway, allowing students to progress from pre-algebra through Algebra II and Trigonometry before transitioning into college coursework. Advanced students may enroll in discounted Penn State dual enrollment courses, including statistics and computer science, and earn college credit while still in high school.
11. Jr. STEM Academy STEAM Summer Camp
Location: Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $550 (includes a nonrefundable $150 registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 29–July 30
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spaces are filled
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 5–8 (must be entering grades 6–9 in the fall)
This interdisciplinary summer program blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through the creation of a full-scale theatrical production of The Wiz. Rather than studying STEM concepts in isolation, you'll apply them to real creative projects by choosing a focus area such as performing arts, visual arts, set engineering, or 3D printing and coding. Depending on your track, you may design stage sets, build theatrical structures, create interactive props with LED technology, develop coding skills, or perform in the production itself. Throughout the program, you collaborate across disciplines to bring the musical to life while gaining hands-on experience with engineering, design, technology, and artistic expression.
12. Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Summer Institute
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $500 registration fee (includes hardware)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students
Dates: July 20–23
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; no prior programming or electronics experience required
The ECE Summer Institute introduces foundational concepts in electrical and computer engineering through practical projects. You'll learn the basics of Python programming and explore embedded systems using the ESP32 microcontroller, a widely used platform for connected devices. The curriculum is designed for beginners, so no previous experience with programming or electronics is required. Instruction is provided by Drexel faculty, professional staff, and current students, giving participants insight into both academic and applied engineering environments.
Frequently asked questions
1. What STEM programs are available for high school students in Philadelphia?
Options include biomedical and life sciences programs, such as Wistar Institute High School Fellowship, Penn Biomedical Research Academy, and Drexel BIOMED Summer Academy, materials science and engineering programs, such as Penn Summer Science Initiative and Glassman Penn Scholars Program, AI and computer science programs, such as Veritas AI and ECE Summer Institute, business and technology programs, such as M&TSI at Penn, and research programs, such as Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
2. Are there free STEM programs for high school students in Philadelphia?
Yes, Penn Summer Science Initiative, Glassman Penn Scholars Program, and Thomas Jefferson University STEM Summer Camp are all free. Wistar Institute High School Fellowship is free and provides a $1,500 stipend and transit passes. Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program charge tuition but offer full need-based financial aid.
3. Which Philadelphia STEM programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Students interested in biomedical research might consider Wistar Institute High School Fellowship for hands-on lab training with no prior experience required, Penn Biomedical Research Academy for molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and ELISA, Drexel BIOMED Summer Academy for an introduction to biomedical engineering, and Lumiere Research Scholar Program for independent research with a PhD mentor across biology or medicine.
4. When should I apply to STEM programs for high school students in Philadelphia?
The earliest deadlines are Penn Summer Science Initiative (February 1) and M&TSI priority deadline (January 28). Glassman Penn Scholars Program closes March 31 and Wistar Institute High School Fellowship closes March 20. Programs, such as Veritas AI, Lumiere, and BIOMED Summer Academy, accept rolling applications, so students should begin researching options in the fall and apply early for the most competitive programs.