12 Best Free STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
STEM summer programs give high school students a chance to learn beyond the classroom, work on real-world problems, and gain hands-on experience. However, many programs can be expensive, making participation difficult. Fortunately, several well-known universities and organizations offer free STEM summer programs, allowing students to explore their interests without worrying about cost.
Whether you’re interested in coding, engineering challenges, scientific research, or technology projects, these free summer programs can help you build skills and explore future career paths. Many of them provide students with mentorship, research experience, and group projects that help develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
In this article, we have put together a list of 12 free STEM summer programs for high school students that cover a range of topics, including computer science, engineering, environmental science, and biomedical research.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Cost: Free
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer, typically Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a strong academic background in STEM. Students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
MITES Summer is a six-week free STEM summer program at MIT for high school juniors. In this summer program, you take five classes in math, science, and humanities while working on hands-on projects, and gain mentorship from MIT faculty and students. The program also includes lab tours, a college fair, and admissions counseling to help you prepare for the next steps in your education. You also attend a college fair and explore the Greater Boston area while living on campus. The program is completely free, covering tuition, housing, meals, and program materials.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (small cohorts of 20-30 students)
Cost: $2,290 (AI Scholars) | $5,400 (AI Fellowship) | $6,900 (both programs) (Need-based financial aid available for AI Scholars) You can apply here.
Dates: 12-15 weeks (various cohorts throughout the year)
Application Deadline: February 23 (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students worldwide (AI Fellowship applicants should have prior AI/Python experience or have completed AI Scholars)
Veritas AI offers high school students the opportunity to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning through structured coursework and hands-on projects. Designed and led by Harvard graduate students, the program provides two main pathways: the AI Scholars Program, a 10-session boot camp introducing the fundamentals of AI and data science, and the AI Fellowship, where students work 1:1 with mentors on independent AI research projects. The fellowship also includes support for research publication in high school journals.
3. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective (<10%)
Cost: Fully funded (students only cover travel expenses)
Dates: June 21 – August 2 (Virtual Jumpstart: June 16–17)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors (must be 16 years old by program start)
For six weeks, SAMS Scholars delve into a rigorous STEM curriculum at Carnegie Mellon University, guided by dedicated faculty and mentors. This free summer program blends intensive coursework, hands-on projects, and close faculty interaction, fostering a deep understanding of STEM disciplines. Beyond academics, you build lasting connections with peers from across the country.
SAMS begins with the virtual Jumpstart, held before the in-person program, focusing on essential skills to prepare students for the summer program experience. The six-week residential component follows after, aiming to immerse you in full-day courses, faculty-led research projects, and collaborative learning. The program culminates in a final symposium showcasing your research.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.3 GPA or higher (no prior experience required)
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
5. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York City
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly Selective (cohort size: 80 approximately)
Cost: Fully funded; Interns receive a stipend of at least $1000
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (Remote workshops in June, in-person labs July – August)
Application Deadline: February 21 (Recommendation deadline: February 28); You can apply here.
Eligibility: New York City residents in 10th or 11th grade (as of June 2025)
Over 10 weeks, ARISE Scholars gain hands-on experience in scientific research and engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. The program unfolds in two parts: a four-week virtual component, held during evening hours, followed by six weeks of in-person lab research.
As a scholar, you will work alongside NYU faculty and graduate researchers, delving into fields such as bioengineering, robotics, AI, and molecular engineering. In addition to lab work, students participate in mentorship sessions, research discussions, and lab tours, culminating in a final presentation of their projects.
6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (<3%)
Cost: Free; students receive at least a $500 stipend, but those from underrepresented groups in biomedical research may get $1500 through special grants.
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (graduating in 2025 or 2026), aged 16 or older, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, currently living and attending high school in the U.S.
At Stanford University’s Institutes of Medicine, SIMR Scholars pursue cutting-edge biomedical research at Stanford University’s Institutes of Medicine for eight weeks. Under the one-on-one mentorship of faculty researchers, you get to participate in lab-based projects across eight research areas, including immunology, bioinformatics, cancer biology, genetics, and neuroscience. You attend lectures, safety training, and career development sessions, culminating in a final research presentation at the program’s close. For more information, click here.
In addition to lab research, you may opt for the Bioengineering Bootcamp, a team-based internship where you design and prototype innovative medical solutions. This hands-on experience provides exposure to biodesign principles, advanced fabrication tools, and real-world problem-solving.
7. Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: New York City residents currently in 10th or 11th grade
Over three weeks, CS4CS Scholars dive into the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. You explore topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, privacy, and cyber threats, gaining hands-on experience with tools used in the field.
This introductory program welcomes students with any level of experience, whether you’re new to coding or already familiar with cyber concepts. Irondale, an improv-based workshop designed to enhance communication and public speaking skills, is a unique part of the program.
8. Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (cohort size: TBD before June)
Cost: Free
Application deadline: February 20; click here to apply.
Program dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents entering 12th grade (must live within commuting distance of Northeastern University)
Over six weeks, YSP Scholars participate in hands-on research at Northeastern University, working alongside faculty and graduate mentors in engineering, science, and health sciences labs. You explore topics such as battery chemistry, cancer therapies, biotechnology, and environmental engineering, gaining real-world research experience. In addition to lab work, you participate in career exploration seminars, college counseling sessions, and site visits to corporate and government research facilities.
This free summer program for high school students offers a structured introduction to scientific research and engineering, preparing you for college and careers in STEM.
9. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: NIH Intramural Research Program (various campuses, including Bethesda, MD)
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Cost: Free; stipends provided (amount varies based on location and education level)
Dates: 8-10 weeks, typically starting in June
Application Deadline: Currently enrolling; deadline unspecified
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old by June 1, currently enrolled in high school (senior year), college, or graduate/professional school
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides an intensive research experience for students interested in biomedical and health sciences. Over the course of 8 to 10 weeks, you work full-time in NIH research labs under the guidance of Principal Investigators. Research areas span a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, behavioral science, epidemiology, and clinical research.
The program also includes professional development workshops, networking events, and career advising sessions. A key feature of the program is Summer Poster Day, where you present your research findings to peers and NIH professionals, developing your scientific communication skills. Another highlight is the Graduate and Professional School Fair, which connects students with representatives from top institutions.
10. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Location: Davis, West Virginia (Monongahela National Forest)
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (Only two delegates per state/country are selected)
Cost: Fully funded (includes meals, lodging, and domestic travel)
Application Deadline: February 28 (U.S. Applicants)
Program Dates: July 10 – August 2
Eligibility: High school graduates between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a prestigious three-week residential STEM program that brings together top high school graduates from across the United States and select international countries. Hosted in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia, NYSCamp provides an immersive experience where you engage with leading scientists, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and attend interactive seminars and lectures.
The free summer program offers a diverse array of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) topics through interactive sessions led by experts, hands-on field studies, and outdoor excursions. You will also have the chance to design, organize, and present your own seminars, allowing you to develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.
11. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (~2000 applications, ~215 selected)
Cost/Stipend: No cost to attend. Housing, meals, and local transportation are covered for on-site interns. Limited travel scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates:
Virtual Learning Modules: May – Early July
On-Site Internship: July 6 – July 19
Virtual Research Projects: June – July 19 (timelines vary)
Virtual SEES Science Symposium: July 21-22
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors) who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by July 5.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with NASA, offers an immersive research experience for high school students passionate about Earth and space sciences. Through this competitive STEM internship, you work alongside NASA scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience in analyzing satellite data, remote sensing, planetary science, and climate research. Interns are divided into project teams, where they investigate real-world scientific problems, conduct field research, and engage in data-driven problem-solving.
This free summer program is divided into virtual and in-person components. You participate in online distance learning modules from May to early July, covering essential topics in Earth and space sciences and Python programming. The on-site internship runs for two weeks at the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research, where selected students work intensively with NASA subject matter experts, conduct hands-on experiments, and develop technical skills. The program culminates in a Virtual SEES Science Symposium, where all interns present their research findings.
12. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Competitive
Cost: Fully funded, no cost to participants
Dates:
SIP: 2 weeks of live virtual instruction
Pathways: Self-paced over 6 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies (early applications recommended)
Eligibility:
SIP: 9th–11th graders
Pathways: 9th–12th graders (including graduating seniors)
The Girls Who Code Summer Programs offer high school students a free, virtual opportunity to develop coding skills, build a professional network, and explore careers in technology. The summer program provides two flexible learning options: the Summer Immersion Program (SIP) and Pathways, catering to students at different experience levels.
The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week, live virtual experience focused on game design and user experience (UX). Hosted in collaboration with leading tech companies, the program allows you to gain hands-on experience while participating in career panels, mentorship sessions, and networking events. Open to current 9th–11th graders, the summer program also provides a $300 needs-based grant for eligible U.S. students.
For students seeking a more flexible learning structure, the Pathways Program is a six-week, self-paced course covering web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. You work through coding exercises using Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS and engage in optional live events with tech professionals. This track is open to current 9th–12th graders, including graduating seniors.
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