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.
- Deadline: December 11, 2024, for the June 22‑August 2, 2025 session
- 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 2025
- Tuition: Free (including housing, meals, materials)
MITES is tailored to rising juniors from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds. The program is highly selective (3 to 10% acceptance) and often leads participants to attend top universities, including MIT itself.
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 2025 (see site for 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 2025
- 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 2025
- Tuition: Free (full financial support for admitted students)
Clark Scholars recruits high‑achieving juniors and seniors nationwide. 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: January 2025
- 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 2025
- Tuition: Free (fully funded for selected students)
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
- Application Deadline: October 16, 2024
- Tuition Cost: Free (students pay only for in-person travel if selected)
HAS is a yearlong STEM enrichment opportunity for high school juniors interested in aerospace. You’ll complete online modules between October and April.
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
- 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)
- Application Deadline: Late February
- Tuition Cost: $9,850 (need-based financial aid widely available)
SSP is one of the most selective and respected research programs for high school students.
You’ll spend 39 days on a university campus conducting real scientific research — from synthetic chemistry and biochemistry to astrophysics and genomics.
You’ll collect data, present results, and work in close-knit teams mentored by scientists and professors.
SSP alumni often go on to top STEM schools. The high cost reflects the immersive, college-level experience, but generous aid makes it accessible.
11. SIP (Science Internship Program)
- Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
- Application Deadline: Late February
- 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
- 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 7, 2025
- 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 2, 2025
- 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 19, 2025
- Tuition Cost: $1,000 (scholarships available)
This two-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 13, 2025
- 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: Chicago, IL
- Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
- 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
- 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 12, 2025
- Cost: $6,000–$7,500 (financial aid available)
Session Dates:
- June 22 to July 3, 2025
- July 6 to 18, 2025
- July 20 to August 1, 2025
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 15, 2025
- Cost: $6,000 to $15,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July 12 to August 8, 2025
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: June 21 to August 2, 2025
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, 2025
- Cost: $2,500 (financial aid available)
Session Dates:
- June 22 to July 4
- July 6 to July 18
- July 20 to August 1
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, 2025
- 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
- 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: Varies (typically March)
- Cost: $4,000 to $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
- 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 14, 2025
- Cost: $2,500 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: June 10 – July 10, 2025
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 15, 2025
- Cost: $2,500–$3,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: June 22 to 26, 2025
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
- 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, 2025
- Cost: $2,500 to $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 10, 2025
- Cost: $6,000–$7,000 (need-based aid available)
Camp Dates:
- Session 1: June 22 to July 4
- Session 2: July 6 to July 18
- Session 3: July 20 to August 1
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
- Cost: Around $2,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July 24 – August 3, 2025
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.
33. University of Wisconsin–Madison Pre-College Program
- Location: Madison, WI
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Cost: $2,500–$3,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July 20 – August 1, 2025
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 7, 2025
- Cost: ~$5,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: July 6 – August 1, 2025
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
- Cost: $4,500–$5,500 (scholarships available)
- Camp Dates: 2 to 4 week sessions
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, 2025
- Cost: $2,500 to $3,000 (financial aid available)
- Camp Dates: June 16 – July 25, 2025
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
- Tuition Cost: $7,000 (extensive financial aid available)
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
- 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
- Tuition Cost: $6,511
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
- 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.
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.
Book your free consultation today to get personalized help from the best-rated college counselors in the country.
