15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Oregon
For high school students in Oregon, summer programs provide valuable experience, practical skills, industry insights, and opportunities to connect with mentors and peers. Many of these programs are offered by reputable universities and organizations, giving you a solid foundation in fields such as AI, medicine, or entrepreneurship. Beyond academics, you can build valuable connections and explore career paths early on. Additionally, these programs are accessible! Many are virtual, free, or affordable.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Oregon.
1. Ted R. Lilley CURE Program at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Location: Knight Cancer Institute, Ohio Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free; $11/hour
Application Deadline: December 20 (tentative; based on previous years’ dates)
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, or seniors from Oregon high schools who are at least 16 years old when the program begins, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and have taken at least one lab science class
The Ted R. Lilley CURE Program at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute offers 8-week summer research experiences to high school students in the Portland area. You’ll be paired with a Knight Cancer Institute faculty member, working up to 40 hours per week in a biomedical lab setting. Weekly seminars supplement the research component, focusing on health equity and scientific development. A final poster presentation allows you to share your work with the institute staff and peers. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by supporting students from underserved backgrounds.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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 by Harvard graduates, offers specialized programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session boot camp designed for beginners eager to learn the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science while working on real-world projects. For more experienced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides the opportunity to pursue an individual research project with one-on-one mentorship from experts at top universities. This program also includes support from an in-house publication team to help students publish their work in high school research journals. Examples of past projects are available for reference.
3. Biomedical Engineering Summer Internships at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
Location: Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates: Dates vary based on the specific internship
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
OHSU offers four distinct summer internships for students interested in biomedical engineering and health research. The ORION program targets cardiovascular disease and is open to undergraduates and recent graduates. Other programs in fluorescence imaging, quantitative biology, and research equity welcome both high school and college students. Internships typically last 8–10 weeks and include practical lab work, often culminating in poster presentations or participation in national conferences. Some positions are unpaid during the first year, while others provide stipends or the potential for future paid roles.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a competitive internship program designed for driven high school students to gain experience working with fast-growing start-ups. Participants are matched with companies across a wide range of industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Most partner start-ups are high-growth ventures that have typically raised over a million dollars. During the 8-week virtual internship, students collaborate closely with company managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects, culminating in a final presentation to the organization. Internship options can be explored through the application form provided here.
5. Youth Community Program at the Northwest Youth Corps
Location: Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $200 Tuition fee (tuition assistance is available); The base stipend is $450 per week for participation, plus a possible $50 per week in bonuses, equaling a total benefit of up to $2,500
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Session I: June 23 – July 25 | Session II: July 22 – August 22
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 can apply
At the Youth Community Program with Northwest Youth Corps, you’ll spend five weeks completing conservation projects in Portland. Crews include 8–9 youth and two leaders working under trained field staff supervision. Participants engage in activities such as fencing, fuel reduction, tree planting, and trail maintenance. These projects usually take place on public lands, city parks, or community gardens. The program combines fieldwork with training in conservation skills and environmental awareness. It is designed to build teamwork while contributing directly to the improvement of shared outdoor spaces.
6. Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) Internships at Saturday Academy
Location: Universities, hospitals, research institutions, and private companies throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 7
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; dates vary with the internship role
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; further eligibility requirements can vary depending on the internship you apply for
The ASE program offers 8-week summer internships for high school students interested in STEM. Internships can be full-time or part-time and are offered by mentors from research institutions, hospitals, universities, or private companies. The program receives more than 400 applications each year for about 100 positions. Interns are expected to support their mentors’ work, with some co-authoring publications or testing commercial products. These internships offer early practical experience in STEM through lab, field, or design activities, giving you insight into both the practice and possibilities of STEM careers.
7. JumpstART
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $650 - $1,400
Application Deadline: May 30
Dates: June 22 – June 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
JumpstART is a week-long program at Oregon State University offering art instruction to students interested in developing their creative skills. Each day includes two three-hour studio courses, covering disciplines like drawing, photography, graphic design, and plein air painting. Students select one core class and one focus class, enabling them to explore different techniques and media in greater depth. Courses are led by university instructors and program alumni, providing insights into both artistic process and practice. In addition to classes, you’ll attend visiting artist lectures, engage in discussions, and receive individualized feedback.
8. HEART Internship
Location: Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR | University of California, Irvine, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 15
Internship Dates: June 24 – July 12
Eligibility: Current high school students
The HEART Internship is a three-week summer program dedicated to exploring heart development using interdisciplinary methods. Participants will examine congenital heart disease, blood flow mechanics, and the application of genes and engineering tools in studying heart formation. The program features laboratory work, workshops, and collaborative projects involving students from OHSU and UCI. During the first week, you’ll investigate fundamental heart functions and developmental processes through both experimental and computational activities. For the second week, you’ll work in teams to exchange data and apply techniques related to heart research. In the final week, you’ll write a paper and present your findings to both university communities.
9. High School Summer Nurse Camp at the University of Portland
Location: The University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations, Portland, OR
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 7 – July 10
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old by the first day of camp
The Summer Nurse Camp is a free, four-day program organized by the University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations that introduces participants to nursing via academic, clinical, and service activities. Attendees will learn essential skills, including measuring vitals, infection control, and proper handwashing techniques. The camp also includes meetings with current nursing students, faculty, and alumni, as well as a tour of the university’s nursing facilities. It is geared especially toward students from diverse, low-income, or first-generation backgrounds.
10. Research Internship Program – OHSU School of Dentistry
Location: School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $15/hour or the current minimum wage
Application Deadline: April
Dates: June – August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) and college students with an interest in science or healthcare
The Research Internship Program at OHSU School of Dentistry offers high school, undergraduate, and non-traditional students practical experience in dental and oral health research. This paid summer internship lasts a minimum of eight weeks and provides tailored learning opportunities suited to each intern’s academic level. Each participant is paired with a seasoned research mentor and works on a dedicated research project, gaining practical scientific skills in the process. Interns also deliver two presentations during the program: a group analysis of a chosen research paper and a personal reflection on their research experience. The program concludes with a showcase event, where students present their work.
11. Pre-College Foundation Intensive at Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR
Cost: $2,250
Application Deadline: June 30
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 18 | Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
The Pre-College Foundation Intensive is a two-week summer program designed for high school students to explore art and design education. Led by practicing artists and designers, the program exposes students to various disciplines such as design, studio art, creative technology, and independent media. Participants engage in immersive learning, gaining exposure to tools, techniques, and ideas central to contemporary creative practice. The program also provides a brief overview of what attending art and design school entails. Students have the opportunity to develop their portfolios and assess if a career in creative fields matches their aspirations.
12. Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
The Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a two-week virtual program designed for high school students interested in exploring the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. Open to all experience levels, the bootcamp features interactive lessons, group discussions, and activities to introduce key concepts and challenges in applying machine learning to healthcare. Participants engage with topics such as evaluation metrics, team collaboration strategies, and emerging tools like generative AI in an accessible student-oriented format. Daily “Career Lunch and Learns” featuring professionals from diverse fields provide practical insights, while social and collaborative activities encourage student interaction and enhance their learning experience.
13. Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students in the virtual program receive a $500 stipend
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 5 weeks from July to August
Eligibility: Current rising juniors or seniors in high school
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online program designed for high school juniors and seniors with an interest in neuroscience. Participants attend live lectures, participate in virtual lab simulations, and receive mentorship from Johns Hopkins faculty and researchers. The program introduces core topics in brain science and familiarizes students with common neuroscience research methods. Additionally, it offers professional development sessions to help students explore academic and career opportunities in science.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12; are at least 14 years old by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship gives high school students the chance to explore the role of artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare. Participants in the program explore both the technical and clinical applications of AI within a medical setting. The internship emphasizes themes of health equity and societal influence. Under the guidance of experts in AI and medical imaging, students engage in research projects, gaining valuable insights into the latest industry innovations. The program aims to enhance understanding of the intersection between AI technology and healthcare.
15. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual | In-person (Fairfax, Virginia)
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or older by the start of the program
ASSIP at George Mason University is a summer research internship aimed at high school students interested in science and technology. Interns work with faculty mentors in university labs, participating in research in fields like neuroscience, nanoscience, cybersecurity, and machine learning. The program provides experience in areas such as game development, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. Many participants go on to contribute to scientific publications or present at conferences.