15 Natural Sciences Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
If you’re interested in the natural sciences, summer programs can help you explore subjects beyond what is typically covered in high school classes. These opportunities introduce you to areas like biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and earth science while exposing you to academic and research-focused learning environments. They can also help you better understand how scientific research is conducted across different fields.
Why should I participate in a natural sciences summer program in high school?
Natural sciences programs allow you to engage more deeply with scientific concepts through research, laboratory work, and field-based learning experiences. You might analyze scientific data, contribute to research projects, conduct experiments, collect environmental samples, or work with mentors and researchers in university and laboratory settings. Over time, these experiences can help you strengthen analytical and scientific thinking skills, explore potential STEM pathways, and prepare for future academic opportunities in science-related fields.
To make the search easier, we have narrowed down 15 natural sciences summer programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for free virtual research opportunities, check out our blog here.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: No tuition; a non-refundable application fee of $75 with waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2.5%; 100 students/year
Dates: June – August (six weeks)
Application deadline: Typically, December/January
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the RSI academic prerequisites
RSI is one of the most selective STEM research programs available to high school students. As a participant, you will begin with a week of intensive lectures by MIT faculty and leading scientists that cover advanced concepts across multiple scientific disciplines. After this introductory phase, you will spend the remaining weeks conducting independent research under the guidance of professional researchers and mentors. You may work on projects in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or computational sciences, gaining experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific methodology. Throughout the program, you will collaborate closely with mentors and graduate researchers while developing an original research project. The experience culminates in a written research paper and a formal presentation of your findings, giving you direct exposure to the process of professional scientific research and academic collaboration.
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 physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Virtual and University of Texas Center for Space Research, Austin, TX
Cost: Free for virtual participants | $2,000 for on-site participants; full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10.75 acceptance rate in the past
Dates: On-site internship dates: July 5 – 18; Virtual project dates: June – July 21; Virtual Science Symposium: July 20 – 21
Application deadline: February 22 (recommendations due on March 1)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11, ages 16 and up
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program is a research internship hosted by the University of Texas Center for Space Research in collaboration with NASA. During the program, you will work with NASA scientists, engineers, and academic researchers on projects that use real mission data. Research areas may include aerospace engineering, planetary science, astronomy, remote sensing, Earth systems, and microgravity research. You will begin the program with distance-learning modules that introduce key concepts in Earth and space science, along with technical training, such as Python programming, depending on your research project. After this preparation phase, you collaborate with mentors on research projects involving scientific data analysis, modeling, and visualization. Through this experience, you will gain exposure to the tools and methods used by researchers studying Earth and space systems. The program concludes with the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, where you will present your research findings to peers and NASA researchers.
Location: Various sites, including Oxford, London, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students, ages 13 – 18
The Academic Insights Program allows high school students to experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 4 to 10 students, and learn from tutors from top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including the natural sciences track, where you will study biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and mentoring. You will also have access to one-on-one tutoring and personalized guidance to help you prepare for future academics. At the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Five or six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, enrolled in a local high school, U.S. citizens, and able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in NJ
LLP is a full-time, in-person summer research experience at Princeton University, where you will work with faculty and research staff on active projects in the natural sciences and engineering. Project focus and tasks vary by placement, but typically involve laboratory activities, data collection, documentation, analysis, and scientific writing. You will follow the schedule set by the assigned department, undergo safety training before starting experiments, and adhere to university policies. At the end of LLP, you will produce and submit a two-page research summary discussing your research work.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free; full scholarship funded through the Pinkerton Foundation and partner organizations
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 25 (remote evening workshops) + July 6 – August 14 (in-person research)
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: New York City high school students currently in the 10th or 11th grade with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in STEM
ARISE at NYU Tandon School of Engineering allows you to conduct hands-on research in university laboratories while working alongside faculty members and graduate researchers. The program begins with a series of remote workshops that introduce research fundamentals, scientific methods, and essential lab preparation skills. Then, you will spend about six weeks conducting in-person research in an NYU laboratory. Depending on your placement, you may work on projects in areas such as chemistry, physics, or life sciences. Throughout the program, you will develop technical research skills, analyze scientific data, and collaborate with mentors on ongoing research projects. The experience concludes with a formal research colloquium where you present your findings to faculty, researchers, peers, and family members, offering you experience in scientific communication and presentation.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend availability varies by year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots each year
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application deadline: March 2; applications open on December 15, and results will be released by April 10.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are Massachusetts residents living within commuting distance of Northeastern University and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
YSP at Northeastern University offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in science and engineering laboratories. During the program, you will work on research projects in natural or applied sciences directly with faculty members and researchers in labs across Northeastern’s Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. Alongside your laboratory research, you will participate in a seminar series introducing different engineering disciplines and emerging technologies. The program also includes career and college advising sessions, helping you understand STEM career pathways and explore opportunities in engineering and scientific research. Field trips to companies and research institutions provide exposure to real-world scientific work environments.
Location: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO
Stipend: $1,803
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2 – 4 students/track
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 26 | Session 2: July 7 – 31
Application deadline: Exact date not specified; applications typically close in early spring.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 14 – 17
The Teen Science Scholars program at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science gives you the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside museum scientists. During the program, you will join a specialized research track where you will work on projects related to fields such as ornithology, paleontology, zoology, or genetics. Depending on your track, you may participate in activities such as bird banding and DNA analysis, fossil excavation and preservation, zoological specimen preparation, or materials analysis of cultural artifacts. You will learn the laboratory and field techniques used in museum-based scientific research while collaborating closely with professional researchers and staff scientists. The program also includes mentorship and professional development sessions that introduce you to careers in scientific research and museum science. At the end of the program, you will present your work at a public Showcase event, sharing your research findings and experiences with the scientific community and the public.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 6 – 10 students/year
Dates: June 14 – July 24 Application deadline: TBA in the fall
Eligibility: Current juniors attending high schools in Michigan
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at the University of Michigan allows you to experience life as a professional scientist through a six-week residential research program. During the internship, you will work in a laboratory alongside university researchers and contribute to ongoing projects in the life sciences. Your work may include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting with laboratory techniques used in biological research. In addition to laboratory research, you will participate in workshops and professional development sessions focused on science communication, college preparation, and career exploration. The program also includes lectures and networking events with scientists and researchers, helping you learn about different scientific career paths. Through sessions conducted in collaboration with the U-M Museum of Natural History, you will gain experience communicating scientific ideas to broader audiences. At the end of six weeks, you will present your research findings to the public and members of the scientific community.
Location: Biological Field Station and Otsego Lake region, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–3 high school students/year
Dates: Late May – August (eight weeks)
Application deadline: TBA in January
Eligibility: High school students who are New York State residents and at least 16 years old by June 20; preference is given to Otsego County residents.
The BFS Summer Research Internship gives you the opportunity to participate in hands-on ecological and environmental science research in the Otsego Lake region. During the program, you will work with faculty researchers from SUNY Oneonta on ongoing projects related to freshwater ecosystems and the Susquehanna River watershed. Your responsibilities may include collecting water and biological samples in the field, identifying aquatic organisms, conducting laboratory analyses, and processing ecological data. Through this work, you will gain practical experience with both field-based environmental monitoring and lab research techniques. The internship also introduces you to long-term ecological research and watershed management strategies used by environmental scientists. At the end, you will produce a technical research report and present your findings using a scientific poster.
Location: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots each year
Dates: May 17 – 22
Application deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Maine high school juniors
The Keller BLOOM Program at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences gives you the opportunity to explore marine science through a weeklong immersive research experience. During the program, you will work alongside professional scientists and learn techniques used in biological and chemical oceanography. You will begin by collecting water samples during fieldwork aboard a research vessel in the Sheepscot River estuary. Then, you will analyze these samples in the laboratory using scientific tools such as spectrophotometry, microscopy, and fluorometric assays. These analyses will help you learn about phytoplankton communities, pigments, nutrient levels, and microbial populations in marine ecosystems. Throughout the program, you will learn how scientists move from field sampling to data analysis and ecological interpretation. At the end of the week, you will present your findings to peers and scientists.
Location: Online or George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for three course credits; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old (or at least 16 years old for in-person internships)
ASSIP offers virtual and on-campus research opportunities to high schoolers and college students in various fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, and astronomy. You will spend eight weeks working with a mentor on research projects, collecting, analyzing, and documenting data, and building research skills. During the program, you will also learn about career paths through discussions led by professors, researchers, or STEM professionals. The program ends with a symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the summer. On completing the program, you will earn three credits from George Mason University.
Location: Bradley University and partner research institutions, Peoria, IL
Cost: $1,750; limited $600 need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited internship placements with research mentors
Dates: June 2 – August 3
Application deadline: April 1 (for priority consideration)
Eligibility: High school and college students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Building Excellent Scientists for Tomorrow (BEST) Research Internship Program at Bradley University offers a mentored research experience designed for students interested in careers in the natural sciences or engineering. During the internship, you will work directly with a research mentor on a scientific project while completing approximately 150–300 hours of research over the course of the summer. Mentors may come from Bradley University, the USDA Agricultural Utilization Lab, the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, Caterpillar Inc., and other regional research organizations. You may work on projects in fields such as biology, biomedical sciences, environmental science, physical sciences, or engineering. Alongside research activities, you will attend seminars, workshops, and field visits to scientific and medical institutions to explore how research connects to real-world scientific careers. The program emphasizes building technical skills, scientific communication abilities, and professional networks. At the end, you will present your research at the BEST Interns Symposium to mentors, faculty members, and fellow interns.
Location: Online or Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $3,364 – $10,858, depending on format (online, hybrid, commuter, or residential) and session length (one to six weeks); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 25; multiple sessions of varying lengths available
Application deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 – 12, ages 14 – 18 by June 14
The Summer@Brown Pre-College Program allows you to explore college-level academics through a wide range of short courses inspired by Brown University’s Open Curriculum. You can choose from more than 230 non-credit courses spanning fields such as biological sciences, physics, engineering, medicine, environmental science, mathematics, and many interdisciplinary subjects. Classes are typically held for three hours per day, five days per week, with additional independent or group work outside of class. During the program, you will learn in small, discussion-based classes where instructors encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and independent inquiry. Some courses also include course-based research experiences that allow you to investigate scientific questions through data analysis or projects. Outside the classroom, you participate in workshops, campus activities, and social events designed to build community and introduce you to college life. At the end, you will receive a digital certificate of completion and, for longer sessions, a course performance report.
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Cost: $1,075
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12–18
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 12 – 15
This week-long camp at Texas A&M University at Galveston offers you a hands-on look at how chemistry, biology, and physics all work together to shape the ocean environment and animals. You will explore different ocean environments, from surface plankton to deep-sea habitats, and learn about the animals that live in each layer. Fieldwork involves collecting sediment and water samples from the Gulf and nearby bays, offering you exposure to how scientists study ocean health. You will also conduct experiments focused on temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, building practical lab skills. Throughout the week, you will work in small groups of peers alongside marine scientists and instructors who will offer guidance.
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.