13 Math Summer Research Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in mathematics, research programs can be a strong way to explore the subject beyond standard coursework. These programs introduce you to advanced topics such as number theory, combinatorics, and mathematical modeling while helping you develop problem-solving and analytical skills. You also get the opportunity to work through complex problems, engage with academic ideas, and better understand how mathematical research is conducted.
What are the benefits of a math research program?
Math research programs allow you to deepen your understanding of concepts by applying them to open-ended questions and structured investigations. You may work independently or in small groups, receive mentorship from faculty or researchers, and learn how to communicate mathematical ideas clearly through written or oral presentations. These experiences can strengthen your academic profile, clarify your interests, and prepare you for advanced study in mathematics or related fields.
To help with your search, below is a list of 13 math summer research programs for high school students.
If you are looking for online math research programs, check out our blog here.
1. Carnegie Mellon University - Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free (includes full residential program; student covers travel)
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents; rising 12th graders; must be 16+
Deadline: February 1
SAMS is a long-standing, highly selective program designed to support students who are underrepresented in STEM by providing them with early access to college-level instruction, research, and a strong community of peers and mentors. The experience begins with a virtual academic Jumpstart, followed by six immersive residential weeks on Carnegie Mellon’s campus - where you take STEM courses, work on projects, and present your research at a final symposium. With faculty-led classes and full-day programming, the structure aims to strengthen your confidence, skills, and sense of belonging in STEM fields. The program is completely free, making it one of the most accessible and impactful summer options for rising seniors interested in math and science.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Dates: Vary by cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Veritas AI focuses on providing a supportive environment for high school students passionate about AI to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.
3. MIT PRIMES
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: Year‑long research engagement (academic year with an extended summer research period)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Deadline: December 1
MIT PRIMES is a free, year‑long research program for high school students that centers on sustained mathematical investigation under the guidance of academic mentors, typically graduate students or postdoctoral scholars. During the summer research phase, participants focus intensively on their individual or group research projects, submit interim progress reports in early June, and continue their investigation through regular research work over the summer months. The program structure includes phases of advanced study, active research, and preparation of written work or presentations that reflect practices in mathematical research. Students involved in PRIMES gain experience in mathematical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration that extends beyond standard coursework, and the sustained summer research component allows them to engage more deeply with open questions in mathematics.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
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.
Deadline: Varies by cohort.
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. 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! In the math track, the program helps you explore topics such as number theory, combinatorics, algebra, probability, data science, and mathematical modeling. You can find more details about the application here.
5. G2 Math Program (Girls Together)
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free (housing, meals, and up to $500 airfare covered)
Dates: July 10 - July 26
Eligibility: Female or non-binary students entering grades 9-12, age 14+ by program start; U.S./Canadian citizens/residents or students attending school in the U.S./Canada
Deadline: March 16
G2 is a residential math program for female and non-binary high school students who want to deepen their skills in proof-based and olympiad-level mathematics. You take two daily two-hour classes focused on core problem-solving areas, followed by structured sessions to work through challenging problems with instructors and peers. The program is taught by accomplished women in math competitions, creating a rare space where you can learn from role models who have already walked this path. Evenings include optional seminars on higher math and research, plus 1-2 practice USA(J)MO-style tests to help you build confidence in formal contest settings. It’s ideal for students who love the intensity of Olympiad math but also want a community where they don’t have to be the only girl in the room.
6. Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Stipend/Cost: Free (tuition, room, and board covered)
Dates: Summer (late June – early August; typically six weeks)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (students in 11th grade when applying; must be at least 16 years old by program start)
Deadline: Early to mid‑December
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six‑week summer research program for academically strong high school students hosted at MIT and sponsored by the nonprofit Center for Excellence in Education. Participants begin with a week of seminars on advanced scientific and mathematical topics before moving into a multi‑week independent research phase, where they work on original projects under the supervision of experienced mentors. After completing their research, students prepare written reports and deliver presentations on their findings, reflecting the full cycle of scientific inquiry. The program brings together peers from around the world for an immersive experience in research and academic inquiry.
7. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University (residential option) or online
Cost: Online $3,750; Residential $8,950 (plus up to $100 in materials for online courses)
Dates: Online Session 1: June 15 - July 3 | Online Session 2: July 6 - July 24 | Residential Session: June 21 - July 17
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors passionate about advanced mathematics
Deadline: Application opens mid-December
SUMaC is one of the most rigorous and respected math enrichment programs for high school students, drawing participants from around the world for deep, college-level engagement with advanced mathematics. Whether online or on Stanford’s campus, you explore areas like abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology through lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving. The program mirrors the intensity of a university course (without grades), allowing you to immerse yourself purely for the sake of mathematical discovery.
8. IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp (University of Minnesota)
Location: University of Minnesota
Cost: Not stated
Dates: June 23-27
Eligibility: Current high school students who will have completed a year-long single-variable calculus course by the end of the school year; graduated seniors are eligible
Deadline: May 31 (may close earlier if full)
This one-week program introduces high school students to mathematical modeling as a tool for understanding real systems, from traffic flow and population trends to climate impacts. You work in teams on structured modeling challenges, learning how mathematicians break complex problems into solvable components. The camp is intensive but collaborative, with full-day sessions on the Minneapolis campus and optional remote slots for qualifying Minnesota students. It’s best suited for students who already have a strong math foundation and want to explore how advanced math shows up in meaningful, practical contexts.
9. Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics (DIMACS)
The Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics is a four‑week summer residential program for high school students interested in exploring discrete mathematics. Students engage with topics such as graph theory, combinatorics, and mathematical problem-solving, participating in lectures, hands-on problem sets, and group discussions. The program offers an immersive experience on the Rutgers campus, where students work alongside faculty and graduate students to apply mathematical concepts in real‑world contexts. Participants leave with enhanced mathematical thinking skills and an understanding of advanced mathematical topics.
10. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz
Cost: $5,518 for the 4-week residential program; $46 application fee
Dates: July 5 - July 31/August 1 (varies by campus)
Eligibility: California high school students only; rising 9th-12th graders; strong academic record (typical GPA 3.5+)
Deadline: February 6 (application opens January 7)
COSMOS is one of California’s most rigorous pre-college STEM programs, offering four intensive residential weeks for students who want to dive deeply into advanced math, science, and engineering. Hosted across multiple University of California campuses, each cluster pairs you with faculty and researchers working on real problems - from mathematical modeling to robotics to computational science. The curriculum is hands-on and lab-driven, giving you access to facilities and experiences far beyond what’s typically available in high school.
11. New York Math Circle – High School Summer Program (HSSP)
Location: NYU Courant Institute (NYC) or Online
Cost: $1095 (In-Person); $975 (Remote); $795 (Zoom)
Dates: July 22 - August 8
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 who are comfortable with at least one year of high-school math must commit to all three weeks
Deadline: March 1 (Early); April 5 (Regular)
The New York Math Circle offers a three-week intensive summer program for students who want to explore challenging mathematical ideas in a collaborative, low-pressure environment. The program is taught by experienced instructors and TAs, with a mix of lectures, problem-solving, mathematical games, and Friday sessions devoted to creative or unorthodox math activities. You can choose from three formats - In-Person, Remote, or Zoom - depending on their learning preference, each providing structured hours and supportive teaching. The atmosphere is known for being friendly, rigorous, and community-oriented, with class placement determined by mathematical readiness rather than grade level.
12. Institute for Mathematics & Democracy (IMD)
Location: Online
Cost: Not stated
Dates: Late June - Early August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Advanced high school students interested in math, data, and democracy-related research
Deadline: March 6
The IMD High School Summer Research Program is a six-week, fully online research experience designed for advanced high school students interested in the intersection of mathematics and civic society. During the program, you’ll work in small teams on real projects using data from elections, the census, and political systems, building statistical models, analyzing redistricting metrics, or simulating legislative apportionment. You’ll meet twice a week with an instructor and regularly collaborate with peers on your research, while a weekly guest lecture series brings in mathematicians, policy experts, and democracy reformers. One session is devoted to college-application advice, and you’ll close the program by presenting your research to a broad audience.
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