13 Math Programs for High School Students in North Dakota
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 17
- 11 min read
If you’re interested in mathematics, participating in a structured program can help you explore ideas and problem-solving approaches that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. These opportunities introduce you to areas such as mathematical research, combinatorics, modeling, competition mathematics, data analysis, and proof-based reasoning while helping you strengthen analytical and quantitative skills. They also provide opportunities to engage with challenging problems alongside instructors and peers who share an interest in mathematics.
North Dakota offers math programs through universities, academic competitions, research initiatives, and statewide enrichment opportunities. These programs range from summer camps and research experiences to talent searches, mathematics contests, and STEM-focused academic programs, giving students multiple ways to deepen their understanding of the subject.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to develop stronger problem-solving skills while exploring mathematical concepts in greater depth than is typically possible in a classroom setting. Depending on the program, you might work on research projects, solve competition-style problems, study advanced topics, analyze data, participate in team challenges, or learn how mathematics is applied in scientific and technical fields. These experiences can help you build confidence in your abilities, improve logical reasoning, and prepare for future study in mathematics, STEM, and other quantitative disciplines.
To make your search easier, here are 13 math programs for high school students in North Dakota!
If you’re looking for STEM programs in North Dakota, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free, including the North Dakota Governor's School, NDSU Math Exploration Camp, NDSU Mathematics Talent Search, NDSSEF, AMC competitions, and MIT PRIMES-USA, making high-quality math programming accessible to North Dakota students without financial barriers.
Programs span a wide range of mathematics sub-fields, including combinatorics and proof-based reasoning (NDSU Math Exploration Camp), competition mathematics (AMC, AwesomeMath, NDSU Talent Search), data science and machine learning (Lumiere, HARP), independent research (MIT PRIMES-USA, Lumiere, HARP), and applied STEM mathematics (NDSU Math Camp, TEAMS Competition).
Students looking for residential or in-person experiences in North Dakota can apply to the North Dakota Governor's School at NDSU, NDSU Math Exploration Camp, and NDSU Math Camp, all of which take place on the NDSU campus in Fargo.
Several programs are accessible remotely, including Lumiere Research Scholar Program, HARP, SUMaC, AoPS Online, AwesomeMath, and MIT PRIMES-USA, making advanced math programming available to students across the state regardless of location.
Deadlines vary widely: MIT PRIMES-USA closes in early winter, NDSU Governor's School closes February 15, and SUMaC closes February 2, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and prioritize early-deadline applications before the end of the year.
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: Varies by 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. 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: North Dakota State University
Cost: Free (state-funded for selected students)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective (50 students per cycle)
Dates: June 8 – July 2
Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High-achieving sophomores and juniors (North Dakota residents)
The North Dakota Governor’s School is a residential program where you explore math alongside other STEM subjects in a more open format. You’ll spend time in discussions, small group sessions, and projects where math comes up as a way to understand problems. It’s less about solving sets of questions and more about thinking through ideas. Living on campus also means you’re constantly around other students who are just as interested in the same things. Conversations often continue outside class. Over time, you start getting more comfortable explaining your reasoning instead of just writing answers.
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: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Cost: Free (funded by the National Science Foundation and NDSU Mathematics Department)
Acceptance Rate: Open registration (limited seats; registration required)
Dates: June 16-19
Deadline: Registration closes before camp starts; check the official site for the current cycle
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; no prerequisites beyond mathematical curiosity
The NDSU Math Exploration Camp is one of the few programs in North Dakota that focuses purely on mathematics as a subject rather than as a tool for engineering or science. You will spend mornings working in teams and as a group to explore combinatorics, a field that deals with counting, patterns, and the structure of mathematical objects. The problems are different from anything you will encounter in a standard high school course. Afternoons move into a computer lab, where you use computational tools to test ideas and check your reasoning. Sessions are led by NDSU faculty and graduate students actively working in mathematics research.
Location: North Dakota State University
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Open participation
Dates: Three rounds distributed across the academic year (October through spring)
Deadline: Each round has its own submission deadline; Round 1 typically due by the end of November
Eligibility: High school students in North Dakota and surrounding areas
The North Dakota Mathematics Talent Search is a problem-solving competition run annually by the NDSU Department of Mathematics. Each round gives you a set of problems that require creativity rather than advanced coursework. You submit written solutions and are evaluated on how clearly and correctly you reason through each problem. The problems are designed to reward students who think carefully rather than those who have simply covered more material. Participating across multiple rounds gives you a real sense of how your problem-solving develops over time. Strong performers are recognized and encouraged to continue with mathematics at the university level.
Location: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Cost: Low fee (varies by school; sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers)
Acceptance Rate: Open to high school teams
Dates: Held annually in spring (check with your school or UND for the current year's date)
Deadline: Registration coordinated through schools
Eligibility: High school students across North Dakota
TEAMS is a day-long academic competition where you work through written exams and design challenges that draw heavily on mathematics, science, and analytical reasoning. The problems are not structured like standard school tests. You will encounter scenarios that require you to apply mathematical thinking to practical situations under time pressure. Working as part of a team means you also have to communicate your reasoning and decide together how to approach each problem. The competition is organized at the national level but runs locally through UND, making it accessible to students across the state.
Location: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Cost: Free to participate (regional fair registration fees may apply)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; students must qualify through regional fairs
Dates: Held annually in late March
Deadline: Regional fair deadlines vary; typically in February
Eligibility: High school students (junior and senior divisions) in North Dakota who qualify through a regional science and engineering fair
The North Dakota State Science and Engineering Fair is the state-level competition where students who have advanced through regional fairs present original research projects. If your project involves mathematical modeling, data analysis, computational methods, or applied mathematics, this is one of the most recognized venues in the state to showcase that work. You will present to judges with backgrounds in science and engineering and respond to detailed questions about your methods and findings. Senior division winners advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair, making this a meaningful stepping stone for students with strong research-based projects. Preparing a math-focused project also requires you to document your process rigorously, which builds skills that carry into college-level work.
Location: Schools and test centers across the U.S. (including North Dakota)
Cost: Low fee (varies by school, no stipend)
Acceptance Rate: Open participation
Dates: November (AMC 10/12), January (AMC 8)
Deadline: Registration handled by schools (varies)
Eligibility: Grades 8–12 (depends on exam level)
The American Mathematics Competitions are structured exams where you solve a series of timed problems that test how you think through unfamiliar situations. You will prepare by practicing similar questions and learning how to approach problems that do not follow standard methods. The exam format requires you to work quickly while still being precise in your reasoning. Many students use AMC as a starting point before moving to more advanced competitions. Participation gives you a clear idea of how you handle non-routine mathematical problems under time pressure.
Location: North Dakota State University
Cost: $325–$350
Acceptance Rate: Moderate (first-come, limited seats)
Dates: July 28 – July 31
Deadline: June 6 (or until filled)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
North Dakota State University’s Math Camp introduces mathematics through applied work connected to engineering and design. You will take part in activities where mathematical ideas are used to solve practical problems, such as building systems or working through coding-based tasks. Faculty guide the sessions, but you are expected to work through each step yourself before reaching a solution. You will also interact with university students and see how these concepts continue in college-level work. Some parts of the program include exposure to real applications beyond the classroom.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750; financial aid is offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 40 students (Residential), 64 students (Online)
Dates: June 15 - July 3 or July 6 - 24 (Online)
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
Stanford University Mathematics Camp introduces you to advanced topics such as number theory and abstract algebra through lectures and structured work sessions. You will spend time understanding proofs, following detailed arguments, and building your own reasoning. The program includes an independent research project where you explore a specific topic and present your findings. You will also have access to instructors during office hours, which is helpful when working through difficult material. The pace is steady, and you are expected to keep up with both lectures and independent work.
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 5–12, depending on course level; strong interest in mathematics recommended
Art of Problem Solving offers online courses where you study mathematics through structured lessons and problem sets. You will work on topics such as algebra, number theory, probability, and calculus, depending on your course level. Classes include discussions, written solutions, and detailed explanations of different approaches. You will spend time working through problems that require more than the direct application of formulas. The platform also includes forums where students discuss solutions and ask questions.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,275–$1,575, depending on round
Program Dates: Jun 8-26, Jun 29-Jul 17, Jul 20-Aug 7
Application Deadline: Applications generally close by February
Eligibility: Open to students ages 12–18. The program offers four course levels, with placement and eligibility depending on the selected level
AwesomeMath is built for students who enjoy solving difficult math problems and want to improve at them. You’ll work through topics like algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory, but in a way that focuses on problem-solving. Classes are taught by people with experience in math competitions, so the questions often feel different from those in school. You’ll try problems, get stuck, and then work through them with guidance. You can choose your level depending on how comfortable you are. It’s especially useful if you’re preparing for contests like AMC or AIME.
13. 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 early winter
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in the United States outside Greater Boston with exceptional math ability
MIT PRIMES-USA is a year-long research program where you work on an original mathematics problem with guidance from mentors. You will spend a significant amount of time reading advanced material before starting your own work. The research process involves trying different approaches, many of which may not work at first. Writing is a major part of the program, as you document your findings and explain your reasoning clearly. At the end, you present your work at a conference. The program requires consistent effort and a strong interest in mathematics.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in North Dakota?
Options include state-funded residential programs (North Dakota Governor's School), university-based math camps (NDSU Math Exploration Camp, NDSU Math Camp), competition programs (AMC, NDSU Mathematics Talent Search, TEAMS, NDSSEF), advanced online coursework (AoPS, AwesomeMath, SUMaC), year-long research programs (MIT PRIMES-USA, Lumiere, HARP), and team-based academic competitions (TEAMS at UND).
Are there free math programs for high school students in North Dakota?
Yes, several programs are free. North Dakota Governor's School is fully state-funded for selected students. NDSU Math Exploration Camp is free and funded by the National Science Foundation. The NDSU Mathematics Talent Search, AMC competitions, and NDSSEF participation are all free or low-cost. MIT PRIMES-USA is fully free and remote. Programs like Lumiere, HARP, and SUMaC charge tuition but offer financial aid for eligible students.
Which North Dakota 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. Lumiere Research Scholar Program and HARP both offer virtual mentor-guided research culminating in a formal research paper. The NDSSEF is a meaningful venue for students who have developed math-focused research projects and want to present them at a state-level competition with a pathway to international competition.
Which programs are best for students interested in competition mathematics?
The AMC exam series is the standard entry point for competition math and is widely available through schools across North Dakota. The NDSU Mathematics Talent Search runs across the academic year and rewards careful reasoning over advanced coursework. AwesomeMath and AoPS Online both offer structured competition-prep courses covering algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory at multiple difficulty levels.
Are there math programs in North Dakota for students who are just starting to explore the subject?
Yes, NDSU Math Exploration Camp is designed for students in grades 9 through 12 with no prerequisites beyond mathematical curiosity and focuses on combinatorics through hands-on group problem-solving. NDSU Math Camp uses applied activities connected to engineering and design. AoPS Online and AwesomeMath both offer beginner-level courses for students who want structured mathematics instruction at a pace they can choose.
When should I apply to math programs for high school students in North Dakota?
MIT PRIMES-USA has the earliest deadline, typically closing in early winter. SUMaC closes February 2 and the North Dakota Governor's School closes February 15. NDSSEF regional fair deadlines typically fall in February, and the NDSU Math Exploration Camp closes before its June start date. AoPS and AwesomeMath accept rolling or early spring applications. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize MIT PRIMES-USA and February-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.