15 Earth Sciences Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 23
- 11 min read
If you are a high school student curious about the environment, climate, geology, or sustainability, summer is a good time to start looking into programs that give you hands-on experience in Earth sciences. These programs are a practical way to explore the subject outside your school curriculum, while also learning research skills, doing fieldwork, and building connections with scientists and professors.
Many of these programs are hosted by universities, government agencies, or science institutions. You might collect water samples, analyze satellite data, study soil quality, or explore how ecosystems respond to climate change. Some programs even include lab training, coding lessons, or trips to research vessels and national parks.
To help you decide, here are 15 Earth sciences summer programs for high school students that stand out for their academic rigor, expert mentorship, and real-world exposure!
15 Earth Sciences Summer Programs for High School Students
Cost: $2990. Full financial aid is available!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Acceptance rate: A selective program with around 500 spots annually
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), Fall (September-December), Winter (December-February), and Spring (March-June).
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4) | No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. You work 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor to explore a subject you care about and build an independent research project over 12 weeks. You can choose topics from psychology, economics, computer science, data science, biology, chemistry, engineering, international relations, public policy, and more.
You start by picking a topic, then your mentor helps you shape a research question, review academic sources, and build your argument. You’ll meet weekly with your mentor, attend optional skills sessions, and write a research paper by the end of the program. Most papers are 15 to 20 pages long and can be submitted to journals or competitions. You can find more details about the application here.
Cost: You can find the exact cost by submitting an interest form. Full financial aid is available.
Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (26% acceptance rate)
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. The summer II cohort application deadline is June 22.
Eligibility: Open to high school students (typically grades 10–11) with strong academic records. GPA of 3.67+ preferred. Some tracks may require specific science prerequisites.
Horizon offers trimester-long quantitative and qualitative research programs for high school students across subject areas, including environmental science. In this track, you work 1-on-1 with a professor or PhD researcher from universities like Stanford, Oxford, or Johns Hopkins, depending on your topic and background.
You explore topics like renewable energy, climate policy, hydroponic farming, marine ecosystems, or sustainable urban design. You pick a focus area, then build a research question and write a college-level paper over several weeks. You can submit your paper to high school journals or use it for college applications. The program also includes detailed evaluations and a recommendation letter from your mentor.
Cost: Free
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is highly selective. Information on the size of the application pool and exact cohort size is not available.
Dates: Several weeks in summer; varies by research group.
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students (must have completed at least one year of high school); must reside within 25 driving miles of Stanford University.
At the Stanford Young Investigators Program, you explore Earth sciences through hands-on research with Stanford scientists. Hosted by the Doerr School of Sustainability, the program places you in a university lab where you work 1-on-1 with researchers on topics like climate change, ocean systems, planetary geology, sustainable farming, or energy systems.
You spend your days doing lab work, learning the scientific method, and attending weekly seminars, lab tours, and field trips. You choose from focused tracks like Earth and Planetary Sciences or Oceans and Earth Systems, depending on your interest.
Cost: $4,095; scholarships available. The residential program includes meals and housing.
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selectivity. Cohort size not officially disclosed.
Dates: July 14–22 or July 26–August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are full; early application recommended.
Eligibility: High school students (exact grade levels not specified)
At the NSLC Environmental Science & Sustainability program, you explore how ecosystems work, how natural resources are managed, and what environmental leadership means in practice. You take part in hands-on workshops focused on conservation, climate action, and sustainable practices.
You also build leadership skills through group projects and simulations. The program includes field visits and sessions with environmental professionals, giving you a look at what a career in this field involves. It’s held on a university campus, so you also get a preview of college life while working on real-world sustainability issues.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; only 8 students are accepted.
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically due by February.
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from the Philadelphia area; minimum GPA of 3.0 required.
TREES is a summer research program for high school students interested in environmental science and toxicology. Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, the program starts with two weeks of lab and research training.
In the second half, you work on an independent project focused on a real-world environmental issue. You take part in fieldwork, analyze data, and write a formal research report. You also present your findings at the end of the program. Alongside research, you attend guest lectures, go on site visits, and receive mentorship from Penn faculty and scientists.
Cost: Free; students receive a $3,000 stipend
Location: Placements available across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (within commuting distance of the student’s home)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selectivity. Information on cohort size is not publicly disclosed.
Dates: Mid-June to late July/August (8 weeks; flexible based on mentor)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and college freshmen; must be 16 years old by the internship start date.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students interested in environmental science, aquatic biology, or conservation. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the program matches you with a professional mentor in fisheries science.
You take part in field and lab work like fish population surveys, water. quality testing, habitat restoration, and data analysis. You also attend the Hutton Scholars Summit, where you meet other students and professionals in the field. Placements are available across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Y
Cost: $2,150; residential program includes housing and meals
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selectivity; cohort size not publicly listed
Dates: June 22 – June 28
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended as spots fill quickly
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising 10th–12th graders)
At the University of Connecticut’s Pre-College Summer program, you. explore how Earth scientists study the planet’s history, systems, and. environmental changes. Taught by UConn Earth Sciences faculty, the. course combines classroom sessions, lab work, and field trips.
You collect and test rock, soil, and water samples, learn geologic. mapping, and practice environmental and geochemical techniques. You also attend guest lectures from university researchers and take part in outdoor exploration activities.
Cost: Free to apply and participate; participants are paid at least $15/hour; some projects include free housing or travel reimbursement.
Location: Various locations across the U.S. public lands (e.g., National Forests, BLM sites)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; each position accepts a limited number of applicants (max 100 applications per project)
Dates: Most summer projects run from June–August; varies by post
Application Deadline: Applications open in December and are due in early February.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged 18–30 (or up to 35 for veterans), with a high school diploma or GED
The GeoCorps America offers paid, short-term geoscience internships on public lands across the U.S., in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. As a participant, you work on-site in areas like geology, hydrology, GIS, paleontology, geohazards, or environmental education.
You might do field mapping, collect and analyze data, conduct resource inventories, or help with science outreach. Most roles are based in national forests or BLM lands, and some projects offer housing or travel support.
Cost: Free; includes $8,000 stipend, free housing, up to $800 in travel support, and $1,500 for conference participation
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; exact cohort size not disclosed
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically due in February (based on past cycles)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; rising college freshmen to juniors (high school grads entering undergrad also eligible); graduating seniors not eligible
Hosted by the Smithsonian Institution, the NHRE program offers a full-time summer research experience for undergraduates interested in the natural sciences. You are paired with a museum professional to carry out original research in areas like Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Mineral Sciences, or Paleobiology.
You spend the summer working in Smithsonian labs and collections, attend weekly tours of different departments, and join professional development seminars. At the end of the program, you present your research at a formal poster session.
Cost: Not publicly listed; includes tuition and housing; financial aid may be available
Location: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: July 13 – July 26
Application Deadline: Applications typically open early in the year
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, or recent graduates
The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) is a two-week academic program for high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. You earn one college credit while exploring environmental issues through science, ethics, policy, and economics.
You take part in fieldwork on Seneca Lake, biodiversity surveys in bogs, and sustainability simulations like lodge development planning in the Adirondacks. You also join discussions on environmental ethics and economics, work with faculty across disciplines, and collaborate with peers on research-based projects.
The program includes visits to local farms, landfills, and ecological centers, giving you practical insight into how environmental systems and communities interact.
Cost: Not publicly listed. Contact the program directly via the INSPIRE-Geoscience contact form to inquire about fees and available financial assistance.
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Exact information on the cohort size is not publicly available.
Dates: Two-week program; specific dates not specified
Application Deadline: Typically opens in early spring
Eligibility: High school students, with a focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds in geosciences
The INSPIRE High School Summer Program is a two-week immersive experience hosted by Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. It’s designed for high school students, especially those from backgrounds underrepresented in geoscience.
You take part in fieldwork, collect environmental data, and run experiments related to topics like climate change, oceanography, and seismology. You visit research vessels, attend talks from Earth science researchers, and explore different career paths in the geosciences.
Cost: Free. Housing, meals, and local transportation are provided during the on-site portion. Limited travel scholarships available for out-of-state students
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. Exact acceptance rate not published.
Dates: June–July 5: Project-specific virtual mentorship and learning modules; July 6–19: On-site component in Austin, TX; July 21–22: Virtual Science Symposium
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (U.S. citizens only)
The SEES High School Summer Intern Program is a selective research internship hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research and supported by NASA. You start the program remotely, completing online modules in Earth science, Python programming, and research methods.
You’re then placed on a research team to work on projects in areas like remote sensing, space geodesy, climate science, natural hazards, or astronomy. Mentors guide you through data analysis, research planning, and interpreting NASA satellite data.
The program ends with a one-week in-person residency in Austin, where you present your findings at a virtual symposium. You also take part in mission planning and learn about the real-world work behind NASA’s Earth and space science missions.
Cost: $985; need-based scholarships available. WashU employees’ children and returning students receive a 10% discount.
Location: Online
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not listed; typically 15–20 students per course
Dates: Summer session begins after May 12 (self-paced, asynchronous)
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Current high school students (minimum 3.5 GPA recommended); must have completed at least two years of high school science, including biology
This online, asynchronous course introduces you to the fundamentals of environmental science through a multidisciplinary approach. You study topics like human population growth, energy use, water resources, air pollution, climate change, and environmental toxicology.
The course shows how these scientific issues connect to economics, sociology, geography, and public health. You engage with recorded lectures, short videos, and weekly assignments that help you build college-level thinking skills and deepen your understanding of environmental systems. Optional live office hours are available if you need support.
Cost: $2,500; Full need-based financial aid available. Students with household income below $120K may receive waived tuition; below $65K may also receive domestic travel support.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed; competitive application process
Dates: July 13–July 18
Application Deadline: Applications typically open by winter and close in early spring
Eligibility: Current 11th grade students; minimum age 15
This one-week residential summer program is hosted by the Energy. Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) and is open to rising high school seniors. You explore major challenges and innovations in climate and energy policy through seminars, lectures, and group projects.
You take part in classroom sessions led by UChicago faculty and work on team-based solutions to real-world climate issues. A highlight of the week is a site visit and panel at Invenergy’s headquarters, where you meet professionals working in clean energy and learn about industry trends.
The program is supported by the Polsky Foundation and Invenergy. It introduces you to the intersection of science, policy, and entrepreneurship, especially in the context of cities and global environmental goals.
Cost: $6,002; financial aid available
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI (includes off-campus retreat in Dartmouth, MA)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective intake; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 to 12, ages 16 to 18 by June 15
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) is a two-week residential summer program hosted by Brown University that combines environmental science with leadership training. You explore topics like climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice through a mix of lectures, fieldwork, and workshops.
You take part in hands-on experiences across Rhode Island, studying how ecosystems work and how science connects with policy and equity. A major part of the program is creating an Action Plan—a project you design to address an environmental issue in your community.
You also join a camping retreat at Round the Bend Farm, where you build peer connections and deepen your engagement with the environment.
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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