Summer is downtime for most high school students — but if you’ve got your sights set on a premier school of science, technology, engineering, and math, it’s high season for polishing your edge.
Best high school STEM programs strike an excellent balance between challenge and fun: you will learn college-level science, math, or engineering, network with professionals, and tackle real research projects.
Most of them only take a few weeks, so you still have time for beach vacations and downtime.
We’ll help you determine which STEM summer program is the best fit for you — based on your goals, your timeline, and your future major.
Free STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
1. RSI (Research Science Institute), MIT – Cambridge, MA
You’ll spend six weeks at MIT conducting original research under mentorship from scientists and faculty. Starting with intensive classes, you then design and execute a research project and present it at the RSI Symposium.
- 2026 Program Dates: June 28 – August 8, 2026
- Deadline: December 10, 2025 (2027 application typically opens October 2026)
- Tuition: Free (transport only)
RSI accepts ~100 students globally, with a rigorously competitive process (under 5% acceptance). If you’re a high school junior excelling in STEM, RSI gives you the chance to work in real labs and present a publishable?quality project by summer’s end.
2. MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science), MIT – Cambridge, MA
Over a six-week residential session, you’ll take advanced STEM courses, complete hands-on projects (e.g. robotics, genomics), and receive mentorship in MIT labs. You’ll also attend college?prep workshops.
- Deadline: February 1, 2026 (recommendations due Feb. 15, 2026)
- Tuition: Free (including housing, meals, materials)
MITES Summer is tailored to rising seniors (11th graders) from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds. The program is highly selective (acceptance rates reported as low as 1.5–4%) and often leads participants to attend top universities, including MIT itself. There is also a companion MITES Semester program for students who can’t attend in-person during the summer.
3. SAMS (Summer Academy for Math & Science), Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA
It is a six-week, full-scholarship summer program for students from historically underrepresented communities. You will be taking intensive advanced math, biology, physics, or computer science courses with CMU faculty.
- Deadline: March 2026 (check CMU’s site for exact date)
- Tuition: Tuition-free (room & board provided)
Academic excellence and community building are valued at SAMS. You will be engaged on real projects, earning academic credit, and fortifying your STEM academic foundation, especially if you’ve faced socioeconomic challenges.
4. HSHSP (High School Honors Science, Math, Engineering Program), Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
You’ll engage in a seven-week immersive, hands-on research experience in science, math, or engineering, working on real projects under faculty supervision.
- Deadline: March 2026
- Tuition: Free (includes housing and food)
This program limits enrollment to ~24 students, making it highly competitive. HSHSP offers a springboard into independent research and gives you the academic confidence and communication skills to present your findings.
5. Clark Scholars Program, Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX
Over seven weeks, you’ll collaborate with faculty in fields such as engineering, biochemistry, or robotics, designing and executing a research project with peers and mentors.
- Deadline: February 2026
- Tuition: Free (full financial support for admitted students, including a $750 stipend)
Clark Scholars recruits high?achieving juniors and seniors nationwide — only 12 students are selected each year. The research-intensive experience can seriously bolster your STEM college applications by demonstrating initiative, creativity, and academic focus.
6. SSRP (Simons Summer Research Program), Stony Brook University – Stony Brook, NY
In this six-week program, you’ll work on original research in science or engineering under guidance from faculty and graduate assistants. A stipend is provided.
- Deadline: February 2026
- Tuition: Free (stipend provided for living expenses)
SSRP emphasizes collaboration and scientific rigor. You’ll experience a graduate-level lab environment firsthand and produce a formal research report. It’s ideal if you want to confirm your passion for STEM before college.
7. SIMR (Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program), Stanford University – Stanford, CA
This eight-week research program places Bay Area high schoolers in Stanford labs to investigate biomedical topics. It includes daily mentorship and academic seminars.
- Deadline: February 2026
- Tuition: Free (fully funded for selected students, with a stipend for participants)
SIMR gives you real exposure to medical research, including data collection, lab techniques, and collaboration with postdocs. If you’re interested in pre-med or biomedical engineering, this is a top-tier experience grounded in cutting-edge science.
8. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) – Texas
HAS is a yearlong STEM enrichment opportunity for high school juniors interested in aerospace. You’ll complete online modules between October and April.
- Application Deadline: October 2026 (for 2026–27 cohort — check NASA’s site for exact date)
- Tuition Cost: Free (students pay only for in-person travel if selected)
Top scorers are invited to NASA centers for a summer residency, where you’ll solve real-world space challenges and work alongside NASA scientists. It’s selective but free and incredibly valuable for students passionate about space, engineering, or aviation.
Paid STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
9. SUMaC (Stanford University Mathematics Camp)
- Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Application Deadline: Early February 2026
- Tuition Cost: $8,575 (financial aid available)
If you’re passionate about math and ready for a real challenge, SUMaC is for you. This three-week residential program dives deep into university-level mathematics.
You’ll explore either Abstract Algebra & Number Theory (Program I) or Algebraic Topology (Program II). Classes are rigorous and collaborative, led by Stanford instructors. International students are welcome to apply.
The camp’s intense coursework and vibrant peer community help you sharpen logical reasoning and gain experience with proofs, theory, and exploration at a high level.
10. SSP (Summer Science Program)
- Location: Multiple U.S. campuses (including Purdue, UNC, Indiana, and 13 other partner institutions)
- Application Deadline: February 19, 2026 (domestic); January 29, 2026 (international)
- Tuition Cost: ~$9,850 (need-based financial aid widely available — free for families under $75,000 income)
SSP is one of the most selective and respected research programs for high school students.
You’ll spend five weeks (about 60 hours/week) on a university campus conducting real scientific research — from synthetic chemistry and biochemistry to astrophysics, bacterial genomics, and cell biology.
You’ll collect data, present results, and work in close-knit teams mentored by scientists and professors. SSP is test-blind for 2026 admissions. SSP alumni often go on to top STEM schools, and the program’s need-blind admissions and generous aid (up to full-tuition and travel coverage) make it more accessible than the sticker price suggests.
11. SIP (Science Internship Program)
- Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
- Application Deadline: Late February 2026
- Tuition Cost: ~$4,750 + optional housing (~$475/week); financial aid available
This eight-week research internship connects high schoolers directly with UCSC researchers. You’ll spend one week online and seven weeks in-person conducting research in areas like astronomy, ocean science, AI, or climate data.
Priority goes to Bay Area students, but all are welcome to apply. SIP is ideal if you want to be embedded in real science work early. Be ready to choose a specific topic and show initiative — mentors expect high engagement.
12. MathILy (Mathematics with Levity)
- Location: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
- Application Deadline: Rolling (priority by late March 2026)
- Tuition Cost: $5,300 (financial aid available)
This five-week math program blends creativity and rigor in a fun, intense academic environment. You’ll attend full-day math sessions covering combinatorics, graph theory, linear algebra, probability, and more.
The program includes two levels — MathILy for advanced students and MathILy-Er for those building toward elite math camps.
Week 3 is the “Week of Chaos,” where you’ll explore your own topics through inquiry-based projects. Expect long hours, challenging work, and a unique peer group of math lovers.
13. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science)
- Location: UC campuses (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz)
- Application Deadline: February 9, 2026
- Tuition Cost: $5,250 (financial aid available)
COSMOS is California’s premier state-sponsored STEM summer school for grades 8 to 12.
You’ll live on a UC campus for four weeks, taking intensive courses in cluster subjects like robotics, marine biology, and computational science.
You’ll also complete a capstone research project and present your work to faculty and peers.
COSMOS is popular among California residents for its quality and affordability, and it helps build strong ties to the UC system.
14. CTY (Center for Talented Youth) at Johns Hopkins
- Location: Multiple sites nationwide
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Tuition Cost: $3,000 to $7,000, depending on program (financial aid available)
CTY offers dozens of STEM courses for students in grades 7 to 12. From robotics and cryptography to forensics and marine ecology, you’ll get small class sizes, experienced instructors, and a challenging curriculum.
CTY is ideal for gifted students looking to explore advanced topics beyond school. Some programs include lab work or coding projects. Admission is based on testing or prior academic performance.
15. GTRI High School Internship Program
- Location: Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA
- Application Deadline: January 2026 (check site for exact date)
- Tuition Cost: $1,000 (scholarships available)
This multi-week program brings motivated students into GTRI labs for real research projects. You’ll explore cybersecurity, robotics, mechanical engineering, and more while working with professional engineers.
You must be at least 16 with a GPA over 3.0. GTRI’s program is a great fit if you want practical engineering exposure and are looking for a competitive edge on college applications.
16. UCLA Precollege Science and Engineering Program
- Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Application Deadline: June 2026
- Tuition Cost: ~$3,000 per session (financial aid available)
UCLA’s summer program offers two sessions focused on STEM fields like robotics, computer programming, and bioengineering.
You’ll participate in lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative projects with UCLA faculty. The program also includes college admissions support and networking with peers from around the country.
17. Research in the Biological Sciences (RiBS)
- Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Application Deadline: March 2026
- Cost: $14,490 (financial aid available)
If you’re serious about biology, this four-week lab-based program is for you. At RiBS, you’ll conduct hands-on experiments, shadow research faculty, and attend lectures at one of the nation’s top universities.
You’ll live on campus, dive into complex topics like molecular biology and bioinformatics, and present your findings to your peers.
Admission is highly competitive, so you will need to submit transcripts, essays, and teacher recommendations.
18. University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Program
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Application Deadline: Rolling through early April 2026
- Cost: $9,000 to $24,000 (financial aid available)
This rigorous program lets you earn real college credit while studying topics like math, computer science, and engineering.
You’ll take courses alongside Penn undergrads and get a taste of Ivy League life. The program runs for six weeks, but shorter sessions are also available.
If you’re looking to push your academics and gain college exposure in one summer, this is a top-tier pick.
19. Harvard Pre-College Program
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Application Deadline: February 11, 2026
- Cost: $6,500–$7,500 (financial aid available)
Session Dates:
- Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026
- Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026
- Session 3: July 19 – July 31, 2026
At Harvard’s Pre-College Program, you’ll enroll in one course — STEM options include topics like neuroscience, data science, and climate systems.
Class sizes are small (15 students max), and every course includes college-style lectures, research, and final projects.
You’ll live in Harvard Yard, attend seminars, and meet students from around the world.
20. UVA Pre-College Program in Science and Engineering
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Application Deadline: March 2026
- Cost: $6,000 to $15,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July 2026 (typically 4 weeks)
This four-week residential program at the University of Virginia gives you access to top faculty and cutting-edge labs.
You’ll attend lectures in computer science, engineering, or physical sciences and work on a hands-on project by the end.
Ideal if you’re ready to engage deeply with STEM material and challenge yourself in a real college research environment.
21. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
- Cost: $3,500 to $4,000 (scholarships available)
- Camp Dates: Late June – early August 2026
Carnegie Mellon offers focused tracks like artificial intelligence, computer science, and computational biology.
Each student joins a cohort and works closely with CMU professors and graduate students.
If you’re interested in CS or engineering, this program offers a rare opportunity to build real skills and explore research early.
22. Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS)
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Application Deadline: March 27, 2026
- Cost: ~$2,500 (financial aid available)
Session Dates:
- Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026
- Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026
- Session 3: July 19 – July 31, 2026
MMSS lets you choose one subject per session — topics range from epidemiology to number theory.
You’ll attend daily classes, complete labs, and present research in a university setting. Great for focused students who want to explore a niche STEM field before college.
23. Purdue University Pre-College Programs
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Cost: $2,000 to $3,000 (financial aid available)
Purdue’s programs cover robotics, aviation, aerospace, coding, and more. You’ll be taught by engineering faculty, work in university labs, and interact with professionals from companies like Rolls-Royce and NASA. If you’re aiming for engineering or tech, this is a smart investment in both skills and college prep.
24. UC San Diego Pre-College Programs
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically February–April 2026)
- Cost: $2,500 to $3,000 (financial aid available)
UCSD offers multiple summer courses in biotechnology, marine science, and sustainability. These commuter and residential options give you flexibility, while the research-focused projects let you develop practical lab skills. Great if you live in California or want a West Coast STEM experience.
25. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Application Deadline: March 2026 (check specific program)
- Cost: ~$4,000–$6,000 (financial aid available)
Stanford’s summer courses dive deep into AI, cryptography, environmental science, and biomedical ethics.
You’ll collaborate on academic projects, attend guest lectures, and explore Stanford’s elite campus. Perfect for driven students looking to challenge themselves and connect with future mentors.
26. UNC Chapel Hill Science and Engineering Program
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Application Deadline: Rolling (close in late spring 2026)
- Cost: ~$325 (financial aid available)
This one-week program covers engineering design, lab-based science, and collaborative research.
It’s a commuter program, so it’s best for students based in North Carolina. Affordable and compact, this program still offers strong college-prep value for STEM-minded students.
27. University of Texas PREP (Pre-Freshman Engineering Program)
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Application Deadline: February 2026
- Cost: ~$2,500 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: June – July 2026
PREP is designed for younger high schoolers (8th to 12th grade) looking to build a strong STEM foundation.
You’ll complete college-level coursework in math, logic, and programming and work on group design challenges.
It’s structured like a college course, with tests, lectures, and group labs, making it great preparation for your future.
28. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Summer Pre-College Program
- Location: Urbana-Champaign, IL
- Application Deadline: April 2026
- Cost: $2,500–$3,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: June 2026
This one-week residential program helps you explore core STEM subjects, especially engineering, math, and computer science. You’ll attend faculty-led workshops, collaborate on real-world projects, and use university labs and maker spaces.
If you’re planning to apply to UIUC or similar competitive public universities, this is a smart way to build early experience and show initiative on your application.
29. Duke University Pre-College Program
- Location: Durham, NC
- Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically March–May 2026)
- Cost: ~$3,500–$4,000 (financial aid available)
Duke’s Pre-College Program blends rigorous academics with immersive learning. You can take courses from one to three weeks in neuroscience, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and environmental science — taught by Duke professors.
Expect interactive labs, group research, and the chance to live in a college dorm. This is ideal if you’re targeting a top-tier STEM school and want a real taste of college-level work.
30. Washington University in St. Louis Pre-College Program
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Cost: ~$2,500–$3,000 (scholarships available)
WashU’s summer program gives you access to its nationally ranked engineering and science faculty. You can choose from two to four-week courses.
You’ll work in campus labs, complete STEM-focused coursework, and take part in team-based innovation challenges.
With small class sizes and strong mentorship, this is a great option for high school students looking for a serious, research-centered experience in a supportive setting.
31. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) – STEM Track
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2026 (regular); November 2025 (early)
- Cost: ~$7,000 (need-based aid available)
Camp Dates:
- Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026
- Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026
- Session 3: July 19 – July 31, 2026
YYGS is a globally recognized academic enrichment program hosted by Yale. The STEM track includes seminars on robotics, neuroscience, space science, biomedical ethics, and more.
You’ll work on capstone projects with students from 130+ countries and attend lectures led by Yale faculty and industry professionals.
32. Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
- Location: Princeton, NJ
- Application Deadline: Varies (typically February 2026)
- Cost: Free (fully funded — Princeton covers travel, housing, meals, and materials)
- Camp Dates: Late July – early August 2026
This two-week residential program is designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in journalism, science communication, or policy.
You’ll attend writing workshops, report on current events, and visit major newsrooms. Sessions are led by professional journalists and Princeton faculty.
For aspiring STEM majors interested in public engagement or storytelling, this is a powerful niche experience — and it’s now entirely free for admitted students.
33. University of Wisconsin–Madison Pre-College Program
- Location: Madison, WI
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Cost: $2,500–$3,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July – August 2026
UW–Madison offers hands-on science and engineering labs for high school students interested in environmental studies, biomedical research, chemistry, or data science. You’ll work with professors, tour research centers, and complete a final project.
With access to cutting-edge university facilities, this is a great fit if you want to strengthen your STEM resume before applying to selective schools.
34. UC Irvine (UCI) Pre-College Summer Programs
- Location: Irvine, CA
- Application Deadline: February 2026
- Cost: ~$5,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July 2026
UCI’s four-week STEM intensives include tracks in biomedical science, software engineering, robotics, and sustainability. You’ll work on labs, group projects, and case studies under UC faculty mentorship.
The program also includes college readiness workshops and a final capstone showcase. It’s a strong option for California students preparing for UC admissions or STEM majors.
35. Northwestern University Pre-College Programs
- Location: Evanston, IL
- Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically March–May 2026)
- Cost: ~$4,500–$5,500 (scholarships available)
- Camp Dates: 2 to 4 week sessions, June – August 2026
Northwestern offers an analysis into fields like data science, biotechnology, electrical engineering, and physics.
You’ll take real Northwestern courses, live in residence halls, and participate in research labs or faculty-guided projects.
The flexible program lengths and academic rigor make it a top pick for students who want college-level STEM exposure at a highly ranked institution.
36. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Pre-College Programs
- Location: Long Beach, CA
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Cost: $2,500 to $3,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: June – July 2026
This six-week commuter program offers tracks in civil engineering, marine biology, and applied computing.
You’ll attend daily labs, complete hands-on research projects, and get mentorship from CSULB professors and grad students.
The program concludes with a project showcase for families and faculty. It’s a cost-effective way to build STEM experience and college connections in Southern California.
37. PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists)
- Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
- Application Deadline: Mid-March 2026
- Tuition Cost: ~$7,000 (extensive financial aid available — PROMYS is need-blind)
If you love pure mathematics, PROMYS is a dream. This 6-week residential program challenges you to develop mathematical proofs, tackle college-level problems, and collaborate with peers at Boston University.
You’ll get deeper into number theory and mathematical research. Many PROMYS students return for the advanced Clay Mathematics Institute seminars the following summer.
38. RISE (Research in Science and Engineering)
- Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
- Application Deadline: February 2026
- Tuition Cost: ~$5,700
RISE lets you work alongside BU researchers in a professional lab setting. Over 6 weeks, you’ll complete an individual research project in biology, physics, chemistry, or engineering.
Students also attend research seminars and workshops on science writing and college admissions. This is a perfect choice if you’re aiming to pursue a STEM major.
39. HCSSiM (Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics)
- Location: Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
- Application Deadline: Late April 2026
- Tuition Cost: ~$6,500
HCSSiM blends serious math with a quirky, collaborative culture. Over 6 weeks, you’ll attend daily lectures, tackle problem sets, and join “maxi-courses” on advanced topics.
The program emphasizes writing, presentation, and mathematical communication — great prep for both college-level math and STEM careers.
40. Notre Dame Summer Scholars – STEM Track
- Location: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
- Application Deadline: February 2026
- Tuition Cost: ~$4,650
This 2-week residential program lets you choose a specific STEM focus like environmental science, chemistry, or data science.
You’ll attend college-style lectures and labs, live in campus housing, and work on group projects.
It’s ideal for building a strong STEM narrative in your application and exploring life at a top research university.
41. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship– Stanford, CA (Virtual)
Run by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging, this two-week virtual internship is one of the most prestigious high-school AI-in-healthcare programs available. Interns attend lectures on AI fundamentals, work on real medical-imaging research projects with Stanford mentors, and present findings at the end of the program.
- Application Deadline: February 20, 2026 (financial aid deadline Feb. 13)
- Tuition Cost: Varies (need-based financial aid available)
- Eligibility: U.S.-based high schoolers with strong math/programming background
42. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)– Cambridge, MA
BWSI is a free, highly selective four-week residential program at MIT and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Students complete a 3-month online prerequisite in the spring, then spend the summer building full-stack projects in autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, AI, radar systems, or medical devices. Many students publish or compete in national challenges at the end.
- Application Deadline: Late January 2026 (online prerequisite spring 2026)
- Tuition Cost: Free (rising seniors only; U.S. citizens)
- Program Dates: Early July – early August 2026
43. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program– Bar Harbor, ME
The Jackson Lab (JAX) Summer Student Program is a 10-week paid research fellowship in genetics and genomics at one of the country’s premier biomedical research institutions. Students work in real labs alongside JAX scientists on independent projects — the kind of work that typically shows up in college-level research labs.
- Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 (2027 cycle opens late fall 2026)
- Tuition Cost: Free — students receive a stipend plus room, board, and travel
- Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, age 16+
44. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)– New York, NY
Rockefeller’s SSRP is a 7-week biomedical research fellowship for NYC-area juniors and seniors. Students work on real projects in world-class labs alongside Rockefeller scientists studying everything from neuroscience to immunology. Rockefeller produces some of the highest-profile biomedical research in the country and routinely wins Nobel Prizes.
- Application Deadline: January 2, 2026 (recommendations by Jan. 5)
- Tuition Cost: Free (stipend provided)
- Eligibility: NYC-area high school juniors and seniors, age 16+
45. NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP)– Bethesda, MD (and other NIH locations)
The NIH Summer Internship Program places high school students in NIH labs for a paid summer research experience, working directly with NIH scientists on active biomedical research. High-schoolers are part of the NIH’s competitive “HiSTEP” and main SIP pipelines. This is one of the most prestigious paid summer opportunities for pre-med or bio-focused students.
- Application Deadline: February 2026 (via NIH application portal)
- Tuition Cost: Free — paid stipend (~$2,500+/month depending on academic level)
- Eligibility: Age 17+ by June, U.S. citizens or permanent residents
46. Girls Who Code Summer Programs– Multiple Locations / Virtual
Girls Who Code runs a nationally known Summer Immersion Program (SIP) and self-paced Summer Programs in computer science for high school girls and nonbinary students. Partnerships with companies like Bank of America, Pinterest, Kate Spade, and Adobe give participants real workplace exposure alongside technical CS training.
- Application Deadline: Rolling through early 2026
- Tuition Cost: Free
- Eligibility: High school girls and nonbinary students (grades 9–11)
47. Garcia Summer Scholars Program at Stony Brook– Stony Brook, NY
The Garcia Program is a 7-week polymer science and engineering research program at Stony Brook. It’s a top pick for students interested in materials science, chemistry, or biomedical engineering — many participants publish peer-reviewed papers and win Intel/Regeneron STS awards.
- Application Deadline: February 2026
- Tuition Cost: Paid (approximately $4,500; financial aid available)
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (age 15+)
48. Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)– Waterloo, Canada
ISSYP is a two-week free residential program at Canada’s Perimeter Institute — a world-leading theoretical physics research center. Students learn from top physicists about relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology, alongside peers from around the world. It’s one of the few high-school physics programs with international reach.
- Application Deadline: Late March 2026
- Tuition Cost: Free (covers tuition, housing, meals; students pay their own travel)
- Eligibility: Rising seniors in high school, age 16+; students from any country
49. Research Science Mentorship Program at Harvard Medical School (MEDscience)– Boston, MA
MEDscience runs a 4-week summer program at Harvard Medical School, giving students simulated patient case experience alongside hands-on laboratory work. It’s one of the most accessible summer programs for high schoolers interested in medicine, nursing, or bioengineering, and it offers a rare look inside one of the top medical schools in the world.
- Application Deadline: March 2026
- Tuition Cost: Paid (scholarships available; MEDscience also offers free summer programs for Boston public school students)
- Eligibility: High school students (age 15+), with some age variations per track
50. NYU Tandon Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)– Brooklyn, NY
ARISE is a seven-week paid summer research program at NYU Tandon for NYC high schoolers. Students complete 10-week (including training) immersive lab research across bioengineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and more. Participants receive a $1,000 stipend and present work at a final symposium — a rigorous, real-world intro to engineering research.
- Application Deadline: February 6, 2026
- Tuition Cost: Free — $1,000 stipend provided
- Eligibility: NYC-area rising juniors/seniors, age 16+
How to Choose the Right STEM Summer Program
With 50 programs on the table, the biggest question is fit — not prestige. A few principles:
- Free ? easier. The most prestigious free programs (RSI, MITES, SSP, SIMR, Jackson Lab, BWSI) are also the most competitive, often in the 2–5% acceptance range. Don’t skip them just because they feel out of reach.
- Research > survey courses. Admissions readers prefer programs with real research outputs over “pre-college” survey courses. Programs like RSI, SSP, SIMR, SSRP, Jackson Lab, Garcia, and ARISE produce tangible papers, posters, or datasets.
- Location matters for some. Programs like SSRP (NYC only), SIMR (Bay Area), SIP (Bay Area), ARISE (NYC), and MEDscience (Boston) give strong priority or exclusive access to local students.
- Paid pre-college ? research. Programs like Harvard Pre-College, Stanford Pre-Collegiate, and UVA Summer Bridge offer excellent course experiences, but don’t confuse them with research programs. They’re complementary, not equivalent.
- Apply to 3–5. Strong applicants typically apply to a free flagship (RSI/MITES/SSP), a free regional option, and 1–2 paid pre-college options as backups.
Apply To Your Desired College with Empowerly
If you’re serious about STEM, the right summer program can give you more than just a resume boost. It can shape your academic interests, build real research skills, and show colleges that you’re committed and curious.
But applying to summer programs isn’t always easy — many are selective, and timelines move fast. That’s where Empowerly comes in.
We help students like you choose the best-fit programs, write standout applications, and build a focused extracurricular story that top colleges will notice.
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