7 Duke Summer Programs for High School Students
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a beacon of excellence in research and education. For aspiring young minds, particularly those with an interest in STEM, Duke's summer programs offer a unique convergence of exploration, discovery, and intellectual challenge. These programs are meticulously designed to not only deepen students' passion for STEM but also to equip them with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.
In this blog, we detail 7 great summer programs Duke offers to high school students!
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15, although applications will be considered after this date if seats are still available
Program Dates: June 17 – July 9, 2024
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school, can commute to the program by living in the Triangle area
The Duke Summer STEM Academy presents a great opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of STEM subjects. Designed to ignite a passion for discovery and innovation, this program offers a blend of interactive workshops, hands-on projects, and engaging lectures delivered by Duke's faculty. Participants will explore a range of STEM disciplines, confronting real-world challenges and unlocking new levels of creative problem-solving. It's an ideal setting for young scholars to expand their horizons and forge a deeper connection with the dynamic field of STEM.
Cost: Ranges from approximately $2,000 to $5,000
Application Deadline: Typically between March and May
Program Dates: During the summer months (June to August)
Eligibility: High school students from 9th to 12th grade
Duke University's Pre-College Programs are tailored to introduce high school students to the rigors of college-level coursework while enabling them to dive deep into subjects of their interest. These programs serve as a bridge between high school and college, offering participants a taste of university life and the chance to learn from some of Duke's most esteemed faculty. Whether it's engaging with cutting-edge research in STEM fields, delving into the complexities of social sciences, or exploring creative arts, these programs provide a rich educational landscape for ambitious students.
Engaging in Duke's Pre-College Programs not only enhances academic skills but also fosters personal growth and independence. Students often leave the program with a clear vision of their academic and career aspirations, bolstered by the relationships they form with like-minded peers from around the globe. These programs are not just about learning in a classroom; they're about inspiring young minds to question, innovate, and lead in their future academic and professional journeys.
Stipend: $2,600
Application Deadline: Early January (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 24 – August 2 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students, preferably rising seniors
Duke University's STAR (Summer Training in Academic Research) Program is a prestigious initiative designed to immerse high school students in the world of scientific research and inquiry. Participants engage in hands-on, cutting-edge projects across various STEM disciplines, guided by Duke's faculty and researchers throughout the eight weeks of this program.
This intensive experience not only enhances participants' understanding of scientific methodologies and technologies but also inspires them to pursue careers in research and innovation. The STAR Program stands out as a unique opportunity for aspiring young scientists in the realm of clinical medicine, offering them a platform to explore their passions and contribute early to meaningful scientific advancements.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Late March (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 17 – July 18 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders in North Carolina
Duke's Outreach Design Education program represents a blend of creativity, engineering, and social impact, offering students an opportunity to solve real-world problems through design thinking and engineering principles. This immersive experience encourages participants to work collaboratively on projects that address societal needs, guided by insights from communities and mentored by Duke's faculty.
It's an initiative where innovation meets empathy, empowering students to develop practical solutions with a lasting impact. Through this program, students not only enhance their technical and design skills but also cultivate a deep sense of social responsibility and global awareness.
5. Duke Research in Engineering Program (DukeREP)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Mid-February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 10 – July 26 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising junior or rising senior in high school
Hosted by the Biomedical Engineering Department, (BME)Duke University's Research in Engineering Program (DukeREP) offers high school students the chance to dive into the world of engineering research. Under the guidance of Duke's distinguished faculty, participants engage in hands-on projects, exploring cutting-edge topics such as robotics, sustainable energy, and biomedical engineering. This program not only sharpens participants' technical and analytical skills but also fosters a culture of creativity and problem-solving. It's an ideal platform for aspiring engineers to experience the thrill of discovery and contribute to real-world solutions.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Unknown – application opens May 1, 2024
Program Dates: September through April
Eligibility: High school students
Duke's IGNITE Makers Program is a dynamic and creative initiative designed to spark innovation and entrepreneurship among high school students by encouraging them to “make” solutions to global problems. Participants gain hands-on experience with fabrication tools, digital design, and prototyping techniques, transforming their inventive ideas into tangible projects.
Guided by experts in design and engineering, students collaborate in a stimulating environment that encourages risk-taking and creative problem-solving. This program not only cultivates technical skills but also empowers students to become confident creators and innovators in their future academic and professional endeavors.
7. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Cost: None, with stipend and daily lunch
Application Deadline: Early March (based on previous years)
Program Dates:June 10 - August 2 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students, preferably from underrepresented backgrounds
Duke University's Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is a paid summer research opportunity for high school juniors and seniors, focusing on hands-on neuroscience research under professional mentorship. The program, held at the Duke Institute of Brain Sciences, includes a series of scientific development lectures, professional workshops, and community-building activities.
The program aims to prepare students for higher education and future careers in neuroscience and related fields. If you prioritize lab experience, mentorship, networking and professional development, joining DUNE would be a wonderful opportunity within the realm of neuroscience.
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!
Image Source: Duke University Logo