13 Summer Programs for High School Students in Iowa
For high school students in Iowa, summer programs offer a valuable way to explore academic interests, gain practical experience, and connect with like-minded peers. Whether you’re interested in STEM, music, creative writing, or AI, these programs offer early college-level experience and help you develop skills that can influence your future education and career paths.
Many of these opportunities are hosted by Iowa’s universities and organizations, while others are available online, giving you the flexibility to learn from home. By participating, you’ll get a head start on discovering what subjects excite you most and whether they’re the right fit for your college major.
To help you find the ideal program, we’ve curated 13 summer programs for high school students in Iowa that combine academic depth and mentorship.
1. Gateway Summer Program - University of Iowa’s Business School
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed in April
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: High school juniors, particularly those from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds
Dates: June 22 – 27 | July 13 – 18
Cost: No cost
The Gateway Summer Program at the University of Iowa offers high school juniors the opportunity to experience college-level business studies. Participants will spend a week in college dorms, taking classes, working on hands-on projects, and interacting with faculty and business leaders. Students gain direct insight into college academics and explore various business areas, including marketing, finance, and management. You will also attend workshops and presentations that explain the many career paths a business degree can lead to. The program will help you build new skills, experience college life, and learn more about what a future in business could look like.
2. Secondary Student Training Program - University of Iowa
Application Deadline: February 14
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Dates: June 18 – July 25
Cost: $7,500
The Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) at the University of Iowa is a summer initiative for high school students interested in college-level research. Spanning approximately five and a half weeks, students stay on campus and collaborate with professors and researchers on projects across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, engineering, psychology, and social sciences. These projects enable students to learn through hands-on experiments, data collection, and problem-solving. In addition to research, the program includes activities like attending seminars, college prep workshops, social events, and group outings to foster student interaction on campus. It concludes with students presenting their research findings to peers, mentors, and family members.
3. Rise with Wise Summer Program
Application Deadline: April 20
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Eligibility: High school students entering 11th or 12th grade
Dates: Session 1: July 13 – 18 | Session 2: July 20 – 25
Cost: $450
The RISE with WiSE program at Iowa State University is a hands-on summer camp designed for high school students interested in exploring STEM fields. The week-long camp offers you the choice between a Learning Track in Engineering or Life Sciences. While following your chosen track, you'll participate in activities such as bioengineering research and interactive modules across various fields, including food science, modular arithmetic, and industrial engineering. Besides academic tasks, students experience campus life through activities like visiting the ISU Creamery and going bowling.
4. Lumiere Research Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
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.
5. Veritas AI
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions depending on cohort
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year; the spring cohort starts in March
Cost: Varies depending on program type
The Veritas AI Summer Research Program offers AI and machine learning experiences to high school students. Founded and run by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI provides two distinct tracks. The AI Scholars Program is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. However, if you have prior AI experience and are looking for something more intense, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers 1:1 mentorship from researchers at top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. You can work as a fellow on independent research projects, gaining hands-on experience in AI applications while receiving support for publication in high school research journals. The program also provides need-based financial aid for AI Scholars, ensuring accessibility to students from diverse backgrounds.
6. Business Horizons
Application Deadline: Opens early in the year for the summer program
Location: Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Eligibility: Iowa high school students in grades 9–12
Dates: July 13 – July 17
Cost: $400; need-based scholarships available
Business Horizons is a five-day summer program held at Drake University designed for high school students in Iowa who want to learn more about business, innovation, leadership, and teamwork. The program gathers students from throughout the state to collaborate in teams and address real-world challenges by developing new products or services. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, participate in interactive activities, and have the opportunity to meet professionals from various industries who will offer guidance and mentorship. During the week, you will create a business plan, develop marketing strategies, design a prototype, and present your ideas in a pitch competition and trade show. The workshops cover essential skills, including communication, decision-making, financial management, and technology utilization.
7. Cornell College Summer Flute Camp
Application Deadline: June 9
Location: Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA
Eligibility: Rising 9–12 graders and recent high school graduates
Dates: June 23 – June 26
Cost: $330 for commuter campers | $515 for residential campers
The Cornell College Summer Flute Camp is a four-day event tailored for high school students and recent graduates passionate about playing the flute and eager to enhance their musical abilities. Participants will have the chance to learn from experienced flute instructors and perform with fellow young musicians. You will have the chance to experience a blend of flute choir and chamber ensemble rehearsals, along with individual or small-group lessons and workshops focused on music theory, performance techniques, and career opportunities in music. Additionally, you'll enjoy faculty recitals, take part in warm-up and technique sessions, and prepare for a final public ensemble concert that showcases your development.
8. Summer Writing Online (SWO) - University of Iowa
Application Deadline: Rolling review until full; early application is recommended
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11 (U.S. and international)
Dates: July 7-July 25
Cost: $295
The Summer Writing Online (SWO) program, offered by the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa, is a three-week intensive virtual writing experience designed for high school students in grades 9 through 11. The program enables students worldwide to collaborate in a supportive environment focused on writing. Participants will join daily live sessions with experienced instructors, who help them develop their writing voice, explore various genres, and provide detailed, constructive feedback. The curriculum highlights both creativity and rigor, motivating students to expand their writing skills while enhancing clarity, structure, and style. Students will engage in peer workshops, revision tasks, and publishing discussions, all aimed at developing critical thinking and communication abilities.
9. George Washington Carver Research Internship Program
Application Deadline: March 1
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Eligibility: high school and undergraduate students who are not currently enrolled at Iowa State University
Dates: August 18 – December 19
Cost/Stipend: $8,000 stipend
The George Washington Carver Internship Program at Iowa State University offers a research opportunity for high school students passionate about STEM, especially in agriculture, food systems, environmental science, and biosciences. The program pairs interns with faculty mentors to work on real-world research projects, providing 40 hours of extensive hands-on experience in both lab and field environments. You will engage in a wide range of scientific disciplines, including plant biology, soil science, entomology, genetics, and agricultural technology. Beyond the lab, you will attend weekly professional development sessions, seminars, and field trips, building both academic and career skills.
10. Mock Trial Camp - Cornell College
Application Deadline: May 7
Location: Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Dates: July 7– July 12
Cost: $900 (Commuter Option) | $1,200 (Residential Option)
The Cornell College Mock Trial Camp is a week-long summer program for high school students interested in courtroom advocacy and legal reasoning from an early stage. Participants will engage in an intensive curriculum that covers legal reasoning, case analysis, witness examination, and courtroom strategy. Guided by seasoned coaches and members of Cornell’s renowned collegiate mock trial team, you will gain thorough training in public speaking, building arguments, managing objections, and persuasive communication. The program emphasizes both individual skill development and collaborative teamwork as you are grouped into teams and tasked with preparing a full mock trial case over the course of the week.
11. Iowa Young Writers Program
Application Deadline: April 18
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Dates: July 15 – July 27
Cost: $475
The Iowa Young Writers Studio at the University of Iowa offers opportunities in various fields, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, drama, journalism, and more. Participants are paired with a professor and work within several interconnected creative realms. The program enhances your creative thinking and broadens your imagination, helping you see things more clearly. The core of the course centers around interactive discussion forums, where students share their work, offer and receive feedback, and build a supportive writing community. These peer discussions simulate the dynamic of a real writing workshop and encourage reflection and revision.
12. Iowa Summer Journalism Workshops - University of Iowa
Application Deadline: June 30
Location: Iowa City, IA
Eligibility: High school students entering 9th-12th grade
Dates: July 13 – July 17
Cost: Double-Room Occupancy: $575 | Single-Room Occupancy: $675
Iowa Summer Journalism Workshops provide practical experience in reporting, writing, photography, broadcasting, or leadership. Participants will explore various specialized tracks like Investigative Reporting, Sports Storytelling, Graphic Design, Photojournalism, Broadcast Journalism, and Writing for Change. During the week, you'll collaborate closely with seasoned journalists, university professors, and media experts who act as mentors and instructors. You will attend intensive workshops, participate in storytelling challenges, explore campus newsrooms, and collaborate with peers on real-world assignments. The program is designed not only to improve your journalistic skills but also to boost your confidence, critical thinking, and communication
13. ACS Project SEED Program
Application Deadline: April 14
Location: In-person at university, government, or industrial laboratories across the U.S.
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates, have completed one high school chemistry course, and preference is given to those with a family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Dates: J– 10 weeks from June – August
Stipend: $4,000
Project SEED is a summer research initiative aimed at high school students with a keen interest in science, especially chemistry. It provides a meaningful chance to engage directly in real research settings alongside professional scientists and mentors. During the program, participants will involve themselves in active research projects, performing experiments, analyzing data, and mastering advanced laboratory techniques that surpass standard high school science education. You may work independently or in a small group, and your experience will culminate in the creation of a detailed research report or a scientific poster presentation. Beyond lab work, you will take part in workshops and virtual summer camps that focus on college readiness, communication skills, lab safety, chemistry career paths, and personal growth.
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