15 Summer STEM Programs for High School Students in Virginia
If you are a high school student in Virginia interested in exploring science, tech, math, or engineering, a STEM program can be a great way to spend your summer! STEM programs are typically designed to help you build solid foundational knowledge as well as gain experience in applying classroom learning to real situations. These programs involve project work and collaboration with professionals while providing exposure to university-level research and academics.
Whether you are interested in building robots, exploring computer science, or conducting lab experiments, summer STEM programs can be accessible ways to engage in such activities under the guidance of instructors. From intensives at public universities to virtual research opportunities with mentors, these programs foster technical growth while helping you build a strong portfolio.
In Virginia, several universities, research institutions, and nonprofits host summer STEM programs for high school students that are both selective and accessible. Some also include career exploration and a final project or presentation. To help you find the right opportunity, we have compiled a list of 15 summer STEM programs for high school students in Virginia after reviewing a wide range of options.
1. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program
Location: Online + in-person at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Online component: December – April + Summer academy: June 22 – 28 | July 13 – 19 | July 27 – August 2
Application deadline: October 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Virginia residents, at least 16, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
The VASTS program is a hybrid experience that combines online coursework with an in-person summer academy hosted at NASA's Langley Research Center. During the school year, you will participate in an online curriculum that focuses on aerospace engineering, systems design, and NASA missions. Upon completing the modules, you will come up with solutions, design upgrades for the International Space Station, and designs for a new crew exploration vehicle. You will also virtually participate in discussion forums on space-related topics.
Based on your online course performance, if you are one of the top participants, you will attend a week-long Summer Academy where you will collaborate with peers to design a mission to Mars, visit NASA facilities, and present your work to NASA professionals. The program can offer direct exposure to real-world STEM problems and professionals working in space exploration.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort; typically 12 weeks during summer, fall, winter, or spring
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a Ph. D.-level mentor. Over the course of 12 weeks, you will dive deep into a topic in a field of your choice, ranging from computer science and data science to psychology, engineering, and chemistry. The experience is designed to help you build advanced skills in research methodology, academic writing, and subject-specific tools. By the end of the program, you will produce a comprehensive research paper that reflects your original work.
3. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
Location: Online (December–April) and in-person at NASA Langley Research Center
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 12 | Session 2: July 20 – 26
Application deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Virginia residents, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
The VESSS Program offers high school students the chance to explore Earth science through NASA’s lens. You will participate in a semester-long online course focused on climate science, environmental technology, and satellite-based research. If you are one of the top-performing online course participants, you will attend a week-long summer residency at NASA Langley and collaborate on a mission design project to study Earth systems via satellite. The program can help you build teamwork skills, scientific reasoning, and a deep understanding of environmental issues. It also offers insights into climate science, space, environmental technology, NASA-related research, and satellite mission design.
4. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 15 weeks in the summer; dates vary
Application deadline: May/June for summer sessions
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI or Python, or those who have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program
The Veritas AI Fellowship offers a project-based learning experience to high school students interested in exploring artificial intelligence and its real-world applications. Over 15 weeks, you will work 1-on-1 with an AI mentor to develop an independent research project that merges AI with another area of your interest, such as healthcare, art, finance, or sustainability. You will also have access to support to publish your work, present it at a virtual showcase, and get some feedback from peers and experts alike. The program can help you explore core AI concepts and apply them to solve a real problem through your project.
5. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote, in-person, and hybrid options; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (waivers available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 9
Application deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Students must be 15+ for remote/lab-based work and 16+ for in-person wet-lab projects
The ASSIP program at George Mason University connects you with a professional mentor to complete an advanced STEM research project. You can choose from mentors conducting research in various disciplines, including molecular medicine, cybersecurity, astronomy, mathematics, and Earth science. You can choose a research format that aligns with your schedule. You will work with advanced tools and scientific software and contribute to research, either virtually or in person. In addition to technical research, you will enhance your scientific writing skills and explore career options in STEM fields. The experience can help you build collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and lab skills.
6. George Mason University’s FOCUS Academy
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified, but limited spots are available
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: Rolling, until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students
George Mason’s FOCUS programs offer summer experiences for students at different grade levels.
The FOCUS Academy is a residential program for high school students, combining advanced STEM sessions with college prep, SAT practice, and leadership training. You will stay in dorm-style housing and participate in structured activities designed to simulate college life. You will primarily attend STEM workshops, gaining some exposure to real-world STEM applications and finding opportunities for personal development in the process.
7. Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual and in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes room, board, transportation; a $500 stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; open to high-achieving students across the DMV
Dates: June 23 – July 9 (virtual); July 13 – 18 (in-person)
Application deadline: Not specified (apply early due to limited spots)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater Washington, D.C. area
The Pathways to Quantum program offers a three-week hybrid experience introducing you to the fundamentals of quantum science and related career pathways. You will start with an asynchronous virtual course that covers the basics of quantum theory and introduces you to the organizations you will visit during the in-person program. During the in-person segment, you will live on campus at George Mason University and visit leading quantum research and industry sites such as NASA, IonQ, the White House OSTP, etc. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary exploration of quantum fields and offers optional post-program experiences, including the opportunity to present a project and your program experience at the Quantum World Congress. The experience will offer you online credentials for completing the program.
8. George Mason University’s VALHEN STEM Academy
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited residential and non-residential spots
Dates: July 30 – August 1
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in spring
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors in Virginia; those who have attended any VALHEN Academy program (STEM Academy or Leadership Academy) are ineligible
The VALHEN STEM Academy is a three-day pre-college program focusing on STEM and real-world sustainability issues. Hosted on campus at George Mason University, the program offers you access to university-level lectures, group research projects, and interactive STEM challenges led by faculty. Focusing on the theme “STEM & Sustainability in Action”, the program offers you insights to tackle global problems such as pollution, access to clean water, and food insecurity through hands-on design and collaboration. The program also includes mentorship from peer guides and networking opportunities with professionals in STEM fields.
9. UVA Advance
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Cohort size: 60–65
Dates: July 12 – August 8
Application deadline: Opens early winter
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Cost: $6,995; a limited number of need-based scholarships available
UVA Advance is a four-week residential program that allows you to experience life as a college student while earning six transferable undergraduate credits. You will take one core course designed specifically for the program and one elective alongside UVA Summer Session students. You will have the opportunity to choose from STEM courses covering topics like environmental sciences, sustainability, astronomy, and the physics of sports. Outside the classroom, you will live in campus housing, participate in team-building activities, and explore Charlottesville through guided excursions. The program is designed to simulate the full college experience, offering you access to libraries, dining halls, and student services, while providing exposure to academics and the social aspects of a university education.
10. George Mason’s Exploring Pathways, Proficiencies, and Interdisciplinary Careers in STEM (EPPIC-STEM)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-day program; runs for 3–4 hours during the summer or academic year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students from underrepresented backgrounds via school or nonprofit group registration
EPPIC-STEM is a one-day experience designed to expose students from underrepresented backgrounds to STEM disciplines and careers. During a 3–4-hour session, you will attend faculty-led lightning talks, STEM roundtables, and career-focused activities. You will tour active STEM labs and research facilities on George Mason’s Fairfax campus, with optional sessions on college admissions and academic programs. You will also engage with current university students and learn about their experiences pursuing STEM education. The program can offer you insights into paths to explore to build a career in STEM.
11. Pathways for Future Engineers @ Virginia Tech
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – 29 (rising Seniors); June 23 – 29 (for rising sophomores and juniors)
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 in the fall who are first-generation college students
This residential summer program provides high school students with the chance to explore engineering through hands-on lab work, team-based design challenges, and problem-solving activities. You will get the opportunity to learn from current Virginia Tech faculty and students while experiencing life on campus. The curriculum is structured to introduce you to multiple engineering disciplines, helping you gain clarity on possible career paths. In addition to technical learning, the program offers college readiness resources, including guidance on applications and financial aid.
12. University of Virginia’s Emerging Engineers
Location: UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application deadline: July 7
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
Emerging Engineers is a result of a partnership between UVA Engineering, Tech-Girls, and Charlottesville Women in Tech. The program is a free, week-long summer experience designed to introduce you to engineering. You will participate in lab tours, student panels, guest lectures, and engineering activities tailored to two distinct tracks: Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering. As a participant, you will gain exposure to real-world applications of engineering and explore how engineers tackle global challenges.
13. BioE Buzz Summer Camp
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,000 registration fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Cohort size: 18 students per session
Dates: June 23 – 27 | July 21 – 25
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
BioE Buzz Summer Camp is a week-long program that introduces you to the fundamentals of bioengineering through interactive, hands-on experiences. You will design a heart valve using biomaterials and 3D printing, compete in a team-based challenge, and tour high-tech facilities, including the GMU Nanofabrication and MIX labs. The program combines lab activities with social and professional development opportunities, including campus tours and group events at The Edge. Winners of the final design challenge are eligible for a one-week research lab internship.
14. Northern Virginia Community College’s Bridge Programs
Location: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) campuses, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free, $200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June – August
Application deadline: May 10
Eligibility: Graduating seniors and current juniors
This two-week summer program offers an introduction to NOVA’s degree programs and four fields—engineering technology, data center operations, information technology, and computer science. During the program, you will engage in activities, college campus tours, and sessions to explore career paths in technology. The hands-on experiences typically include cybersecurity lab sessions, computer assembly activities, and working on pneumatic simulators. You will also have the opportunity to engage in coursework and earn college credit or industry certification. Visits to George Mason University engineering and computer science labs, AWS, Micron Technology, and local data centers are also part of the experience.
15. Virginia Tech’s Engineer the Future with Data and Sensor Technology
Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One, Alexandria, VA
Cost: $800
Cohort size: 30 students
Dates: July 14 – 18 + a mandatory virtual orientation on July 10
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
Engineer the Future with Data and Sensor Technology at Virginia Tech is a week-long, immersive program that explores how sensor data and coding can solve engineering challenges. You will work hands-on with 16 sensors, using tools like Databot to design experiments, collect data, and develop innovative solutions. The program emphasizes a research-driven approach, culminating in presentations of your findings to peers and mentors. You will also tour academic and industry labs, gaining insights into careers in data science, engineering, and computer science.