30 Math and Science Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 3
- 19 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Participating in a summer math and science program can be an excellent way to challenge yourself beyond the standard high school curriculum. These programs typically offer exposure to advanced topics—from number theory, data science, and mathematical modeling to biotechnology, physics, and environmental science—that you might not encounter in regular classes. If you're considering a career in STEM, these experiences can help you narrow down your interests, understand what college-level STEM looks like, and even guide your choice of college major.
Additionally, many programs are hosted at prestigious universities or STEM institutes, giving you early exposure to campus life and access to world-class facilities. Some programs even offer stipends or are fully funded, making them accessible regardless of financial background.
We've selected 30 math and science summer programs for high school students that are not only academically rigorous and well-respected but also offer a diverse range of formats—residential, commuter, and virtual.
30 Math and Science Programs for High School Students
Location: Online
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4).
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program for you to explore a range of subjects. You will be paired with a PhD mentor and work with them one-on-one on an independent research program. By the end of the program, you will have completed a research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI was founded and is run by Harvard graduate students. You should consider this option if you are passionate about artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program will benefit you if you want to begin exploring AI, ML, and data science. Through this 10-session boot camp, you are introduced to the fundamentals of AI and data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is meant for advanced students. Here, you can work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on an individual project. A bonus of this program is that you have access to the in-house publication team that will help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; stipend of $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years old by the start of the program; recent high school graduates are allowed to apply
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is an intensive summer research program for gifted high school students. Conducting rigorous hands-on research, you will learn one-on-one from experienced faculty. You can conduct research in various subjects listed here. You will also attend weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities to enhance your knowledge of various subjects and network with peers and professionals. By the end of the program, you will complete a research project report.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 80 total (from 3000 applicants), 12 for the mathematics track
Dates: June 25 – August 5 (tentative)
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors. It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34
MIT’s Mathematics Department participates in the RSI for high school students. These students are selected based on their achievements in math, science, and engineering. Over 6 weeks in the summer, you will work on research projects in mathematics. You will be matched with a mathematics graduate student mentor with similar interests, with whom you will develop a research project. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings to your peers and a panel. Many students submit their projects for science fairs and competitions.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who reside and attend school in NYC
ARISE is a 10-week summer research program. You will spend the first 4 weeks on safety training, college writing workshops, and research skills development. In the remaining 6 weeks, you will work with a mentor in an NYU research lab on real-world projects alongside researchers and faculty. You will gain lab experience, develop soft skills, network with industry professionals, and more. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at Colloquium to the NYU community and showcase your work at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium. You will also receive support with college applications. You can apply for the extended research opportunity if labs are available.
Location: Virtual, hybrid, or in-person in various locations across the U.S., depending on the program
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-January – early-May (spring), late May/early June – August (summer), or late August/early September – mid-December (fall)
Application Deadline: September 12 (spring), February 27 (summer), or May 22 (fall)
Eligibility: Full-time or part-time high school and college students enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours, who are at least 16 years old at the time of application, have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and are U.S. citizens
If you’re interested in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration, NASA’s OSTEM Internship could be a solid option. This opportunity allows you to gain practical work experience while being mentored by scientists, researchers, and engineers. You will not only learn about science, engineering, and technology topics, depending on the specific opportunity, but also gain hands-on skills to build career readiness. Projects vary with each NASA center, and you can apply for the ones that you find the most interesting. The internship also provides career development opportunities.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; stipend of $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, are living and attending school in the US, and are US permanent residents or citizens
SIMR is an 8-week program where you will perform basic research, attend lectures, and explore your interests. You will conduct the research one-on-one with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers on a medically oriented project. You can choose from eight areas of research. If you’re interested in biological sciences and medicine and how research is done, this program may be for you. You can also opt for the bioengineering bootcamp, which does not contain a lab research component. The program ends with a poster session where you present your research.
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None. Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising seniors
This 8-week internship is for students interested in biomedical science. After completing 2 weeks of training on lab safety and techniques, you will be paired with another intern and join your mentor in their lab or research group. The program involves conducting hands-on research; some of your tasks may include data entry, attending regular laboratory meetings, making solutions or dilutions, creating culture plates, and more. Furthermore, you will attend weekly interactive presentations on ethics, "meet the scientist" sessions, health disparities research, "Big Data" visualization, making a good presentation, and biostatistics. The internship ends with a reflection presentation where you will discuss your learnings, findings, and future academic and career plans.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students who are in 11th grade at the time of application and at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
SAMS is a competitive pre-college program designed to engage with a rigorous curriculum. The program combines classroom instruction, practical projects, and interaction with faculty to build your STEM knowledge. It begins with a virtual jumpstart that prepares you for the classroom component. During the 6-week in-person component, you will spend time in classes and working on projects. You will also participate in writing workshops for college applications; complete ‘Student to Scholar’, a credit-bearing component; participate in workshops led by various STEM practitioners; and attend mentoring sessions. SAMS ends with a final symposium where you will present your project.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Students in their junior year (11th grade) of high school who are US citizens and/or permanent residents and are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program. Your school can nominate up to 2 students for the program.
Simons Fellows are given the opportunity to conduct research and experience university life. You will be placed in a research group and mentored by faculty members. You can expect to spend a minimum of 4 hours each day on independent or group work. Furthermore, you will attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. Taking up responsibility for a project, you will complete a research abstract and poster by the end of the program. At the closing symposium, you will present your findings and receive a stipend.
11. MITES Summer
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks from late June to early August
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors; you can find further eligibility criteria here
This 6-week, on-campus program introduces you to life at MIT. Taking 5 rigorous classes in math, science, and humanities, you will engage with advanced academics beyond the high school curriculum. The program includes high-level math and science, as well as electives that focus on real-world STEM applications. Furthermore, you can attend lab tours and social events and receive counseling for college applications. Seminars by professionals also provide insights into careers in STEM. Throughout the program, you will interact and network with your peers.
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: California high school students currently in grades 10 or 11 who have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA (unweighted); have not been a recipient of Summer Scholars Support; and have a household adjusted gross income (AGI) equal to or lower than the amount in the relevant category in the Family Income Eligibility Tables. Specific courses may have additional eligibility criteria.
BASE is a 6-week, fully-funded virtual program where you will engage with rigorous college-level academics. You can choose a course based on your interest, be it Physics, Neuroscience or even Economics. You’ll also be mentored by UCLA students and receive advice on college applications. You will attend co-curricular workshops to prepare for college life and learn about managing finances, while growing your network of peers through student panels and webinars. Upon completing the course, you will earn college credit.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 5 – 6 weeks
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years of age or older by June 15. Specific research opportunities may have additional eligibility criteria.
Princeton’s LLP is an outreach program where you can conduct research in the natural sciences or engineering. You’ll join an ongoing research program and be supervised and mentored by Princeton faculty and research staff. The schedule may vary with each research project, but you can expect to work full-time during regular office hours. By the end of the program, you will submit a 2-page research summary.
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
This team-based research program is organized over the summer. Working full-time, you will participate in a research team designed and guided by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC). You’ll be split up into teams with a research mentor and work in your own dedicated space with allocated resources. You can also complete elective courses and attend guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and social events. You’ll be mentored by a scientist throughout the program and become familiar with laboratory techniques. You will analyze data and design a poster to present at the concluding poster symposium.
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free for students with a household income under $80,000 per year. Up to $7,000 for other applicants (tentative)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 80
Dates: June 29 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade, are at least 14 years old, and are not yet enrolled as a full-time college or university student
PROMYS is a 6-week program designed for you to explore advanced mathematics, with a focus on number theory. Advanced seminars cover topics such as Algebra, Primes and Zeta Functions, and Quivers and their Classifications. Each day, you will complete problem sets to discover mathematical patterns, formulate and test conjectures, and justify your ideas by developing proofs. Beyond classes, you’ll attend weekly guest speaker sessions discussing various scientific fields, ethics, and other topics. Finally, first-year students participate in exploration labs, whereas returning students complete research projects under the mentorship of mathematicians. You can also enjoy weekly fun activities to bond with fellow participants.
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $5,700 + $485 (service fees) + $60 (application fee); limited need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 130
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students entering their senior year of high school
RISE offers practicum and internship tracks for high school students interested in the sciences. During the internship, you can take up research projects under the mentorship of faculty, postgraduate fellows, and graduate students. You’ll develop analytical and technical skills along the way as you investigate various science and engineering topics. In the practicum track, you can study computational neurobiology or data science. You will conduct research in a group and be taught by a BU instructor. Whichever track you choose, you will present your findings at the closing poster symposium.
Location: Otterbein University in Columbus, OH, or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN
Cost/Stipend: $7,000. Financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 60 at each site
Dates: June 15 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Pre-college students aged 15 – 18 years old
If you are well-versed in high school mathematics and are looking to learn advanced concepts, the Ross Mathematics Program may be a good option. Encouraging collaboration, the program will direct you towards independent mathematical research. You will work on challenging problems on abstract concepts each day. You will spend several weeks on one math topic to gain a holistic understanding of its foundational concepts. The first-year course is on number theory. You will attend classes and participate in family group discussions, with the remaining unstructured time for you to work on problem sets. By the end of the program, you will learn to provide proofs, polish arguments, and investigate generalizations.
Location: Online or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $3,580 (online) or $8,575 (residential). Financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 (online) and 40 (residential)
Dates: June 16 – July 4 or July 7 – 25 (online) or June 22 – July 18 (residential)
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 at the time of application
SUMaC is an intensive program designed to teach you advanced math concepts. Whether online or in-person, you will learn topics such as abstract algebra and number theory or algebraic topology, depending on the track you prefer. You can expect a heavy college-level workload. Through lectures, completing guided research, and group problem-solving, you will learn about the practical application of mathematics. At the end of the program, you will present your final research projects.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Structured based on household income
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Chicago area students who will be in grades 7 – 12 next school year
The Young Scholars Program is meant to enhance your mathematical knowledge. Each year, the program focuses on one core topic. Students are grouped by grades 7 – 8, grades 9 – 10, and grades 11 – 12. The program involves two lecture-based classes delivered by a faculty member and a small group session led by an undergraduate mathematics major daily. You will deeply engage with one topic to develop your math skills and proficiency. If you find math interesting and challenging, this program could be a great option for you.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $1,300 + 1,100 (residential stay) + $100 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 per class
Dates: June 22 – July 4 (session 1), July 6 – July 18 (session 2), or July 20 – August 1 (session 3)
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year of high school but have not completed their senior year
The Michigan Math and Science Scholars summer enrichment program is designed to introduce you to current developments and research in the sciences. It aims to develop your skills in math and science. You can choose from courses covering topics ranging from Biophysics and forensic physics to graph theory and AI in mathematics. The typical day involves scheduled classes, counsellor check-ins, and free time that may include camp activities. You can also go on group trips to local sites.
Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,256 + $44 application fee. Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 160 – 200 per campus
Dates: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California students completing grades 8 – 12 with a demonstrated aptitude for STEM subjects; a typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above
COSMOS is an intensive program for students interested in STEM subjects. You will explore advanced STEM concepts beyond the high school curriculum under the mentorship of renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities. The program involves hands-on and lab-intensive curricula. Because this is a residential program, you will experience life on a college campus. The program also involves fun activities, special events, and field trips.
Location: Lewis & Clark, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Ranges from $0 – $6,000. Free for US and Canadian families with household incomes under $100,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 65 new students + 55 returning alumni
Dates: June 29 – August 3
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Students aged 13 – 18 years old
This summer camp in mathematics welcomes students from all over the world. In this 5-week program, you will be introduced to advanced mathematical concepts and new ways of thinking. You can choose your classes and work on a project. You will also explore careers in the field by learning from international researchers and undergraduate students. You will attend classes during the day and enjoy activities in the evenings. You may also get the opportunity to go on field trips on the weekends.
Location: Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6511. Free for all domestic students whose family household income is under $85,000. Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 51 (tentative)
Dates: June 29 – August 9
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students; most tend to be high school sophomores or juniors
This 6-week program introduces you to intensive college-level mathematics. You will spend each day actively engaging with math concepts and problems. The schedule includes morning classes, the pre-supper Prime Time Theorem, and evening problem sessions. Outside the class, you will rest, participate in fun activities, and go on town visits. If you can attend the Yellow Pigs Day in July, you will meet notable individuals in math, science, tech, and other fields.
Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
Cost/Stipend: $4,864 per session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 17 per class
Dates: July 5 – 18 (session 1) or July 20 – August 2 (session 2)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12
To explore your interests in science and engineering, you could consider participating in the SSEP. You will participate in lab-based courses in life and physical sciences and engineering. Courses are available in various topics, namely, Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Designing Intelligent Robots, Global Young Women’s Health, and more. These courses prepare you for rigorous academics and college life. You can only participate in one course per session. You will conduct experiments and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Most coursework is done in groups.
Location: Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA or UC-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: Dickinson College: $7,259 (residential) or $6,459 (commuter) | UCSC: $7,501 (residential) or $6,701 (commuter). Financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 – 18
Dates: June 22 – July 11 (Dickinson College) or June 29 – July 18 (UCSC)
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 11 who have completed Algebra I
This summer program will give you insight into the career of a mathematician. Instructors will teach you how to prove and disprove conjectures and techniques for writing formal proofs and counterexamples. You will understand key concepts of logic, including validity, soundness, consistency, and satisfiability, and techniques for developing systems of logic in formal symbolic languages. With these components, you will develop problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. You’ll also participate in the process of metalogic, or reasoning logically about a system of logic. This course could be a great option if you’re looking to pursue a career in mathematics.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,949 + $100 application fee. Scholarships available for select Philadelphia students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – 26
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Eligibility: 9th – 11th grade students who have completed one year of high school biology and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. One year of high school chemistry is strongly advised.
The Biomedical Research Academy introduces you to the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology. These topics are covered with a focus on their relevance to diseases. You will attend lectures on genome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas-9, vaccines, antibiotic resistance, bioethics, and more by scientists, clinicians, and faculty. Divided into smaller groups, you will discuss peer-reviewed research articles, thereby learning to read, interpret, analyze, and critique primary research. The final component involves performing molecular biology experiments. Using techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, bacterial transformation, and ELISA, you will determine their blood type, investigate gene expression in bacteria, and analyze a mock disease outbreak. You will learn to use computational languages to work with genomic sequences, conduct sequence alignment, and interpret biological datasets.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $6,500. Financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size:Dates: June 22 – July 4 (session I), July 6 – 18 (session II), or July 20 – August 1 (session III)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who are 16 – 18 years old by July 20 and are first-time participants
The Innovations in Science & Technology course is designed to teach you about various STEM topics and the application of scientific principles to real-world situations. This taught course will introduce you to several interdisciplinary topics, such as physics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, astronomy, engineering, neuroscience, immunology, psychology, and earth science. You will develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Working in groups, you will also learn teamwork and collaboration. The course includes seminars on scientific questions.
Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: $4,850 (commuter) or $6650 (residential) + $65 application fee. Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 – 17 years of age on the program start date and currently enrolled in high school
SIP allows you to conduct hands-on, open-ended research in science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art. You will be placed in groups to join existing research. You will also be mentored one-on-one by UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. The program begins with a virtual research week, followed by 7 weeks of on-campus research. The program concludes with a presentation day where you will present your findings and learnings.
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost/Stipend: $4,950. Limited need-based financial aid is available.
Dates: June 7 – 21 (session 1) or June 28 – July 12 (session 2)
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with strong academic standing who are at least 16 years old by or on August 1
This challenging course will have you engaging with college-level academics. Notre Dame faculty deliver lectures on a diverse range of topics, such as accounting, climate change, artificial intelligence, data visualization, and more. You will also collaborate with peers on coursework outside the class. Social events and activities allow you to experience college life. Upon completing the program, you will earn one college credit.
Location: Various university campuses
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to household income. Financial aid and stipends are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 500 – 600
Dates: 5 weeks starting mid/late June
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who have completed the relevant coursework by the summer and are 15 – 18 years old
SSP is a residential program held at research universities. Guided by scientists, you’ll get the opportunity to use research equipment and perform experiments. You will delve into one science topic based on your interests, such as astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and synthetic chemistry. Guest lectures will be delivered by renowned experts in these fields. You can also go on field trips and participate in social events. At the end of the program, you will share your findings.
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.
Image Source - NASA logo