15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in Alabama
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
If you’re in high school and live in Alabama, spending part of your summer on a college campus in the state can change how you think about your future. The state is home to multiple programs run by colleges across the state, which give you a chance to study different subjects, use campus resources, and learn what college is really like. You sit in actual classrooms, work in labs, join group projects, and get a feel for how college students learn.
Some college programs below are focused on subjects like engineering, health, or law. Others let you try writing, business, or science experiments. You might take part in a mock trial, learn how to code, or study human biology with lab tools. Joining these college programs adds weight to your college applications and network. It shows that you’ve used your time to learn something beyond school and that you’ve explored what interests you.
To help you find one that fits, here’s a list of 15 college summer programs for high school students in Alabama!
15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in Alabama
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 15 – June 28
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in STEAM and agriculture; applicants may apply to both programs separately
Hosted by Tuskegee University, these two-week residential programs expose high school students to STEAM careers through hands-on research and leadership development. Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK focuses on science, technology, and engineering education, while AgDiscovery, funded by the USDA, centers on agricultural sciences and biosecurity. You’ll conduct lab-based research, explore real-world applications in fields like materials science and biotechnology, and interact with scientists and faculty.
2. VET-STEP
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Dates: VET STEP I: June 9 – June 13, VET STEP II: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–10th graders for STEP I; rising 11th–12th graders for STEP II
The VET-STEP Institute is a one-week residential program introducing high school students to veterinary medicine through interactive coursework and experiential learning. Hosted by the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, the program includes academic lectures, hands-on lab exercises, student-led presentations, and field trips to veterinary sites. You’ll explore topics like animal physiology, pathology, and public health while engaging with veterinary professionals and faculty. The program offers two tracks based on grade level and is geared toward underrepresented minority students pursuing careers in animal science or medicine.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, and remote
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in agriculture, sustainability, and public policy
The High School Level Summer Experience Internship, hosted by the Carver Integrated Sustainability Center at Tuskegee University, is an eight-week, paid workforce development program. You’ll be matched with professionals such as farmers, cooperative extension agents, and sustainability specialists to explore career paths in agriculture, youth development, and policy advocacy.
You will work hands-on in areas like urban agriculture, farmers market operations, and food and consumer sciences, gaining exposure to real-world practices in sustainable development. You’ll also participate in virtual seminars led by federal agency staff and Tuskegee faculty, deepening your understanding of socially conscious agricultural entrepreneurship.
Location: Camp Chandler, Wetumpka, AL
Cost: $100 application fee
Dates: July 13 – July 19
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: Rising 6th–9th grade students
ExERT Camp, hosted by the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program, offers a weeklong summer experience focused on empowerment, wellness, and real-world skills. Held at Camp Chandler, the program features hands-on workshops in money management, agriculture, culinary arts, water quality, and yoga, integrating academic learning with physical activity and self-development. You will benefit from a structured yet engaging environment designed to expand your horizons across both academic and life skills.
5. FASTREC
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: $100 non-refundable application fee; scholarships awarded based on performance
Dates: Eight-week program from June–August
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school graduates accepted to Tuskegee University; minimum SAT Math 540 or ACT Math 24 required for FASTREC I
FASTREC is an eight-week summer bridge program designed to prepare incoming Tuskegee engineering students for academic success. In FASTREC I, you must meet a minimum math threshold and can earn up to nine credits toward your engineering degree through intensive courses in calculus, engineering, and study skills.
Those needing foundational support enter FASTREC II, which offers math preparation and up to seven credits toward their degree. You will receive structured academic support, mentorship, and exposure to college-level expectations, with top performers eligible for scholarships sponsored by industry partners.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee; additional enrollment fee may apply
Dates: One-week sessions
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (MITE I) and seniors (MITE II) with a 3.0+ GPA
Mentoring InTo Engineering (MITE) is a one-week summer program at Tuskegee University that gives you a real taste of what engineering is like. If you’re a rising junior, you’ll join MITE I. If you’re heading into your senior year, you’ll be part of MITE II. During the week, you’ll team up with Tuskegee professors, students, and alumni for lectures, lab demos, campus tours, and hands-on projects. You’ll explore different types of engineering and learn how to keep going with STEM in college.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum at Moton Airfield
Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee; additional enrollment fee may apply
Dates: One-week session in summer
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a 3.0+ GPA
MITAS is a one-week, hands-on summer program introducing underrepresented students to aviation and aerospace science. Hosted by Tuskegee University’s College of Engineering in partnership with the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the program covers aviation history, aircraft systems, propulsion, and autonomous technologies.
You’ll engage in modules like engine dissection, flight simulation, CAD modeling, and even build and test model airplanes and rockets. The program’s goal is to encourage students to pursue careers in aviation while providing early exposure to engineering and technical concepts in a culturally significant setting.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 15 – June 28
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students interested in forestry, sustainability, or related STEM fields
The Forestry and Natural Resources Tuskegee Research Enrichment Kamp (FNR-TREK) is a two-week residential summer program focused on environmental science, forestry, and climate resilience. Hosted by Tuskegee’s College of Agriculture, Environment, and Nutrition Sciences, the program introduces you to careers in forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and aquatics through fieldwork and applied research. You’ll take part in sustainability-focused lab exercises, leadership training, and ecosystem management activities while learning about climate change and conservation.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free; $1,500 stipend upon completion
Dates: July 1 – July 25 (Summer Academy); project continues through the Fall semester
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders attending schools in the Alabama Black Belt areas
The ITEST Alabama program at Tuskegee University offers a unique summer and fall research opportunity focused on computer science education. Over 3.5 weeks in the summer, you’ll participate in the Summer Academy, followed by a semester-long computer science project led by your mentor teacher. Hands-on coding work, project-based learning, and research exposure are core parts of the experience, and you are expected to complete all assignments, interviews, and evaluations. You will receive a stipend of up to $1,500 upon program completion.
10. MINI MEAT Camp
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free; housing and meals provided
Dates: June 15 – June 28
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students; application requires a 1–2 page purpose statement, two reference letters, and proof of enrollment
MINI MEAT Camp is a two-week residential summer program designed to expose high school students to college-level expectations and laboratory-based learning. Hosted on campus at Tuskegee University, the program includes hands-on lab work, field trips, team-building activities, and workshops that reflect real-world science and agricultural practices. You will live on campus and engage with peers through group learning and enrichment sessions.
Location: Tuskegee University’s Certified Organic Research Farm, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students interested in organic agriculture for sustainable food systems
This eight-week experiential program offers in-depth, hands-on training in organic agriculture and sustainable food production. Hosted at Tuskegee University’s Certified Organic Research Farm, the program covers topics such as organic crop regulations, soil and pest management, post-harvest handling, food safety, and marketing of organic vegetables. You’ll attend informational sessions and participate directly in preparing fields, managing crops, and learning sustainable farming techniques.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: $800 per student; $50 deposit required to hold spot
Dates: June 15 – June 21
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students interested in architecture or construction management
The PACT Program is a one-week, immersive summer experience designed to introduce students to the fields of architecture and construction management. Hosted by Tuskegee University's Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science, the program blends hands-on construction workshops with training in cutting-edge tools like Virtual Reality, 3D modeling, and design computation. You will explore the built environment through the lens of Tuskegee’s historic “design-build” philosophy, engaging both traditional craft and emerging technologies.
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: $75 per program; some events may offer scholarships or support
Dates: Engineering Summer Expo: July 21, Senior Engineering Showcase: July 25, Future Engineer Club Celebration: August 1, MITE & Paper and Bioresource Engineering Camp: Dates TBD
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders; some programs targeted at specific grades
Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering hosts several summer programs to introduce high school students to engineering disciplines and college life. The Engineering Summer Expo (for grades 9–11) and Senior Showcase (for rising seniors) are one-day events with hands-on activities, student-led sessions, and facility tours. The Mini Introduction to Engineering (MITE) is a week-long residential program for underrepresented students, focused on engineering design processes. The Paper & Bioresource Engineering Camp is tailored for upper-level students interested in Auburn’s specialization within the fast-growing pulp and paper industry.
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: $880
Dates: June 16 – June 20
Application Deadline: Rolling; early registration recommended
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students with a passion for writing
The Creative Writing Studio at Auburn University is a week-long intensive program for high school students who want to develop original work in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Hosted by Auburn’s College of Liberal Arts, the program includes workshops, craft classes, and guest lectures from published authors, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at a working literary journal, the Southern Humanities Review. You will build a creative portfolio, participate in immersive literary tours around Auburn, and finish the week with a public reading of your work.
15. AU Brain Camp
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: $705; scholarships may be available
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling; early registration recommended
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders or incoming college freshmen; MRI safety screening required for brain scan
AU Brain Camp offers a neuroscience-focused summer experience where students explore brain science through cutting-edge technology and direct instruction from Auburn faculty. Hosted by the Department of Psychological Sciences, the camp features hands-on sessions in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and, for eligible students, functional MRI brain scans using Auburn’s MRI Research Center. You will also build 3D models of the brain and practice real neuroscience techniques while engaging with top professors and researchers. You will live in campus dorms and enjoy full access to Auburn's facilities and social events.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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.
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