Top 7 STEM Summer Programs

So, summer is quickly approaching, and you have no concrete plans yet. Should you take classes at a local community college? In contrast, should you volunteer at a hospital? Instead, maybe you should build houses in Kenya?  You feel nervous about applying to college and want to maximize your summer to gain the best experiences possible; while also, standing out in the college admissions process. Specifically, what are the options for science and engineering students? How can one tell what top STEM summer programs are the best?

Ultimately, the best answer is anything that can help you build your story with a focus. Therefore, your summer plans should align with a focused extracurricular story about a specific passion or talent (or overlap of two) that you seek to present to college admissions readers!

For instance, if you love neuroscience, then you should participate in a relevant summer activity such as a summer research program, neuroscience courses at a community college, or preparation for a Brain Bee competition.

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of STEM summer programs for high school students. Recognizing the growing demand for STEM education and the need to nurture young talent in these fields, institutions and organizations have developed a wide range of summer STEM programs. These programs, including stem summer camps for high school students, have gained traction due to their ability to provide enriching and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings.

One of the key factors contributing to the rising popularity of summer STEM programs is the increasing recognition of the importance of STEM education in today's rapidly evolving world. With advancements in technology and the growing demand for STEM professionals, high school students are realizing the value of developing strong STEM skills and knowledge early on. As a result, they are seeking out summer stem programs to gain hands-on experience, explore potential career paths, and build a solid foundation in STEM subjects.

The hands-on and interactive nature of summer STEM programs is another reason behind their growing popularity. These programs offer a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in practical experiments, projects, and problem-solving activities. By actively participating in these experiences, students can deepen their understanding of STEM concepts, enhance their critical thinking abilities, and develop valuable skills that are highly sought after in the 21st-century workforce.

Furthermore, the availability of various high school stem programs catered to different interests and skill levels has contributed to their increasing popularity. Whether students are interested in robotics, computer programming, engineering, or biomedical sciences, there are summer STEM programs that cater to their specific passions. This diversity allows students to explore their areas of interest, discover new fields, and make informed decisions about their future academic and career paths. As a result, the best STEM summer programs for high school students have become highly regarded and sought after opportunities for young individuals looking to excel in STEM fields.

This article is specifically for students building a story in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Below are some of the top STEM summer programs for high school students in the US.

Application Deadline: January 16, 2021

This extremely competitive science and engineering summer program brings 70-80 of the most accomplished high school students to MIT. However, the great news is that you do not need to pay tuition for this program (yay!) and it combines on-campus work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.

During RSI, students will be reading the most current literature in the field they choose to study, drafting and executing a detailed research plan, and delivering conference-style oral and written reports on their findings.

• Week 1: Students participate in week-long intensive STEM classes with top professors
• Weeks 2-6: Five-week research internship where students conduct individual projects under  experienced mentors who are scientists and researchers
• Week 7: Students prepare written and oral presentations on their research projects

Application Deadline: February 14, 2021 

This summer research program at Stony Brook University offers hands-on research in science, math, or engineering for high school students between their junior and senior years.    

Nonetheless, the selection process for Simons is very competitive; in fact, the acceptance rate is around 12%. Although prior research experience is not a requirement, the application is time-intensive and requires essays and a school nomination.

You will need to seek a nomination from your high school for this program. Specifically, each high school may only nominate a maximum of three students per school, which helps ensure that you are one of the top candidates from your high school.    

During this 8-week summer internship program, high school juniors and seniors perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers on a medically-oriented project. As a result, high school students will gain valuable experience in biological sciences and medicine to understand how scientific research unfolds.  

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a green card
• The selection process heavily favors local Bay Area students 

The program consists of hands-on research under the direct guidance of a one-on-one mentor.

1. Immunology
2. Neurobiology
3. Cancer Biology
4. Bioengineering
5. Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
6. Cardiovascular Biology
7. Bioinformatics
8. Genetics and Genomics

After students gain admission, they receive an assignment to a specific institute.  

Offered online in 2021

Application Deadline: February 2, 20121

COSMOS is an intensive 4-week summer residential program for students completing grades 8-12. Firstly, students apply to one of the four University of California's COSMOS campuses —” UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.

Each campus can only accommodate about 160-200 participants, so the selection is competitive.

• Grades, especially in math and science courses A typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above; in other words, students must achieve academic excellence.
• Math/science teacher recommendations
• Participation in math/science activities
• Responses to short-response questions

Deadline: TBA

HSHSP is a seven-week, intensive residential summer research program designed for motivated students to work on a research project under the mentorship of a university researcher.

Tuition: $3,800 (covers room, board, and some instructional costs)

• Approximately 24 participants will be selected
• Incoming senior (at least 16 years old)
• Only US citizens and permanent residents
• Scholastic ability, maturity, evidence of interest in science, engineering, or mathematics, and completion of specified high school courses in science and mathematics
• Students must be in the upper 20 percent of high school classes and have taken at least 3 years of college preparatory mathematics and 2, or more years of science

• Two 400-600 word essays: Describe the nature and origin of your interests in science and in research, what you hope to learn by participating in the program, and what you feel you can contribute should you be selected as a participant Describe the impact a book you have read has had on your thinking or any aspect of your life
• Letters of recommendation from at least two high school teachers (at least one science teacher) who know you well. In their letter, they should speak to their knowledge, not only of your aptitude but of your motivation, maturity, and independence.

Students will be required to give a presentation in their high school science class or another appropriate forum, about their research project and program experience upon returning home. Preparation of their project for a local or national science fair also will be encouraged.

Application Deadline: ED: 12/21/2020; RD: 2/15/2021

LaunchX is a four-week residential summer program during which students grow their entrepreneurial skills and mindset through designing and launching a real business of their own. In fact, this experience connects students to many of the best entrepreneurial networks and leaders across campus for instruction and best practices. Following, it teaches the MIT culture of Mens et Manus - mind and hand.

Teaching formats include interactive lectures, business simulations, entrepreneur panels, and the actual design and launch of a company. Moreover, lecture and simulation topics cover a range of business skills and leadership skills that translate directly into practical applications.

Firstly, for all top STEM summer programs, just apply early! According to LaunchX, "Early admissions candidates are able to find out their admissions status in advance of regular admissions candidates. Also, applying early allows you to be compared against a smaller pool of candidates with a typically higher yield of acceptance."

• "We had an admission rate of <15-20% in our first three years. We have grown in the number of students in each of the first three years, though plan to maintain the same number of students for our 2016 class at 70 students per session, so expect admissions rates to reduce due to rising application rates."
• Students in grades 9-12
• Candidates who show initiative, action orientation, coachability, and a fit with our values. Essentially, we look for students who show us that they have what it takes to become successful entrepreneurs.
• No minimum grade or activity involvement requirements
• A video is required in the application! Check out the blog for more tips.

Application Deadline: TBA, opens in January 2021

SUMaC offers intensive study in advanced mathematics for talented rising high school juniors and seniors. This program accepts from around the world, so international students can apply!

Uniquely, SUMaC offers two courses called Program I and Program II, with unique topics for each course. Students are enrolled in just one program during the summer, and the two programs allow students to potentially return for a second summer.

1. Program I: Abstract Algebra & Number Theory Five motivating problems: constructibility in geometry, classification of patterns in two dimensions, error-correcting codes, cryptography, and the analysis of symmetry in structures
2. Program II: Algebraic Topology

Participating in STEM summer programs, such as STEM summer camps for high school students or summer STEM programs, can provide students with a unique opportunity to get ahead in their academic and career pursuits. These programs offer a focused and immersive learning experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By joining high school STEM programs, students can delve deeper into their areas of interest, explore new subjects, and gain a competitive edge in their educational journey.

STEM summer programs for high school students go beyond traditional classroom learning by offering hands-on experiences, practical applications, and engaging projects. Through these programs, students can develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. The interactive nature of these programs allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their practical implications.

Participating in high school STEM programs can also provide valuable networking opportunities. These programs often bring together students from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for STEM. By interacting with like-minded peers, students can form connections, collaborate on projects, and engage in stimulating discussions. Additionally, STEM summer programs often involve interactions with industry professionals, researchers, and faculty members who can offer mentorship, guidance, and valuable insights into future academic and career paths.

The best STEM summer programs for high school students offer exposure to cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and the latest advancements in STEM fields. These programs provide a platform for students to gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment and technologies, preparing them for future academic pursuits and potential careers in STEM. Additionally, participation in high school STEM programs can enhance college applications, showcasing a student's proactive approach to learning and their dedication to exploring and excelling in STEM disciplines.

In fact, many of our students have been successfully admitted to most of these top STEM summer programs and others. For more information on how to get help applying for these programs, book a consultation!

Overall, applying to summer programs is similar to applying to colleges. Likewise, you should apply for reach, target, and safety programs. Keep in mind that these are "reach" programs for every student, so you should also apply for some target or safety summer programs to hedge your bets. Of course, the worst-case scenario is applying for all reach programs and getting rejected from them all.

Also important to note is that some of these programs have application deadlines as early as January! Don't miss these deadlines, and plan for these top STEM summer program apps ahead of time. Get started with Empowerly today!