15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in Delaware
Summer is the perfect time to explore STEM beyond the classroom and discover where your interests can take you. Whether you're interested in engineering, computer science, biomedical research, environmental science, robotics, or data science, STEM summer programs allow you to build practical skills through projects while learning from experienced faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. These experiences can strengthen your college applications and CV, expand your professional network, and give you valuable insight into STEM careers.
Why should you attend a STEM program in Delaware?
Delaware is home to several respected universities, research institutions, and STEM organizations that offer summer programs for high school students. Depending on the program you choose, you can conduct faculty-mentored research, design and build engineering projects, develop coding and robotics skills, explore biomedical and health sciences, investigate environmental challenges, or work on innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Students from Delaware and beyond can take advantage of these opportunities to explore STEM through faculty mentorship, collaborative projects, and college-level learning experiences.
To help you find the right fit, we've narrowed down 15 of the best STEM summer programs for high school students in Delaware.
If you’re looking for engineering programs in Delaware, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span biomedical research, forensic science, autonomous vehicles, neuroscience, environmental science, and AI, with most in-person offerings concentrated at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
Several programs are free, including DSU CIBER (with a $2,000 stipend), Delaware Governor's School for Excellence, Kode With Klossy, GL4HS, and MITES Semester, while the University of Delaware's specialized pre-college programs range from $500 to $2,500.
University of Delaware offers the widest variety of short, specialized one-week programs, including Forensic Science, Autonomous Driving Academy, Neuroscience, and ECO Camp, each running for about a week during the summer.
Application deadlines vary widely, from January (Governor's School for Excellence) to June (UD Forensic Science and Autonomous Driving Academy), so students should check individual program timelines closely since several run close to the program start date.
1. Delaware State University CIBER High School Summer STEM Research Camp
Location: Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, USA
Cost: Free. $2,000 stipend
Dates: Four weeks during July
Application Deadline: Typically announced by Delaware State University in the spring. Exact deadlines vary annually
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Delaware State University CIBER High School Summer STEM Research Camp provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct hands-on STEM research alongside university faculty. Throughout the four-week program, you'll explore fields such as life sciences, environmental science, agriculture, data analysis, and machine learning while gaining practical experience with laboratory techniques and scientific research. You'll also participate in workshops on résumé writing, scientific communication, and career development before presenting your research at the DSU Summer Research Symposium.
2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship programs
Location: Virtual!
Cost: Varies; financial aid offered
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer cohorts, are scheduled every year; AI Scholars runs for 10 weeks, and AI Fellowship runs for about 12 to 15 weeks
Application deadline: Multiple program cohorts run each year, including in the summer
Eligibility: High school students; for the AI Fellowship program, you need to have been an AI Scholar participant or have some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI offers wide-ranging learning opportunities focused on exploring artificial intelligence. These programs have been developed and executed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. If applying to the beginner-friendly AI Scholars program, you will work with Ph.D. students from top institutions and learn about the applications of AI. Here, you will also learn how to work with Python and explore key machine learning, AI, and data science concepts. You can also opt for the AI Fellowship program, which offers you mentorship to help you develop your own unique project. In the past, Veritas AI program participants have worked on interdisciplinary STEM projects that utilize concepts from medicine, AI, environmental science, and mental health. You can check out past projects here.
3. Delaware Governor's School for Excellence–STEM track
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
Cost: Free
Dates: July 12–17
Application Deadline: School nomination deadline: January 16; Student registration deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (current 10th-grade students)
The STEM track of the Delaware Governor's School for Excellence allows high-achieving high school students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and faculty-led discussions. Throughout the program, you'll investigate topics across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while participating in interactive workshops, problem-solving activities, and research-based learning experiences. You'll also collaborate with peers, engage with university faculty and STEM professionals, and strengthen your critical thinking, analytical, teamwork, and communication skills. The program is designed to challenge academically motivated students while providing valuable exposure to college-level STEM learning and careers in science and engineering.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer cohorts, are scheduled each year
Application deadline: Multiple cohorts run each year, including in the summer
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
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 subjects such as psychology, physics, 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. Center for Composite Materials Internship
Location: University of Delaware, Newark campus
Cost/Stipend: Depends; Paid and unpaid opportunities
Dates: Part-time during the academic semester and full-time during the summer and winter breaks
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Open to high school students
In this internship, you'll explore the full lifecycle of advanced composite materials, from design and additive manufacturing to fabrication, testing, and performance evaluation. Working alongside University of Delaware faculty and researchers, you'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard laboratory equipment, engineering software, and multidisciplinary research projects. The program concludes with a formal presentation at the University's annual summer undergraduate research symposium, allowing you to showcase your work while strengthening your research, technical, and scientific communication skills.
6. ChristianaCare Delaware Health Career Collaborative
Location: ChristianaCare, Wilmington
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grades
The program is designed for high school students to explore a wide range of healthcare careers through an immersive two-week STEM experience. You'll explore clinical and non-clinical fields such as neurology, cardiology, oncology, behavioral health, public health, and trauma-informed care while learning directly from healthcare professionals. Throughout the program, you'll gain insight into how interdisciplinary medical teams operate and build a strong foundation for future studies and careers in the health sciences. The program concludes with a formal presentation at the University's annual summer undergraduate research symposium.
7. University of Delaware Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
Cost: $1,995
Dates: June 22-26
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The University of Delaware Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program offers an immersive introduction to forensic science through hands-on laboratory training and real-world investigative techniques. Throughout the week, you'll examine and analyze evidence using methods such as fingerprint identification, DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, toxicology, and crime scene investigation while working in university laboratories and visiting professional forensic facilities. Guided by forensic scientists and industry experts, you'll strengthen your analytical, laboratory, and critical thinking skills before applying what you've learned in a capstone project, where you'll present a court-ready forensic report. Students who complete the program also receive a personalized reference letter and a digital badge recognizing their achievement.
8. University of Delaware Autonomous Driving Academy
Location: ICAT Lab, STAR Campus, University of Delaware, Newark
Cost: $2,500
Dates: July 6–10
Application Deadline: June 22
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The University of Delaware Autonomous Driving Academy introduces high school students to the engineering principles behind self-driving vehicles through a five-day, hands-on experience. You'll work in teams to assemble and program autonomous robots using industry-standard tools such as Robot Operating System (ROS), Python, and C++, while exploring topics like sensor integration, perception, control systems, and autonomous navigation. Throughout the program, you'll learn from researchers at the University's Connected and Autonomous Research Laboratory (CAR Lab), apply engineering concepts to real-world challenges, and strengthen your programming, problem-solving, teamwork, and systems engineering skills. The experience concludes with a final engineering challenge in which teams test their autonomous systems in real-world-inspired scenarios.
9. University of Delaware Neuroscience Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, Delaware
Cost: $2,000
Dates: June 22–26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
In this program, you'll explore the science of the brain through hands-on laboratory experiments, faculty-led instruction, and collaborative research activities at the University of Delaware. Throughout the week, you'll investigate topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, brain imaging, cognition, and behavior while conducting experiments in university laboratories and visiting the University's Center for Biomedical and Brain Imaging. Working alongside faculty members and graduate student mentors, you'll analyze scientific data, complete a team research project, and present your findings during a capstone presentation. By the end of the program, you'll have strengthened your research, critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication skills while gaining valuable insight into careers in neuroscience, psychology, biology, and medicine.
10. University of Delaware ECO Camp
Location: Technology to Measure Our Changing Environment: University of Delaware Newark Campus, Newark, Delaware (day camp); Marine Science: University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Campus, Lewes, Delaware (residential camp)
Cost: Technology to Measure Our Changing Environment: $425; Marine Science (Residential):$1,275
Dates: Technology to Measure Our Changing Environment: July 6–10; Marine Science: July 27–31
Application Deadline: Registration remains open until programs reach capacity
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students (Senior Camp)
The University of Delaware’s ECO Camp offers hands-on experiences in environmental and marine science. You can explore topics such as environmental monitoring, resource mapping, freshwater ecosystems, sustainability, climate change, coastal habitats, and marine biodiversity. Depending on the session, you may build and fly drones, work with underwater robotics, collect environmental data, conduct field research, and use scientific tools to study ecosystems. The program also gives you exposure to University of Delaware research laboratories and field sites, helping you understand how scientists investigate real-world environmental challenges.
11. University of Delaware Future Aviation Academy: Drone Pilot Ground School
Location: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, Delaware (In-person)
Cost: $500
Dates: Expected to launch in Fall
Application Deadline: Not specified; check website for updates
Eligibility: High school students 15.5 to 18 years old
Throughout the program, you'll explore topics such as FAA regulations, airspace management, flight planning, weather, navigation, and operational safety while preparing for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Exam. You'll also discover how drones are transforming industries including engineering, construction, environmental monitoring, agriculture, emergency response, and media. By the end of the program, you'll have developed a strong foundation in drone operations and aviation technology while gaining valuable knowledge for future studies and careers in the rapidly expanding UAS industry.
12. Edge Summer College Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
Cost: $5,495
Dates: July 5 – August 8
Application Deadline: International students: February 15; Domestic students: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
In this program, you'll experience college life while taking university-level courses for college credit at the University of Delaware. Over five weeks, you'll enroll in subjects that match your academic interests, participate in interactive lectures and discussions, complete college-style assignments, and learn directly from University of Delaware faculty. Beyond the classroom, you'll take part in leadership workshops, campus activities, and social events that help you build independence, strengthen your communication and time management skills, and connect with a diverse community of motivated students. By the end of the program, you'll have earned college credit and gained a firsthand understanding of the academic and residential college experience.
13. Kode With Klossy Summer Camp
Location: Virtual and in-person; sites can vary each year
Cost: Free
Dates: Dates vary by year
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to women and gender expansive teens
At Kode With Klossy Summer Camp, you'll build practical coding skills by working on real-world technology projects in one of four specialized tracks. Depending on your interests, you can create websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, develop iOS apps with Swift, analyze datasets using Python and SQL, or explore artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts such as natural language processing and predictive algorithms. Along the way, you'll collaborate with fellow students, receive guidance from experienced instructors, and build projects that showcase your technical abilities.
14. GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 1 – August 28
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. rising high school juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must have taken at least one high school biology course
Over 12 weeks, you'll dive into the world of space biology and bioinformatics by analyzing real NASA datasets and learning the fundamentals of omics research. Through self-paced lectures, coding exercises, Jupyter Notebooks, and interactive quizzes, you'll build practical research and data analysis skills. You can also participate in an optional Capstone Project, where teams develop and present original research proposals, with top-performing teams earning a trip to the ASGSR conference.
15. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June – December
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school juniors with a strong interest and achievement in STEM; Priority for underrepresented and underserved students
During the MITES Semester, you'll participate in a six-month virtual enrichment program that combines challenging STEM coursework with comprehensive college preparation. The program begins with an intensive summer session, where you'll complete a project-based STEM elective alongside a core academic course such as calculus, physics, or computer science while learning from MIT instructors, graduate teaching assistants, and undergraduate mentors. From August through December, you'll attend weekly workshops on college admissions, essay writing, financial aid, interviews, and STEM career exploration, while receiving ongoing mentorship, collaborating with peers, and developing the academic and professional skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
1. What STEM summer programs are available for high school students in Delaware?
Options include research-focused programs, such as DSU CIBER and Lumiere Research Scholar Program, specialized one-week intensives at the University of Delaware, such as Forensic Science, Autonomous Driving Academy, and Neuroscience, and virtual programs, such as Veritas AI, GL4HS, and MITES Semester.
2. Are there free STEM summer programs for high school students in Delaware?
Yes, DSU CIBER (which also offers a $2,000 stipend), Delaware Governor's School for Excellence, Kode With Klossy, GL4HS, and MITES Semester are all free. Lumiere and Veritas AI charge tuition but offer financial aid, and the Center for Composite Materials Internship offers both paid and unpaid placements.
3. Which Delaware STEM programs are best for students interested in engineering or technology?
Students interested in engineering might consider the University of Delaware's Autonomous Driving Academy for hands-on robotics and programming, the Center for Composite Materials Internship for materials engineering research, and the Future Aviation Academy for drone technology and FAA certification preparation.
4. When should I apply to STEM summer programs for high school students in Delaware?
The earliest deadline is Delaware Governor's School for Excellence (school nomination by January 16), followed by MITES Semester (early February) and GL4HS (March 15). Several University of Delaware programs, such as Forensic Science and Autonomous Driving Academy, have deadlines close to their start dates in June.