20 Summer Programs for High School Students in Oregon
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 14, 2023
- 14 min read
Updated: Apr 16
If you’re a high school student in Oregon looking to make the most of your summer, look no further. Oregon is brimming with summer programs that can ignite your passion, expand your knowledge, and unlock new possibilities while guiding your way to college. Whether you're drawn to the wonders of STEM, or captivated by the arts and humanities, Oregon has a summer program for you. In this article, we have listed a handpicked selection of 20 summer programs in Oregon covering a range of subjects and experiences, ensuring you can build a strong foundation for your further studies. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
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: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
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. 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.
Application deadline: Registrations open in early spring and close when seats are full.
Eligibility: To apply, you must be a resident of Oregon enrolled in high school. Further criteria regarding family, family income, and educational qualifications can be found on the program page.
Program dates: All subject programs will be a 1-week program (August 7-11 or August 14-18).
Location: University of Oregon (residential and non-residential options)
Fee: Free
The SAIL programs offer an exciting and immersive learning experience that you can consider applying to if you’re looking for an on-campus experience/immersive academic experience available in your state. With a strong focus on subjects across disciplines, these programs offer opportunities to explore academic interests and engage in hands-on learning. From STEM subjects like computer science, engineering, and biology, to non-STEM subjects like writing, journalism, and business, there’s a SAIL summer program for you. Through innovative teaching methods, interactive workshops, and collaboration with university faculty and staff, you’ll be working on your knowledge and skills in your chosen subject.
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines across cohorts. You can apply here.
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 student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students passionate about AI with a supportive 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 AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in December
Eligibility: Students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors from Oregon high schools and who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Must be 16 or older when the program begins. Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have taken at least one lab science class, preferably biology
Program dates: June 22 – August 14
Location: OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building, Portland, Oregon
Stipend: $4,000
The Ted R. Lilley Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program is an eight-week summer research internship hosted by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. It offers Portland-area high school students from underserved backgrounds the opportunity to participate directly in biomedical research. As an intern, you will be placed in active research labs where you will work alongside scientists and healthcare professionals, contributing to real-world projects focused on cancer and health equity. The program emphasizes skill-building in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. In addition to lab work, students participate in seminars and mentorship sessions focused on career development in biomedical and health sciences. The program’s goal is to increase access to research opportunities and promote diversity in medical and scientific fields.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25
Location: Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
Dates: June 24 - June 27
Application Deadline: May 23 or until spots are filled
Cost: Free ($25 non-refundable application fee)
Eligibility: High school students in Grades 9 - 12 who are considering a degree in education, paraprofessionals in the field of education, and college graduates considering a graduate degree in education
The Eastern Oregon Teacher Academy (EOTA) at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) offers an intensive five-day residential program with activities that provide insight into the teaching profession to help decide whether to pursue a career in education. You will get one-on-one time with academy instructors and earn one EOU college credit on completion! You will interact with professional educators, including award-winning teachers, as well as faculty and current students in EOU's undergraduate and graduate programs. You will attend keynote presentations and leadership and self-improvement seminars, and participate in roundtable discussions and team-building activities. Earlier program curricula have included academic sessions on early childhood education, teaching diverse learners in a classroom, student mental health, study abroad opportunities, and more! Recreational activities such as scavenger hunts, wall climbing, and games are also scheduled. The program wraps up with a formal concluding ceremony and reception.
Application deadline: Registrations open on February 24.
Eligibility: Students in high school are eligible to apply.
Program dates: Each subject-specific program has different dates, all in June and July.
Location: Oregon State University
Fee: Different programs have different fees; some are free.
Financial Assistance: Need-based scholarships are available.
Oregon State University’s STEM Academy offers a series of weeklong summer camps that introduce high school students to diverse fields, including toxicology, food science, microbiology, and cybersecurity. These subject-focused camps combine interactive lectures, lab-based experiments, and group problem-solving activities to support active learning. Students explore real-world scientific challenges while developing skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific inquiry. Programs are led by OSU faculty, researchers, and professionals, offering opportunities for direct mentorship and exposure to university-level research environments. Camp sessions often include lab visits and practical tasks that simulate professional STEM work.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically 15 - 25
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: July 12 - 19
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 in Oregon or SW Washington with interest in writing or storytelling. Must meet one additional criterion. Check more details here.
OSU’s High School Journalism Institute is a fully funded, on-campus program for high school students from Oregon and Southwest Washington, focused on students from underserved backgrounds. You spend a week at Oregon State University learning journalism by doing real reporting with professional journalists from The Oregonian/OregonLive. You write, edit, and photograph stories in and around Corvallis, and your work is published on OregonLive.com/teens. You also get access to the Orange Media Network newsroom and take part in activities like movies and bowling with other students. At the end of the program, you earn one college credit.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not available
Location: Clackamas Community College, Oregon City Campus, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: August 11 - 15
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 in fall, must live and study in Clackamas County. Priority for underserved students. CCC student ID# required.
Clackamas Community College offers free in-person Career and Technical Education summer programs for high school students in Clackamas County. You choose from hands-on courses in areas like horticulture, green building, medical assisting, CNC machining, renewable energy, music and film, or makerspace innovation. Each course lets you explore a specific career path. For example, you learn organic gardening in Horticulture, audio recording and movie production in Music and Film, or tools and technology in Makerspace. You earn college credit when you complete the course.
Application deadline: April 15 (Applications open on March 1)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who have enrolled in science classes are eligible to apply.
Program dates: July 27 - August 1
Location: Oregon State University (residential)
Fee: $900
Financial Assistance: Scholarships are available.
The OSU Summer Veterinary Experience is a selective, residential program designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Held on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, the program combines lectures, labs, and fieldwork to introduce students to topics such as animal anatomy, clinical skills, parasitology, and rehabilitation. You will take part in activities such as performing physical exams, using microscopes to identify parasites, and exploring diagnostic tools and procedures. The program also includes discussions with veterinary professionals and admissions officers, offering insight into undergraduate and DVM pathways. With a focus on teamwork, critical thinking, and mentorship, students receive practical exposure to veterinary practice while also receiving guidance on college planning and financial aid.
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply.
Program dates: 8-week internship from June to late-August.
Location: 110 internship positions across the Portland-Metro, Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene areas.
Fee: $35 non-refundable application fee.
Stipend: $1100
This internship program is the perfect way for students to learn and earn. Highly competitive, it offers enriching hands-on learning opportunities in STEM fields. In this program, you will be paired with mentors – professionals in their respective fields – who will provide you with valuable guidance and support. You will work on real-world projects, conduct experiments, and gain practical skills in subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering. By participating in this program, you will develop a deeper understanding of scientific and engineering concepts and gain valuable insight into pursuing a potential career in STEM.
Application deadline: Registrations open in the spring and close when seats are full.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
Program dates: June 25-30
Location: Oregon State University
Fee: $400 for the non-residential program, $850 for residential.
Financial Assistance: Need-based scholarships are available.
This creative program is designed for students passionate about art. It’s an immersive program that covers visual, fine, and digital media. You can engage in workshops, collaborate with experienced faculty, and explore your artistic potential in a supportive and inspiring environment. JumpstART emphasizes a student-centered approach to learning, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression through interactive classes, studio sessions, and projects. Whether you’re interested in painting or photography, this program will allow you to thrive in your artistic pursuit.
Another art program worth considering is the Summer Camps: Illustrated Storyworld at Portland Art Museum.
Cohort size: 150 across various programs
Location: Chemeketa Community College, Salem, OR; Diesel Technology program is at the Brooks Center, OR
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 - 26
Application Deadline: May 20 or until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students age 14 - 16 years who live in Marion, Polk or Yamhill County
CTE Exploration Week is a free summer program at Chemeketa Community College’s Salem campus for high school students from Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. You explore hands-on career paths in fields like health, robotics, early childhood and K-12 education, horticulture, and computer information systems. Mentors guide you through practical activities that reflect real-world work environments. If you are interested in diesel technology, you can also take part in sessions at the Brooks Centre, where you learn about diesel equipment used in agriculture, construction, and forestry.
Application deadline: Registrations typically open in the spring. The virtual program was canceled this year.
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 can apply.
Program dates: Three sessions are conducted - Virtual (June 26-31), Beginner (July 10-14), and Advanced (July 17-21).
Location:
Fee: $325 for the virtual program, $425 for the beginner program, and the advanced programs. The beginner program has a residential option, and the fees for that are $850.
Financial Assistance: Some need-based scholarships are available.
This program opens a window into the world of music technology and production, and is open to rising freshmen as well. It offers the opportunity to explore various aspects of music creation, recording, and production techniques. With guidance from experienced instructors and industry professionals, you will learn about audio recording, mixing, editing, and music production software. You will be working with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including recording studios and music production labs. This program will prepare you for future endeavors in the field.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not available
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $250 (payable upon arrival) with partial/full scholarships offered
Dates: July 13 - July 18
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: A girl or a member of an ethnic minority (others also eligible); current high school freshman, sophomore or junior; should be able to participate for the entire week of the program
SESEY is a week-long summer program at Oregon State University for high school girls and students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. You work in engineering labs on a hands-on research project with guidance from OSU faculty and college student mentors. Past projects have focused on topics like biomedical polymers, plastic recycling, and bioprocesses. Your week includes lab work, computer instruction, guest lectures, and a field trip to the Marine Science Institute in Newport. You also take part in group activities like swimming, sports, and an ice cream challenge. The program ends with a student project presentation and award ceremony at Corvallis da Vinci Days.
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
Program dates: July 12 - July 17
Location: Lewis & Clark College
Fees: $1800
This week-long in-person program invites high school students to explore sustainability through the lens of circular-economy principles. Hosted by the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship & Leadership, the challenge emphasizes innovation in reducing waste, rethinking resource use, and developing sustainable business models. As a participant, you will engage in workshops, team-based challenges, and mentorship sessions, learning methods like the lean startup approach and the business model canvas. The experience includes collaborating with college student mentors and drawing on insights from entrepreneurs working in the sustainability space. By the end of the program, students present their circular innovation ideas to a panel and compete for prizes.
Application deadline: Registrations open in the spring and remain open till seats are full.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 can apply.
Program dates: Two sessions are conducted (July 30 - August 4 and August 13-18)
Location: Oregon State University-Cascades, Bend, Oregon
Fees: $749 (day program) and $1195 (residential)
Financial Assistance: Some partial scholarships are available.
This program offers you a learning experience in a variety of subjects – from physiology to art, from technology to microbiology. The program encourages you to explore your interests, hone your knowledge and skills, and get a glimpse of college life. From STEM subjects to humanities and the arts, a diverse range of courses is taught by experienced faculty. The program also includes campus tours and social activities to enhance the overall experience.
If you’re interested in GIS (Geographic Information System) and Geomatics, then you can consider the GIS Summer Camp at Oregon Institute of Technology.
Application deadline: Applications open in the early months of the year, and remain open till seats are full.
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 can apply.
Program dates: Session 1: July 6-17 | July 20 - July 31
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Willamette University
Fees: $2250
Financial Assistance: Scholarships are available.
This two-week summer intensive offers high school students a deep dive into core areas of visual art, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. Hosted at PNCA’s downtown Portland campus, the program emphasizes immersive studio practice, conceptual development, and portfolio-building. Students work under the mentorship of PNCA faculty and practicing artists, gaining exposure to professional studio environments and curatorial practices. The experience culminates in a group exhibition where students install and present their work, receiving feedback through a formal portfolio review. The Foundation Intensive is designed to strengthen artistic technique and creative voice while helping students prepare competitive portfolios for college applications.
Cohort size: Varies for each course, typically 2 - 8
Location: Cottonwood Canyon State Park, OR
Cost: $350 + $25 non-refundable application fee, with scholarships offered
Dates: June 15 - 20
Application Deadline: May 15 or until spots are filled
Eligibility: Grades 9 – 12
The Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute is a one-week field-based program offered by Eastern Oregon University for high school students. You stay at Cottonwood Canyon State Park and choose one of four hands-on courses: Rocks, Rivers and Ancient Life, Visual Storytelling, Neuroscience, or Natural Resources. Each course includes fieldwork and outdoor learning led by EOU faculty and professionals. In the Rocks course, you study local geology and fossils. Visual Storytelling focuses on photography, journaling, and observation. The Neuroscience course explores how invertebrates use sensory input to navigate, while the Natural Resources course looks at how climate and invasive species affect the river ecosystem. A special River Day includes kayaking with mentors and instructors. You present your project on the final day and earn two college credits from EOU.
Application deadline: Applications open in the spring and close when seats are full.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
Program dates: The program will start on July 20
Location: Coastal Discovery Center, Newport, Oregon
Fees: $2034 – $2260
This program blends environmental science with documentary filmmaking as students explore Oregon’s coastal ecosystems and produce short films on local conservation topics. You will work with professionals from NW Documentary to learn filmmaking techniques, including shooting, editing, interviewing, and storytelling. The program involves collaboration with local organizations, and students conduct on-site research and interviews to support their narratives. Films are screened at OMSI’s Empirical Theatre and shared with partner organizations for broader distribution. In addition to technical training, students gain experience in scientific communication and teamwork through active outdoor exploration and reflective production time.
Application deadline: Applications typically open around January and close around February.
Eligibility: Rising 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-graders can apply.
Program dates: June 25 - July 8
Location: Lewis & Clark College
Fees: $3500
Financial Assistance: Some need-based partial scholarships are available.
This program is ideal for students passionate about creative writing. It is a highly regarded workshop that offers an intensive writing experience for you to explore and develop your literary skills. Led by experienced faculty and accomplished guest writers, you will participate in writing exercises, workshops, and seminars focused on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Through individualized feedback and peer critiques, you will refine your writing abilities and gain insights into the craft of storytelling. The program culminates in a public reading, where you can share your work with a wider audience.
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: University of Oregon logo