50 Summer Programs for High School Students in the USA
If you are a high school student looking for an opportunity to explore your interests before committing to a college degree, a summer program can be a great next step! Summer programs can offer you practical experience in a field through research projects, presentations, written reports, and portfolio development opportunities without the pressure of long-term commitment. As a participant, you will have access to instruction led by university faculty, industry professionals, or experienced educators and valuable networking opportunities.
The U.S. is home to many great organizations and universities that offer summer programs for high school students. These programs can help you develop technical, research, and soft skills while exploring topics in STEM, humanities, the arts, business, economics, and more. Many of these programs are low-cost or scholarship-based, making them accessible. Participating in a summer program can also enhance your college applications by showing initiative, curiosity, and growth beyond the classroom.
To help you find the right opportunities, here’s a curated list of 50 summer programs for high school students in the USA:
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; all participants receive a minimum $500 stipend, with at least $1,500 available for underrepresented students.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~3% acceptance; around 50 students selected annually
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 16 or older and U.S. citizens/permanent residents; preference given to Bay Area applicants
At SIMR, you will spend eight weeks working on biomedical research alongside Stanford faculty and postdocs, choosing from tracks like cancer biology, neurobiology, or bioinformatics. Each day combines lab experiments, such as cell culture, assays, and data analysis, with faculty-led seminars to help you learn about research topics and techniques. You will get to refine your scientific communication skills through regular presentations and feedback sessions. The experience culminates in a formal symposium where you share your findings with peers and mentors, giving you a real taste of life as a medical researcher.
2. City of Hope Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; $4,500 stipend provided
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive; 75 students selected annually, with ~60% of them high school students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and U.S. citizens or permanent residents
At the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, you will spend 10 weeks conducting full-time biomedical research alongside City of Hope scientists and graduate researchers on projects targeting diseases like cancer, diabetes, and HIV. Under faculty mentorship, you will design experiments, develop lab skills, and attend weekly seminars in areas such as molecular biology and translational science.
Throughout the program, you will sharpen your scientific communication through report writing, presentations in lab meetings, poster sessions, and optional conferences like SCCUR (Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research). The program offers an introduction to medical and translational research with opportunities to contribute to real-world research outputs such as manuscripts or patents.
3. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University campus in Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No fee or stipend
Cohort size: 20–25 students each year
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Northern California high school juniors who are from low-income, first-generation college-bound families
SMYSP is a five-week, fully funded residential program at Stanford. Here, you will engage in clinical shadowing at Stanford Hospital, academic seminars, anatomy labs, and small-group public health research projects. The program also offers mentorship and workshops covering college preparation, admissions, and professional development. With only about 20–25 students accepted annually, SMYSP provides a close-knit, supportive setting focused on building scientific skills and advancing health equity without cost to participants.
4. OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; stipend provided
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application deadline: In March, typically
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 enrolled in select San Diego schools
During the eight-week OPTIMUS Outreach Program, you will work in UCSD’s cancer research labs on experimental techniques like PCR, cell culture, and molecular assays. You will also shadow medical professionals in clinical settings. You will get to refine both scientific and clinical skills, such as suturing, under the guidance of graduate students and medical staff. The program supports community representation in science, with a tailored stipend to ensure access for underrepresented students.
5. UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: June 6 – August 1
Application deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, preferably those who are interested in continuing research during the school year and potentially mentoring future interns
At the BrainSport High School Research Internship, you will spend eight weeks assisting with concussion research, conducting literature reviews, cognitive tests, and autonomic assessments. The experience also offers hands-on experience with neuroimaging tools. Weekly seminars and lab meetings can help deepen your understanding of brain injury science. You will end the program with the presentation of your mentored research project.
6. UCSF’s SEP High School Intern Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; part-time interns receive $3,200 stipends, full-time interns receive $4,500 upon completion
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 25 students selected from 50 interviews
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled in SFUSD, San Francisco charter schools, or College Track San Francisco, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds in science
In this program, you will spend eight weeks paired with a UCSF scientist mentor, conducting original biomedical research in areas like immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, and molecular biology. You will engage in lab work as well as weekly science communication training and professional college counseling. With inclusive recruitment and hands-on mentorship, the program supports technical skill-building, peer networking, and deeper engagement with scientific research. You will also present your work during the program.
7. STaRS Internship Program @ Stanford
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free to attend; transportation support may be available
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; ~20 students accepted per cohort
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older by June
At Stanford’s STaRS Internship Program, you’ll spend seven weeks working hands-on in biomedical labs focused on reconstructive surgery and medical innovation. You’ll assist mentors with experiments in areas like tissue engineering, surgical robotics, and device prototyping, applying molecular and analytical techniques in real research settings. Weekly seminars led by faculty and clinicians expand your understanding of how science and engineering inform clinical practice. Although the internship is unpaid, the experience offers an intensive, professional environment that deepens your skills and exposes you to careers at the cutting edge of medicine.
8. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Summer sessions start in June/July; spring, fall, and winter cohorts are also available
Application deadline: Varies according to cohort; summer cohort applications are due in May/June
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective opportunity that matches you with a Ph.D. or postdoctoral researcher from a top university to work one-on-one on a research project. The program lasts anywhere between 12 weeks and a year (depending on the format you choose) and ends with a college-level research paper. You can choose from a wide range of research areas, which include engineering, psychology, medicine, computer science, tech, business, and anthropology. You will also get support from a writing coach and ongoing guidance from a Lumiere program manager.
9. Stanford’s Pediatrics Internship Program (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; $3,000 stipend available for students with financial need
Acceptance rate: Selective; ~40 students
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application deadline: Typically in early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from select Northern California counties with a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0
At Stanford’s Pediatrics Internship Program (PIPS), you will spend six weeks contributing to biomedical research focused on maternal and child health. You will spend approximately 23 hours per week working on lab projects under the guidance of faculty and near-peer mentors. You will also participate in structured workshops on research techniques, college preparation, leadership, and ethical science during weekly cohort seminars. The program culminates in a Poster & Family Symposium, where you will present your findings to mentors, peers, and family. PIPS focuses on inclusion through stipends and mentorship to support early exposure to and growth in scientific research.
10. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: May/June deadline for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI with a coding background
Veritas AI offers AI-focused programs for high school students interested in AI and data science. It was founded by Harvard graduate students. If you are just starting out, the AI Scholars program is a 10-session course where you learn the basics of AI and data science by working on hands-on projects. If you already have some experience, the AI Fellowship lets you work 1-on-1 with a researcher from a top university. Here, you will build your own AI project and get help from Veritas AI’s publication team if you want to submit your work to a journal. You can learn about the application and other Veritas AI programs here.
11. Morehouse Pre-College Program
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; online as well as co-ed course
Cost: Flat fee of $3,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 to 15 students per section
Dates: Two - to four-week course
Application deadline: June 6
Eligibility: High-school rising juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA or higher
At Morehouse College’s Pre‑College Course Program, you will spend two to four weeks engaged in college-level courses taught by Morehouse faculty. You can choose from academic tracks like Kinesiology or Sociology and earn actual college credit while strengthening your skills in writing, critical thinking, and subject-specific analysis. The curriculum introduces you to the academic culture of HBCUs and the Atlanta University Center, offering a foundation in both discipline and service-oriented leadership. Through coursework and enrichment sessions, you will explore college-level rigor and collegiate expectations.
12. University of Georgia’s B.L.A.C.K. Engineering Camp
Location: University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, Athens, GA
Cost: Free; costs covered by the B.L.A.C.K. Engineering scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective given the reservation for underrepresented student backgrounds
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application deadline: Last week of March (tentative)
Eligibility: Students between 15 – 17 years from underrepresented backgrounds can apply!
At the B.L.A.C.K. (Building Leaders through Analysis, Conceptualization, and Knowledge) Engineering Camp, you will spend a week tackling hands-on engineering challenges. You will work on tasks involving Arduino circuit programming and structural design using math, physics, and ethical decision-making to solve real-world problems. Through team projects and workshops, you will refine your analytical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Sessions will be led by University of Georgia faculty.
13. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 20% accepted out of 4,000 nominations
Dates: June 15 – July 15
Application deadline: November 15 for school nominations and January 10 for candidate applications
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The GHP free, four-week residential summer program offers rising juniors and seniors access to specialized classes in STEM, arts, or engineering. You will also engage in small-group electives and evening enrichment activities. You will collaborate closely with instructors, attend cultural and performance events, and experience college life through an academically challenging and fully funded experience.
14. PCOM Summer STEM Program
Location: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Suwanee, GA, and Moultrie, GA campuses
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective given the focus on underrepresented students
Dates: Typically runs in June; often lasting one week
Application deadline: Application due in April
Eligibility: High school students who identify as African American, Black, Hispanic, or Latinx, underrepresented in medicine; location-based requirements vary according to the program site you choose
The PCOM Summer STEM program is a free week-long camp that can help you explore healthcare through clinical simulations, anatomy labs (heart and brain), and CPR training. You will also develop critical thinking and public speaking skills via problem-based learning and mentorship from medical students and professionals. College preparation workshops are also part of the experience.
15. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate: ~10%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; summer cohort’s applications close in May/June
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program for motivated high school students to intern with fast-growing start-ups. These start-ups operate in various fields, including technology, AI/ML, journalism, healthcare, marketing, and consulting. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies, which on average, raise over $1 million. In the program, you will work closely with a manager and a Ladder Coach on projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long and available in various formats; you can find all the details on the application form.
16. Georgia Tech Science, Technology, and Engineering Pipeline (STEP) Program
Location: 4C Academy, Albany, GA, and Georgia Tech main campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective and competitive
Dates: July 7-18
Application deadline: March 9 for Atlanta session
Eligibility: Georgia residents who are at least 16 years old when the program begins
Over two weeks, you’ll join a team-based engineering challenge led by Georgia Tech faculty and mentors. You’ll design and build solutions like Mars rovers or delivery drones using MakerSpace tools, applying real research principles. The experience concludes with a professional presentation to faculty, industry sponsors, and peers.
17. Emory University Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free with a $2,400 stipend for those who complete the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; only 10 to 12 students annually
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application deadline: TBA in the fall
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 by the start of the program
This six-week internship offers a hands-on cancer research opportunity at Winship Cancer Institute, where you will work one-on-one with physicians or lab-based investigators on real biomedical projects. You will perform experiments, attend weekly lectures from oncology experts, and visit sites like the CDC and Georgia Tech. The program ends with a symposium where you present your findings alongside peers and mentors. The program can offer early exposure to clinical and basic science research in oncology.
18. Artificial Intelligence Study in Earth Exploration (AISEE) Summer Academy
Location: Clayton State University, Morrow, GA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 16 students
Dates: June 1 – 8
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders from minority backgrounds; must be U.S. citizens.
Clayton State University’s AISEE is a free, eight-day residential camp for students interested in Earth science and AI. Here, you will learn Python programming and data analysis, explore real-world applications in Earth science through hands-on activities and field trips, and engage with NASA scientists and STEM faculty. The program concludes with group presentations and recognition awards.
19. Young Founders Lab
Location: Remote
Cost: Starts at $2,900; financial assistance available for group programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Starts on June 5 and spans over four weeks
Application deadline: June 30 for Summer Cohort II
Eligibility: High school students
In the fully virtual Young Founders Lab startup bootcamp, you will spend several weeks collaborating in team or individual tracks to build a real venture from idea to MVP. You will refine your product, conduct market research, and receive founder-led mentorship. The program culminates in a pitch presentation to industry experts. You can choose between an individual format offering personalized guidance and a team-based program that offers opportunities to collaborate with peers.
20. Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies @ Spelman College
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free; fully funded by the College, including room, board, activity fees, and field trips.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
In the Early College Program, you will spend four weeks earning college credit by attending lectures and workshops at Spelman, the High Museum, and the Atlanta University Center. You will explore art history and curatorial methods, complete exhibition projects, and develop visual analysis and public-speaking skills. The program includes gallery visits and discussions with museum professionals. The experience culminates in a final project showcasing your curatorial work.
21. Augusta University Summer Research Experiences with Georgia’s Cancer Center
Location: Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
Cost: Free/fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 22 students accepted last year
Dates: Six weeks; June – July
Application deadline: January 15; application window opens in October
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age with demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences
At the Summer Research Experiences program, you will spend six weeks working alongside cancer researchers on real projects in areas like immunology, genomics, and health disparities. You will gain hands-on lab experience, learn key cancer biology concepts, and develop professional skills through mentoring and regular interactions with lab teams. You will also share your experience through a presentation. You will also develop laboratory skills and explore career paths in research and medicine.
22. SAGE Summer Camps
Location: National laboratories, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), CA; SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park/Palo Alto, CA
Cost: None
Dates: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab camp: June 9 – 13; Lawrence Livermore National Lab: June 8 – 14; SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory: June 22 – 28
Application deadline: March 21
Eligibility: 9th-,10th-, and 11th-grade Northern California students and homeschooled students who are under 18 years old
At SAGE camp, you will spend a week working on small-team STEM projects like designing experiments and prototyping solutions under the guidance of DOE laboratory scientists and engineers. You will also engage in job shadowing, interactive sessions, and professional-development workshops to explore real-world STEM careers and develop problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation skills. The experience also offers networking opportunities to seek ongoing support once the camp ends.
23. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; U.S.-based students may qualify for a $300 needs-based grant.
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 18 (for U.S. students) | July 28 – August 8 (for all students)
Application deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11 who identify as female, non-binary, or gender nonconforming
Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion is an opportunity to spend two weeks learning software engineering fundamentals through live, project-based lessons in coding, UX, and interactive app development. You will work under the guidance of industry-sponsored instructors. During the program, you will collaborate on team projects, attend career-focused virtual events, and build networking and technical skills essential for a future in tech.
24. American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placements available across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (within commuting distance of the student’s home)
Cost: Free; students receive a $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; cohort size varies
Dates: Eight weeks from mid-June to late July/August; flexible dates based on mentor and student schedules
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and college freshmen; must be 16 years old by the internship start date.
At the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, you will spend eight weeks paired with a fisheries scientist mentor, engaging in field and office work. You will get to conduct field surveys, water-quality testing, and habitat restoration activities while learning lab techniques and data analysis. The experience also includes the Hutton Scholars Summit, where you present findings and network with peers and professionals across North America. You will also get to explore careers in fisheries during the program.
25. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation are provided during the on-site portion. Limited travel scholarships available for out-of-state students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10%; 215 students
Dates: Project-specific virtual mentorship and learning modules: June – July 5; on-site component: July 6 – 19; Virtual Science Symposium: July 21 and 22
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors + seniors who are U.S. citizens
NASA and the University of Texas at Austin collaborate via SEES to hire student interns interested in earth science and engineering. Here, you will start with online modules in Earth science, Python, and research methods. Then, you will join a NASA-supported team, analyzing satellite data in areas like remote sensing, climate science, or space geodesy. Mentor-led projects can help you explore data analysis and research planning. You will end the experience by presenting your findings during an in-person residency.
26. Georgia State University Academy for Future Teachers (AFT)
Location: Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free. $200 stipend and transport provision
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application deadline: Rolling basis (To be accepted until capacity is reached)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0
AFT is a free two-week summer program that offers high school students opportunities to build STREAM teaching skills. You will design and teach lessons to elementary and middle schoolers, gaining valuable classroom experience. Additionally, you will get to explore sustainability in urban gardening, recycling, and environmental health through workshops and field trips with community partners. The curriculum also includes collaborative projects and professional development sessions to help you explore leadership and community engagement.
27. Kennesaw State University’s Architecture Summer Academy
Location: Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Cost: $1,000 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Architecture Summer Academy is a 10‑day pre‑college program centered on studio-based architectural design and theory. Here, you will explore the built environment and architectural history, work on hands-on design projects from concept to model, and collaborate in small groups under faculty guidance. The experience concludes with presentations to peers and instructors, helping you practice design thinking and professional communication.
28. Georgia Tech Pre-College Building Construction Summer Programs
Location: College of Design at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $2,500 tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive due to limited spots
Dates: July 6 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This two‑week, hands-on workshop introduces you to modern construction methods beyond traditional on-site roles. You will engage in building projects using drones, robots, laser scanners, AR/VR, robotic tools, and software like REVIT and get to walk away with a 3D-printed model of your design. The experience also includes visits to active construction sites and mentorship from faculty and industry experts.
29. SCAD Rising Star Program
Location: SCAD campuses in Savannah or Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: $6,490 tuition and fees (Residential)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply
SCAD’s Rising Star is a four-week residential program that offers high schoolers opportunities to explore college-level art and design. You will enroll in two SCAD courses, ranging from foundation studies to major-specific electives, and work in university studios, labs, and galleries. Guided by faculty and supported by pre‑college mentors, you will create or add to your portfolio using professional tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. The program concludes with presentations. You will earn 10 college credits that can be used toward your college degree.
30. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and in-person camps held in Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Washington D.C., London; New York City, NY; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Girls, gender non-conforming, and trans students ages 13 – 18
Kode with Klossy offers camps focusing on software engineering, coding, and machine learning. Here, you will choose one of four tracks: web, mobile, machine learning, or data science, and dive into hands-on coding with JavaScript/HTML/CSS, SwiftUI/Xcode, or Python/SQL. You will build responsive websites, iOS apps, chatbots, or data dashboards through project-based lessons while exploring UI/UX principles and collaborating with mentors and peers.
31. University of Illinois Grainger Engineering Summer Camps
Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL
Cost: $1,000 (in-person residential camps); $600 (in-person commuter); $550 (in-person day camps)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 25–40%
Dates: June 22 – 28 (Session 1) | July 13 – 19 (Session 2)
Application deadline: Varies based on the program, but typically in April/May
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in grades 7–12
Here, you will tackle real-world engineering challenges through lab tours, demos, and hands-on projects, guided by faculty and current university students. You will learn about a key concept in each camp, like mechanical systems in the Exploring Mechanical Science and Engineering track or large-scale process design in the CURIE chemical engineering track. You will explore core engineering principles, problem-solving methods, and design practices.
32. Designing Your World @ Colorado State University
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $500; Scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th graders, ages 14 – 17
At the Designing Your World camp, you will spend a week tackling real-world challenges by defining a problem, designing and building Arduino-controlled prototypes, and testing and refining your solution. In the process, you will use 3D printers, mechatronics equipment, and machine-shop tools, honing your engineering design process, critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills.
33. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program: CURIE and CATALYST
Location: Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,900; scholarships available
Cohort size: 35–50 students/academy
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), strong performance in science and math courses, and an academic history in calculus and physics; each academy has a few additional requirements.
Cornell University offers two one-week engineering-focused residential academies. You will choose one academy, either CURIE or CATALYST, and spend a week on campus tackling hands-on engineering projects guided by faculty and grad students. Through lab work, field sessions exploring active research, and industry partner interactions, you will explore diverse engineering disciplines and build teamwork and problem-solving skills. The camps will culminate in a group presentation of project findings.
34. Summer Engineering Camp @ University of Arizona
Location: College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost: Residential camps: $750 | Day camps: $350; scholarships are available
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies depending on the camp you choose; All four-day and residential camps are held between June and July
Application deadline: March 28
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Arizona offers various engineering camps to help high schoolers explore topics in the field, like constructing transport or water-system prototypes to see how real infrastructure challenges are solved. Under the guidance of professors and student mentors, you will design, build, and test projects and collaborate with peers. You will also connect with industry and faculty to explore engineering principles, research opportunities, and career pathways.
35. MIT’s LLRISE
Location: MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 26
Application deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school juniors
At LLRISE (Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers), you will spend two weeks building and testing Doppler and range radar systems under the guidance of MIT Lincoln Laboratory scientists and engineers. Through hands-on workshops and team challenges, you will learn core radar principles and signal processing techniques. The activities can also help you learn practical problem-solving techniques in a workshop-like environment.
36. IEEE TryEngineering Summer Camp
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Columbia University, New York, NY; University of San Diego, San Diego, CA; Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $4,095 | Scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple nine-day sessions between June and August; check session dates here.
Application deadline: Enrollment closes 30 days before each session begins
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 who are between the ages of 13 and 17
At the TryEngineering Camp, you will spend nine days tackling progressively complex design challenges across mechanical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering. Through hands-on projects, team collaborations, and guest sessions with practicing engineers, you will build practical skills using professional tools and explore emerging technologies. The experience ends with team presentations that mirror real-world engineering practice.
37. Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Young Investigators
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 6–30 students accepted out of 175–300+ each year
Dates: Several weeks in summer; varies by research group.
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: School students who have completed at least one year of high school and reside within 25 driving miles of Stanford University
The Young Investigators is an internship program for local Bay Area students. Here, you will conduct hands-on research with Stanford sustainability scientists on topics like climate change, ocean systems, planetary geology, or energy systems. While engaging in daily lab work, experiments, and weekly seminars and field trips, you will apply the scientific method, analyze data, and dive deep into a focused track that matches your interests. You will work under the guidance of graduate scholars, postdocs, and lab managers.
38. Engineering Summer Camp @ University of Illinois
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago campus, IL
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30 students/age group
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application deadline: Typically early spring (check official site for current dates)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers students opportunities to learn about various engineering subfields and topics through its Engineering Summer Camp. Here, you will spend five days learning about the vast field of engineering through projects, challenges, college prep sessions, and lab tours. You will primarily explore biomedical, software, chemical, and mechanical engineering, along with environmental sustainability planning, during the program. You may get to build games, write code, create tissue-engineered implants, and/or develop land use plans during the program.
39. Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) @ University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; only eight students accepted
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from the Philadelphia area with a minimum GPA of 3.0
At TREES, you will begin with two weeks of lab training in environmental toxicology, learning assays, sampling, and data analysis. Then, you will spend a few weeks designing and executing your own research on a real-world pollution or ecosystem health issue. Alongside fieldwork and guest lectures, you will write and present a formal research report under Penn faculty mentorship.
40. UConn Pre-College Summer: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $2,150
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; cohort size not publicly listed
Dates: June 22 – 28
Application deadline: Rolling; early application recommended as spots fill quickly
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising 10th–12th graders)
This UConn Pre-College experience focuses on Earth and environmental sciences. Here, you will investigate Earth’s systems by collecting and analyzing rock, soil, and water samples. You will also learn geologic mapping and geochemical methods through lab work and field trips. Classroom sessions and guest lectures can help you develop a clearer understanding of environmental change, while outdoor explorations can help you build skills in Earth science research.
41. Arizona State University’s SUCCESS Camp
Location: Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, AZ
Cost: $300; partial and full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 27 – 30
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12
Arizona State University’s SUCCESS (A Survey of Computing, Coding, and Engineering Software Systems) camp is a four-day summer program. At camp, you will explore computer fields like mobile/web development, cybersecurity, AI, augmented/virtual reality, game development, and embedded systems. The program also offers various activities to help you get familiar with coding and programming. For instance, you may get to build a game, develop an AI-based app, and build an LED message wall.
42. Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI)
Location: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
Cost: $3,900; financial aid may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: July 13 – July 26
Application deadline: Applications typically open early in the year
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, along with recent high school graduates
At ESSYI, you will spend two weeks investigating environmental issues, earning college credit through hands-on fieldwork on Seneca Lake, biodiversity surveys in Adirondack bogs, and sustainability simulations. Classroom sessions cover ethics, policy, and economics, while visits to farms, landfills, and ecological centers show real-world ecosystem–community interactions. Collaboration with faculty and peers is also part of the research experience.
43. Washington University in St. Louis Pre-College: Introduction to Environmental Science
Location: Online
Cost: $985; need-based scholarships available; WashU employees’ children and returning students receive a 10% discount.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; typically 15–20 students per course
Dates: Summer session begins after May 12 (self-paced, asynchronous)
Application deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Current high school students who have completed at least two years of high school science, including biology; a minimum 3.5 GPA is preferred
WashU offers various exploration courses, including Introduction to Environmental Science. Here, you will explore environmental science topics like population growth, energy use, water and air quality, climate change, and toxicology through recorded lectures and videos. You will also work on weekly assignments that link science to economics, sociology, geography, and public health. The program activities offer exposure to college academics and opportunities to develop analytical and critical-thinking skills. You may access optional live office hours to get additional support.
44. University of Chicago’s Young Innovators Climate & Energy
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; Full need-based financial aid available. Students with a household income below $ 120,000 may receive waived tuition; those with an income below $ 65,000 may also receive domestic travel support.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed; competitive application process
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: Applications typically open by winter and close in early spring
Eligibility: Current 11th grade students; minimum age is 15
In this pre-college course, you will spend a week tackling climate and energy policy challenges and engaging in seminars and team projects led by UChicago faculty. The program includes a site visit to Invenergy’s HQ for industry insights and a panel with clean-energy professionals. You will also learn how to integrate science, policy, and entrepreneurship to address real-world environmental issues.
45. Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL)
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI (includes off-campus retreat in Dartmouth, MA)
Cost: $6,002; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective intake; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 3
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12 who will be 16 to 18 years old by June 15
As a BELL participant, you will take part in a multi-day camping retreat at Round the Bend Farm in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. This farm acts as a “living laboratory,” where you will connect with nature and your peers. You will set up camp outdoors, cook meals with peers, and build leadership skills through hands-on teamwork. The retreat helps you see how environmental issues are both social and scientific, and it deepens your connection to the BELL community.
46. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; limited positions available
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school students who are at least 16 years old when the internship begins
During this program, you will spend your summer working alongside PPPL scientists and engineers on plasma and fusion research projects. You will also gain hands-on experience in experiment setup, data analysis, and computational modeling. Under expert mentorship, you will apply coding or CAD skills to real-world problems, deepening your understanding of plasma physics in a professional lab environment.
47. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; limited positions available
Dates: 4 weeks from mid-July to mid-August
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 17 years old by July 1
At this Coriell program, you will spend four weeks in Coriell’s biobanking labs mastering techniques like DNA extraction, stem cell culture, and karyotyping. Working in multiple departments, you will engage in real-world workflows and attend faculty-led seminars on research. You will finish with a formal presentation and work on your professional communication skills.
48. New Jersey Institute of Technology High School STEM Research Programs
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey
Cost: $150
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: New Jersey-based high school students completing 10th or 11th grade in June; must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher
During this NJIT program, you will spend six weeks partnering with NJIT faculty and peers on hands-on research in AI and robotics, bioscience, data science, environmental sustainability, or materials engineering. Through team-based projects, you will apply real-world methods, like algorithm development, molecular assays, or materials testing, and deepen your scientific problem-solving skills under expert mentorship. You will also get to interact with NJIT undergraduate and graduate students.
49. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $850 and a $40 application fee; no stipend
Cohort size: ~25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older and U.S. citizens; preference given to applicants who have participated in a healthcare project and/or have strong math or computer programming skills
Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship is a research-based program that introduces high schoolers to the role of AI in healthcare. Here, you will explore the basics of AI in the context of medicine and work on addressing a medical challenge using AI tools under the mentorship of researchers and Stanford Student Leads. You will also participate in social activities, group work sessions, and virtual interactive sessions led by professionals.
50. Oxford College Summer Experience Program
Location: Emory University’s Oxford College campus, Oxford, GA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Cohort size: 60 (30 each from Newton and Putnam counties)
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders from Newton and Putnam County School Systems
This one-week residential program brings 60 high school students from Newton and Putnam counties to Oxford College on Emory’s campus. You will take college-level courses taught by faculty in subjects like English, chemistry, and political science, and participate in workshops on college planning, study strategies, essay writing, and financial aid. The program includes leadership activities, field trips, community-building recreation, and support from school-district chaperones. By blending academic, personal, and college-prep content, this program offers a practical introduction to university readiness and campus life.
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