12 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in Boston
STEM summer programs give you the opportunity to explore scientific and technical subjects in greater depth than is typically possible during the school year. Whether your interests lie in engineering, computer science, biomedical research, environmental science, or mathematics, these programs often combine academic instruction with research, laboratory work, and collaborative projects. They can also help you develop a better understanding of potential college majors and career paths while connecting with peers and mentors who share your interests.
Why should you attend a program in Boston?
Boston is home to various universities and institutions that offer competitive STEM programs across a wide range of disciplines. Through these STEM programs, you’ll engage in activities such as research projects, lab work, coding exercises, and interdisciplinary collaborations. They may also include mentorship, lectures, and team-based problem-solving experiences. These opportunities are suitable for students who live in or near Boston, as well as those from other locations who want to experience academic life in the city.
To help you explore these opportunities, we have curated a list of 12 STEM summer programs for high school students in Boston.
If you’re looking for robotics programs in Boston, check out our blog here.
1. Harvard Medical School: Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend is paid
Application Deadline: February 4
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Eligibility: Boston and Cambridge high school students in grades 11-12 (16+) with a minimum GPA of 2.70; Should have completed algebra, biology, and chemistry by program start
Harvard Medical School Project Success is a paid internship program that places you in research labs at Harvard Medical School or affiliated institutions. You’ll work under the guidance of science professionals while participating in seminars and group learning activities. The program includes exposure to research environments, hospital sites, and biotechnology organizations. You’ll also receive mentoring from assigned advisors, support in developing research, writing, and speaking skills, career guidance, and networking opportunities with other students. The experience combines hands-on research with structured educational components.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis (varies by cohort); You can apply here
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
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 led by Harvard graduate students, provides programs designed for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is suited for beginners who want to explore AI, machine learning, and data science. Through a 10-session bootcamp, you will be introduced to core concepts and gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects. For more advanced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers a more in-depth experience. In this program, you’ll work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on an individual research project. You’ll also receive support from an in-house publication team to help publish your work in high school research journals.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., with placements within a 45-minute commute from your homes
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend offered
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship and mentoring experience for high school students sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. As a participant, you will be matched with a mentor and work with different organizations in fisheries and aquatic science. The program includes activities conducted in the field, on boats, in laboratories, and in office settings. You may participate in tasks such as fish population surveys, water-quality testing, and habitat assessments. Additional experiences include data processing, specimen analysis, and educational outreach.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - STEM Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Program 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 high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a structured research opportunity designed for high school students. It provides extensive one-on-one mentorship across a wide range of academic disciplines that you can explore during your high school years. As a participant, you will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor to develop and complete an independent research project. Over the course of the 12-week program, you will build and refine a research paper based on your chosen topic. You can select from fields such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are Massachusetts residents living within commuting distance of Northeastern University and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week summer research program that places students in Northeastern laboratories working on STEM projects in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and pharmaceutical sciences. Participants conduct hands-on research under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors while developing laboratory and analytical skills. The program also includes seminars, laboratory visits, and field trips that introduce students to a range of STEM disciplines and career pathways. Students present their research findings at the end of the program through a poster session and final presentations.
6. CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) Program
Location: Boston, MA (Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center)
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors attending school in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Malden, Quincy, or Winthrop
The CURE Program is an eight-week cancer research training program that introduces students to biomedical research through laboratory placements at institutions affiliated with Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. Participants work with research mentors on cancer-focused projects while developing laboratory, scientific communication, and research skills. The program also includes workshops, seminars, and career exploration activities that expose students to biomedical science and healthcare professions. Students present their research at the end of the summer and remain connected to academic and career development opportunities through the program’s broader support network.
7. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Massachusetts (including placements in the Greater Boston area)
Stipend: $17/hour
Program Dates: Up to 6 weeks; placements occur between May 1 and April 30
Deadline: Rolling applications until positions are filled
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students who are at least 16 years old and authorized to work in the United States
The High School Apprenticeship Challenge is a paid internship program that places Massachusetts high school students at biotechnology companies, hospitals, universities, and research institutions, many of which are located in the Greater Boston life sciences hub. Participants work alongside scientists and industry professionals on laboratory, biotechnology, and research projects while gaining hands-on experience in professional STEM settings. Students also complete workforce-readiness and professional development training before and during their placements.
8. MEDscienceClinical by Harvard Medical School
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,250 – $2,800
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 15
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June to August
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders at the time of application
The MEDscienceClinical Program at Harvard Medical School introduces you to healthcare through hands-on simulations. You’ll engage in realistic emergency scenarios in state-of-the-art labs, working with a simulated patient named STAN. The program allows you to practice clinical skills like intubation, suturing, and vital sign analysis. You’ll also get to collaborate in small groups with medical professionals across different fields. Training emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, and includes certification opportunities in emergency response skills such as CPR and Stop the Bleed.
9. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders (rising 11th & 12th graders especially encouraged)
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a free, virtual program hosted by Stanford Physics and the Kavli Institute. You’ll participate in online sessions that introduce topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, attend lectures led by Stanford faculty, and receive guidance from undergraduate mentors. You also learn Python and apply coding to physics-based projects. The program encourages first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
10. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI): Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 application fee; Financial aid offered
Application Deadline: February 20
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders (14+)
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a virtual program focused on AI in healthcare. You’ll participate in lectures led by Stanford researchers that cover machine learning, medical imaging, and clinical applications. The program also includes mentored research where you’ll work in small teams on a health AI project. You’ll engage in hands-on sessions to apply concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and healthcare provide insights into career pathways. The program also includes community-building activities and peer interaction.
11. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 program fee; Financial aid offered
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 15
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or above
ASSIP is a research-focused internship that connects you with faculty mentors at George Mason University. As an intern, you will engage in one-on-one research using state-of-the-art equipment across diverse scientific fields, including STEM, robotics, computer science, and more. The program emphasizes the development of scientific writing, communication, and creative problem-solving skills. You’ll also participate in discussions and meetings that explore STEM career pathways. Academic credit may be earned through the program. Your work can also be presented at conferences or published in scientific journals, depending on the outcomes.
12. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual + In-person options in multiple locations
Cost: Free
Dates: 2-week sessions; Dates vary by location
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teenagers (ages 13-18)
Kode With Klossy camps offer a free, two-week, coding-intensive experience for students from traditionally underrepresented genders in STEM. As a participant, you choose from curricula in artificial intelligence, data science, or web development, each focused on building foundational technical skills. The program includes hands-on work with tools like Python, SQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll also develop projects such as chatbots, data visualizations, or dynamic websites. The curriculum also emphasizes concepts like bias in AI, data interpretation, and user experience design.