Alaska offers many opportunities for high school students looking to explore their interests and develop new skills. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, scientific research, leadership development, or cultural immersion, there are programs designed to challenge and inspire students in Alaska. 

In addition to helping you build skills, these programs can also be a valuable addition to your college admissions profile. Participating in a summer program can show admissions officers that you used your time off to deepen your knowledge beyond your school curriculum. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

From hands-on internships to specialized academies, these 7 programs provide Alaskan high school students the chance to gain real-world experience, connect with peers, and explore potential career paths.

1. Lumiere Research Program

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. 

The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.

2. Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI)

Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Troth Yeddha' Campus, Fairbanks, AK

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Typically in early March

Program Dates: May 27 – July 11

Eligibility: Students must:

• Be an Alaska Native or a rural Alaskan resident

• Be a high school junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Have the ability to read at or above grade level

• Be committed to earning a college degree

The Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) is a competitive program specifically designed to empower rural and Alaska Native high school students. Since its inception in 1983 at the request of the Alaska Federation of Natives, RAHI has been dedicated to preparing students for academic success and college life. Over a six-week period, you earn an average of 9 college credits while living on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus. 

The program offers three distinct tracks: RAHI Traditional, RAHI Research, and RAHI Teach, catering to various interests from general studies to research and education. The program not only emphasizes academic learning but also includes outdoor exploration and community service, fostering both personal and academic growth. 

3. Veritas AI Scholars Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here. 

Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.

Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.

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 to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase Program, 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 hands-on learning and are a beginner! 

4. Teen Expeditions with Alaska Geographic

Location: Expeditions begin and end in Anchorage, AK, with various trips taking place across locations such as Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, and other parts of Alaska's wilderness

Cost: Free. Financial support for transportation, food, and lodging in Anchorage is also available for those coming from outside the area

Application Deadline: Rolling basis, but new students must have a nominator

Program Dates: Various trips between May and August 

Eligibility: Open to Alaska teens aged 13-18. Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate high potential in leadership, science, or outdoor skills, lack similar opportunities, or represent Alaska’s diversity

Teen Expeditions with Alaska Geographic organize trips for students aged 13-18, offering hands-on learning experiences that don't require prior outdoor or camping experience. The program provides all necessary gear, ensuring that every participant has the opportunity to engage fully in the adventure. Each expedition is crafted to develop leadership, scientific curiosity, and outdoor skills, with a focus on fostering respect, responsibility, and resilience. 

Whether you’re canoeing through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, kayaking in Prince William Sound, or backpacking along historic trails, you’ll be immersed in Alaska’s natural beauty while learning from guides and building new friendships. Students aged 17 and above can with leadership experience can apply for a paid leadership position. 

5. Brown Environmental Leadership Labs: Alaska

Location: Alaska, including Anchorage and Peterson Bay Field Station near Homer

Cost: $6,958. Scholarships available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Application Deadline: May 10

Program Dates: July 14 – 27

Eligibility: Open to students completing grades 10-12, ages 16-18 by June 16

The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) in Alaska offers a two-week experience that combines environmental studies, ecology, and leadership development. Aimed at students who are passionate about environmental issues and leadership, BELL provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska’s ecosystems and cultural heritage, with a special focus on climate change. You will engage in hands-on learning, from exploring arctic and marine environments to visiting significant cultural sites such as the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Throughout the program, you will develop leadership skills while working on an Action Plan to address an environmental issue you care about. The experience is enriched by the opportunity to live in community with like-minded peers, all while surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Alaska. 

6. Internships at Alaska Songbird Institute

Location: Creamer’s Field and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK

Cost: Free (Participants who complete a minimum of 85 hours will earn a $500 stipend)

Application Deadline: Rolling basis, final deadline is May 1

Program Dates: May 13 – July 19

Eligibility: Students ages 14-18

The Alaska Songbird Institute's (ASI) high school internship program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to delve into research, wildlife, and conservation careers. Interns receive training in essential field research techniques, such as nest monitoring, bird banding, and data management. 

Working closely with ASI biologists and fellow interns on the Swallow Ecology Project, you will monitor up to 70 active Tree Swallow nests throughout the season, from egg laying to chick fledging. You are expected to volunteer 8-10 hours per week, contributing to tasks such as checking nest boxes, recording data, and assisting with bird capture and banding. Those who volunteer at least 85 hours over the season will earn a $500 stipend. 

7. Alaska Tides to Tongass Science and Arts Academy

Location: Port Alexander, AK

Cost: $850, which covers airfare from Sitka, Alaska, housing, meals, and all other program costs. Needs-based scholarships are available

Application Deadline: April 20

Program Dates: August 23 – November 5

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from the United States, including public and home-schooled students, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

This 10-week magnet program offers high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the environment of Port Alexander, Alaska. Students will explore the pristine ecosystems where the Tongass National Forest meets the Pacific Ocean, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research, historical inquiry, and artistic expression.

This program combines rigorous academic coursework with field-based learning, allowing you to delve into marine and rainforest ecosystems and study Alaska Native history. With a curriculum that integrates core subjects with outdoor and artistic electives, guest lectures, and survival skills training, the program helps you develop a deeper understanding of the natural world, cultural heritage, and environmental impact. The program culminates in a three-day symposium at Sitka WhaleFest, where you can earn dual high school and college biology credits through the University of Alaska Southeast. 

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.