9 Summer Programs for High School Students in North Dakota
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 1, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 25
When summer rolls around, North Dakota offers a variety of exciting and educational programs for high school students. Whether you're interested in science, leadership, engineering, or the arts, there's a summer experience that can help you explore your passions, develop new skills, and even get a taste of college life.
Besides contributing to your academic and personal development, these summer programs can enhance your college applications. Participating in an enrichment program during your time off shows your commitment to improving your skills and expanding your knowledge.
In this blog, we'll highlight 9 summer programs in North Dakota for high school students that cater to a wide range of interests.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900). Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 24 for the upcoming Winter cohort
Program Dates: Individual Research (12 weeks) | Premium Research (16-20 weeks) | Research Fellowship (6-12 months) | Professor Premium (16-20 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to students anywhere in the world
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.
Location: North Dakota State University (NDSU), Fargo, ND
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June 2 – 28
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are residents of North Dakota with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and demonstrated above-average ability in their chosen learning pathway
The North Dakota Governor's School is a four-week residential program designed for academically gifted high school sophomores and juniors in North Dakota. Held on the campus of North Dakota State University, this program offers a unique opportunity for students interested in Engineering, Information Technology, Laboratory Science, or Mathematics to deepen their knowledge through concentrated instruction from NDSU faculty. You will experience college life, engage in classroom experiences, labs, field trips, and other enriching activities, all while connecting with other motivated students.
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
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 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. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the fields of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
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. Winter cohort deadline - December 1
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 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.
Location: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring, specific dates may vary
Program Dates: Late May/early June to early/mid July (exact dates may vary)
Eligibility: Open to current participants of the UND Upward Bound Program who meet the first-generation college student criteria or federal income guidelines. Students must be enrolled in grades 9-11 and attend one of the eight target schools in North Dakota
The UND Upward Bound Summer Program is a six-week residential experience designed to provide students with a comprehensive academic and college preparatory curriculum while living on campus. This program is exclusively for current participants of the UND Upward Bound Program and is divided into three components: Upward Bound, Pre-Bridge, and Bridge.
For the Upward Bound and Pre-Bridge participants, the program offers high school courses such as English, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, and Chemistry. The Bridge Program is tailored for students transitioning to college, offering courses that earn nine college credits. This component includes classroom instruction, fieldwork, and seminars that equip students with the skills needed for college life. Participants also have the opportunity to engage in work-study or job shadowing experiences on campus.
Students live in dormitories, providing a true college experience, and participate in various activities, including field trips and cultural events, to enrich their learning. The program also includes tutorials, college preparatory classes, and a Bridge Seminar to help students navigate the college admissions process.
Location: University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: May 31 – June 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores currently enrolled in a North Dakota school
For over 40 years, the North Dakota Leadership Seminar (NDLS) has empowered high school sophomores by providing them with an opportunity to develop leadership and community service skills. NDLS brings together more than 100 of the state’s most promising young leaders for a three-day, all-expense-paid seminar each spring. This program offers a unique experience where students can engage with volunteer leaders from various fields, including business, education, and government, and participate in discussions that encourage critical thinking and debate on pressing global issues.
Location: Valley City State University (VCSU), Valley City, ND
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Specific deadline not provided; students should apply as soon as possible as spaces are limited
Program Dates: TBA. Two sessions were offered:
9th or 10th Grade: June 16 – 20
11th or 12th Grade: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: North Dakota students who have completed 6th grade or higher. Preference is given to students who are enrolled members or descendants of a federally recognized tribe and those who have successfully participated in the past
INSTEM (Indians into STEM) is a four-day academic enrichment program hosted by the Great Plains STEM Education Center at Valley City State University. Designed for Native American students in grades 7-12, INSTEM aims to foster interest in STEM careers while providing students with the experience of living and studying on a college campus.
By engaging in hands-on STEM activities and building a strong support network, you will enhance your self-efficacy in STEM subjects and gain confidence for future higher education pursuits. Each summer, cohorts of students return to VCSU, progressing through the program from middle school to high school graduation.
Location: University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Cost: $195
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due by mid-May, but specific dates may vary each year
Program Dates: The program typically runs for four days in June
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Hosted by the University of Mary, Rising Leadership North Dakota is a summer enrichment program designed to help you develop key professional skills and expand your network. Over four days, you’ll attend activities organized by Sanford Health, participate in business and healthcare simulations, and attend workshops by community leaders. You will also have the chance to interact with faculty from the university’s business and health sciences schools.
Location: NDSCS Wahpeton Campus, Wahpeton, ND
Cost: $350
Application Deadline: May 24
Program Dates: June 9 – 13
Eligibility: Students aged 16 and older
The NDSCS Culinary Intensive is a camp designed for students passionate about pursuing a career in the culinary industry. Guided by NDSCS Culinary Arts faculty, you’ll have the chance to develop essential culinary skills, from mastering French knife techniques to perfecting food garnishing and baking.
During the camp, you will dive into a variety of culinary topics, including knife skills, basic soups, salads, bread basics, entrées, plated desserts, and buffet presentation. You’ll also get hands-on experience working in a professional kitchen and put your new skills to the test in an exciting Iron Chef competition. With only 12 spots available, this camp offers a small and focused learning environment.
Location: University of North Dakota campus
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Registration is on a rolling basis before the camp starts
Program Dates: June 25 – 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 to 12
The BatSuBot Competition Camp is a unique opportunity to dive into robotics, combining elements of BattleBot and SumoBot challenges. Campers are tasked with designing, building, and operating their own robot to push competitors out of the ring. The program focuses on engineering and manufacturing, starting with guidance from a mechanical engineering instructor to create 3D models using solid modeling software. The final day includes troubleshooting, practice driving, and a double elimination tournament open to the public, showcasing the campers’ creations.
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.