12 Math Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 17
- 10 min read
If you’re interested in mathematics, participating in a structured program can help you explore ideas that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. These opportunities introduce you to areas such as mathematical research, proof-based reasoning, data analysis, modeling, and competition mathematics while helping you strengthen logical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also provide opportunities to engage with challenging concepts alongside peers who share an interest in quantitative subjects.
North Carolina is home to a variety of math programs offered through universities, research initiatives, summer academies, and specialized STEM organizations. These opportunities range from residential enrichment programs and research experiences to year-round academic support, advanced coursework, and competition-focused training, designed for students with diverse mathematical interests and experience levels.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts while learning how they are applied in research, science, technology, and other quantitative fields. Depending on the program, you might work on mathematical proofs, analyze data, conduct research projects, solve advanced problems, participate in competitions, or explore topics not typically covered in school. These experiences can help you build confidence in your mathematical abilities, strengthen analytical thinking, and prepare for future study in STEM and related disciplines.
To help you explore your options, here are 12 math programs for high school students in North Carolina!
If you’re looking for summer programs in North Carolina, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free or fully funded, including NC Governor's School, Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics, Girls Talk Math, MIT PRIMES-USA, and the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, making North Carolina a strong state for no-cost math opportunities.
Programs span a wide range of mathematics sub-fields including proof-based reasoning and abstract algebra (SUMaC, MIT PRIMES-USA), data analysis and modeling (Summer Ventures, ASSIP), cryptography and network science (Girls Talk Math), competition mathematics (AoPS, NC-MSEN), and independent research (Lumiere, HARP, MasterScholar).
Students looking for residential experiences can apply to NC Governor's School, Summer Ventures, Girls Talk Math at UNC Chapel Hill, and MasterScholar NC Math Camp, all of which include on-campus learning alongside structured academic programming.
Several programs prioritize underrepresented students in mathematics, including Girls Talk Math (designed for rising 9th through 12th graders in the Triangle Area) and NC-MSEN (a long-term support program for students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM).
Most competitive programs have deadlines between January and March, with MIT PRIMES-USA closing in late fall and Summer Ventures and NCSSM both closing January 5, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to early-deadline options first.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
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 Ph.D. 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, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Multiple campuses across North Carolina
Cost: Free (state-funded)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 4–5 weeks (summer)
Deadline: School nomination-based (varies)
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising seniors)
The North Carolina Governor’s School offers a residential mathematics track where you spend several weeks engaging with advanced ideas through discussions and seminars. The program focuses on how mathematical concepts are developed and understood. You work through open-ended problems that require logical reasoning and a clear explanation of ideas. Sessions are discussion-based, meaning you actively contribute rather than passively listen. You also engage with faculty who guide conversations around deeper mathematical questions. The environment encourages independent thinking and careful analysis.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply.
Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Multiple campuses, including the University of North Carolina Wilmington and others
Cost: Free (includes housing and meals)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Various sessions from June 21 to July 25 (varies by campus)
Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Rising North Carolina junior and senior high school students who have not participated in the Summer Ventures programs.
Summer Ventures is a residential research program where mathematics is used within broader STEM research projects. You begin with preparatory work that introduces how to read and interpret research, including quantitative data. Your project may involve analyzing datasets, building models, or applying mathematical reasoning to scientific problems. You work with mentors who guide your approach and help refine your results. Collaboration with peers is part of the research process, especially when solving complex problems. The program concludes with a presentation of your findings.
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Dates: July 13 – 24
Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th graders in the Triangle Area who are interested in exploring challenging math problems that go beyond the high school curriculum.
Girls Talk Math is a two-week program that explores mathematical topics such as cryptography, network science, and modeling through structured problem sets. You work in small groups, where each topic is introduced and then developed through guided discussion and problem-solving. The program includes activities like writing blog posts or creating podcasts that explain mathematical ideas clearly. You also engage with examples of how mathematics connects to real-world systems. Mentors support you as you work through unfamiliar concepts and refine your approach. The environment is designed to encourage participation and confidence in discussing math.
Location: North Carolina State University (and partner campuses)
Cost: $175 – $325
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Dates: Year-round + summer camp options (varies)
Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Grades 6–12
The NC-MSEN Pre-College Program operates as a long-term academic support system in which mathematics is a core component of the curriculum. You take part in sessions focused on algebra, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning throughout the year. The program includes workshops and competitions where you apply these skills in structured settings. You also receive guidance on academic planning, including how math connects to different STEM pathways. Mentors and instructors work closely with you across different program components. The structure builds gradually over time rather than focusing on short-term learning.
Location: Durham, Morganton, and Online
Cost: Varies as per program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Summer (varies by program)
Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Rising grades 5–12 (varies by program)
NCSSM Summer Programs provide access to advanced STEM coursework, including mathematics, through selective summer sessions. You work through topics that extend beyond standard school material, often involving higher-level problem-solving. Classes include interactive components where you engage with instructors and peers while working through concepts. The program may also include collaborative tasks that require applying mathematical reasoning in group settings. You are expected to participate actively in both discussions and assignments. Faculty guides you through more advanced ways of thinking about mathematical problems.
Location: Saint Mary’s School, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $6,600
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – July 18; Session 2: July 19 – August 1
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students with a strong math background
MasterScholar North Carolina Math Camp is a two-week program where you work through advanced mathematical topics in a structured academic setting. You attend sessions led by university faculty, where concepts are introduced and then explored through problem sets and projects. The program includes work on proof-based ideas and extended problems that require multiple steps of reasoning. You also develop a research-style paper in which you organize and present your mathematical thinking clearly. Interaction with peers is part of the process, especially when working through complex questions. Instructors provide feedback on both accuracy and clarity of reasoning.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750 (Online); financial aid offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 40 students (Residential), 64 students (Online)
Dates: Online: June 15 - July 3, or July 6 - 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Grades 10-11 | Prior experience with proofs, geometry, and algebra required; exposure to number theory recommended | Algebraic Topology track suggests familiarity with group theory
SUMaC is a selective program designed for students interested in exploring advanced mathematics over the summer. As a participant, you will engage with mathematical concepts such as abstract algebra and number theory through lectures, group problem-solving sessions, and research. Your workload during the program will mirror college-level expectations. You will choose one of two structured academic tracks: one focused on algebra and number theory, and the other on algebraic topology. Both tracks will introduce you to ongoing areas of mathematical inquiry, the evolution of key mathematical theories, and applications of mathematics across STEM fields.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Approximately $155–$895+, depending on course length and subject
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (select advanced programs may have prerequisites)
Dates: Year-round with Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions
Deadline: Rolling registration until seats fill
Eligibility: Grades 5–1,2 depending on course level; strong interest in mathematics recommended
Art of Problem Solving offers rigorous online math courses designed for students who want to go beyond the standard school curriculum. Through live classes, self-paced options, and competition-focused training, you can study algebra, geometry, precalculus, calculus, number theory, probability, programming, and Olympiad math. The program is popular among students preparing for AMC, AIME, USACO, and national competitions. You learn through challenging problems that build deep reasoning rather than memorization. With expert instructors and a strong academic community, AoPS helps you grow into a confident and advanced problem solver.
Location: George Mason University, Virginia / Hybrid / Virtual options
Cost: $25 application fee; $1,299 tuition for 3 college credits (waivers available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies yearly
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Deadline: Typically in winter
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students; minimum age 15 (16+ for wet lab roles)
ASSIP gives you the chance to work one-on-one with faculty researchers on real scientific projects using advanced tools and technology. As an intern, you gain hands-on experience in fields like mathematics, computer science, biology, engineering, physics, data science, and neuroscience. You also develop research writing, presentation, and communication skills while exploring future STEM careers. Many students present their work at conferences or publish research. If you want a serious summer research experience, ASSIP is one of the strongest options available.
12. MIT PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual (United States, outside the Greater Boston area)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; around 47 students selected in recent years
Dates: January – December (year-long)
Deadline: Typically late fall / early winter
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in the United States outside Greater Boston with exceptional math ability
MIT PRIMES-USA is a prestigious year-long research program where you work on unsolved mathematics problems under the guidance of MIT mentors and university researchers. You spend the year reading advanced material, conducting original research, writing reports, and presenting your findings at the PRIMES conference. Projects may include pure math, theoretical computer science, and computational biology. The program expects strong self-motivation, advanced preparation, and genuine curiosity. If you love mathematics deeply and want an authentic research experience, PRIMES-USA is one of the best opportunities in the country.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in North Carolina?
Options include state-funded residential programs (NC Governor's School, Summer Ventures), university-based enrichment camps (Girls Talk Math at UNC, MasterScholar NC Math Camp), year-long research programs (MIT PRIMES-USA, Lumiere, HARP), advanced online coursework (AoPS, SUMaC), academic support programs (NC-MSEN), and university research internships (ASSIP at George Mason).
Are there free math programs for high school students in North Carolina?
Yes, several programs are free. NC Governor's School is fully state-funded and free for admitted students. Summer Ventures is free and includes housing and meals. Girls Talk Math at UNC Chapel Hill is also free. MIT PRIMES-USA is free and fully remote. Programs like Lumiere, HARP, and SUMaC charge tuition but offer financial aid for eligible students.
Which North Carolina math programs are best for students interested in research?
MIT PRIMES-USA is the most research-intensive option, pairing students with MIT mentors to work on original unsolved mathematics problems over a full year. ASSIP at George Mason University offers research placements with faculty across mathematics, data science, and computer science. Summer Ventures incorporates data analysis and modeling within broader STEM research projects. Lumiere Research Scholar Program and HARP both offer virtual mentor-guided research culminating in a formal paper.
Which programs are best for students interested in competition mathematics?
Art of Problem Solving offers rigorous online courses specifically designed for competition preparation, covering topics like number theory, combinatorics, and Olympiad-level problem-solving. NC-MSEN includes competition components as part of its year-round curriculum. SUMaC is well suited for students who want to move from competition-style problem-solving into deeper proof-based mathematical research.
Are there math programs in North Carolina specifically for girls or underrepresented students?
Girls Talk Math at UNC Chapel Hill is specifically designed for rising 9th through 12th graders interested in exploring mathematics beyond the standard curriculum. NC-MSEN at NC State operates as a long-term academic support program with a focus on expanding access to STEM pathways for underrepresented students. MIT MITES Semester, though not North Carolina-based, is a fully remote program that actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
When should I apply to math programs for high school students in North Carolina?
MIT PRIMES-USA has the earliest deadline, typically closing in late fall. Summer Ventures and NCSSM Summer Programs both close January 5. Girls Talk Math closes March 20 and SUMaC closes February 2. NC-MSEN accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students should begin researching programs in the fall and prioritize MIT PRIMES-USA and January deadline programs well before the winter break.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.