14 Math Programs for High School Students in Michigan
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
If you’re in high school and you like math, math programs can be one of the easiest ways to explore the subject without turning it into another routine class.
Math programs give you the chance to spend time solving interesting problems and seeing how math works beyond your regular syllabus. They also help you figure out what parts of math you actually enjoy. Some students like competition-style problems. Others get interested in proofs or topics that connect math to computer science, physics, or engineering.
High school is a good time to try a few areas and see what sticks before you start thinking seriously about college majors. You might spend time solving harder problems, discussing ideas with instructors, and working with other students who enjoy math.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Michigan offers a wide range of math programs designed for high school students. Universities, STEM organizations, and academic institutes across the state run workshops, camps, and enrichment programs that allow students to study math in greater depth.
Many programs take place on college campuses or learning centers where students can experience a more rigorous academic environment. Choosing a program in Michigan can also make things easier to manage since you may not need to worry about travel or housing.
With that in mind, here are 14 math programs for high school students in Michigan.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote (accessible from Michigan and worldwide)
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts (summer, fall, winter, spring); 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective, mentor-based research program designed for high school students seeking advanced academic exploration. In this program, you are paired 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete an independent research project in your chosen field. For students interested in mathematics or quantitative disciplines, potential research areas include data science, computer science, economics, engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. Over the course of 12 weeks or longer, you engage in structured mentorship sessions, conduct literature reviews, refine research questions, and develop a formal research paper. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, academic writing, and original inquiry—skills that are central to advanced mathematical study.
Location: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; serves 400 students in summer
Program Dates: Summer Camp: Six weeks (summer), Super Saturdays: 18 weeks during fall and winter
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Detroit public school students (grades 6–12)
Wayne State University Math Corps is an academic and mentoring program that serves Detroit public school students interested in mathematics. During the six-week summer program on the Wayne State campus, you take two math classes each day. One class typically focuses on core mathematics while the other introduces more advanced material. The program also uses a mentoring structure where older students help teach younger participants. Activities combine mathematics instruction with leadership development.
Location: Virtual (accessible from Michigan and nationwide)
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Spring & Fall: 15 weeks, Summer: 10 weeks (June–September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (typically 3.67/4.0 GPA or higher; most accepted students are in grades 10–11)
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a trimester-long, mentor-guided research experience for high-achieving high school students. You will select a subject track, such as data science, machine learning, or other quantitative disciplines, and be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who provides structured mentorship throughout the research process. In math- and computation-focused tracks, students engage with advanced quantitative methods, modeling techniques, and analytical frameworks that extend beyond the standard high school curriculum. Over the course of the program, you develop a substantial research project culminating in a 20-page research paper. The emphasis is on original inquiry, critical reasoning, and clear academic writing.
Location: University of Michigan–Dearborn, Dearborn, MI
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots
Program Dates: Late June (one-week program; Monday–Friday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early spring
Eligibility: High school students living in Southeast Michigan; primarily rising 10th–12th graders (rising 9th graders considered with strong preparation); prior participants ineligible
GirlsGetMath @Dearborn is a one-week summer program at the University of Michigan–Dearborn focused on applied mathematics topics. During the program, you explore areas such as graph theory, voting systems, recommendation algorithms, image processing, and cryptography. The schedule includes lectures, computer lab sessions, and problem-solving activities. You also attend discussions with professionals who use mathematics in their careers. The program runs as a weekday camp during the summer.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Free (suggested voluntary contribution of about $100 per semester; not required)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Space‑limited; registration required
Program Dates: Academic year; Thursday evenings, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm during fall and winter semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling; students register online and may join while space remains
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who are highly interested in mathematics (local to the Ann Arbor area)
The Michigan Math Circle is a weekly evening program at the University of Michigan for middle and high school students who “live and breathe” mathematics. Sessions take place on Thursday nights in East Hall and focus on challenging topics outside the standard school curriculum, such as number theory, combinatorics, geometry, and problem‑solving strategies. Instructors lead interactive talks and problem discussions rather than traditional lectures, so you work through puzzles, explore patterns, and present ideas to peers.
Location: Multiple sites in Southeast Michigan (organized by the University of Michigan)
Cost: Free (supported by sponsors)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Space‑limited; registration required
Program Dates: Weekly sessions during the academic year (Wednesdays and Thursdays; exact times depend on site)
Application Deadline: Rolling; students register online for the current semester while space is available
Eligibility: Middle and high school students at participating schools and community sites in Southeast Michigan
Maize and Blue Math Circle runs free weekly math‑circle sessions for middle and high school students at several partner sites, such as STEM schools and community locations in the Dearborn and Ann Arbor areas. Each meeting centers on rich problem‑solving activities rather than textbook exercises, so you experiment with patterns, make conjectures, and explain your reasoning in group discussions. University of Michigan faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates facilitate the sessions, using an inquiry‑based style that encourages students to discover key ideas themselves. Thanks to external sponsorship, participation is free; students simply register online and submit a waiver before attending.
Location: Warren, MI (part of the Concept Schools charter network)
Cost: Public charter school (tuition-free)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (public charter model)
Program Dates: Academic year; extended-day and summer academic programs available
Application Deadline: Varies by enrollment cycle
Eligibility: K–12 students (Michigan residents)
Michigan Math and Science Academy in Warren is a public charter school that offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on mathematics and STEM. As a high school student, you can take advanced mathematics courses, including AP mathematics and dual-credit classes. The school also supports math competition activities such as Math League and Olympiad-style contests. Robotics teams and science fairs provide additional STEM activities connected to coursework. Academic programs run during the school year, along with optional camps and enrichment opportunities.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Ann Arbor Public Schools)
Cost: Public school curriculum (tuition-free for district residents)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (district-based)
Program Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: Determined by district enrollment policies
Eligibility: Ann Arbor Public Schools high school students
Ann Arbor Public Schools offers a four-year mathematics pathway aligned with Michigan K–12 standards. You complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a senior mathematics course as graduation requirements. Accelerated sections are available if you are ready to move faster through the sequence. Advanced courses include AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics. Classes regularly use tools such as graphing calculators and Desmos to support problem-solving and instruction.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Tuition-based (financial aid typically available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Session 1: June 21 – July 3, Session 2: July 5 – July 17, Session 3: July 19 – July 31
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Open to high school rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Michigan Math and Science Scholars at the University of Michigan offers two-week summer courses that introduce high school students to advanced topics in mathematics and related STEM fields. Each session runs like a condensed college course, with lectures, assignments, and structured problem sets. Faculty and experienced instructors guide discussions around modern scientific ideas and current research themes. Mathematics-focused classes often explore advanced problem solving, theoretical concepts, and quantitative reasoning. The full-day schedule mirrors the pace and independence expected in university courses.
10. High School Honors Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Program (HSHSP) – Michigan State University
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Tuition-based (historically offered financial aid)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective national program
Program Dates: 7 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically winter (varies by year)
Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade
Michigan State University’s High School Honors Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Program is a seven-week residential research experience. You live on campus while working with a faculty mentor on a research project in mathematics, science, or engineering. The schedule includes research work, seminars, and presentations throughout the program. You collect data, analyze results, and prepare written reports describing your project. The program ends with a symposium where you present your research findings.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Not specified publicly (fee-based program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited enrollment
Program Dates: Two-year program beginning Fall Semester
Application Deadline: May (before fall start)
Eligibility: Mathematically gifted students entering grades 6–9; must begin with Algebra I
Michigan State University’s CHAMP program offers an accelerated mathematics sequence designed for mathematically advanced students. You complete Algebra I and Algebra II during the first year of the program. In the second year, you study Geometry and Pre-Calculus, including trigonometry and analytic geometry topics. The curriculum compresses four years of traditional high school mathematics into two academic years. Classes are offered through Michigan State University’s mathematics outreach programs.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Varies annually (residential program; details released with application)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small team-based cohorts
Program Dates: One week in July
Application Deadline: Announced annually (typically spring)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–11, especially those with limited access to engineering resources
The Summer Engineering Exploration Camp at the University of Michigan introduces you to engineering fields through project-based activities. During the week, you work in teams to complete a design challenge using the engineering design process. Activities introduce topics from mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. You also tour the campus engineering facilities and meet current university students. The camp is organized by the Society of Women Engineers.
Location: 2310 E Stadium Blvd, Ste A2, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Varies by session package (12- or 20-session summer options)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; small-group, individualized instruction
Program Dates: June 11 – August 31
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment throughout the summer
Eligibility: Students in grades K–12
Mathnasium of Ann Arbor runs a summer mathematics program that begins with an assessment of your current math skills. Based on this evaluation, instructors design a learning plan tailored to your grade level and goals. You attend structured sessions where instructors guide you through problem sets and review key mathematical concepts. Sessions take place in small groups with direct instructor support. Families can choose different session packages depending on how often they attend during the summer.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 10-14
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Eligibility: For rising 9th graders or middle schoolers above the age of 14.
This Illinois Institute of Technology summer camp offers an in-depth exploration of mathematical proofs, number theory, counting, and probability. Over 5 days, you will attend 2-hour online sessions that cover both fundamental concepts and real-world applications. Previous topics included optimizing web searches and capturing images of a black hole at the center of the galaxy.
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.