20 Science Summer Programs for High School Students in 2024
Participating in a summer program focused on science offers high school students a transformative experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. These programs provide a unique opportunity to dive deep into scientific subjects, engage in hands-on experiments, and explore potential career paths within the vast field of science.
For students curious about the world around them and passionate about solving its mysteries, a summer science program can ignite their passion, refine their skills, and open doors to future academic and professional opportunities.
In this blog, we'll explore 20 science-based summer opportunities for high school students in 2024!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program stands out as a unique opportunity for high school students with a deep interest in computer science and a curiosity for research. This program pairs ambitious students with PhD students from top universities to work on cutting-edge research projects in the various fields like computer science, biology, engineering, physics, and more!
Over the course of the summer, participants are immersed in the research process, gaining hands-on experience in formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. This not only enhances their understanding of complex concepts but also provides practical experience in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Participating in this program can be a significant differentiator for students applying to college or internships, demonstrating their commitment to their education and their potential as future leaders in technology.
Here is everything you need to know before you apply to the Lumiere Research Program!
Location: Virtual
Cost:
Lumiere Individual Research Program – $2,800
Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program – $4,800
Lumiere Research Fellowship – $8,400
Application Deadline: Rolling, Cohort based. Applications for the summer cohort are open till April 14. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Upcoming date - June 3, 2024
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students and our programs are geared towards high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over a period of 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $1790 for AI Scholars & $4900 for AI Fellowship
Application Deadline: Upcoming cohorts - Summer 2024: April 21, 2024 (regular deadline I), May 12, 2024 (regular deadline II). You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from May - September. You can find all the dates here!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023. No previous knowledge is required for AI Scholars!
Note. The financial aid is available for students from households earning less than $60,000 annually (for a typical household of 4) with minimum assets.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
4. SPARK Summer Research Program
Spark SIP provides an exceptional opportunity for students with a keen interest in computer science and related disciplines. This program invites students to engage in meaningful research within real-world contexts, under the guidance and mentorship of distinguished professionals from the industry.
To qualify for participation, students must commit to working full-time, ranging from 30 to 40 hours per week, over a span of 8 to 12 weeks during the summer period. In recognition of their commitment and to support them in the program, the program offers participants a stipend of up to $500.
Location: Seattle
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Early May (based on last year’s dates)
Program Dates: 6 - 8 weeks, June to August (based on last year’s dates)
Eligibility: High school students who are US citizens or permanent residents
5. Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) at The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago's Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) program is an intensive four-week pre-college summer course aimed at acquainting students with a variety of research techniques in the fields of molecular biology, microbiology, and cellular biology.
The program includes practical laboratory experience and projects, complemented by educational lectures that form part of the curriculum. Concluding the program, students are given the chance to showcase their independent projects, highlighting the hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge they've acquired.
Location: The University of Chicago campus
Cost: $14,000
Application Deadline: January 18 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to July 13
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students
6. MIT’s Women’s Technology Program
MIT's Women's Technology Program (WTP) is a comprehensive four-week summer academic program designed specifically for high school students completing their 11th grade. It aims to introduce participants to the field of engineering through a series of hands-on classes, laboratories, and collaborative projects.
Participants will explore various engineering topics, including fluid mechanics, statics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and engineering design. The curriculum is created and delivered by MIT's graduate students, with support from undergraduate assistants, ensuring a rich learning experience.
Check out these other MIT summer programs!
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus
Cost: None
Application Deadline: January 22 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 29 to July 26
Eligibility: Female-identifying 11th grade students
7. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers an eight-week immersive experience for high school students with varied experiences, interests, and backgrounds to participate in research projects.
Designed to foster a growing interest in the biological sciences and medicine, SIMR offers high school students a window into the realm of scientific research. Annually, approximately 50 students gain admission to the program, with each participant receiving a stipend of at least $500. Moreover, the program provides the flexibility to select from eight distinct research areas, allowing students to explore their specific interests within the broad spectrum of medicine and biological sciences.
Location: Stanford University campus
Cost: $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 24 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 10 to August 1
Eligibility: All 3 of the following requirements must be met (no exceptions):
Students must currently be juniors or seniors at the time of application (as of the spring of 2024). Students must be in the graduating class of 2024 or 2025.
Students must also be 16 years old or older by the start of the program.
Students must currently be living in and attending school in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card in order to apply.
8. Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Computer Science Scholars Program
CS Scholars (CSS) is a comprehensive, fully sponsored 4-week program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) specifically designed for rising high school juniors. Conducted by CMU's distinguished faculty and researchers, the program provides an introduction to college-level coursework, college preparation seminars, and practical Python programming with an emphasis on problem-solving strategies.
Participants will delve into algorithmic principles, fundamental data structures, and essential computational techniques. The program includes a collaborative project that tackles real-world issues through the lens of computer science, culminating in a presentation of the group's findings.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University campus
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 2 to July 20
Eligibility: To be eligible for CS Scholars, students must:
Be 16 years old by the program start date.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students who are registered with DACA are also eligible.
Be a sophomore in high school at the time of application submission.
9. Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI), a prestigious summer research program sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and hosted at MIT, offers students a unique blend of learning and research experience over six weeks. In this program, participants engage in rigorous STEM courses alongside their own research projects.
Under the guidance of renowned scientists, students gain practical experience in the different stages of research, from hypothesis formulation to experimental execution. The culmination of RSI involves students developing their research projects, which they have the chance to present and even publish at the program's conclusion, showcasing their contributions to the scientific community at MIT.
Here is everything you need to know about RSI!
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus
Cost: None
Application Deadline: The deadline for 2024 has passed, please check for the 2025 deadline
Program Dates: June 23 to August 3
Eligibility: Current 11th grade students
10. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school students with the invaluable chance to engage in direct research across an array of fields, including science, math, and engineering. Participants will integrate into research teams, work alongside faculty, familiarize themselves with laboratory tools and methods, and immerse themselves in the research university environment.
To apply, students need to be at least 16 years old and secure 2 letters of recommendation. With a competitive acceptance rate of roughly 8%, the program is highly selective. Participants are awarded a stipend, acknowledging their contributions and efforts throughout the program.
Location: Stony Brook University campus
Cost: $2,781.50 (Includes meal plan and health service fee)
Application Deadline: The deadline for 2024 has passed, please check for the 2025 deadline
Program Dates: July 1 to August 9
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; and must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program.
11. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging’s Summer Research Internship
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a compelling 2-week virtual research internship for those keen on understanding the technical and clinical facets of AI in healthcare. This program blends educational lectures on the fundamentals of AI in healthcare, practical research projects, and mentorship sessions with Stanford researchers.
For those seeking a deeper dive, there's the option to pursue an extended independent research internship. Applicants have the chance to engage as regular interns or step up to the 'Student Lead' role, where, in addition to their regular duties, they'll have the opportunity to take on project leadership responsibilities under the guidance of an AIMI mentor.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 17 to 28
Eligibility: Summer Research interns must be high school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program. Student leads must also be students over the age of 14 and may also be undergraduate students with a computer science background. Student leads must be California residents. Student interns must reside in the U.S.
The University of Chicago's DSI Summer Lab presents a 10-week, paid summer research experience targeted at high school and undergraduate students with an interest in applying interdisciplinary data science research. Throughout the program, participants are matched with mentors specializing in a range of fields, including data science, computer science, climate and energy policy, among others.
These mentors will guide students through research methodologies and teamwork, helping to sharpen their skills. Students will gain a foundational understanding of data science methodologies and receive targeted training specific to their application areas. The program concludes with participants creating and presenting videos that summarize their research findings over the summer.
Location: University of Chicago campus
Cost: None; stipend provided ($4,800)
Application Deadline: January 16 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 10 to August 5
Eligibility:
Open to all high school students.
Familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, and math) is preferred.
13. The Summer Science Program
Since its inception in 1959, the Summer Science Program (SSP) has been a rigorous research-oriented initiative, proudly overseen and sustained by its alumni. This immersive experience allows students to delve into academic rigor through a blend of classroom instruction, laboratory work, expert guest lectures, and educational field trips across three distinct tracks: astrophysics, biochemistry, or genomics.
Designed for current sophomores and juniors, SSP's competitive selection process results in a mere 10% acceptance rate, highlighting the program's exclusivity and the high level of interest from ambitious students nationwide.
Here are 10 reasons why you should apply to SSP!
Location: Various, depending on program selected
Cost: $7,450 (financial aid is available for families earning under $75,000 per year)
Application Deadline: February 16 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Late June onwards until the end of July (exact dates have not yet been announced)
Eligibility: Prerequisites:
For Astrophysics: High school juniors (11th grade) should have completed physics (at any level of high school physics) and precalculus. In the absence of physics, calculus is required.
For Sophomore (10th grade) applicants in Astrophysics, Physics (at any level) and calculus are prerequisites.
For Biochemistry: Juniors or sophomores must have completed coursework in biology chemistry and possess strong algebra skills.
For Genomics: Juniors or sophomores should have completed coursework in biology and Algebra II.
14. Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
This exclusive 8-week summer program is designed for high school students with a keen interest in STEM. Participants will embark on their own STEM research projects, guided by the expertise of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, or research technicians, making it an ideal setting for those seeking a mentorship experience in research.
Throughout the program, you'll be trained in the laboratory techniques vital for conducting research in STEM fields, equipping you with skills that are likely to be valuable in your future academic and professional endeavors. The culmination of the program includes a poster presentation session where you'll have the opportunity to showcase your research findings, demonstrating your ability to synthesize and present scientific research effectively. Additionally, the program features tours and training sessions led by seasoned professionals in various STEM disciplines.
Location: Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost: None; A stipend of $1,200 will be provided after the successful completion of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Program Dates: June 27 to August 22
Eligibility:
Completion of at least the 9th grade by June 2024.
Must be 14 or older by June 27, 2024.
3.5 GPA in science subjects.
15. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
SSRP is a mentored biomedical research program for current high school juniors and seniors to design and conduct their research projects as part of a themed research track. The topics of each SSRP Research team are based on the expertise and scientific interests of the research team leader. The SSRP cohort is composed of 32 SSRP Scholars.
Research tracks include topics such as RNA Virus Discovery and Bioinformatics, Coronavirus Immune Response, and Ant Social Biology. As SSRP scholars, you will be expected to spend up to 35 hours per week (M - F) for seven weeks engaging in the scientific process.
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, The Rockefeller University campus
Cost: None; Stipends may be awarded to students experiencing financial hardship, and who meet all the attendance and research requirements of the SSRP. (Applications for stipends will be made available on the first day of the program and are due before the end of the program.)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Dates: June 24 to August 8
Eligibility: To be eligible for SSRP participation, students must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school and must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
16. Microsoft Discovery Program
The Microsoft Discovery Program opens doors for high school students to immerse themselves in the realms of practical technology, computer science, and career preparation prior to entering college. This highly competitive internship is a gateway for students to deepen their computer science interests, pairing them with mentors and furnishing them with the tools needed to thrive in a tech-centric career.
Serving as a significant enhancement to college applications, the Microsoft Discovery Program offers unparalleled exposure and insight into the tech industry, setting a foundation for aspiring computer scientists.
Location: Redmond, Washington
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Applications typically close three months before the start of the program
Dates: July 8 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students must be high school graduating seniors that live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington. They should have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program.
17. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) provides high-schoolers with an immersive, hands-on summer research experience in a Columbia laboratory. This program offers you the unique opportunity to collaborate with established scientists and acquire essential research skills.
During your internship, you will be paired with a mentor from Columbia's neuroscience department, who will oversee your involvement in a specific research project. By the end of the program, you will have a deeper appreciation for how lab research catalyzes groundbreaking discoveries, insight into an academic research career, and a stronger foundation in neuroscience principles.
Location: Columbia University campus
Cost: No cost; Stipend is provided to the students.
Application Deadline: The deadline for 2024 has passed and applications for BRAINYAC 2025 will open in October 2024.
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer between June and August.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be sophomores or juniors in high school nominated by BRAINYAC’s partner programs.
Applicants must reside in New York City, but preference is given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.
18. Summer Science and Engineering Program at Smith College
Smith College was the first women's college to create its own engineering science program, the Picker Engineering Program. For high school students with a strong interest in science and engineering, the Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) presents the perfect opportunity.
This two-week program involves small groups of no more than 17 students working closely with Smith faculty, supported by undergraduate interns. The SSEP curriculum spans a broad array of subjects, from the chemistry behind herbal medicine and the creation of intelligent robots to issues in global young women's health, the search for new bacteriophages, and studies on the nexus of the body and mind.
Location: Smith College campus
Cost: (financial aid is available)
Application Fee: $50 before April 8, $100 after April 8
Tuition:
1 session (2 weeks): $4,745
Both sessions (4 weeks): $8,082
Deposit:
1 session (2 weeks): $950
Both sessions (4 weeks): $1,616
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 6 to 19, 2024
Session 2: July 21 to August 3, 2024
Eligibility: Students entering 9th to 12 grade in Fall 2024
19. Coding Academy at Tufts University
The Tufts Coding Academy is designed to equip you with the crucial coding skills needed to solve real-life challenges. The program emphasizes Python programming, a highly adaptable and popular language essential for various applications, including mobile apps, web development, software creation, and desktop GUIs.
What sets the Tufts Coding Academy apart is its comprehensive approach to teaching coding. Beyond the daily coding workshops and hands-on practice, the academy enriches your learning experience with a variety of guest lectures from the faculty on subjects spanning the history of programming to contemporary topics in AI, Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
Location: Tufts Medford campus
Cost: Commuter: $4,000, Residential: $5,500, Materials Fee $200
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Program Dates: July 21 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Entering grades 10-12 or a Spring 2024 high school graduate
20. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Project SEED is a paid, summer fellowship program for high school students. This program offers an opportunity for students keen on working in laboratories and conducting work in the field of chemistry. Students will get to work in real laboratories at universities and other sites, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab.
In particular, Project SEED focuses on supporting over 350 students from underrepresented communities, providing both internships and summer camps to help students with university applications. As an intern, you will work on an independent project at a research lab located in the nearest Project SEED location. You get to choose the type of project you’re interested in – from a wide range of choices.
Location: Varies based on lab choice, check here.
Cost: No cost; $4000 is awarded to the interns.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: 8 to 10 weeks, June to August
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (and recent graduates).
Have completed one course in high school chemistry.
Preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size.
Note: Project SEED has multiple methods of documenting eligibility that you can access here!
21. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
The UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) offers an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing research project over an eight-week volunteer period. The program is designed to immerse you in the scientific process, encompassing everything from hypothesis formulation and testing to conducting computational experiments and making conclusions.
To date, REHS has hosted 680 students from 73 different high schools, with a remarkable 70% of these alumni pursuing college majors in computer science and engineering. Furthermore, 65% of REHS alumni have progressed to attend colleges and universities ranked among the top 20 worldwide. The program includes software training, scholarly readings, and discussions with your mentor and their graduate student team, requiring a commitment of 15-20 hours per week.
Location: University of California San Diego campus
Cost: Program with research project: $1,500. Program without research project: Free.
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 17 to August 9, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students who reside in San Diego or can acquire housing there are eligible to participate.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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