15 Math Programs for High School Students in Oregon
- Stephen Turban
- 8 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re interested in mathematics, participating in a structured program can help you explore concepts and applications that extend beyond the standard high school curriculum. These opportunities introduce you to areas such as mathematical research, data science, statistics, modeling, competition mathematics, and quantitative problem-solving while helping you strengthen analytical and logical reasoning skills. They also provide opportunities to learn from mentors, collaborate with peers, and engage with challenging mathematical questions in new ways.
In Oregon, math programs are offered through universities, research initiatives, academic competitions, enrichment organizations, and mentorship programs. These opportunities range from research experiences and summer academies to math contests, dual-enrollment pathways, and specialized programs focused on areas such as data science, quantum information, and mathematical modeling.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to apply mathematical thinking in settings that emphasize exploration, creativity, and advanced problem-solving. Depending on the program, you will conduct research, analyze data, build mathematical models, study advanced theory, prepare for competitions, or work on projects that connect mathematics with fields such as economics, computer science, and engineering. These experiences can help you deepen your understanding of mathematics, strengthen your quantitative skills, and explore potential academic and career interests in STEM fields.
With that in mind, here are 15 math programs for high school students in Oregon.
If you’re looking for summer programs in Oregon, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free, including SAIL at the University of Oregon, OSU SMILE, Southern Oregon Mathematics League, MathQuantum Fellowship, MIT PRIMES-USA, IMA Math Modeling Camp, and EOU Regional Mathematics Competition, making Oregon a strong state for no-cost math opportunities.
Programs span a wide range of mathematics sub-fields including quantum information and linear algebra (MathQuantum Fellowship), mathematical modeling (IMA Math Modeling Camp), data science and machine learning (Lumiere, HARP), competition mathematics (SOML, EOU Regional Competition, AoPS, SUMaC), proof-based advanced mathematics (SUMaC, PRIMES-USA), and applied and industry-based mathematics (ASE Program).
Students looking for research experiences culminating in a formal paper can apply to MIT PRIMES-USA (year-long, free, remote), Lumiere Research Scholar Program (12 weeks, remote, financial aid available), and HARP (trimester-long, remote, financial aid available), all of which provide structured mentorship and produce submission-ready research.
Several programs are accessible remotely from anywhere in Oregon, including Lumiere, HARP, SUMaC, AoPS Online, MIT PRIMES-USA, MathQuantum Fellowship, and IMA Math Modeling Camp, making advanced math programming available regardless of location within the state.
Deadlines vary widely: MIT PRIMES-USA typically closes in December, MathQuantum Fellowship closes February 13, and SUMaC closes March 13, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to early-deadline programs first.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a remote, mentor-guided research experience where high school students complete an independent project over approximately 12 weeks under PhD-level mentorship. You can pursue topics in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or mathematically grounded areas such as data science and theoretical computer science. The structure includes defining a research question, developing a methodology, conducting analysis, and producing a formal research paper, all under one-on-one guidance. Emphasis is placed on mathematical reasoning, proof-based thinking, or quantitative modeling, depending on the selected topic. The program concludes with a research paper suitable for submission to student journals or research competitions.
Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: Residential: July 12 – 17; Day program: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Registration opens April 1 until filled
Eligibility: High school students (rising 11–12 grades for residential option); Oregon residents
The Student Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) Summer Programs at the University of Oregon offer a week-long, on-campus experience where you study selected subjects through structured, faculty-led sessions. In the Business, Economics & Math track, you explore quantitative reasoning through interactive activities that apply mathematical thinking to economic and decision-making problems. You participate in hands-on workshops that emphasize modeling, data interpretation, and logical analysis. The program is designed to support college readiness through immersive academics and mentorship in a university setting. SAIL is a free pre-college initiative for eligible Oregon high school students, with additional year-round mentoring opportunities.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September)
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders!
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a trimester-long, mentor-guided research experience where you complete an independent project under the guidance of a professor or PhD scholar. If you select a math-relevant track such as data science or machine learning, you apply quantitative methods including statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and algorithmic evaluation. You develop a defined research question, design a methodology, analyze results, and produce an academic research paper of about 20 pages. The program provides structured feedback throughout the research and writing process, emphasizing rigor in analysis and interpretation. You complete the experience with submission-ready work and a letter of recommendation based on your research performance.
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: No formal deadline
Eligibility: Programs are available for students in grades 4–12
The SMILE program is a long-term STEM initiative that teaches mathematics through hands-on activities and projects. You take part in after-school sessions and events that connect math concepts to real-world problems. The program includes group work, experiments, and guided activities designed by educators and researchers. Over time, you build your understanding through consistent engagement rather than short-term study. It also involves community participation, which adds another layer to the learning process.
Location: Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Nov 18, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 21. Check more details here
Application Deadline: No formal deadline
Eligibility: High school students
Hosted by the Mathematics Department at Southern Oregon University, SOML is a year-long competition series where you test your skills across core high school mathematics topics. You compete in individual and team rounds covering areas such as logic and deductive reasoning, functions and graphs, quadratic equations, and systems of linear equations. The program includes five meets during the school year, with points accumulated across events and awards presented at the spring final. Participation emphasizes problem-solving under timed conditions and collaboration with your school team. Through regular competition, you strengthen mathematical reasoning and build confidence beyond classroom assessments.
Location: Various locations in Portland-Metro, Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene areas in Oregon
Cost: $40 application fee; Stipend may be provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 17 – August 23
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising 10–12 grade students
The ASE program connects you with a mentor in a real research or industry setting, where mathematics often comes into play through data analysis, modeling, or technical work. You spend several weeks working on projects designed by your host organization, which may involve interpreting data, building models, or supporting ongoing research. The experience is less classroom-based and more about learning through actual work. You also get a sense of how mathematical thinking is used in professional environments. The program includes guidance from mentors who help you understand both the process and the expectations.
Location: Tyler Miller Tutoring, Bend, Oregon
Cost: $320
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4 kids per camp
Dates: Week 1: August 17 – 20, Week 2: August 24 – 27
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Entering 9th graders
The Tyler Miller Tutoring Math Summer Camp is a two-week, small-group program that helps you review core math concepts and prepare for the upcoming school year. You receive grade-specific instruction aligned with the Bend–La Pine curriculum, combining foundational review with a preview of upcoming skills. Sessions include structured practice, targeted explanations, and nightly homework to reinforce learning between meetings. The program provides 8 hours of focused instruction in a personalized setting that supports measurable skill development. By the end of the camp, you strengthen academic readiness and build confidence in grade-level mathematics.
Location: South Beaverton, Tigard, OR
Cost: Costs vary by package
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Flexible summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Available for various educational levels
Mathnasium offers a structured learning program that tailors your lessons to your current level and areas for improvement. You begin with an assessment, and your sessions are planned to help you build understanding step by step. The program focuses on concepts rather than memorization, which helps you approach problems more clearly. You attend regular sessions and work through guided practice with instructor support. It is designed to keep your math skills consistent over time.
Location: University of Portland campus, Portland, OR
Cost: $125; No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 6
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Students entering grades 2–11
The University of Portland Summer Learning Program is a campus-based academic enrichment option for students in grades 2–11 that focuses on mathematics and language arts aligned with Common Core State Standards. You attend morning classes Monday through Thursday, where graduate students from the School of Education provide structured instruction and guided practice. The math component emphasizes conceptual understanding, skill reinforcement, and measurable progress to support readiness for the next academic year. The program offers a consistent learning schedule on a university campus, allowing you to maintain academic momentum through focused, standards-aligned coursework.
Location: Eastern Oregon University campus, La Grande, OR
Cost: $35 per team. $1000 scholarship for each of the 1st place finishers in Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Regional competition: April 14
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
Hosted annually on the La Grande campus, this one-day competition brings together eastern Oregon high school students for individual exams and team-based math challenges. You compete across multiple subject levels, including Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, with top performers advancing toward the state contest organized by the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The event is school-organized and free to attend, making it an accessible way to gain structured contest experience. In addition to awards and scholarships for high-performing students, you engage with university faculty and explore the campus environment. The competition focuses on analytical problem-solving and helps you build confidence in mathematics beyond classroom evaluation.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students
Dates: 2 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school student interested in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and/or Quantum (Information) Science
The MathQuantum High School Fellowship is a two-week online program supported by the National Science Foundation that introduces you to the mathematical foundations of quantum information science. You learn through lectures, coding labs, group discussions, and a final mini-project that connects theory with application. The curriculum covers linear algebra, elements of quantum mechanics, and cryptography, with attention to how these fields support current quantum technologies. You also explore practical tools used in quantum systems and study concepts such as ion traps. Mentored research exposure and interdisciplinary training help you understand how mathematical methods are applied to problems in quantum information science.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750, financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 students
Dates: June 15 – July 3 | July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) Online Enrichment offers a selective, intensive mathematics experience for rising high school juniors and seniors. You participate in a fast-paced three-week curriculum featuring live lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving focused on advanced topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology. The program focuses on mathematical theory, its historical development, and its applications across scientific disciplines, with daily problem sets that mirror college-level expectations. You interact regularly with instructional assistants and attend guest lectures from mathematicians and professionals who apply advanced mathematics in their work. The experience concludes with a research-based project presentation.
13. AoPS Online
Location: Online
Cost: Varies based on the coursework
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Programs are available for various educational qualifications
The Art of Problem Solving AoPS Online program provides structured, virtual mathematics courses ranging from introductory topics to advanced and competition-focused study. You attend live, interactive classes supported by weekly homework, instructor guidance, and moderated discussion boards where you can ask questions outside scheduled sessions. Each course includes full class transcripts, allowing you to review concepts or catch up if you miss a lesson. Instruction is reinforced through AoPS textbooks, supplementary videos, handouts, and practice contests that emphasize rigorous problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. You also receive academic support through online homework help and optional access to virtual classroom spaces for collaborative, student-led study.
14. PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort; Competitive admission
Dates: Year-long
Application Deadline: Typically in December
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores residing in the United States outside the Greater Boston area
The PRIMES-USA program by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a free, year-long online mathematics research experience for high school sophomores and juniors in the United States outside the Greater Boston area. You study advanced topics and work on open problems in pure or applied mathematics, including areas related to theoretical computer science and computational biology. The program progresses through structured phases: advanced reading with a formal report, mentored research with progress submissions, independent study, and the preparation of a final research paper. Throughout the year, you collaborate remotely with MIT faculty, graduate students, or approved local mentors using online research tools. By the end of the program, your completed paper is published on the PRIMES website and may be submitted to national-level high school research competitions.
Location: Online
Cost: None
Application Deadline: May 31
Dates: June 22 – June 26
Eligibility: Must be in high school, complete a year-long single-variable calculus course, and may graduate by summer.
The Math Modeling Camp is a free summer program where high school students use math to solve real-world problems. You will model how traffic patterns affect bridge stability, use differential equations to forecast population growth, or analyze climate data to track changes in natural resources. You work in small groups, break down large questions into solvable steps, and present your results at the end of the program.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in Oregon?
Options include free university pre-college programs (SAIL at UO, OSU SMILE), mentored research experiences (Lumiere, HARP, MIT PRIMES-USA, ASE Program), mathematics competition series (SOML, EOU Regional Competition, AoPS), advanced online programs (SUMaC, AwesomeMath), quantum information programs (MathQuantum Fellowship), mathematical modeling camps (IMA Math Modeling Camp), and structured tutoring and enrichment (Mathnasium, Tyler Miller Tutoring, University of Portland Summer Learning).
Are there free math programs for high school students in Oregon?
Yes, several programs are free. SAIL at University of Oregon, OSU SMILE, Southern Oregon Mathematics League, EOU Regional Mathematics Competition, MathQuantum Fellowship, MIT PRIMES-USA, and IMA Math Modeling Camp are all free to participate in. Programs like Lumiere, HARP, and SUMaC charge tuition but offer financial aid for eligible students.
Which Oregon math programs are best for students interested in research?
MIT PRIMES-USA is the most intensive research option, pairing students with MIT mentors for a year-long project on original mathematics problems with a final paper published on the PRIMES website. Lumiere Research Scholar Program and HARP both offer virtual mentor-guided research culminating in a formal paper. The ASE Program places students in real research or industry settings in Oregon where mathematical thinking is applied to ongoing projects.
Which programs are best for students interested in quantum computing or emerging mathematical fields?
MathQuantum High School Fellowship is specifically designed to introduce students to the mathematical foundations of quantum information science, covering linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and cryptography over two weeks. MIT PRIMES-USA also offers research placements in theoretical computer science and computational biology alongside pure mathematics tracks.
Which programs are best for students interested in competition mathematics?
Southern Oregon Mathematics League runs a year-long competition series across five meets covering algebra, geometry, and logical reasoning. EOU Regional High School Mathematics Competition gives students in eastern Oregon structured contest experience across multiple subject levels with scholarship awards for top performers. AoPS Online offers rigorous competition-prep courses year-round. SUMaC is well suited for students ready to move from competition-style problem-solving into proof-based advanced mathematics.
When should I apply to math programs for high school students in Oregon?
MIT PRIMES-USA typically closes in December, and the MathQuantum Fellowship closes February 13. SUMaC closes March 13, and the ASE Program closes March 6. SAIL at the University of Oregon opens registration on April 1, and IMA Math Modeling Camp closes on May 31. SOML and EOU Regional Competition have school-year and spring deadlines, respectively. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize December- and February-deadline programs well before the winter break.
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.