Master List of STEM Summer Programs for High School Students (2024-2025)
Here's to making your search for summer STEM enrichment programs that colleges will notice easier! This is list of 127! worthwhile STEM opportunities for high school students.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Focus: Six-week prestigious research program in STEM, run by the Center for Excellence in Education.
Cost: Free (includes room & board).
Website: RSI – CEE
2. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Location: NIH campuses (Bethesda, MD as the largest)
Focus: Students conduct biomedical research alongside NIH scientists.
Cost: Free; includes a stipend.
Website: NIH HS-SIP
3. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Focus: Work with faculty mentors on STEM research (e.g., genetics, physics, engineering).
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: Simons at Stony Brook
4. Garcia Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Focus: Intensive research in polymer science and engineering.
Cost: Historically free or scholarship-based. (Confirm current info.)
Website: Garcia Program
5. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Focus: Seven-week research program across various STEM disciplines (and more).
Cost: Free; provides a stipend.
Website: Clark Scholars
6. The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) – High School Apprenticeship (HSAP)
Location: Various U.S. Army research labs/universities
Focus: STEM research apprenticeships, often targeting underserved students.
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: AEOP HSAP
7. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) (Texas residents only)
Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX + online
Focus: Semester-long online course + 1-week summer experience at NASA.
Cost: Free for Texas high school juniors.
Website: NASA HAS
8. NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science)
Location: University of Texas at Austin + NASA facilities (online + on-site)
Focus: Earth and space science research with NASA scientists.
Cost: Free; often includes stipend.
Website: NASA SEES
9. MIT MOSTEC (MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community)
Location: Online + in-person conference at MIT
Focus: Six-month program for rising high school seniors to explore advanced STEM topics and develop projects.
Cost: Free.
Website: MITES Programs (MOSTEC)
10. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
Location: MIT Lincoln Lab, Lexington, MA
Focus: Two-week hands-on program focused on building and understanding radar systems.
Cost: Free.
Website: LLRISE
11. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
Focus: Biomedical research in cancer biology, immunology, bioengineering, etc.
Cost: Free (local students); possible stipend.
Website: SIMR
12. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, NYC
Focus: Intensive biomedical research with top scientists.
Cost: Free; many students receive stipends.
Website: Rockefeller SSRP
13. Memorial Sloan Kettering HOPP Summer Student Program
Location: NYC
Focus: Cancer research and biomedical science.
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: HOPP Summer
14. Aspirnaut™ Summer Research Internships at Vanderbilt
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Focus: Biomedical sciences, supporting rural/underserved students.
Cost: Free; includes stipend and housing.
Website: Aspirnaut
15. National Lab High School Internships
Many DOE and federally funded labs offer high school research positions (e.g., Argonne, Brookhaven, Oak Ridge, Lawrence Livermore).
Cost: Free; often paid.
Websites:
16. NIST Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST (Gaithersburg, MD or Boulder, CO)
Focus: Physics, engineering, materials science, computer science, etc.
Cost: Free; includes a stipend.
Website: NIST Internships
17. BU RISE (Research in Science & Engineering)
Location: Boston University, MA
Focus: Students do university-level research under faculty mentors in STEM fields.
Cost: Paid program (several thousand dollars); financial aid available.
Website: BU RISE
18. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Location: Multiple campuses (New Mexico Tech, Purdue, CU Boulder, UC San Diego, etc.)
Focus: Astrophysics, biochemistry, or geoscience research projects.
Cost: Tuition-based, with full need-based aid up to 100%.
Website: SSP
19. High School Honors Science/Math/Engineering Program (HSHSP)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Focus: Seven-week intensive STEM research.
Cost: Varies by year; historically low/no cost with scholarships.
Website: HSHSP
20. George Mason University – Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: GMU, Fairfax, VA
Focus: Students do research in STEM fields under faculty mentors.
Cost: Free; non-residential.
Website: ASSIP
21. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Internship
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Focus: Fusion energy, plasma physics, computational modeling.
Cost: Free; typically a stipend is provided.
Website: PPPL Education – Internships
22. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory – Partners for the Future
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Focus: Molecular biology, genetics, cancer research.
Cost: Free (local high school students).
Website: CSHL Partners for the Future
23. Scripps Research Institute High School Internship Program
Location: La Jolla, CA / Jupiter, FL
Focus: Biomedical research in immunology, neuroscience, chemistry, etc.
Cost: Free; often with stipend.
Website: Scripps Education
24. MDI Biological Laboratory Summer Research Fellowship
Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Focus: Regenerative biology, aging, biomedical research.
Cost: Free for selected high schoolers; includes stipend/housing.
Website: MDI Bio Lab
25. UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: UC Santa Cruz, CA
Focus: Research in astronomy, physics, biology, engineering, etc.
Cost: Tuition-based, with full scholarships available for financial need.
Website: UCSC SIP
26. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Labs across the U.S. (sponsored by American Fisheries Society)
Focus: Fisheries, aquatic science, and environmental research.
Cost: Free; includes paid internship/scholarship.
Website: Hutton Program
27. SEAP (Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program) – U.S. Naval Labs
Location: Various Naval labs nationwide
Focus: STEM research with Navy scientists/engineers.
Cost: Free; stipend provided.
Website: SEAP
28. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Location: Google offices + online
Focus: CS and software engineering; group projects and coding labs.
Cost: Free; targeted to graduating seniors from underrepresented backgrounds.
Website: Google CSSI
29. Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP and TASS)
Location: Various college campuses (e.g., Cornell, U. of Maryland)
Focus: Humanities and social sciences with intensive research-level seminars.
Cost: Free (room & board covered).
Website: Telluride Association
30. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: The Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Focus: Genomics, biology, biomedical data science.
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: Broad Summer Scholars
31. BRAINYAC (Zuckerman Institute)
Location: Columbia University, NYC
Focus: Neuroscience lab internships for high schoolers (especially NYC public school students).
Cost: Free; some get stipends.
32. Stanford Earth Young Investigators / Other Stanford Lab Internships
Location: Stanford University, CA
Focus: Earth science, environmental science, engineering labs.
Cost: Varies; many are free or provide a stipend to local students.
Website: Stanford Earth K–12
33. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Focus: Biomedical research labs, emphasis on underrepresented groups.
Cost: Free; typically includes a stipend.
Website: Fred Hutch High School Programs
34. University of Pennsylvania – Summer Research for High School Students
Location: UPenn, Philadelphia, PA
Focus: Various labs across biology, neuroscience, engineering.
Cost: Some are free/funded; others are tuition-based pre-college programs.
Website: Penn Summer Programs
35. Boston College – High School Research Opportunities
Location: Boston, MA
Focus: Some BC labs host local high school interns. Also see BC’s summer “Honors” courses (mixed cost).
Cost: Varies; direct lab internships often no cost.
Website: BC Research (Biology Dept.)
36. University of Chicago – Various Lab Internships & Programs
Location: Chicago, IL
Focus: Some departmental programs (e.g., UChicago STARS) or direct lab placements for advanced high schoolers.
Cost: Often free or stipend-based.
Website: UChicago Summer
37. UT Southwestern STARS Program
Location: UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX
Focus: Eight-week biomedical research internship for DFW-area high school students.
Cost: Free; with stipend.
Website: STARS Program
38. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
Location: UC Davis, CA
Focus: Hands-on research in biological and natural sciences.
Cost: Paid program (~$6,500), financial aid available.
Website: UCD-YSP
39. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science)
Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz
Focus: Four-week residential program with lab-based clusters.
Cost: Tuition-based, with significant financial aid for CA residents.
Website: UC COSMOS
40. UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute Youth Science Fellows Program
Location: UC Irvine, CA
Focus: Cancer biology, lab-based research.
Cost: Free; typically local commuting students.
Website: CRI Youth Fellows
41. Mayo Clinic Summer Programs
Location: Various Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; Scottsdale, AZ)
Focus: Health sciences and biomedical research. Some for local HS students.
Cost: Typically free; some pay a stipend.
Website: Mayo Clinic Education
42. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute Summer Scholars (CRISSP)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Focus: Biomedical research in pediatrics and related fields. (Primarily undergrad; older HS students may check requirements.)
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: CHOP CRISSP
43. Clemson Summer Science, Arts & Humanities Programs
Location: Clemson University, SC
Focus: Range of topics; not all are research-based, but some labs do host HS interns.
Cost: Paid pre-college programs, scholarships available.
Website: Clemson Summer Scholars
44. Emory Pre-College & Lab Internships
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Focus: Emory Pre-College offers courses for credit/enrichment; some labs may take HS volunteers.
Cost: Pre-College is tuition-based; direct lab internships can be free.
Website: Emory Pre-College
45. Wistar Institute High School Programs
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Focus: Biomedical research, especially immunology and vaccine development.
Cost: Free for selected students (often from Philly-area schools).
Website: Wistar Education
46. MBL (Marine Biological Laboratory) High School Research
Location: Woods Hole, MA
Focus: Marine biology, cellular biology, microbiology.
Cost: Some opportunities free; others paid.
Website: MBL Education
47. NYU Tandon School of Engineering ARISE
Location: NYU Tandon, Brooklyn, NY
Focus: Five-week research program in engineering, life sciences, and computer/data science.
Cost: Free; mentoring provided, but no housing (commuter).
Website: NYU ARISE
48. Polygence
Location: Online
Focus: 1:1 research mentorship in a wide range of fields (STEM, humanities, social science).
Cost: Paid (~$2,000+); financial aid available.
Website: Polygence
49. Pioneer Research Program
Location: Online (some on-campus options may return)
Focus: Individual research mentorship with college professors in numerous fields.
Cost: Paid (several thousand dollars); limited scholarships.
Website: Pioneer Academics
50. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Summer Workshops
Location: UC Berkeley, UCSD, and online
Focus: Molecular biology of cancer, immunology, neuroscience.
Cost: Paid (~$2,500–$3,500+); partial scholarships.
Website: Rosetta Institute
51. Boston Leadership Institute (BLI)
Location: Boston area
Focus: STEM research “majors” (e.g., biomedical, engineering, neuroscience).
Cost: Paid (several thousand); some partial scholarships.
Website: Boston Leadership Institute
52. Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS)
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Focus: Mathematics and science courses; some include research-like projects.
Cost: Paid (~$3,800+), limited scholarships.
Website: MMSS
53. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT + online sessions
Focus: Interdisciplinary, with STEM tracks (applied science & engineering, biological & biomedical, etc.).
Cost: Paid (~$6,500); generous need-based financial aid.
Website: YYGS
54. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Location: Yale University, CT
Focus: Research in astronomy and astrophysics, culminating in a real scientific paper.
Cost: Paid (~$6,000); some financial aid available.
Website: YSPA
55. Purdue University Summer Science Programs
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Focus: Various STEM disciplines, including engineering and science research.
Cost: Varies by program; many are paid. Check scholarships.
Website: Purdue Summer
56. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Nationwide + virtual
Focus: Computer science immersion, collaborative coding projects.
Cost: Free; includes stipend for qualifying students.
Website: Girls Who Code
57. Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP)
Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
Focus: Hands-on research in biology, engineering, chemistry, sustainability, etc. (for female-identifying students).
Cost: Paid, scholarships available.
Website: Smith SSEP
58. Duke STAR (Summer Training in Academic Research) Program
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Focus: An eight-week summer program for high school juniors/seniors and college undergraduates to gain exposure to clinical and basic science research in pediatrics and other fields. Participants work alongside Duke researchers, physicians, and graduate students on real projects, culminating in a presentation.
Cost: Free; students may receive a stipend. (Open to local/regional students; see eligibility details.)
Website: Duke STAR Program
59. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Focus: Seven-week research in science, math, engineering, or medicine labs.
Cost: Paid (~$4,000+), partial scholarships.
Website: UF SSTP
60. NIH HiSTEP & HiSTEP 2.0
Location: NIH campus, Bethesda, MD
Focus:
HiSTEP: 5-week introduction to biomedical research & leadership for local underserved HS students.
HiSTEP 2.0: Advanced version for returning students in NIH labs.
Cost: Free; stipend provided.
Website: NIH HiSTEP
61. NIH STEP-UP (Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons)
Location: NIH-funded institutions nationwide
Focus: Biomedical research for HS juniors/seniors from underrepresented backgrounds, culminating in a symposium.
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: NIH STEP-UP
62. Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) High School Program
Location: Varies (often Maryland or other states), sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Focus: STEM research in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computational modeling, forensic science, etc.
Cost: Free; includes travel, room & board.
Website: JSTI High School
63. TGen – Helios Scholars (Occasionally High School Spots)
Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Focus: Biomedical genomics research (cancer, neuroscience, rare diseases).
Cost: Free; competitive stipend.
Website: TGen Helios Scholars
64. City of Hope Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Focus: Cancer biology, translational research, diabetes, HIV, etc.
Cost: Free; typically includes stipend.
Website: City of Hope Education
65. Rady Children’s Hospital Summer Medical Academy
Location: San Diego, CA
Focus: Healthcare immersion (workshops, simulations, research exposure).
Cost: Paid (~$3,000); partial scholarships available.
Website: RCHSMA
66. Sanford Research – Student Research Program
Location: Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
Focus: Biomedical research in genetics, molecular biology, pediatrics, etc.
Cost: Free; stipend for 8-week internship.
Website: Sanford Research
67. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences High School Program
Location: East Boothbay, ME
Focus: Oceanography, marine biology, lab/field-based research.
Cost: Free for select students; possible stipend/travel assistance.
Website: Bigelow Education
68. NIEHS Summer Internship Program
Location: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC (and other NIH sites)
Focus: Environmental health, toxicology, molecular biology.
Cost: Free; stipend provided.
Website: NIEHS SIP
69. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Focus: Intensive, project-based STEM courses for high-achieving high school students, covering areas like robotics, AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, and more. Collaboration between MIT’s School of Engineering and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Cost: Free for accepted students (no tuition or housing cost); highly selective.
Website: Beaver Works Summer Institute
70. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) – High School Research Programs
Location: AMNH, New York City
Focus: Astrophysics, biology, conservation, anthropology, earth science research. Includes Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP).
Cost: Free; for local NYC students.
Website: AMNH SRMP
71. Stowers Institute Summer Scholars
Location: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO
Focus: Molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology.
Cost: Free; stipend + housing for out-of-area students.
Website: Stowers Summer Scholars
72. Ocean Discovery Institute – Student Internships
Location: San Diego, CA
Focus: Marine biology, ecology, conservation, coastal habitat research. Targets underrepresented students.
Cost: Free.
Website: Ocean Discovery Institute
73. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Young Nebraska Scientists Summer Research
Location: UNL, Lincoln, NE
Focus: Agricultural science, biology, chemistry, robotics, more.
Cost: Free; includes room/board & sometimes stipend.
Website: Young Nebraska Scientists
74. Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) Summer Scholars
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Focus: Tissue engineering, regenerative medicine research.
Cost: Free; includes stipend.
Website: WFIRM Education
75. Jackson Laboratory – CCGP Summer Program (Bar Harbor)
Location: Same Jackson Lab; Center for Genomic Education has additional HS offerings.
Focus: Genetics, computational genomics, advanced lab techniques.
Cost: Free; possible stipend.
Website: JAX Education
76. Fred Hutch Pathways Research Explorers Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Focus: Short exploratory program for underclassmen from underrepresented backgrounds, focusing on cancer research.
Cost: Free.
Website: Fred Hutch Pathways
77. University of Colorado Anschutz – High School Summer Research Internship
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Focus: Biomedical research (immunology, cancer, pathology, etc.).
Cost: Free; stipend provided.
Website: CU Anschutz Education
78. PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists)
Location: Boston University, MA
Focus: Deep number theory, proofs, creative problem-solving.
Cost: ~$5,000, significant financial aid available.
Website: PROMYS
79. Ross Mathematics Program
Location: Ohio State University (and a site at Ohio Dominican U.)
Focus: “Think deeply of simple things.” Intensive exploration of number theory & abstract math.
Cost: ~$5,000+, with substantial need-based aid.
Website: Ross Program
80. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University, CA & online sessions
Focus: Higher-level math (abstract algebra, number theory, combinatorics).
Cost: ~$3,250–$7,500, financial aid available.
Website: Stanford SUMaC
81 Mathily / Mathily-EST
Location: Bryn Mawr College, PA
Focus: Five-week immersive math program in proofs, structures, creative problem-solving.
Cost: ~$4,500+, need-based aid. Mathily-EST includes some research projects.
Website: Mathily
82. Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)
Location: Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Focus: Six-week collaborative problem-solving & advanced math exploration.
Cost: ~$3,600–$4,000; financial aid available.
Website: HCSSiM
83. Texas State University Honors Summer Math Camp
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Focus: Number theory, discrete math, problem-solving (famous track record).
Cost: ~$2,000–$4,000, with extensive scholarships for TX residents.
Website: TX State Mathworks
84. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: Rotates each summer (U.S. or Canada)
Focus: Highly flexible, advanced math curriculum, student-chosen classes.
Cost: ~$4,500; need-based aid up to full coverage.
Website: Mathcamp
85. AwesomeMath Summer Program
Location: Multiple sites (UT Dallas, Cornell, online)
Focus: Olympiad-style problem-solving in algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics.
Cost: ~$2,500–$4,000; some financial aid.
Website: AwesomeMath
86. Euler Circle Summer Programs
Location: Bay Area, CA + online
Focus: College-level math courses, problem-solving, competition prep.
Cost: Paid, scholarships available.
Website: Euler Circle
87. Summer Institute for Mathematics at the University of Washington (SIMUW)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Focus: Intensive six-week program exploring higher math topics.
Cost: Historically free/low cost for WA residents (check updates).
Website: SIMUW
88. UChicago Young Scholars Program (Summer)
Location: University of Chicago, IL
Focus: Enrichment in mathematics for HS students (some for local Chicago).
Cost: Often free for Chicago Public Schools; might be tuition-based otherwise.
Website: UChicago Young Scholars
89. UC Irvine Summer Institute in Mathematics (SIM)
Location: UC Irvine, CA
Focus: Math enrichment & research-like experiences for advanced HS students.
Cost: Varies, partial scholarships available.
Website: UCI Math Department
90. Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM)
Location: NYC & Los Angeles
Focus: For middle & high schoolers from underserved backgrounds to excel in advanced math.
Cost: Free.
Website: BEAM
91. Epsilon Camp (Younger, High-Ability Students)
Location: Hosted at various small colleges in the U.S.
Focus: For mathematically gifted ages 7–12 (some overlap for younger teens), proof-based courses.
Cost: ~$3,000+; financial aid available.
Website: Epsilon Camp
92. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Focus: Four-week residential program introducing female-identifying HS students to EECS or Mechanical Engineering.
Cost: Free; highly selective.
Website: WTP
93. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) PREFACE Program
Location: RPI, Troy, NY
Focus: Two-week residential for rising juniors/seniors from underrepresented groups in engineering/tech.
Cost: Free (room & board); students pay travel.
Website: RPI PREFACE
94. Cornell Engineering Diversity Programs (CATALYST Academy, CURIE Academy)
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Focus:
CATALYST: For underrepresented minorities in engineering.
CURIE: For high school women in engineering.
Cost: ~$1,450+; need-based scholarships.
Website: Cornell Diversity Programs
95. Boston University U-Design
Location: Boston University, MA
Focus: One- to two-week hands-on engineering workshops (robotics, electronic music, mechanical inventions).
Cost: ~$600–$1,200/session; scholarships available.
Website: BU U-Design
96. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS) – Engineering Track
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Focus: Part of broader SAMS (#51) but includes hands-on engineering projects.
Cost: Free (room & board).
Website: CMU SAMS
97. Rowan University – RISE (Rowan’s Intro to STEM)
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Focus: HS students explore mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical engineering via labs/projects.
Cost: ~$600; limited aid. Commuter.
Website: Rowan RISE
98. Colorado School of Mines Summer Programs
Location: Golden, CO
Focus: Various engineering/tech workshops (robotics, geology, environmental engineering).
Cost: Paid; cost varies by workshop.
Website: Mines Summer Camps
99. Kettering University LITE (Lives Improve Through Engineering) for Girls
Location: Kettering University, Flint, MI
Focus: Two-week residential for young women exploring automotive engineering, CS, chemical eng, etc.
Cost: ~$1,500+; scholarships for need.
Website: Kettering LITE
100. Stevens Institute of Technology Pre-College Engineering Programs
Location: Stevens, Hoboken, NJ
Focus: Project-based courses in mechanical/biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, etc.
Cost: ~$2,900+; partial aid.
Website: Stevens Pre-College
101. University of Michigan Summer Engineering Exploration
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Focus: Short camps/courses for HS students exploring engineering fields.
Cost: Paid; scholarships vary.
Website: Michigan Engineering Pre-College
102. Purdue University STEP (Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects)
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Focus: One-week residential engineering program with hands-on labs. Targets underrepresented groups.
Cost: ~$800–$1,000; some need-based aid.
Website: Purdue STEP
103. Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE)
Location: Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
Focus: Interdisciplinary, includes engineering design challenges.
Cost: ~$3,500; scholarships available.
Website: Bucknell BASE
104. University of Dayton Summer Engineering Camps
Location: University of Dayton, OH
Focus: Hands-on engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical), project-based.
Cost: Paid; check scholarships.
Website: Dayton Pre-College
105. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) – UT Austin
Location: UT Austin, TX
Focus: One-week camp for rising juniors/seniors, especially underrepresented. Hands-on engineering.
Cost: Free or minimal; often includes housing/meals.
Website: UT Austin MITE
106. University of Southern California (USC) Viterbi Summer High School Programs
Location: USC, Los Angeles, CA
Focus: 4-week or shorter intensives in engineering, robotics, CS.
Cost: Paid (several thousand); limited scholarships.
Website: USC Viterbi K-12
107. Cooper Union Summer STEM Program
Location: Cooper Union, New York, NY
Focus: Engineering design, invention, architecture, robotics.
Cost: ~$2,700+; some financial aid.
Website: Cooper Union Summer STEM
108. Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs (Engineering Focus)
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Focus: 1- to 2-week explorations in mechanical, civil, electrical, computing, environmental engineering.
Cost: ~$1,000+; scholarships for underserved students.
Website: MTU Summer Youth Programs
109. Boston Leadership Institute – Engineering Majors
Location: Boston Area (multiple sites)
Focus: 1- to 3-week engineering intensives (biomedical, civil, robotics). Pre-college style with labs/projects.
Cost: ~$2,500–$4,000; partial scholarships.
Website: Boston Leadership Institute
110. National Flight Academy Ambition Program
Location: Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL
Focus: STEM-based aviation simulation; real-world engineering & flight planning in a “virtual carrier.”
Cost: ~$1,250–$1,500; scholarships sometimes available.
Website: National Flight Academy
111. University of Illinois GAMES Camp (Girls’ Adventures in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science)
Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL
Focus: Week-long camps for HS women in various engineering fields (biomedical, electrical, environmental, etc.).
Cost: ~$1,000–$2,000; scholarships for need-based/underrepresented students.
Website: UIUC GAMES
112. iD Tech Camps – Engineering Tracks
Location: Multiple universities nationwide
Focus: Coding, robotics, engineering fundamentals (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.).
Cost: ~$1,000+/week.
Website: iD Tech
113. Columbia University Engineering High School Programs
Location: Columbia University, NYC
Focus: Pre-college engineering courses (robotics, design, CS); hands-on.
Cost: Paid (several thousand), limited aid.
Website: SHAPE
114. Lumiere Research Program
Location: Online (global)
Focus: 1:1 research mentorship for high school students in multiple disciplines (STEM, social sciences, humanities, business, etc.). Students work directly with a scholar or PhD candidate to develop an independent research paper.
Cost: Paid (several thousand dollars); need-based scholarships and financial aid may be available.
Website: Lumiere Education
115. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Fremont, California
Focus: Offers high school students an immersive research experience in various STEM fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.
Cost: Program fees apply; significant financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Website: ASDRP Application Process
116. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Focus: An intensive 4-week research-focused program aimed at underrepresented students in engineering, providing hands-on projects, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Cost: Free for U.S. students; $2,500 for international students.
Website: ESTEEM/SER-Quest Program Description
117. Residential Engineering Programs for Rising 11th/12th Grade Students
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
Focus: Provides rising high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to explore various engineering disciplines through hands-on projects and activities.
Cost: Program fees apply; financial assistance may be available.
Website: NC State Engineering Summer Programs
118. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL.
Focus: Offers rising 10th–12th graders from Illinois and neighboring states a six-week immersive research experience in various STEMM fields, including cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and more.
Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and a stipend); participants are responsible for transportation to and from campus.
119. Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI) Donald G. McEwen Memorial Summer Research Program
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Focus: Provides talented undergraduate and high school students the opportunity to engage in hypothesis-driven research on childhood cancer over a ten-week period during the summer.
Cost: Participants receive a stipend of $4,000 to assist with lodging, meals, and other expenses.
Website: Greehey CCRI Donald G. McEwen Memorial Summer Research Program
120. Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP)
Location: Five Texas universities: The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Houston, and Texas Tech University.
Focus: Offers high school sophomores and juniors a five-week immersive research experience in chemistry, working alongside faculty and graduate students on cutting-edge projects.
Cost: There is no cost to participate; all necessary expenses, including room and board, are funded by the Robert A. Welch Foundation.
Website: Welch Summer Scholar Program
121. Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Location: Lubbock, Texas.
Focus: Provides high school students with hands-on experiences in biomedical sciences, offering exposure to various health-related professions and research opportunities.
Cost: Specific cost details are not provided; interested students should contact the program directly for more information.
Website: Summer Enrichment Program at TTUHSC
122. Summer Research Academies (SRA)
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara, California.
Focus: Engages qualified high school students in project-based, directed research in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences fields. Students enroll in a 4-unit university course, develop a research topic under the guidance of an instructor, and present their findings in a capstone seminar.
Cost: Commuter Option: $2,775; Residential Option: $8,774. Application fee and enrollment deposit are non-refundable.
Website: Summer Research Academies Overview
123. Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara, California.
Focus: A competitive summer program that pairs high-achieving high school students with a mentor (graduate student, postdoc, or faculty) to engage in interdisciplinary, hands-on, university-level research across various disciplines.
Cost: Commuter Option: $5,175; Residential Option: $12,474. Application fee and enrollment deposit are non-refundable.
Website: Research Mentorship Program Overview
124. The Intern Project (TIP)
Location: Los Angeles County, California.
Focus: Provides outstanding high school students with paid summer internships across various industries, including arts, media, entertainment, engineering, technology, business, government, non-profit, sports, healthcare, and medical technology.
Cost: Free (participants receive payment and college credit upon completing the program. )
Website: The Intern Project
125. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Location: Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia.
Focus: A residential program designed to honor and challenge rising leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Delegates engage with STEAM professionals and participate in exciting outdoor activities. Typically, two delegates are selected from each state and the District of Columbia.
Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, transportation, and supplies).
Website: National Youth Science Camp
126. Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California.
Focus: Offers high school students an eight-week volunteer internship, providing exposure to computational science and related research fields. Participants engage in established research projects, learning to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct computational experiments, and participate in regular lab meetings. The program culminates in the development of scientific posters reflecting their summer experience and research findings.
Cost: A program fee of $1,500 is required for research projects; however, financial assistance is available, and students who qualify for free and reduced lunch are exempt from the fee.
Website: REHS Program Overview
127. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Focus: Three-week for-credit courses in cutting-edge engineering tracks (e.g., biotechnology, computer graphics, complex networks, robotics). Students gain hands-on lab experience and complete a final project.
Cost: Tuition-based (several thousand dollars); need-based financial aid available.
Website: ESAP at Penn
Tips for Applying & Additional NotesDeadlines: Most competitive research programs have application deadlines between December and March for the upcoming summer.
Financial Aid: Even if a program is “paid,” many offer robust scholarships, sometimes covering tuition, housing, and travel expenses in full.
Local Focus: Some programs prefer or only accept local/regional students (to avoid housing costs).
Underrepresented Groups: Many of the free or stipend-based programs focus on students from historically underrepresented communities in STEM.
Academic Requirements: Competitive programs typically require strong grades, teacher recommendations, essays, and sometimes standardized test scores (though that’s becoming less common).
Start Early: Prepare recommendation requests, transcripts, and personal statements well before deadlines.
Final Word
This (very long) list includes a mix of completely free, stipend-providing, tuition-based, and scholarship programs. Make sure to check official websites for the most up-to-date fees, stipends, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Good luck in your search, and may you find a fantastic summer research experience that fuels your passion for discovery!
If you'd like to learn which of these programs from this huge list is best for you and how you can maximize your chances of getting into them, click to schedule a free consultation with us.
