15 Tech Summer Programs for High School Students in Michigan
If you're a high school student in Michigan interested in technology, summer is a great time to explore it in depth. Across the state, colleges and organizations offer a wide range of programs designed to help you build skills, meet like-minded peers, and gain experience with the tools professionals use.
From game development and robotics to AI research and clean energy, there's something for nearly every interest and experience level. You’ll work with faculty, researchers, and sometimes even undergraduates who guide you through complex topics in a way that’s accessible.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 15 tech summer programs for high school students in Michigan!
15 Tech Summer Programs for High School Students in Michigan
1. Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers
Location: Michigan Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: Participants receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The previous cohort had 8 students
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: 11th-grade high school students who live in Michigan and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers program offers a month-long introduction to the field of nuclear engineering through a mix of academic support, technical exposure, and community-based learning. Mornings are dedicated to strengthening your math and science foundation and preparing for college entrance exams. Afternoons focus on seminars in technical communication, leadership, and college readiness, along with collaborative design projects related to energy systems and community engagement. You’ll tour advanced facilities like the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory and the ZEUS laser system, and visit industry sites such as the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant. There are also opportunities to assist NERS faculty with active research projects, gaining experience in data collection, lab protocols, and scientific inquiry.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Summer High School Research Program
Location: James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, Detroit, MI
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Application Deadline: June 20
Eligibility: High school students
The Summer High School Research Program is a tech summer program for high school students in Michigan that allows you to explore emerging areas of energy and engineering through focused tracks in battery technology, CAD/3D modeling, or fuel cells. Each week centers on a different theme, blending lab-based learning with presentations and faculty mentoring. In the Emerging Energy Technology track, you’ll study battery materials and build/testing techniques that align with current developments in the automotive and energy sectors. The CAD/3D Modeling option teaches you how to prototype using CAD software and 3D printers, while applying those skills to soft robotics and smart material design. Meanwhile, the Fuel Cell track introduces you to hydrogen energy systems and electrochemical testing methods. Across all tracks, you’ll work alongside researchers and present your findings to mentors by the end of the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Michigan Tech’s Summer Youth Programs (SYP) — Computing/Engineering
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Cost: $1,125 (live-in students), $695 (commuter students) + $150 non-refundable deposit and applicable lab fees. Scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 15 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: 9th to 11th grade students
Michigan Tech’s Summer Youth Programs (SYP) offer a wide range of tech summer programs for high school students in Michigan that let you explore computing and engineering in a university setting. Whether you're interested in coding, robotics, aerospace, materials science, or cybersecurity, each session offers hands-on learning and is led by instructors with either academic or industry expertise. You’ll use real lab equipment, work on design and build projects, and connect with peers who share your interests. Courses like Coding Video Games, Build a Computer, and Autonomous Robotics give you a focused dive into computing, while options like Biomedical Engineering or Geohazards & Resource Engineering let you explore the physical and environmental sides of engineering.
6. Michigan State University High School Engineering Institute (HSEI)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $1,099
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – 26; Session 2: July 6 – 10; Session 3: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Session 1: June 9; Session 2: June 23; Session 3: June 30
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA in maths, science, and technology courses
At HSEI, you'll spend a week immersed in the daily life of an engineering student at Michigan State University. Each day focuses on a different engineering major, such as civil, electrical, or mechanical, providing you with direct exposure to the topics, tools, and challenges unique to each field. This tech summer program for high school students in Michigan comprises a mix of lectures, lab demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and collaborative problem-solving while working closely with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. You'll also explore broader aspects of college life, including admissions, research opportunities, and study abroad options.
7. Summer Discovery
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $3,999 – $15,899
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Late June to early August
Application Deadline: Early admissions
Eligibility: High school students
This summer tech program for high school students in Michigan offers flexible learning options through modular, weekly courses. Each course lasts one week, allowing you to customize your schedule by combining topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, or mechanical engineering into a two- or three-week plan. Upon completing each course, you’ll earn a certificate and a written acknowledgment of your participation.
8. Joy of Coding
Location: Virtual
Cost: $149 + tax (need-based financial aid available)
Dates: June 18 – July 30
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students who are at least 13, have completed Algebra, and can understand the concept, basic manipulations, and computations of variables and functions
If you’re new to programming and want to learn at your own pace, the Joy of Coding course offers a flexible entry point. Using Python, you’ll explore how code powers tools like Snapchat filters and voice assistants while building a few creative projects of your own. The course is entirely online and designed for high school students with no prior experience, allowing you to progress through weekly modules at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll get one-on-one support from a team of University of Michigan engineering students and guidance from faculty with real-world research experience.
9. Cyber Defenders Camp
Location: Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
Cost: Free
Dates: Virtual component in June, followed by the in-campus component on July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
Cyber Defenders Camp offers a comprehensive look at cybersecurity through a mix of virtual and in-person experiences. The program starts in June with a mix of live and self-paced online sessions to cover the fundamentals, leading up to in-person training on campus in July. The in-person portion is held at Northern Michigan University’s Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center, where you’ll explore topics like ethical hacking, IoT security, and cybersecurity careers. During the evenings, you'll participate in organized social activities with your peers. After camp ends, you’ll continue with follow-up virtual modules to reinforce key concepts.
10. Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEE Camp)
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $700 (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~6%
Dates: July 6 – 12
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students
SEE Camp provides a comprehensive introduction to engineering through hands-on projects, campus tours, and group challenges. Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan, this tech summer program for high school students in Michigan is designed for students who are still figuring out which engineering paths might interest them most. Over the week, you’ll explore different branches of engineering through structured activities and a team-based design challenge that runs throughout the program. You’ll also experience campus life firsthand, including a tour of the Big House and meetings with current Michigan students and admissions staff. Additionally, there are social and team-building activities such as kayaking and the Adventure Leadership Challenge.
11. Electrify Tech Camps
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $900 (limited full and partial scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 60 students are accepted
Dates: August 11 – 15
Application Deadline: April 22 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Electrify Tech Camps offers the chance to explore electrical and computer engineering through one of five themed tracks. Whether you’re interested in electric vehicles, quantum computing, lasers, nanotech, or sustainable energy, you’ll spend the week in hands-on sessions led by U-M faculty and grad students. You might design a solar-powered car, experiment with laser systems at the ZEUS facility, or prototype circuits that capture ambient energy. Each track emphasizes applied learning, offering focused depth in specialized engineering topics you rarely get to explore in high school.
12. Making a Game of It (MGIT)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $1,199
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: July 9
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders with a 3.0 or higher GPA in maths, science, and technology subjects
Making a Game of It (MGIT) is a tech summer program for high school students in Michigan that introduces you to software development by guiding you through the whole process of designing and building a video game using Python. You’ll start with the basics (variables, functions, and loops), then move into creating animations, sound effects, menus, and user interfaces using Pygame. Each day builds on the last, with faculty and grad student mentors supporting your progress toward a working game prototype. The final day concludes with a public exhibition, providing an opportunity to showcase your game to family and peers.
13. Girls in Music & Technology
Location: University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $750 + $75 nonrefundable application fee (scholarships available)
Dates: August 4 – 15
Application Deadline: February 1, followed by rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school students of all genders
If you’re curious about how music and tech intersect, the MPulse Girls in Music and Technology program introduces you to the creative side of sound engineering, music production, and live performance. This program explores electronic music composition, audio programming, and interactive instrument design using tools like Ableton Live, Max/MSP, and Makey Makey. You’ll have your own fully equipped workstation, so there’s no need to bring any gear. Besides hands-on classes, you’ll explore the history of women in electronic music and create your own sound-based projects through coding. Daily activities include field recording and spatial audio mixing, culminating in a week-long showcase of your work.
14. Michigan Tech Engineering Scholars Program (ESP)
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Cost: $425
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 100 students per cohort
Dates: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: February 17 for initial selections, followed by rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11
Through the Engineering Scholars Program, you’ll get a hands-on look at what engineers actually do, from building structures to exploring robotics and sustainable systems. The program focuses on two fields of your choice, allowing you to delve deeper into specific areas, such as aerospace, chemical, or materials science engineering. Rather than focusing on lectures, you’ll work in teams to design, prototype, and problem-solve through real-world challenges. Sessions are led by professionals and researchers who share insights into what engineering entails across various industries. Group projects and technical presentations form the core of the experience, so you’ll also develop soft skills like communication and teamwork.
15. Michigan Tech Women in Computer Science
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Cost: $425
Dates: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: February 17 for initial selections, followed by rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11
The Women in Computer Science program is a tech summer program for high school students in Michigan, where you’ll explore the wide range of possibilities in the computing world. You will explore subjects such as software development, AI, data science, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction, with particular emphasis on creating accessible technology for users of varying abilities. During the program, you’ll work in a team to complete a group project and hear directly from professionals who build inclusive tech solutions in industry and research. You’ll also get to engage with alumni panels that give you a look at real-world career paths in computer science.
Image source - Veritas AI Logo