15 Math Programs for High School Students in South Dakota
- Stephen Turban
- 8 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re interested in mathematics, joining a structured program can help you explore the subject beyond the topics covered in your regular classes. These opportunities introduce you to areas such as data science, mathematical research, statistics, proof-based reasoning, and competition mathematics while helping you strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills. They also provide opportunities to engage with challenging questions and learn from instructors, researchers, and peers who share your interest in math.
In South Dakota, math programs are offered through universities, academic competitions, enrichment initiatives, and dual-enrollment programs across the state. These opportunities range from research experiences and summer camps to math circles, contests, and college-level courses, giving students a variety of ways to deepen their mathematical knowledge.
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 might analyze datasets, work on research projects, prepare for mathematics competitions, study proof-writing, explore connections between math and computer science, or complete college-level coursework. These experiences can help you build a stronger foundation in mathematics, develop confidence in tackling complex problems, and prepare for future study in STEM and quantitative fields.
With that in mind, here are 15 math programs for high school students in South Dakota!
If you’re looking for medical programs in South Dakota, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free, including SDSU Data Science Camp, USD Math Circle, South Dakota Mines STEM Exploration Camp, Northern SD Math Contest, TEAMS Competition, USD Merten Hasse Competition, West River Math Contest, and MathQuantum Fellowship, making strong math programming accessible to South Dakota students at no cost.
Programs span a wide range of mathematics sub-fields, including data science and statistics (SDSU Data Science Camp), quantum computing and linear algebra (MathQuantum Fellowship), proof-based advanced mathematics (SUMaC), competition mathematics (AwesomeMath, Northern SD Math Contest, Merten Hasse Competition, West River Math Contest), and independent research (Lumiere, HARP).
Students looking for college credit can enroll in SDSU's High School Dual Credit Program, which allows South Dakota juniors and seniors to take college-level mathematics courses, including calculus and statistics, for transferable credit at a low per-credit cost.
Several programs are accessible remotely from anywhere in South Dakota, including Lumiere, HARP, SUMaC, AwesomeMath, and MathQuantum Fellowship, making advanced math programming available to students regardless of location within the state.
Most competitive programs have deadlines between February and April, with SUMaC closing February 2 and MathQuantum closing February 13, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to early-deadline programs first.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is 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.
Location: Brookings, SD (SDSU campus)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students (capacity)
Dates: July (exact dates vary each year; earlier years ran late June to July)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
South Dakota State University’s Data Science Camp approaches mathematics through data, where statistical reasoning becomes the starting point of everything you do. You work with datasets and use tools like R to understand patterns. The sessions move step by step, starting from basic concepts and gradually building toward more structured analysis. You will spend time interpreting the numbers and how they relate to fields like healthcare or business. Group work also plays a role, so you explain your thinking and compare approaches with others.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program. Financial aid is available
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application deadline: 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!
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 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: Vermillion, SD (Vermillion High School)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Academic year (Fall – Spring), three sessions per month
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
The USD Math Circle is an after-school program organized by the University of South Dakota's Department of Mathematical Sciences and held at Vermillion High School. You attend two-hour sessions three times a month, working through topics that go beyond your regular coursework, such as open problems and mathematical techniques not usually covered in school. The sessions also prepare you for the American Mathematics Competitions, including the AMC 10 and AMC 12. Faculty from USD's math department lead each meeting and guide you through problems that require creative thinking rather than routine calculation.
Location: Rapid City, SD (South Dakota Mines campus)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 2
Application Deadline: Until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students entering freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school, including graduating seniors
The STEM Exploration Camp at South Dakota Mines includes mathematics as part of its sessions in engineering and science. You take part in activities where math is used to solve problems related to design, measurement, and analysis. Faculty guide each session and explain how math supports technical work in different fields. The program combines short lessons with hands-on tasks, giving you a clear sense of how concepts are applied. You also spend time on campus and interact with instructors and other students throughout the camp.
Location: Aberdeen, SD (Northern State University)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: April 15
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) from South Dakota and neighboring areas.
The Northern South Dakota Math Contest is a regional event where you solve written problems across different areas of mathematics. You compete alongside students from other schools, working through questions that require clear steps and accurate solutions. Schools send teams, and both individual and team performances are recognized. The contest includes an awards ceremony at the end. It provides a structured setting to apply what you have learned in class and see how others approach similar problems.
Location: Brookings, SD (South Dakota State University facilities)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2–4 students in each team
Dates: February 21 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) interested in STEM and real-world problem solving.
The TEAMS competition focuses on how mathematics is used in engineering and applied problem-solving. You work in a small team to answer questions and complete tasks that involve calculations, measurements, and reasoning. The competition includes multiple sections, including technical questions and a design-based activity. You divide responsibilities within your group and work together to complete each part. The format reflects how math is used in collaborative, real-world settings.
Location: Brookings, SD (SDSU campus), online, and approved partner high schools across South Dakota
Cost: $78.48 per credit; concurrent credit courses are $40 per credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Summer applications start March 1; Fall applications start April 1
Eligibility: South Dakota juniors/seniors qualify via ACT/SAT, class rank, or GPA benchmarks, with alternate pathways through advanced coursework or approved assessments.
The HSDC program allows you to take college-level mathematics courses while completing high school. You enroll in subjects like calculus or statistics and follow a course structure similar to that of university students. Classes include assignments, exams, and grading based on college standards. You can attend courses on campus, online, or through approved schools. The credits you earn count toward both high school and college requirements. This setup gives you early experience with advanced math coursework.
Location: Vermillion, South Dakota (University of South Dakota campus)
Cost: $550; $520 if registered by April 15
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 19–23
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6th–9th in fall who are gifted, high-achieving, or eager to challenge themselves.
The South Dakota Governor’s Camp includes mathematics as part of a broader STEAM curriculum. You attend sessions that involve logic, patterns, and problem-solving, along with activities in coding and robotics. The program is residential, so you stay on campus and take part in group activities. Each session introduces new concepts and gives you a chance to apply them through guided exercises. The experience helps you build familiarity with math in different contexts.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Cost: Tuition varies (contact for pricing)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Summers
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle & high school students interested in math skill building
Mathnasium offers a structured program focused on improving your understanding of mathematics through regular practice. You begin with an assessment, and your lessons are planned based on your current level in topics like algebra or geometry. During each session, you work with instructors who guide you through problems and help you correct mistakes. The program runs on a flexible schedule and allows you to progress at your own pace. It is designed to strengthen your core math skills over time.
Location: Vermillion, SD
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Roughly 200 students
Dates: April 18
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12)
The Merten Hasse Mathematics Competition brings together high school students to solve problems across subjects like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. You compete in a category that matches your current math level, keeping the questions aligned with what you are studying. During the event, you work through a set of problems that require clear steps and careful reasoning. The competition setting allows you to see how others approach similar questions and how your preparation holds up. Top-performing students, especially seniors, may also be considered for scholarships.
Location: South Dakota Mines Campus, King Center, Rapid City, SD
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: May 11
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12)
The West River Math Contest is held at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and includes problem sets across different math levels. You work through questions based on your coursework, such as algebra or advanced mathematics, and apply what you have learned in a structured format. The contest gives you a chance to solve problems in a focused environment and compare your performance with other students. Being on campus also gives you a closer look at how math connects to engineering and technical programs. The experience is straightforward and centered on problem-solving.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,275 – $1,575; multi-course discounts of $100–$300 available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 8 – June 26 | June 29 – July 17 | July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: Deadlines run from January 14 to May 26 across five rounds (early, regular, late), each tied to a test window, with the best discount in the early round.
Eligibility: Students aged 12–18
AwesomeMath is an intensive program that focuses on advanced mathematics and competition preparation. You attend live classes covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Each day includes problem sets that require careful thinking and detailed solutions. Instructors explain different methods and walk through solutions step by step. The program is structured to help you prepare for math competitions and improve your problem-solving skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,750; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 students
Dates: Session One: June 15 – July 3; Session Two: July 6 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
SUMaC is built around proof-based, abstract mathematics that resembles undergraduate coursework more than high school math. You work in collaborative groups to explore topics like number theory, symmetry, algebraic structures, and formal proof construction. Discussions are conceptual and often require you to explain your reasoning clearly rather than just compute answers. Faculty and instructors challenge you to think about why mathematical structures behave the way they do. With only 64 students admitted, SUMaC signals a high level of selectivity and intellectual rigor.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students
Dates: July 14 – July 25 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students
MathQuantum introduces you to mathematics used in quantum computing and related fields. You study topics such as linear algebra, probability, and basic quantum concepts through guided lessons. The program includes coding exercises and simulations to help you understand how the math is applied. You work through the material in a structured way and build toward a final project. The focus stays on connecting mathematical concepts to emerging technologies.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in South Dakota?
Options include free university data science camps (SDSU Data Science Camp), math circles (USD Math Circle), regional and statewide competitions (Northern SD Math Contest, Merten Hasse Competition, West River Math Contest, TEAMS), dual enrollment college courses (SDSU HSDC), residential enrichment programs (South Dakota Governor's Camp), virtual research programs (Lumiere, HARP, MIT PRIMES-USA), and advanced online mathematics programs (SUMaC, AwesomeMath, MathQuantum Fellowship).
Are there free math programs for high school students in South Dakota?
Yes, several programs are free. SDSU Data Science Camp, USD Math Circle, South Dakota Mines STEM Exploration Camp, Northern SD Math Contest, TEAMS Competition at SDSU, USD Merten Hasse Mathematics Competition, West River Math Contest, and MathQuantum Fellowship are all free to participate in. Programs like Lumiere, HARP, and SUMaC charge tuition but offer financial aid for eligible students.
Which South Dakota math programs are best for students interested in research?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs students 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor for a 12-week project culminating in a research paper. HARP offers a trimester-long mentor-guided research in data science or machine learning. MIT PRIMES-USA is a free year-long program where students work on original unsolved mathematics problems with MIT mentors. SDSU Data Science Camp provides an introductory experience applying statistical reasoning to real datasets.
Which programs are best for students interested in competition mathematics?
The Northern SD Math Contest at Northern State University and the USD Merten Hasse Mathematics Competition both offer structured regional competition experiences across algebra, geometry, and calculus. The West River Math Contest at South Dakota Mines offers a similar experience in western South Dakota. AwesomeMath offers intensive online competition preparation covering number theory, combinatorics, and geometry. SUMaC is well-suited for students ready to move from competition mathematics into proof-based advanced coursework.
Are there math programs in South Dakota specifically for younger high school students?
South Dakota Governor's Camp accepts students entering grades 6 through 9 and introduces mathematics through logic, patterns, and coding in a residential setting. USD Math Circle is open to students in grades 7-12 and focuses on problem-solving beyond the standard curriculum. SDSU Data Science Camp is open to students entering grades 9 through 12 with no prerequisites beyond a general interest in mathematics.
When should I apply to math programs for high school students in South Dakota?
SUMaC closes on February 2, and the MathQuantum Fellowship closes on February 13. The USD Merten Hasse Competition deadline is March 27, and the West River Math Contest closes April 17. SDSU Governor's Camp closes June 1. SDSU Data Science Camp does not specify a deadline, but fills limited spots. Students should begin researching programs in the fall and prioritize 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.