16 Ecology Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer programs are a strong way for high schoolers to build college-level academic experience, practical skills, professional connections, and industry exposure. As a participant, you get to learn beyond the standard high school curriculum, explore your interests, and gain clarity regarding your future major or career path. 

If you are curious about environmental restoration, conservation, and science, ecology programs can help you gain focused exposure to the field. As climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and resource depletion are becoming critical issues in modern life, ecology is becoming an increasingly relevant field to explore, with many reputable universities, environmental organizations, and the government running structured learning initiatives focused on ecology.

Why should I consider ecology summer programs in high school?

Through a fieldwork-focused structure, ecology summer programs provide a practical approach to the discipline that is difficult to find in environmental science high school classes or similar courses. Ecology integrates topics from environmental science, geosciences, climate science, and more, so preparing for a major or career in the field requires significant interdisciplinary specialization. Through these structured programs, you will begin to build your ecological knowledge through targeted work in subfields such as aquatic science, conservation, atmospheric science, and coastal sciences. 

In this blog, we have reviewed and shortlisted 16 ecology summer programs for high school students. 

If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote!  You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.

Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.

Application deadline: Varies based on cohort

Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance

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 will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as ecology, chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, psychology, physics, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.  

2. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Opportunities available throughout the U.S.; you will be assigned a mentor in your area within a 45-minute distance from your home.

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Stipend: $3,000

Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates vary

Application deadline: January 25

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and graduating seniors who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

The Hutten Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a paid summer ecology program for high school students interested in personalized, hands-on fieldwork in fisheries, aquatic sciences, and/or biology. You will be matched with a professional scientist in the field, then design a project in your preferred research area based on your local natural resources and environment. As mentors are assigned based on geographic location, you will receive in-person guidance. Your daily schedule may include lab or outdoor fieldwork, such as analyzing specimens in a laboratory, processing data, and conducting fish population surveys. You will work on your project for 32 hours each week. During your internship, you will submit a preliminary report on your research progress, and at the end, you will write and submit an official research report. You may also attend a college campus summit to learn about future career paths in fisheries science and aquatic ecology. 

3. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; some labs may offer a stipend

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; 1–2 students/lab selected out of ~3,500 applications

Dates: Five to six weeks in the summer

Application deadline: March 15

Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, enrolled in a high school, U.S. citizens, and able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in New Jersey

The Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University is a competitive STEM summer program that provides high school students with a fully funded research experience under the mentorship of Princeton faculty. You will engage in activities focused on natural sciences, working one-on-one or with another high school student to serve as a research assistant to your mentor. Potential research projects include studying CO2 sensing in algae, using machine learning to model water density fluctuations, or visualizing 3D anatomical data in reptiles. At the end of the program, you will write a final research report summarizing your project and findings. Depending on your placement, you may also be expected to deliver a presentation. 

4. RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity) Environmentor Program 

Location: Rockaway Beach, Far Rockaway, NY

Stipend: $1,200

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: June – mid-August

Application deadline: Typically, May

Eligibility: Current 9th to 11th-grade students living in NYC and attending school in or near the Rockaway peninsula; students who have participated in other RISE programs are prioritized.

RISE Environmentor is a selective, paid conservation and ecology summer program that provides hands-on research experience to NYC high school students living on or near the Rockaway Peninsula. You will start with introductory workshops and orientation programming. You will work closely with a professional scientist in the field to design an independent or small-group project focused on local ecology. Former research topics include studying floods and high tides in Jamaica Bay, impacts of dune erosion on endangered species, and salt marsh ecosystem restoration. In addition to research, you will participate in community service and outdoor exploration, receive water safety training, gain CPR certification, and learn topics in sustainability and coastal ecology. You will present your project at a final research showcase.

5. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual 

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.

Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts. 

Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here. 

Horizon offers trimester-long ecology and biology research programs for high school students, with subject tracks spanning environmental science, ecology, and the life sciences. Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that lets you choose between quantitative and qualitative research — so whether you're drawn to field-based ecological analysis or biology literature review, there's a path for you. Once you select a track, Horizon pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar who mentors you throughout your research journey. As a participant, you'll develop a 20-page research paper that you can submit to prestigious journals for publication. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback to help you grow as a researcher. Apply here!

6. King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

Location: TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space/Westhill Community Center, Seattle, WA

Cost/Stipend: Free; wages available (amount not specified)

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 22 students in the past cohort (number can vary by year)

Dates: July 7 – August 13 (Fridays and weekends off; virtual sessions on Thursdays)

Application deadline: April 27

Eligibility: King County high school students, ages 15 and up, entering grades 10 – 12

This six-week paid summer internship run by King County Parks places students in roles where they can contribute to the preservation of natural parks and the environment. You will participate in trips and workshops focused on native plant identification, climate and environmental justice, food justice, water quality, trail building, wetlands, and career skills. Every Wednesday, you will join other high school participants for a hands-on ecological restoration project in a King County Park, engaging in tasks like spreading wood chips, removing invasive weeds, or developing a planting plan. Thursdays will be virtual, focused on an independent creative project you will develop throughout the summer. You will also find opportunities to connect with community leaders, Parks staff,  and local environmental professionals through site visits and meetings. Discussions focused on the intersections of race and the environment are integrated into the curriculum.

7. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) 

Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY

Stipend: Typically provided; amount not specified

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; small cohort (number varies by year)

Dates: Six weeks over the summer

Application deadline: March 2

Eligibility: Current high school and college students, ages 16 and up

Columbia University Climate School’s SSFRP is a paid summer opportunity offering high school students a six-week ecology field research experience. You will work in the Piermont Marsh region of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, where you will conduct research on groundwater chemistry, nutrient cycling, fish feeding patterns, and invasive and native plants, culminating in a small-group project. You will build research skills while engaging in tasks such as water and field sampling, specimen collection, and data analysis, and you will explore advanced topics in wetland ecology. At the end of six weeks, you will create a poster in collaboration with your research team and deliver a final presentation. You will have access to additional coursework during the school year. 

8. Student Conservation Association (SCA) Conservation Corps 

Location: Multiple U.S. locations

Stipend: Paid; rates vary by program. (e.g., Alaska placements: $1,200/month housing allowance, $350/week living allowance, and one-time $1,200 travel stipend | Idaho placements: $325/week + $650 travel stipend | Pennsylvania placements: $17.31/hour)

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Varies; summer programs typically run in May – September

Application deadline: Varies by program and location

Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up; exact requirements vary by program

SCA offers paid ecology summer programs through the Conservation Corps initiative that focuses on habitat restoration, environmental protection, and community education. You will apply directly to a specific internship opportunity, with options ranging from conservation biology and forestry in Massachusetts to invasive species management in Idaho, to conservation and infrastructure work on public lands in Pennsylvania. You will live on-site in cabins and work alongside peers, mentors, and conservation professionals on hands-on restoration and ecology activities. You will also engage in environmental education through community outreach and citizen science programming. In addition to the daily work, you will build skills in trail stewardship, leadership, environmental education, and more. You will find opportunities to earn certifications in CPR, First Aid, Wildlife First Aid, and/or Chainsaw Safety.

9. Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust: Clean Water Ambassadors Internship 

Location: Stadium Light Rail Station/King Street Center, Seattle, WA + other sites in Seattle

Stipend: $22/hour

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~30 students make it to the interview round; final cohort details not available

Dates: July 7 – August 7

Application deadline: April 22

Eligibility: Local high school students, ages 16 and up, who are eligible for employment in the U.S.; students with limited prior exposure to environmental topics and/or students from underrepresented groups in environmental careers are particularly encouraged to apply. 

This is a selective, paid ecology summer program for high school students in the Seattle area. You will serve as an intern at the King County Wastewater Treatment Division or at a local organization, taking on a specialized role in environmental services, conservation, or green infrastructure. Your tasks will vary based on your placement, but past experiences have included restoring a local park after a landslide, developing green stormwater infrastructure, and conducting laboratory research. You will additionally network with professionals and attend educational programming on environmental justice, local environmental issues, and careers in clean water. You will finish the program by delivering a final presentation to the cohort and leading educational activities for younger students.

10. University of the Pacific Biology of Cities (Ecology Camp)

Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA

Cost: $3,800 (includes academic program, housing, food, and activities)

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 16 – 26

Application deadline: May 24

Eligibility: High school students

At the University of the Pacific’s Ecology Camp, you will spend two weeks on campus using the city as your laboratory to study how organisms live in urban environments. During the first week, you will explore topics like temperature, food, water, and light pollution through daily experiments and activities. In the second week, you will design and perform your own ecology experiment, analyze the data you collect, and present your findings to your classmates. You will use advanced equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras, programmable incubators, and remote sensing devices, to learn how to collect and communicate ecological data. You will get hands-on exposure to biological science in an urban environment while collecting and analyzing data on animal behavior, and you can continue your research after the program through a citizen science program. At the end, you will present your work to peers and instructors.

11. Alley Pond Environmental Center’s Field Biology Internship (FBI)

Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Douglaston, NY

Cost: $200; financial aid available upon request

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Summer: June 30 – August 5 (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) | Spring: March 14 – May 2 (Saturdays) | Fall: September 26 – October 31 (Saturdays)

Application deadline: May 1 (summer) | January 2 (spring) | August 1 (fall)

Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years old and currently in high school; applicants must be able to participate in outdoor activities for at least two hours.

This internship teaches you how to study organisms in their natural environment through hands-on field ecological and biological work in local parks across New York City. You will spend three hours during each session exploring different urban ecosystems, learning from environmental professionals, and gaining practical skills in data collection and research design. Your work will include activities such as biodiversity surveys, water-quality sampling, bird observations, and macroinvertebrate identification. You will also connect with other interns who share your interest in nature. The program lets you communicate your scientific findings through a final presentation. 

12. University of North Carolina Asheville River Ecology & Adventure Pre-College Summer Program

Location: University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville, Asheville, NC

Cost: $1,840 (includes room, meals, course materials, activities, and excursions)

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 21 – 26

Application deadline: Open until spaces are filled

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

At UNC’s River Ecology and Adventure program, you will spend a week exploring Southern Appalachian rivers while learning about stream ecology and environmental science through hands-on fieldwork. Your days will include activities like canoeing and rafting on scenic waterways, hiking to wilderness areas, investigating aquatic life like fish and insects, and participating in critical thinking discussions about how human activities affect river ecosystems. You will build outdoor skills while working with expert instructors. Throughout the week, you will collect water samples, study the river's health and biodiversity, and engage in projects that help you explore the balance between human activities and healthy waterways. You will live on campus in residence halls and experience what it is like to study environmental science at the college level.

13. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)

Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee; financial aid available for Florida students

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; official numbers not available

Dates: June 7 – July 25

Application deadline: March 25

Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students, ages 16 and up; Florida residents may be prioritized.

University of Florida’s SSTP is a seven-week summer program offering scientific research, coursework, and professional development opportunities to high school juniors. You will first choose a research area within one of the University of Florida’s STEM departments to be paired with a UF researcher. You can indicate your preference for research placements in ecology, natural resources, forests, and fisheries, or other related areas. Over the course of the program, you will complete a research project, attend a faculty lecture series to learn about scientific research topics, and participate in academic programming, social events, and community service. You will also enroll in an undergraduate-level Honors Seminar on a specialized STEM topic, earning transferable college credits. At the end, you will complete writing a research paper, deliver two oral presentations, and design a research poster to present to the SSTP cohort.

14. Washington University Pre-College Programs: Environmental Studies Institute

Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Cost: $3,985 (includes all program activities, housing, and meals); financial aid available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Small class sizes of typically 15–20 participants/program

Dates: July 12 – 25

Application deadline: April 1

Eligibility: High school students graduating in the next three years who have completed one year of high school biology; no prior environmental studies experience required

This two-week residential program is designed to help explore foundational principles of environmental studies and sustainability. You will learn how ecological concepts span the natural and social sciences, including topics such as human population growth, energy resources, land and food resources, water resources, air pollution, global climate change, and human health and toxicology. Through hands-on projects and interactive lectures, you will gain practical exposure to environmental problem-solving and develop a deeper understanding of the connections within ecosystems. Your days combine traditional undergraduate classroom activities like lectures, small group work, and discussions in the morning with afternoon sessions focusing on individual work and application of what you've learned. You will live on campus and participate in optional enrichment activities and weekend outings to explore St. Louis. 

15. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Virtual or George Mason University (GMU), 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: High school and undergraduate students who are at least 15 for remote or computer lab internships and who are 16+ for wet-lab internships

GMU’s ASSIP is an eight-week summer research program that offers STEM research experiences to high school students. You will be matched with a faculty mentor and a project based on your research interests, with opportunities in ecology, including aquatic invertebrate ecology, harmful algal blooms, and topical climate dynamics. You will additionally receive training on research methods and scientific writing, attend networking events, and participate in career and college planning workshops. At the end of the program, you will design and present a research poster on your work. You will earn three transferable college credits for your participation.

16. UConn Pre-College Summer: Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Cost: $2,250 (with early bird discount) or $2,350 program fee + $50 non-refundable application fee

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: July 12 – 18

Application deadline: Early bird discount deadline: April 1; Final payment deadline: June 1; priority application deadline: June 11

Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, ages 14–17, with at least a 2.0 GPA

This UConn summer pre-college course introduces you to Earth and Environmental Science with a focus on how Earth scientists study all aspects of the Earth system, including its history, structure, rocks, soils, rivers, oceans, and atmosphere. You will attend sessions led by UConn Department of Earth Sciences faculty and work with field researchers and experts to explore how earth and environmental scientists examine and predict earth resources, processes, and hazards. The course integrates lectures and learning modules, field and lab demonstrations, and hands-on collection and analysis of rock, soil, and water samples. You will learn about the many aspects of Earth and Environmental Science, including how to analyze the mineralogy and environmental geochemistry of rocks, soil, water, and sediments, and how to understand and interpret the geologic history of Connecticut. 

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.