12 Summer Programs For High School Students In Missouri
If you're a high school student in and around Missouri, then you should take a look at this list of summer programs available around you. Summer is a great time to participate in programs that align with your interests and goals, whether that's diving into a specific academic subject, exploring potential career paths, or gaining experience in a particular field.
We covered programs across a variety of subject areas - paid and free options!
12 Summer Programs in Missouri
Application deadline: February 13, 2023
Eligibility: Rising seniors interested in biomedical science
Program dates: June 5, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Location: Washington University, St. Louis
Fee: Free
Aimed at students from underrepresented groups, the YSP has a fully-funded research internship program called the Summer Focus. The highlight of this program is its unique structure wherein you will work on a biomedical research project with the help of two people — a Mentor who will work with you in the lab and a Tutor who will support your research work. The program only accepts 12-16 students and includes an interview stage in the application process, so keep in mind that it can be quite competitive.
Application deadline: March 1, 2023
Eligibility: Sophomores who are at least 15 years of age, from a rural or small-town high school within the WashU Pledge territory
Program dates: July 16, 2023 – July 22, 2023
Location: Washington University, St Louis
Fee: Free
At the Rural Scholars Academy, you will form a close-knit community of students and together learn about interpersonal and leadership skills. As a scholar, you will also receive guidance for the university admissions process as well as be exposed to academic and professional development opportunities in and around St. Louis. While the focus of this program is on community, it also offers a design workshop that uses design to facilitate problem-solving.
Application deadline: April 3, 2023
Eligibility: High schools juniors who are academically motivated
Program dates: June 11, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Location: Washington University, St. Louis
Fee: $7,345 for one course and $10,885 for two courses
Financial assistance: Need-based scholarships are available
This program is ideal for students who want to explore college-level academics and earn credit while focusing on one subject. You can choose either one or two 3-unit courses, each of which is an undergraduate course involving assignments, readings, presentations, quizzes, and more. The course options cover a wide range of subjects, from American Politics to Biomedical Ethics and Intro to Macroeconomics. As a participant, you will also receive support for the college application process as well as the opportunity to engage in specialized workshops and weekend outings to explore St. Louis.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship.
The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship
$4,700 for both
Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Applications for fall cohort have closed September 3, 2023.
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions pertaining to the students background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Application deadline: Unspecified. Registration, at the time of writing, is still open!
Eligibility: No particular criteria are specified
Program dates: June 25, 2023 – June 30, 2023
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia
Fee: $715
The journalism programs at the University of Missouri, Columbia, are pretty solid. During this summer residential program, you will learn from the School of Journalism’s faculty using The Missouri Method which focuses on hands-on training. Apart from writing and interviewing skills, you will also learn about multimedia journalism, get reporting opportunities and newsroom experience. This is a great option for aspiring journalists. The university also offers similar programs in Advertising and Public Relations and Investigative Journalism.
Application deadline: Unspecified, although a deposit is required by April 1
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Program dates: Session 1 from June 18, 2023 – June 30, 2023, Session 2 from July 16, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Location: Kansas City Art Institute
Fee: $2,500
Financial assistance: All students who submit applications before March 1, 2023, will be considered for a scholarship
The Pre-College ArtLab is a highly immersive two-week residential program that offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore their artistic passions. Participants are required to choose one studio from a selection that includes animation, painting, product design, and illustration. You will learn about the field in-depth while also expanding on your own artistic work. There are additional sessions on topics like art history and life drawing, as well as workshops and visits to the city. This program offers three college-level credits!
Application deadline: March 28, 2022
Eligibility: Academically accomplished juniors
Program dates: June 13, 2022 – July 22, 2022
Location: University of Missouri, St. Louis for part of the week while the rest will be spent at the institution of your assigned mentor
Fee: $3,379
Financial assistance: Financial aid is available
STARS brings together a hands-on research experience with the learning of STEM subjects. During the six weeks of this program, you will work with a professional scientist on a STEM-focused project. You will conduct research, draft a scientific manuscript and present your findings. The area of research can vary, with options including chemistry, medicine, computer science, engineering, and more.
Please note the program is not taking place in 2023 but should resume in the following year.
Application deadline: March 19, 2023
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students from minority groups are encouraged to apply
Program dates: June 25, 2023 – June 30, 2023
Location: Saint Louis University
Fee: Free
Saint Louis University's STEM Immersion Experience is a great way to get an overview of careers in STEM. You will explore various STEM fields on campus through hands-on activities in the departments of aviation, engineering, and science. As part of the program, you will engage with industry leaders and go on field trips to site visits. Additionally, the program will also prepare you for college applications and college life.
Another great opportunity offered by Saint Louis University is this Summer Scholars Program in Medicine for students interested in health professions.
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are underrepresented minority groups
Program dates: July 16, 2023 – July 19, 2023
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia
Fee: Free
At this intensive business summer program, you will experience the life of a business undergraduate. Lectures will cover topics like accounting, finance, management, and marketing while social activities and team competitions will provide hands-on experiences. Along with the University of Missouri’s staff and faculty, you will also be trained by actual corporate representatives. However, getting into this program can be competitive as there are limited spots.
Another comprehensive business program that is free of cost is Washington University’s Olin Fleischer Scholars Program.
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Program dates: July 16, 2023 – July 19, 2023
Location: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Fee: $950
At this residential summer camp, you will get the unique opportunity to build and fly a satellite! You and your team will construct a small spacecraft, doing hands-on work from the initial design to the testing and eventual balloon launch. It's a great option for students interested in aerospace to get some practical experience. Keep in mind that applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis.
This program is simply one of the many options available in Missouri S&T's summer camps, which also provides camps in fields like robotics, chemistry, computer science, and even movie making!
Application deadline: February 15, 2023
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors who have a minimum GPA of 2.75
Program dates: June 20, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Location: University of Missouri, Kansas City
Fee: Free, students will receive financial support as stipends or scholarships
Standing for Students Training in Academia, Health, and Research, the STAHR program aims to support students who are interested in health professions. It’s a two-fold program with a six-week summer experience followed by events, coaching, and mentorship throughout the academic year. During the summer experience, you will attend sessions on the health industry, take part in simulations of health experiences, develop portfolio material, and more.
Application deadline: April 3, 2023
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors
Program dates: July 16, 2023 – July 29, 2023
Location: Washington University, St Louis
Fee: $2,985
Financial assistance: Need-based scholarships available
As one of Washington University’s High School Summer Institutes, the Creative Immersion Institute is a two-week program to hone your storytelling and writing skills. You will experiment with writing in several different genres like poetry, memoirs, and scripts. The curriculum will include workshops to share and discuss work as well as sessions with other departments on campus, where you will explore how other fields can influence writing. For example, work from the environmental studies department can aid you in describing fictional locations. This multidisciplinary approach to writing is a unique element of this program.
Application deadline: May 28, 2023
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Program dates: June 12, 2023 – June 17, 2023
Location: Maryville University
Fee: $700
Financial assistance:
This highly niche program is for those with a particular interest in sports and sports management. You will network with professionals from the industry from companies like Rawlings, St. Louis Blues, Missouri Valley Conference, Rapsodo and more. The program will include activities on and off campus, involving project work and site visits. By the end, you should have a comprehensive idea of the different career options available in the sports industry.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are passionate about research and would like to do it from the comfort of your home, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 2100 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.
Image source: University of Missouri’s STAHR Scholars Program logo