12 Competitive Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs are an excellent opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and build valuable connections—all without the high costs associated with traditional academic programs. Many prestigious universities and organizations offer competitive summer programs that provide mentorship, real-world applications, and a chance to work alongside professionals in various fields.
Since competitive summer programs are selective, gaining admission can be a strong addition to a student’s academic portfolio, demonstrating initiative and excellence. We’ve made a list of 12 of the most competitive summer programs for high schoolers. These programs have been chosen based on their prestige, acceptance rates, and the quality of experience they offer. If you want to maximize your summer with a transformative learning experience, consider applying to one of these top programs!
1. Stanford University’s Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee. Minimum stipends of $500 with needs-based stipends up to $1,500
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors; 16 or older. Preference is given to applicants from the Bay Area.
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Cohort Size: 50 students per year
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a competitive summer program for high school students interested in exploring biomedical science. For over eight weeks, you will work with mentors, including Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, on cutting-edge research projects in areas like cancer biology, immunology, and neurobiology.
The program starts with a detailed orientation, followed by two weeks of morning lectures and lab sessions. The remaining weeks focus on hands-on research, collaborative discussions, and preparation for the capstone event: a research poster presentation.
2. Veritas AI: Summer Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 | AI Fellowship: $5,400 | Both: $6,900 | Need-based aid available for AI Scholars
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. March 23 for the summer early admission
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts are available year-round. The summer cohorts start in May.
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; accepts a small cohort for one-on-one mentorship
The Veritas AI is a competitive summer research program founded and run by Harvard graduates. It offers AI and machine learning experiences to high school students in two distinct tracks: the AI Scholars Program and the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase.
The AI Scholars Program is ten sessions long and introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. However, if you have prior AI experience and are looking for something more intense, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers 1:1 mentorship from researchers at top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. You can work as a fellow on independent research projects, gaining hands-on experience in AI applications while receiving support for publication in high school research journals.
3. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,781.50. A stipend may be provided at the program’s conclusion.
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16+ who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Simons Summer Research Program offers high school juniors the opportunity to conduct advanced STEM research at Stony Brook University. As a participant, you will work with experienced mentors in fields like biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, physics, and neurobiology. You can select your top three mentor preferences during the application process, ensuring alignment with your research interests.
Throughout the six-week program, you will conduct hands-on research, mastering essential laboratory and computational techniques. Weekly faculty talks, workshops, and campus tours enrich the learning experience. The program concludes with a final research symposium.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts from $2,990 (need-based aid available)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9 – 12 with a strong academic record (unweighted GPA of 3.3+). No prior research experience is required
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. Summer Cohort I:
Early Admission: February 9
Priority Admission: March 9
Regular Admission I: April 13
Regular Admission II: May 11
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts are available year-round. Summer Cohort I starts on June 2
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective; accepts a small cohort for one-on-one mentorship
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program during which high school students conduct independent research under the mentorship of PhD scholars from top universities. As a participant, you will work on developing a research paper for over 12 weeks, gaining valuable academic and analytical skills. You can choose from a wide range of research topics, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations.
No prior research experience is required, but you have to demonstrate strong academic achievement (most accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher). At the end of the program, you will have a high-quality research paper that you can submit to high school research journals or competitions.
5. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost: $13/hour
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16+ residing in Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: January 7 – March 4
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with less than 10% acceptance
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a six-week competitive summer program that allows high school students to explore complex brain structures and functions through advanced research methods. As a participant, you will work alongside leading neuroscientists, gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art imaging technologies and methodologies. You can choose from three focus areas: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering.
The internship includes a 40-hour weekly commitment, providing a comprehensive understanding of research processes and techniques. It culminates in a final scientific presentation, where you will present your findings through formal reports and oral presentations. This experience enhances scientific communication skills and offers networking opportunities with top researchers in neuroscience.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD / Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free admission. In-person participants receive hourly wages and transportation support.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must attend a Baltimore-area high school
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Program Dates:
In-person: June – August (8 weeks)
Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Cohort Size: 5-6 students per cohort
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a prestigious summer research program that promotes diversity in neuroscience by providing high school students with hands-on research experience. As a participant, you will get to interact with neuroscientists, conduct laboratory research, attend educational seminars, and participate in professional development activities.
The program is offered in both in-person and virtual formats, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for students. Guided research projects, scientific discussions, and career exploration activities are integral parts of the curriculum, promoting both academic and personal growth. The program concludes with a final presentation, where you will present your research findings through oral or poster presentations.
7. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid (exact amount unspecified)
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
Application Deadline: December 31
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive,18 - 24 students annually from about 200 applicants
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) offers high school students the opportunity to explore biomedicine and medical research in a multidisciplinary environment. During this eight-week competitive summer program, you will work alongside scientists on research projects, developing essential laboratory skills and gaining firsthand experience in scientific inquiry.
The program combines hands-on laboratory work with educational seminars, including lectures on advanced scientific topics, training in scientific communication, and discussions on ethics in human and animal research. MSAP culminates in a public conference, where you will present your research findings to Monell staff, peers, and family. With strong mentorship and support, the program sees a 20-30% return rate from previous participants.
8. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors aged 18 or older by the start date
Application Deadline: November 18 – January 15
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, with only 12 students chosen annually
The MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program offers Texas high school seniors a 10-week internship designed for students interested in pursuing careers in allied health fields, including diagnostic, technical, and supportive healthcare services. As an intern, you will be paired with MD Anderson faculty mentors, including department heads and biomedical researchers, who will guide you through dedicated research projects. You will gain hands-on experience in biomedical research, contributing to ongoing cancer studies and exploring diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
The program also includes faculty-led seminars, interactive activities, and collaborative projects that deepen your understanding of oncology, biomedical research, and healthcare practices. The experience culminates in a celebratory luncheon, where you will present your research findings to faculty, peers, and guests.
9. High School Research Academy (HSRA) Summer Program
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX (non-residential)
Cost: Not specified, but need-based scholarships are available that include a stipend and free tuition to HSRA
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM; 15 years or older by June 1
Application Deadline: March 23
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Acceptance Rate: Moderately competitive
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) offers an immersive, five-week summer research experience at the University of Texas at Austin. This interdisciplinary program will place you in active College of Natural Sciences (CNS) labs, providing an opportunity to conduct research in fields, such as biochemistry, biology, neuroscience, genetics, genome engineering, data analytics, environmental science, and more.
The program also offers NSC309 UT extension course credit, enhancing your academic portfolio. In addition to lab work, you will attend weekly seminars hosted by UT guest speakers, covering emerging topics in STEM and professional development. You will also design and present a research poster at the HSRA Research Symposium, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication and public speaking.
10. Helios Scholars at TGen
Location: TGen headquarters, Phoenix, AZ, or TGen North, Flagstaff, AZ
Stipend: $14.35/hour
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Arizona who are about to enter college in the fall, aged 16 or older, with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: December 16 – February 5
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
The Helios Scholars at TGen is a competitive summer program that offers graduating high school seniors in Arizona a full-time, immersive internship experience in cutting-edge biomedical research. You will get to work with TGen scientists on innovative research projects in areas such as laboratory research, computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematics and statistics, and research administration.
Research topics often explore genetic factors behind diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, as well as public health and infectious pathogens. Beyond laboratory work, the program includes seminars and professional development activities aimed at skill enhancement, career exploration, and scientific writing. The program culminates in a research symposium, where you will present your findings and deliver oral presentations.
11. Summer Child Health Research Internship by University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus (Children’s Hospital Colorado), Aurora, CO
Stipend: $4,400
Eligibility: High school seniors who are at least 18 years old by June
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive; accepting interns from a mix of high school seniors over 18, college students, graduate students, and first-year medical students
The Summer Child Health Research Internship is a prestigious 9-week program hosted by the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado. During the internship, you will work with leading researchers on pediatric studies, exploring topics such as pediatric medicine, genetics, developmental biology, and public health.
The curriculum includes weekly lectures from faculty experts, covering the latest developments in pediatric medicine and healthcare. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you will present your research findings through oral presentations, poster sessions, or PowerPoint presentations. A written report is also required. You will be encouraged to submit research abstracts to scientific conferences, with attendance costs covered for accepted submissions.
12. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with exceptional academic records
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Acceptance Rate: Under 5%; highly competitive; selects only 100 students
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a prestigious six-week program that gathers 80 of the most talented high school juniors from around the world. Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), RSI offers a fully-funded research experience in STEM fields, making it one of the most competitive summer programs with an acceptance rate under 5%.
The program begins with a week of advanced STEM classes taught by expert faculty, covering both foundational and cutting-edge topics. You will conduct your independent research projects in fields like engineering, computer science, and mathematics. You will be paired with a mentor, typically a leading scientist or researcher, ensuring a personalized and enriching educational experience. RSI concludes with formal research presentations, where you will present your work through professional-style reports and oral presentations.
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