12 STEM Programs for High School Students in Idaho
- Stephen Turban
- Mar 10
- 8 min read
If you’re a high schooler interested in STEM, getting involved in the field early can give you a competitive edge. Idaho, specifically, is home to many universities and organizations that offer residential and virtual STEM programs!
Participating in a STEM program before college allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gain hands-on experience, and explore career paths with industry professionals and university faculty. These programs provide hands-on experience, exposure to real-world scientific research, and direct mentorship from university faculty and industry professionals.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 12 STEM programs for high school students in Idaho.
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: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starts at $2,990
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High School Internship Program is a six- to eight-week paid summer internship designed for high school students passionate about STEM fields. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working alongside top-tier scientists and researchers on real-world projects in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, environmental science, and more. The program provides an immersive learning environment where you can apply science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (STEM) concepts to address real challenges.
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cost: Paid internship; no housing or transportation provided
Dates: Mid-June to early August (6-8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. 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 allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
The EcosySTEM Student Ambassador Program enables middle and high school students (grades 6-12) to advocate for STEM education in their schools and communities. Participants engage in hands-on projects, industry tours, leadership development, and mentorship opportunities with STEM professionals. As an ambassador, you will visit local STEM companies, meet industry experts, and explore career pathways. Throughout the year, you will complete a STEM-focused project, which may include hosting a STEM night, conducting demonstrations for younger students, or developing take-home STEM kits.
Location: Available in select schools across Idaho
Cost: Free for participating students and schools
Dates: School year-long program (varies by school)
Application Deadline: Schools must apply; check the Idaho STEM Ecosystem website for details
Eligibility:
Open to middle and high school students (grades 6-12)
Schools must apply to become an EcosySTEM Student Ambassador site
The Ignite Their Future – STEM Summer Workshops at Idaho State University (ISU) offer week-long summer camps, held in two sessions in June and July. These camps allow you to choose from multiple STEM tracks, including robotics, artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, disaster response, drones, and 3D printing. You will work on interactive projects, compete for prizes, and showcase your work to family members at the end of camp. The program is designed for students of all experience levels.
Location: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Cost: Varies by session ($75–$125 per camp)
Dates:
Session 1: June 9-13
Session 2: July 7-11
Application Deadline: Online registration remains open until one week before each session start date
Eligibility:
High school students (grades 9-12)
Select camps open to 8th graders
While not a traditional program, the Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs (IDSEF) allows high school students in grades 9-12 to conduct original STEM research projects and present their findings at regional competitions. Organized by the Idaho STEM Action Center in partnership with EcosySTEM, these fairs are affiliated with the prestigious Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), which allows top-performing students to compete at the national level.
As a participant, you’ll engage in authentic research experiences, applying real-world scientific and engineering methods to your projects. Participants also present their work to expert judges, gain valuable feedback, and compete for scholarships and awards. The top finalists from each regional fair receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the ISEF competition in Columbus, OH.
Location: Regional fairs held in Northern, Western, and Eastern Idaho
Cost: Free for students; travel and lodging assistance available
Dates: Annually; regional fair dates vary by location
Application Deadline: Varies; check the IDSEF website for updates
Eligibility:
Open to high school students (grades 9-12) in Idaho
Students must conduct an original STEM research project
The North Idaho STEM Charter Academy in Rathdrum offers a STEM-focused high school education aimed at preparing students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You will have the chance to take dual-credit courses beginning in 10th grade, allowing you to earn up to 42 college credits through in-person instruction in subjects like math, computer science, lab sciences, and public speaking.
Through the Fast Forward program, eligible students can accelerate their learning by taking college courses while in high school. By 12th grade, you will split your time between the STEM Academy and North Idaho College (NIC), gaining valuable real-world experience.
Location: North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, Rathdrum, ID
Cost: Tuition-free for Idaho residents
Dates: Academic year follows the standard school calendar
Application Deadline: Enrollment is based on lottery selection; check the academy’s website for deadlines
Eligibility:
Open to high school students (grades 9-12) in Idaho
Students must meet academic preparedness requirements for dual-credit courses
The University of Idaho Extension 4-H STEM Programs provide high school students with programs focused on agriculture, natural and biological sciences, robotics, drones, coding, electronics, 3D printing, and physical computing. Through workshops, competitions, and community projects, you will develop essential skills while working alongside volunteers, industry partners, and 4-H professionals.
The program also offers leadership opportunities for students interested in mentoring younger participants or shaping future STEM initiatives.
Location: Available statewide across all 44 Idaho counties
Cost: Varies by program; some opportunities may be free or low-cost
Dates: Year-round programs, with major events such as 4-H National Youth Science Day in October
Application Deadline: Varies; check the website for details
Eligibility:
Open to high school students across Idaho
No prior STEM experience required
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers three specialized tracks: Computer Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science, each designed to equip students with problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills essential for college and careers. You will engage in interactive projects, research-based learning, and industry-relevant challenges, preparing them for STEM fields through transportable skills and hands-on applications. High school students can participate in courses that explore software development, cybersecurity, mechanical engineering, robotics, biomedical research, and more.
Location: Available in select high schools across Idaho
Cost: Offered through participating schools; funding and grants may be available
Dates: Follows the academic school year
Application Deadline: Varies by school; check with your high school for enrollment details
Eligibility:
Open to high school students (grades 9-12)
Courses available in Computer Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science
10. HOIST Program
The Helping Orient Indian Students and Teachers into STEM (HOIST) Program is a two-week summer residential initiative aimed at boosting Native American representation in STEM fields. Hosted by the University of Idaho, the program offers academic coursework, hands-on STEM internships, field trips, and cultural activities to assist high school students in developing essential skills for college and careers in STEM.
You’ll take math, English, and science courses taught by expert instructors and work on real-world research projects with U of I faculty and local businesses. The program emphasizes tribal values and traditions, ensuring a culturally enriching experience. Graduating seniors planning to attend the University of Idaho in the fall can also participate. Students receive a stipend upon successful program completion.
Location: University of Idaho, Moscow Campus & McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), ID
Cost: Free; program stipend awarded upon completion
Dates: July 6 - 18
Application Deadline: Check the HOIST website for details
Eligibility:
Open to high school students from the 11 U of I MOU Tribal Reservations
Must have completed at least 9th grade
Graduated seniors planning to attend U of I in the fall are also eligible
The Nampa STEM Academy is a specialized STEM-focused program serving students from all three high schools in the Nampa School District. The academy emphasizes project-based learning, allowing you to apply STEM subjects to real-world challenges.
Through hands-on, interactive projects, field trips, and mastery-based learning, you can cultivate essential technical and workplace skills. The program also fosters curiosity and resilience, allowing students to learn from their mistakes and refine their skills through a mastery-based grading system.
Location: Nampa School District, ID
Cost: Tuition-free for district students
Dates: Follows the academic school year
Application Deadline: Varies; check with the district for details
Eligibility:
Open to high school students from Nampa School District (grades 9-12)
Must be enrolled in one of the district’s high schools
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) K-12 Education Enrichment Programs are designed to provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration. Through internships, workshops, mentorship programs, and STEM events, high school students can explore careers in nuclear science, cybersecurity, energy sustainability, and national security research. The STEM Ambassadors & Special Forces initiative connects students with INL scientists and engineers, offering direct mentorship and insight into STEM careers.
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cost: Free participation in various programs; some paid opportunities available
Dates: Year-round programs with specific events and internships
Application Deadline: Varies by program; check the INL website for updates
Eligibility:
Open to high school students in Idaho
Some programs require specific coursework or project proposals
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.
Image Source - Idaho State University Logo
