15 Food Science Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 55 minutes ago
- 9 min read
For high school students who want to explore their future academic or career interests, summer programs are one of the most effective ways to gain exposure to college-level learning. These experiences help you develop practical skills, gain research experience, and connect with peers and mentors. Participating in a summer program can also make your college applications stand out, especially if you’re applying to study food science.
If you’re interested in the intersection of food, science, and health, food science summer programs for high school students are an interesting way to learn how chemistry, biology, and technology work together to shape what we eat. You might analyze how ingredients interact, study nutrition and wellness, or even experiment with food product design. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 food science summer programs for high school students, based on their academic rigor, mentorship quality, networking opportunities, and institutional prestige.
15 Food Science Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type (full financial aid available)
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: Must be currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high school student. The program pairs you with a PhD mentor to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as food science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here. You can also check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Duarte, California
Cost: None
Dates: Week 1: July 8–10 | Week 2: July 15–17 | Week 3: July 22–24 | Week 4: July 29–31
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The STEP Science & Nutrition Summer Research Program at City of Hope offers high school students the opportunity to explore the intersection of nutrition and science in relation to health and disease. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll take part in hands-on lab sessions, case studies, and group projects that examine how diet, genetics, and behavior shape overall well-being. You'll also work in small teams to design and present a final research project, developing your analytical and problem-solving skills along the way.
Location: Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Michigan
Cost: Free
Dates: July 5–31 (four-week summer session)
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Open to high school students currently in 10th and 11th grades
The Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) at Michigan State University (MSU) offers research mentorship and exposure to a range of agricultural and food-science fields (including food science, horticulture, crop & soil, environmental management, and veterinary medicine). As a MAP participant, you will be matched with a CANR faculty member to work on a research project, engage in daily research activities, participate in field trips, leadership seminars, and other educational, social, and cultural activities. You will also gain experience in both laboratory and field research, working with technical equipment, and interacting with other students, faculty members, and professionals.
Location: UNL’s Innovation Campus, Lincoln, Nebraska
Cost: Varies by camp (3-day camp: $75 | 1-day camps: $10-$25) | Scholarships available
Dates: Varies by sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session (2 weeks before camp for some)
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12)
The Explore Food Science Summer Camps allow high school students to explore the process of developing, testing, and producing everyday foods like chocolate, apples, and ice cream—from small-scale recipes to large-scale production. You’ll take part in lab experiments, product design challenges, and guided tours while working closely with UNL faculty and researchers. Each camp is designed to combine science and creativity, helping you understand the chemistry and technology behind food while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Location: Athens County, OH
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $500 upon completion
Dates: 3 days/week from June 16 to August 1
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17 who live near the internship site
The Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship is a seven-week hands-on program for high school students who are passionate about agriculture, sustainability, and community food systems. Throughout the internship, you’ll engage in projects like organic gardening, composting, and food justice initiatives, working with farmers and community mentors. You’ll help maintain gardens for local residents, learning practical skills such as soil improvement, natural pest control, and raising pastured chickens, while building meaningful connections within the community. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, offering a unique opportunity to combine environmental stewardship with real-world impact in a supportive, mentorship-driven environment.
Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Students are paid $11/hour in bi-weekly installments
Dates: June 3–July 17 (18 hours per week)
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in a metro Atlanta Title 1 school who will be 16 years or older by the start of the program and are eligible to work in the U.S. Students must also meet the physical requirements listed here.
The Summer High School Internship at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a paid, seven-week program designed for high school students who are passionate about plants, science, and careers in conservation. As an intern, you’ll work alongside Garden staff and a small cohort of peers, gaining experience in areas such as plant conservation research, cultivating rare species, and maintaining outdoor garden spaces. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes college and career readiness, with guidance from community leaders and mentorship throughout the internship. You’ll also maintain a journal documenting your work and complete a personal project, culminating in a presentation at the end of the program.
Location: University of Georgia (Athens, Griffin, or Tifton) campus, GA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (students receive stipend)
Dates: June 1-July 7
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Open to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and are at least 16 years old by the program start date | Should have a sincere interest in scientific exploration in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences, as well as completion of one high school science course (including laboratory) and one semester of algebra
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at the University of Georgia is a paid, five-week summer internship for high school students passionate about agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. You’ll work with a faculty mentor at one of UGA’s campuses, engaging in lab and field research in food-science-related areas such as food safety, environmental systems, and crop sciences. Beyond research, the program includes workshops and field visits to agricultural operations, giving you a broader understanding of career paths and practices in the agricultural sciences.
Location: Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid for selected high school students
Dates: Year–long internship structure
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to Sacramento high school students
The program is designed for Sacramento high school students interested in sustainability and agriculture to gain real-world experience in urban farming and environmental stewardship. Through the City of Sacramento’s Thousand Strong workforce initiative, you’ll spend time working in your school garden, visiting community farms, attending workforce development classes, and learning from guest speakers in the agriculture industry. This internship enables you to explore a range of agricultural and environmental careers while developing key professional and personal skills, including teamwork, leadership, and sustainable farming practices.
Location: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
Cost: None
Dates: One week in the summer (exact dates announced yearly)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students, with priority for underrepresented minorities and first-generation college students
The Food and Nutrition Science Career & College Prep Program at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a free, week-long summer camp designed for high school students interested in exploring the fields of food, nutrition, and health. During the camp, you’ll work in NIU’s Food Lab, where you can modify recipes to meet special-diet needs and learn how foods are developed, processed, and tested. You’ll also visit labs, talk with college professors and food experts, and join workshops that help you get ready for college and explore careers like food scientist, dietitian, or nutritionist.
Location: Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
Cost: $125
Dates: June 30 - July 4
Application Deadline: June 10
Eligibility: Open to high school students currently in 10th and 11th grades
The Nutrition and Food Science Summer Camp at the Lebanese American University (LAU) offers high school students a hands-on introduction to how food science and nutrition intersect. Over the course of one week, you will engage in experiments, workshops, and activities that explore the impact of food on health, culture, and science. You’ll work closely with LAU faculty and industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into careers in nutrition, dietetics, and food science. The program also provides a taste of college life on LAU’s Beirut campus, with accommodations and meals that cater to dietary needs, creating an immersive and educational summer experience.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C
Cost/Stipend: $6,455 (residential) | $4,495 (commuter)
Dates: June 29–July 11
Application Deadline: To be announced (varies each year)
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15+
The Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy at Georgetown University is a two-week summer program designed for high school students eager to explore how biotechnology drives innovation in medicine, forensics, food science, and research. Through lab work, you’ll practice techniques like gene cloning, protein purification, and bioinformatics while working alongside Georgetown faculty and industry professionals. The experience also includes visits to leading research institutions and biotech companies in Washington, D.C., where you’ll see firsthand how biotechnology shapes modern science and healthcare.
Location: University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $11,347 (Residential) | $7,812 (Commuter) | $65 Application fee (non-refundable)
Dates: June 15–July 12
Application Deadline: May 2 (Domestic student) | March 14 (International student)
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have completed at least 9th grade by the program start date
The Science of Food, Nutrition, and the Biological World program at the University of Southern California (USC) is a four-week pre-college summer experience designed for high school students eager to explore the science behind what we eat. Through a mix of lectures, experiments, and lab activities, you’ll learn how biology, microbiology, and chemistry connect to nutrition and food production. From crafting foods like cheese, tofu, bread, and hot sauce to examining the microorganisms and reactions involved, the program blends science with creativity. You’ll spend your days in USC’s labs working alongside faculty and peers, building foundational practical and analytical skills that are essential for future studies in health, food science, or biotechnology.
Location: University of Connecticut, in Storrs, Connecticut
Cost/Stipend: $2,050–$8,750 (varies as per course) | $15 Application fee
Dates: July 20–26
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Open to high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors
The Food Science & Technology Pre-College Summer Program at the University of Connecticut provides high school students with a hands-on introduction to the science behind food. Over the course of a week, you’ll explore food safety, microbiology, chemistry, quality control, and food regulations. The program includes lab experiments, demonstrations, and product development activities that demonstrate how science is applied to create and test new food products. As a residential program, you’ll live on campus, work in UConn’s labs, and experience college life firsthand while learning from experts in food science and nutrition.
Location: Bristol Campus, Rhode Island, USA
Cost: $1,995 (includes tuition, room, and board)
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12
The Roger Williams University (RWU) “Sustainable Food & the Ocean” camp is a six-day, overnight program for high school students exploring the connection between food systems and coastal ecosystems. You’ll spend time in RWU’s food-science lab learning how fermentation, food waste reduction, and protein-rich substitutes work, while also exploring oyster farms and learning about indigenous land stewardship along the shoreline. You’ll participate in hands-on science and sustainability activities, work with chefs preparing snacks that reflect sustainable food production, stroll the campus gardens, and take a boat tour on local water.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $3,165
Dates: July 7–24
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors with a GPA of >3.0/4.0
The Nutrition in Health course offered by Syracuse University’s Summer College Online gives high school students a chance to explore the science of nutrition. You’ll learn how the body uses nutrients, examine dietary recommendations across different life stages, and study topics like sports nutrition, weight management, and food safety. The program combines live Zoom classes, interactive discussions, quizzes, and assignments with practical “excursions” in your local community, such as visits to grocery stores or farmers’ markets, to connect classroom concepts to real-world food environments.
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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