15 Math Programs for High School Students in Louisiana
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re interested in math, you might be looking for ways to explore concepts beyond what your high school classes cover. Structured math programs can introduce you to topics like proof-writing, number theory, mathematical modeling, and quantitative research while helping you strengthen logical reasoning and analytical thinking. They also offer opportunities to study math in more collaborative, academically focused environments.
In Louisiana, math programs are offered through universities, research institutes, enrichment initiatives, and academic outreach programs. These opportunities include summer courses, research experiences, year-round mentorship programs, and problem-solving clubs that vary in format, intensity, and subject focus.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to explore advanced concepts while developing skills that are useful across STEM and quantitative fields. You might work on proof-based problems, collaborate on research projects, analyze mathematical models, or participate in guided discussions and problem-solving sessions with instructors and peers. Over time, these experiences can deepen your understanding of mathematics, build your confidence, and prepare you for college-level coursework and future academic opportunities.
To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down 15 math programs for high school students in Louisiana.
If you’re looking for free virtual research opportunities, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school who 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 across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as mathematics, data science, psychology, physics, economics, 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: Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI) at the University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students who reside and attend school within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans
This program is an eight-week lab-based research experience offered by the University of New Orleans. During the program, you will work full-time in a research laboratory alongside faculty mentors and scientists, contributing to real projects in fields such as math, chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or psychology. You will either design your own research project or collaborate with a research group working on an ongoing investigation, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and methods scientists use every day. Past projects have explored questions in nanomaterials, battery materials, environmental remediation, neuroscience, computer modeling, and 3-D printing. Alongside lab work, you will attend weekly seminars and tutorials covering topics such as research ethics, lab safety, career paths in science, and advanced techniques like electron microscopy and crystallography.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts: spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, and the summer cohort runs for 10 weeks (June – September).
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA); most accepted students are 10th/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! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a subject track, Horizon will pair you with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who will serve 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. Apply here.
Location: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Academic year program + six-week summer program on campus
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 13 – 18, enrolled in target schools in Lafayette, St. Martin, New Iberia, St. Landry, and Vermilion parishes; applicants must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents from families who meet the low-income and/or first-generation criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Through a combination of tutoring, workshops, and enrichment activities during the school year, the free Upward Bound Math/Science program provides high schoolers with ongoing academic support for current high school classes and future academic and career opportunities. The program also includes cultural and educational experiences, such as campus visits, historical tours, and group activities that help you build confidence, creativity, and effective communication skills while connecting with peers who share similar goals. During the summer, you will join a six-week academic enrichment program on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, where you will take classes, visit colleges, and participate in educational and cultural trips that deepen your exposure to STEM and higher education. After graduating high school, you can participate in a Summer Bridge program that offers a scholarship of about $4,000 and the chance to enroll in real college classes while receiving mentoring, tutoring, and guidance to support your transition to university life.
Location: Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round, with a summer component (June – July)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, or nationals of the U.S., its territories, properties, or trusts; applicants must meet income guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education or be potential first-generation college students currently attending target schools with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Loyola’s Upward Bound Program offers academic and college prep support to high school students. You will receive academic instruction and tutoring in math, English, science, and foreign languages during the school year and during summer sessions. The program additionally offers guidance on time management, study strategies, and ACT/SAT preparation. College readiness workshops will cover aspects like financial aid applications and admissions procedures. You will also participate in college campus tours and career awareness events to plan for postsecondary education. The residential summer component also allows you to experience campus life and enroll in college preparatory classes.
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: No cost + stipend available (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in public schools who live in the Greater New Orleans area, have applied to the Tulane Science Scholars Program, and who have applied for financial aid under the program; priority consideration will be given to students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch at school or who will be first-generation college students.
This program is a fully funded, stipend-based research experience conducted at Tulane University for high school students. As a participant, you will work directly with faculty and graduate students from Tulane’s School of Science and Engineering in research laboratories. You will spend the summer engaging in STEM research and exploring research practices. Additionally, you will earn a full-tuition scholarship to attend a three-credit course as part of the Tulane Science Scholars Program next summer.
Location: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Sundays each fortnight throughout the year
Application deadline: No formal deadline; optional registration available for planning ahead
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (younger students can also apply)
The Junior Math Club at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an informal math enrichment program that brings together students interested in exploring mathematical ideas. Meetings take place every two weeks on Sunday afternoons, where you will work through problems, discuss mathematical concepts, and explore real-world applications of math. The club focuses on collaborative exploration, allowing you to investigate challenging questions and build problem-solving skills alongside other students who enjoy mathematics. Sessions may include working through puzzles, discussing mathematical ideas in depth, or practicing problem-solving techniques used in competitions like the AMC 8 and AMC 10. As the club is open and free to attend, you can simply join a meeting to see if you enjoy the experience and decide whether to attend regularly.
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $600; need-based financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: MATHStar I: June 1 – 18 | MATHStar II: June 22 – July 10
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students enrolling in a track-specific corresponding high school course (Algebra I or Geometry) in the fall
Xavier’s MATHStar I (Algebra) and MATHStar II (Geometry) are three-week summer programs designed for students who want to explore these math courses before enrolling in them at school. As a participant, you will study core algebraic or geometric concepts in a classroom setting. The curriculum will align with your upcoming high school coursework, reinforcing core skills before the academic year begins. You will work on guided exercises and instructor-led lessons designed to boost academic readiness for rigorous math classes. Orientation and a closing awards ceremony are part of the schedule, with families invited to attend both events.
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $995 (commuter) | $5,495 (residential); financial aid available with priority consideration for Louisiana residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 18
Application deadline: April 24 (extended deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders who have completed Algebra I; residential participants must be at least 14 years old.
In this Tulane University pre-college course, you will explore how mathematicians develop and verify mathematical ideas through logical reasoning rather than experiments or measurements. You will spend the week working through problems and learning how to construct proofs for well-known mathematical results, such as the Pythagorean Theorem or the existence of infinitely many prime numbers. The course focuses on helping you understand the structure of mathematical arguments and how new mathematical truths are discovered through logic and proof. Through guided exercises and discussions, you will practice thinking like a mathematician while refining problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $2,595 (commuter) | $6,595 (residential); financial aid available with priority given to Louisiana residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions in June and July
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; residential participants must be at least 14 years old.
Tulane’s Science Scholars Program is a two-week residential experience for high schoolers interested in advanced STEM study. As a participant, you will enroll in credit-bearing college coursework and attend lectures and labs led by university faculty. Course options span STEM fields, including experimental mathematics, neuroscience, sports analytics, and programming-based tracks. In math-focused courses, you will learn through instruction and exercises that help you build analytical reasoning, data interpretation, and applied mathematical thinking. The curriculum mirrors undergraduate expectations, with designated study time built into the schedule. You will also get to live in campus accommodation and engage in organized evening and weekend activities.
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost: Credit Bearing: $2,900 | Non-Credit Bearing: $2,300; need-based financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 27 – July 25
Application deadline: Priority: March 2; Final: April 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age
SOAR X is a four-week residential program designed to help you boost your analytical reasoning in STEM and the humanities. You will explore advanced academic texts, collaborate with peers in small groups, and present your analysis through research papers, discussions, and projects. If you are a rising senior, you need to complete a college-credit pathway, either by enrolling in a 1000- or 2000-level humanities course or by preparing for a CLEP exam through Modern States. Exploratory tracks may include site visits to clinical or laboratory settings, depending on placement and interest. Outside the classroom, you will live on campus, access university resources, and engage in organized cultural trips. You will also have access to the mentorship of Xavier students and alumni.
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $995 (commuter) | $5,495 (residential); financial aid available with priority consideration for Louisiana residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26 | June 29 – July 2
Application deadline: April 24 (extended deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders; residential participants must be at least 14 years old.
The Applied Mathematics track, part of the Tulane Summer Enrichment Institute (TSEI), is a pre-college course designed to give high school students a preview of college-level math learning. During this weeklong summer course, you will explore how mathematical ideas can be used to understand and solve real-world problems. Topics include logic and set theory, number theory, and linear modeling, with hands-on activities focused on areas like encryption and decryption, biological systems, and financial markets. The course emphasizes practical applications of math, helping you see how modeling can be used to analyze complex systems and generate solutions to complex challenges. Through problem-solving exercises and collaborative work with peers, you will build analytical thinking skills while experiencing what it’s like to study math in a university setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,200/$1,350 (based on session length) + $300 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer: Three weeks | Fall/Spring: Six weeks (dates vary by year)
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: 9th – 12th graders
Louisiana State University’s Virtual Math Circle is an opportunity for high school students to conduct guided mathematical research with faculty and graduate mentors. You will join a team of students to work on advanced problems, formulate and test conjectures, and refine proofs as part of a research process. The experience culminates in a completed research project that can be extended into a science fair or independent study submission. You will receive feedback throughout the development of your mathematical arguments. At the end, you and your team will submit a final report and deliver a 30- to 45-minute colloquium-style presentation discussing the project.
14. MITES Semester
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June – December
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors at the time of application and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MITES Semester is a fully virtual six-month STEM and college preparation program. You will take two rigorous courses: one project-based STEM class and one core course in Calculus, Computer Science, Physics, or Science Writing and Communication. The program is designed to deepen your STEM knowledge while helping you develop the academic and practical skills needed for college success. During the summer, you’ll attend live online classes and collaborative sessions in the evenings, typically committing around 25–30 hours per week. In the fall, the program continues with weekly webinars, college admissions guidance, essay review, mock interviews, and networking opportunities with STEM professionals.
Location: Primarily online mentorship through MIT; final conference at MIT in Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: January 1 – December 31
Application deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the U.S. outside the Greater Boston area
PRIMES-USA is a year-long research program run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for advanced high school students interested in mathematical research. You will work with mentors, often MIT graduate students or faculty, while exploring open research problems in areas such as pure mathematics, theoretical computer science, or computational biology. The program focuses on original math research, giving you the opportunity to study advanced material, develop new ideas, and contribute to unsolved problems. During the first phase of the program, you will complete advanced readings and write a report demonstrating readiness for research. In the following months, you will work closely with your mentor to develop your project, submit interim reports, and continue refining your results. By the end of the year, you will write a formal research paper and present your work at the PRIMES conference. Your project may also be submitted to research competitions or academic journals.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.