12 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
For high school students in Massachusetts who want to explore science, technology, engineering, or math, summer programs provide a valuable starting point. These programs provide access to labs, research environments, and university-level instruction. Many of the most competitive options are hosted by leading institutions, such as MIT, Harvard, and UMass, and are designed to develop both technical skills and academic confidence. Whether you're interested in coding, engineering design, biomedical research, or sustainability, these programs allow you to engage with advanced tools, network with professionals, and build a strong foundation for future studies.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve curated 12 STEM summer programs for high school students in Massachusetts!
1. MIT’s Research Science Institute
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free ($65 application fee)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Extremely selective—100 high school juniors chosen from ~3,000+ global applicants
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (must apply during junior year)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a world-class, fully-funded STEM program that combines intensive classroom instruction with research at MIT. In the first week, you’ll participate in university-level STEM courses taught by renowned faculty. The next five weeks involve working closely with experienced mentors on authentic research projects in fields like mathematics, biology, engineering, or computer science. The program concludes with a final symposium where you'll present your research through written reports and oral presentations. Additionally, evening lectures by Nobel laureates and industry leaders will deepen your scientific knowledge and motivation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
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, created by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is ideal for beginners eager to explore AI, machine learning, and data science, delivered through a 10-session boot camp that combines core concepts with hands-on project work. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers personalized mentorship from top university researchers, guiding you through an individual project. A key benefit of this track is access to Veritas AI’s in-house editorial team, which supports you in getting your work published in high school research journals.
3. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
Location: MIT campus in Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Extremely selective—typically 60–80 students chosen from about 3,000+ applicants each year (<3%)
Dates: Late June to Early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising high school seniors
MITES Summer is a fully funded, six-week on-campus program at MIT where students engage in college-level STEM coursework and practical research. Participants attend five classes, covering subjects such as math, science, humanities, as well as project-based electives like machine learning or digital design. The program provides access to workshops, social events, and college application counseling, giving you an introduction to college life and insights into STEM careers. You will also visit labs and local businesses that employ MITES alumni.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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.
5. Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital and affiliated labs in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, MA
Cost: No cost, stipend provided
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is designed for high school students from backgrounds underrepresented in neurology. It provides an opportunity to connect with neurologists and neuroscientists from diverse backgrounds and learn about their career paths. Before starting lab work, participants undergo a preparatory boot camp to develop essential research skills. Each person is assigned a mentor from the MGH Neurology faculty and participates in a hands-on research project. The program wraps up with a formal research presentation, and you receive guidance to publish your findings or apply for relevant awards.
6. Harvard Medical School MEDscience Program
Location: In-person, day camps at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (non-residential)
Cost: $2,800; scholarships are offered for Greater Boston–area students
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Limited to local students; exact acceptance rate not specified
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions between mid-June and mid-August
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: High school students
Harvard Medical School’s MEDscience Program offers a biology course that combines classroom learning with immersive medical simulations. The centerpiece is the MEDscience “Emergency Room” at Harvard Medical School, where you assess, diagnose, and treat simulated patients. You’ll also develop core clinical skills, such as suturing, intubation, and IV insertion, while exploring healthcare pathways through MEDchats with Harvard professionals. In addition to this clinical track, HMS runs three other science-focused programs: MEDscienceLAB for lab-based research, the Moonshot Program for designing AI surgical tools, and a Forensics track centered on crime scene analysis.
7. Smith College’s Summer Precollege Programs
Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
Cost: Per session (2 weeks): $4,864; both sessions (4 weeks): $9,728 | Deposit: per session (2 weeks): $1,216; both sessions (4 weeks): $2,432
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective, serving around 100+ students annually from hundreds of applicants
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – July 18 | Session 2: July 20 – August 2
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in fall; open to domestic and international students
Smith’s Precollege offers various summer programs. If you’re interested in STEM, their Summer Science & Engineering Program (SSEP) is an intensive, lab-based experience designed for high school students. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll collaborate closely with Smith faculty and undergraduates on projects that include designing intelligent robots and analyzing herbal medicine chemistry. Each session offers hands-on labs, group collaboration, and chances to explore innovative topics like biodiversity, neuroscience, and beyond. You’ll develop practical research skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and boost confidence in STEM, all while living on a college campus and connecting with a diverse academic community.
8. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students (who will be rising 10th graders in the summer) residing in the U.S., especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in AI
This three-week virtual program offers high school students a chance to dive into artificial intelligence through a mix of lectures, guided research, and mentorship. Centered on diversity and responsible innovation, the program investigates how AI can address real-world issues like healthcare, poverty, and disaster management. Participants collaborate in small teams on research projects guided by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in AI and computer science. Alongside working with technical material, you will participate in career development workshops and network with peers and industry professionals.
9. Harvard Pre‑College & Secondary School Programs
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (with online/commuter options for longer-term programs)
Cost / Stipend: Pre‑College Program (2 weeks): $5,800 + $75 application fee | Secondary School Program (4– or 7‑week, for credit): 4‑Week Residential: $8,650 + $75 fee, 7‑Week Residential (8 credits): $14,250 + $75 fee, 7‑Week Online/Commuter (4–8 credits): $3,900 – $7,600 + $75 fee
Dates: Pre‑College: June 22 – July 3; July 6 – July 18; July 20 – August 1 | Secondary School Program: 4‑Week: July 13 – August 9, 7‑Week: June 21 – August 9
Application Deadlines: February 12
Eligibility: Pre‑College: Rising juniors and seniors (must be 16–18 years old by late June) | Secondary School: Students entering grades 10–12
Harvard’s summer offerings provide a pre-college test drive (2-week Pre-College) or a deeper academic immersion (4– or 7-week for-credit SSP). In Pre‑College, you’ll choose one course, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, taught in small, discussion-based sessions by Harvard faculty. You’ll live on campus, attend workshops, and engage in social/cultural programming. In the Secondary School Program, you can take up to two college-level courses for credit (online, commuter, or residential), complete assignments, and receive a Harvard transcript. Across both tracks, you’ll gain access to guided seminars, admission prep sessions, and the chance to learn and live with motivated peers from around the world.
10. Tufts University Coding Academy
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: Residential: $5,750 | Commuter: $4,225
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 (or high school graduates), ages 15–19 at program start; both domestic and international students may apply
Tufts Coding Academy is a two-week program that helps you establish solid foundations in Python, AI, cybersecurity, and software development, with guidance from Tufts faculty and guest tech experts. Each day includes interactive lectures, coding labs, and group projects to solidify your programming skills. A highlight is the “Tech Treks” to Boston-area companies (like HubSpot, Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Fidelity), offering real-world insight into tech careers. You’ll form teams to develop and pitch a final coding project, showcasing both technical and collaboration abilities.
11. UMass Amherst - Massenberg Summer STEM Program
Location: UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA
Dates: July 27 – August 9
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Nominated students entering 10th grade in fall; must attend school in eligible Massachusetts or New Jersey districts
Massenberg provides a free two-week residential STEM program designed to expand opportunities for rising 10th graders from underserved communities. Participants will engage in laboratory sessions, group projects, and mentorship while exploring UMass’s innovative research campus. Key features include a day trip to a tech company in the Boston area, a final presentation event with family members invited, and sessions focused on preparing for success in high school and college. With small cohort sizes and strong faculty support, the program aims to build confidence, practical STEM skills, and a clearer path to higher education.
12. Northeastern University - Young Scholars Program
Location: Boston campus of Northeastern University, MA
Cost / Stipend: Free; upon acceptance, students pay a $150 commitment fee
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are residents of Massachusetts and U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents
YSP is a six-week, tuition-free research program at Northeastern’s Boston campus, tailored for Massachusetts rising seniors with a passion for STEM. Participants are matched with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates in research labs across engineering, science, and health disciplines. In addition to lab work, students attend seminars led by faculty, go on field trips to research facilities and industries such as Biogen and MIT, and participate in academic and college preparation sessions. The experience concludes with a poster symposium where students present their research results.