9 Programs for High School Students in Idaho
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 16, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 12
Are you a high school student in Idaho seeking experiences that can boost your resume and enhance your college application? Participating in programs, internships, and immersive experiences during high school offers an invaluable opportunity to explore your interests, develop new skills, and gain real-world experience. These early exposures not only help you stand out in the competitive college admissions process but also prepare you for the academic and professional challenges ahead.
Whether you're interested in STEM research, honing artistic talents, or engaging in leadership activities, these programs provide hands-on learning that extends far beyond the classroom. They offer you the chance to connect with professionals, explore potential career paths, and contribute to your community, all of which are essential for personal and academic growth. By participating in these programs, you'll be able to demonstrate your commitment to your chosen fields, whether through research projects, creative endeavors, or internships. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here is a list of the top 9 programs you can participate in as a high school student in Idaho!
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 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.
Location: Riverstone International School, Boise, ID
Cost: $5,950 (includes housing, meals, and local transportation)
Dates: July
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide aged 13–16.
The Summer Program at Riverstone International School offers a unique blend of academic and outdoor experiences for students from around the world. . Recognized as Idaho’s top boarding program, Riverstone provides students with the opportunity to enhance their English language skills while exploring the critical theme of "Water in the West." Through a series of tours, presentations, and field trips, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how water impacts recreation, agriculture, and energy in Idaho. Activities include water quality testing, field trips to significant sites, and compiling research into a comprehensive lab report. This academic focus is balanced with outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking, and camping in Idaho's beautiful Sawtooth Mountains. In addition to the academic and outdoor components, students will experience Idaho's rich cultural offerings, including visits to Sun Valley, attending a rodeo, and shopping for Western gear. These activities help students immerse themselves in the local culture and develop new skills in a supportive and challenging environment.
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: Vary according to cohort.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Location: Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise, ID
Cost: Varies by camp, ranging from $215 to $535.
Dates: Sessions run in both June and July. Check the exact dates for each camp here. Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12 and 18 can apply.
The Idaho Shakespeare Festival offers a range of enriching summer camp options for high school students passionate about theater. These camps are ideal for those passionate about acting, stagecraft, and all aspects of theatrical production. One of the standout programs is the High School Apprentice Company, which provides Treasure Valley students with over 200 hours of intensive acting instruction. Participants in this program have the unique opportunity to perform in a showcase on the Festival’s main stage and may also gain hands-on experience working backstage on season productions. Admission to this program is highly competitive and requires an audition. Check out this page for more information about how to apply.
For older students aged 15-18, the Advanced Shakespeare Intensive and Advanced Musical Intensive programs offer the chance to create and perform a shortened Shakespeare play or a musical revue on the main stage. These programs are highly selective and require an audition, ensuring a focused and dedicated group of participants.
Additionally, Camp Improv allows participants to develop their improvisational skills, culminating in a final performance. For those more interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater, the Stagecraft and Playwriting camps focus on the technical and creative elements, providing specialized training in these areas. Each camp concludes with a public performance, allowing students to showcase their hard work and talents.
Location: Various cities in Idaho
Cost: $10 registration fee for students
Dates: March (based on previous years)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students with disabilities.
The Tools for Life Fair, organized by the Idaho Assistive Technology Project, is a critical event designed to support high school students with disabilities as they transition from high school to adulthood. This annual event brings together students, families, educators, and a range of specialists, offering them access to essential resources and hands-on experiences. Throughout the two-day fair, attendees participate in breakout sessions focused on key areas such as employment, assistive technology, post-secondary education, independent living, and self-advocacy. These sessions are tailored to meet the needs of transitioning youth, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for success in real-life situations.
Held in different cities across Idaho each year, the Tools for Life Fair is designed to be accessible to students and families throughout the state. The event features national keynote speakers, an exhibit hall where agencies and vendors showcase their products and resources, and a social event for youth to connect and enjoy activities like live music and dancing. By offering this comprehensive support, the Tools for Life Fair provides valuable tools that help students with disabilities navigate the transition from high school to the next stage of their lives.
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Stipend: A stipend is provided.
Dates: Six-week program starting in mid-June (exact dates TBA)
Application Deadline: TBA.
Eligibility: Rising US high school juniors, seniors, and recently graduated students who are at least 16 years of age and have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High School Internship Program offers a rare opportunity for high school students passionate about science and technology to gain hands-on experience in a world-renowned research facility. Over six weeks during the summer, interns work alongside leading INL researchers on real-world projects in fields such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and environmental science.
Participants in this paid internship are immersed in a dynamic research environment where they can apply STEM concepts learned in the classroom to real challenges. Beyond the technical skills acquired, students gain invaluable insights into the scientific research process and build a network of professional contacts that can guide their future academic and career paths.
With access to mentorship from experts, a dynamic and collaborative scientific environment, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research, students will gain invaluable insights and connections that will inspire and support their growth as future scientific leaders. Applications will be announced on INL’s Internship Job Posting page.
Location: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Cost: $75–$125, depending on the chosen camp (scholarships available)
Dates: June 10 - June 14
Application Deadline: June 3
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9th through 12th in the fall.
Ignite Their Future Summer Camps at Idaho State University offer high school students an engaging, hands-on opportunity to explore their interests in STEM fields. These in-person camps are designed to engage students in interactive activities that combine learning, student curiosity, and enthusiasm for subjects like engineering, computer science, and medicine through interactive projects and activities.
Participants can choose from various tracks tailored to different interests, such as creating custom 3D-printed Bluetooth speakers, learning the basics of computerized machining, and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in scientific applications. The camp environment fosters creativity and critical thinking, with students working on projects that combine learning and play.Throughout the camp, students compete for prizes and have the chance to showcase their projects to their families, making the experience both educational and rewarding. This experience not only builds technical skills but also encourages teamwork and innovation, making it a valuable addition to any student's academic journey.
Location: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Cost: $295 (with a non-refundable deposit of $50) or $505 (including room and board)
Dates: June 22 - June 27
Application Deadline: TBA. You can find the audition materials here.
Eligibility: Intermediate and advanced string players and pianists in grades 8-12 can apply.
The Summer Institute for Piano and Strings (SIPS) at Idaho State University is a prestigious music camp designed for intermediate to advanced teenage pianists and string players looking to enhance their skills in a focused, immersive environment. This week-long program offers participants the opportunity to elevate their musical abilities through intensive rehearsal, coaching, and performance in both chamber music and solo settings. Under the guidance of professional faculty members and experienced camp counselors, students engage in daily sectionals, rehearsals, and master classes that are tailored to enhance their technique and performance skills.
A typical day at SIPS includes a variety of enriching activities, such as master classes, chamber music coaching, orchestra rehearsals, and classes in music history, theory, or art. Students also participate in choir, technique classes, and outdoor activities, making for a well-rounded experience. The program culminates in a final performance where students showcase their progress and newly acquired skills. SIPS is an excellent opportunity for young musicians to deepen their understanding of music, build confidence, and form lasting connections with peers who share their passion.
Location: University of Idaho, Moscow and McCall campuses
Stipend: Provided, based on academic and research performance, participation, and conduct.
Dates: July 7 - July 19
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility:
Be a Native American high school student
Be affiliated with one of the 11 UI MOU Tribal Reservation communities
Have a GPA of 2.8 or higher
Be interested in pursuing post-secondary education and careers in STEM fields.
The HOIST (Helping Orient Indian Students and Teachers into STEM) Summer Program at the University of Idaho offers a unique opportunity for 15-20 Native American high school students from the 11 U of I MOU Tribal Reservations to engage in STEM research and academic enrichment. This selective two-week program is designed to immerse students in project-based learning alongside university researchers and instructors, providing a strong foundation in STEM disciplines.
Participants take part in hands-on workshops, labs, and projects covering subjects like math, English, and science, which prepare them for the academic rigor of college courses. The curriculum is further enriched by field trips, including visits to the McCall Outdoor Science School and internships with University of Idaho research groups and local businesses. These experiences not only deepen students' understanding of STEM fields but also allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Beyond academics, HOIST provides students with a stipend, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to connect with peers while having fun and building a solid foundation for their future educational and career pursuits.
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.
