14 Math Programs for High School Students in Arizona
- Stephen Turban
- Mar 10
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in mathematics, structured academic programs can help you explore topics that go beyond the typical school curriculum. These programs can introduce you to advanced concepts, problem-solving approaches, and different areas where mathematics is applied. Participating in one can also help you strengthen your analytical thinking and deepen your interest in the subject.
What math programs are available for high schoolers in Arizona?
Arizona offers a variety of opportunities through universities, research institutes, and STEM-focused organizations across the state. Some programs focus on advanced coursework and competition-style problem solving, while others introduce applications of mathematics in fields such as engineering, data science, and scientific research. These opportunities can help you explore different areas of math while learning in a structured academic environment.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 14 math programs for high school students in Arizona.
If you’re looking for research programs in Arizona, check out our blog here.
1. University of Arizona Keep Engaging Youth In Science (KEYS) Research Internship – Data Science Track
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: June 1 to July 17
Application deadline: December 18
Eligibility: High school students age 16 and older who have lived in Arizona for at least one year
University of Arizona’s KEYS Research Internship brings a select group of high school students to campus for a 7-week research experience. You’ll take on a research project in biosciences, with a focus on biomedicine and data science; the latter is the strongest choice for students seeking a math-focused experience. You’ll spend your first week learning interdisciplinary research techniques in biosciences and an introduction to the fields you’ll cover in your research. You’ll then work with a UA faculty member on a research project in biology-focused data science, receiving personalized mentorship throughout your work. You’ll network with STEM researchers and faculty across the University of Arizona and deliver a presentation on your work at the end of the program.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1-on-1 structure; selective
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: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of specialized math topics. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose to pursue a research topic in pure Mathematics or to conduct math-focused research in quantitative fields such as Data Science, Astrophysics, Physics, Economics, Computer Science, Architecture, and Engineering. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Hybrid at University of Arizona, Tucson
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: About 10 students
Program dates: August 8 to December 5
Application deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students from Arizona. Priority for students from rural areas or Title I schools.
PRISM is a science, engineering, and math research program for Arizona high schoolers hosted by the University of Arizona and the Arizona STEM outreach organization SARSEF. You’ll be matched with a UA graduate student and a small group of high schoolers sharing your research interests, with whom you’ll develop an advanced research project on a topic of your choice. Exact research focus areas vary based on available mentors each year, but the program supports projects in mathematics, engineering, and the quantitative sciences. You’ll begin with a brief orientation on campus at UA, where you’ll meet your mentor and collaborator before launching into the research period. You’ll meet with your research cohort and mentor once a week to discuss research progress and receive guidance, and dedicate at least two additional hours each week to your project. You’ll finalize your project in November, then prepare a presentation to deliver at the PRISM Symposium in early December.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type. Financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: 1-on-1 structure. About 26% acceptance rate
Program dates:
Spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks
Summer cohort runs 10 weeks, June to September
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines across the year for spring, summer, and fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing, GPA above 3.67 out of 4.0. Most accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade with an average GPA of 3.93 out of 4.0. Some tracks include prerequisites.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students with math-focused subjects such as theoretical math and knot theory, data science, machine learning, algorithms and data structures, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to research journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix
Cost / Stipend: Paid. Amount not specified
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Very selective. 2 high school students admitted
Program dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: February 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, undergraduates, and medical students aged 16+. Applicants must hold eligibility to work in the United States.
Arizona’s Translational Genomics Research Institute offers paid internships for two high school students each summer, providing opportunities to conduct specialized quantitative research focused on neuroscience and medicine. You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from TGen researchers on topics including laboratory protocols and experimental design as you contribute to an ongoing TGen project. You’ll also learn how translational research can directly impact treatment for brain tumors and neurological diseases. You can pursue your interest in mathematics through quantitative focus areas such as genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biomedical research. You’ll be trained in scientific writing, presentations, and the design of research posters, preparing you to develop a research paper and poster of your own after completing the internship.
Location: Central Arizona College, Coolidge
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open registration, small group cohort
Program dates: June 8 to June 12
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment while space remains
Eligibility: Students ages 14 to 17. Program focuses on women and girls, though all students receive consideration.
The Quantum Quest summer program, sponsored by the University of Arizona, provides a week of educational programming on quantum computing. You’ll learn core topics in quantum computing from UA researchers and instructors, including entanglement, qubits, and programming on quantum computers. You’ll explore the cross-disciplinary nature of quantum computing across physics, mathematics, and computer science, and its intersections with diverse fields such as finance, medicine, chemistry, and more. You’ll gain networking experience while exploring careers and academic paths in the field through a series of visits to industry professionals from organizations including the Center for Quantum Networks, Qubit by Qubit, and more.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe
Cost / Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: 60 to 80 students each year. Placement depends on mentor availability
Program dates: September to April
Application deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 to 12, age 16 or older, who plan to pursue a STEM career.
SCENE is a long-term STEM program for high schoolers providing a mentored research experience tailored to students’ academic interests. You’ll be matched with an ASU professor to serve as your mentor based on the alignment of your interests. You can pursue a mathematics project by working with mentors in ASU departments, including Physics, Complex Adaptive Systems, Computing and Augmented Intelligence, and a variety of engineering subfields. You’ll develop your project with guidance from your mentor and dedicate over 10 hours weekly to on-campus or remote work, starting in September and lasting until late March or early April. After completing the program, you'll submit your project to the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair, where most SCENE students receive at least one award, and many have progressed to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Additionally, if both you and your mentor are interested, you can continue collaborating on research projects.
Location: Arizona State University Mathematical Computational and Modeling Sciences Center, Tempe
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: May 31 to July 10
Application deadline: February 17
Eligibility:
Students in grades 11 or 12 with a minimum GPA of 3.25
Grades of A or B in all high school math and science courses
Seniors must enroll at Arizona State University the following year if admitted
Applicants must qualify for Arizona in state tuition and live in Arizona for the last two years
Priority consideration:
First generation students
Low income students
Students from rural areas
Native students
Students from other diverse backgrounds
The Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program is a residential math program for high school students in Arizona seeking a head start on college coursework. You’ll spend your time in the program staying on campus at ASU, where you’ll enroll in an undergraduate-level math or computer science course for transferable college credit. You’ll choose from options such as College Algebra, Calculus for Engineers, and Principles of Programming with Java; course options may vary each year. Outside of courses, you’ll be mentored by current ASU students and program leaders on college prep opportunities and receive support on application elements such as identifying scholarships, applying for financial aid, and preparing for the admissions process. If you choose to attend ASU for college, you’ll have access to ongoing support for educational and professional development, including maintaining strong academic performance and exploring math and science careers.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe
Cost: $800. Financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates:
Grades 9 to 10: May 31 to June 3
Grades 11 to 12: June 7 to June 10
Application deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Rising grades 9 to 12
Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA for grades 9 to 10
Minimum 3.25 unweighted GPA for grades 11 to 12
The Barrett Summer Scholars program at ASU offers an intensive academic experience for high school students in Arizona. You’ll rank your preferred courses from options across STEM, humanities, and social sciences; you can find mathematics programs in areas such as physics, engineering, and finance. You’ll build connections in academia by working with ASU professors and current students, and gain exposure to the college experience by staying on-campus for the program. Outside your primary course, you’ll enroll in an abbreviated version of the ASU Honor College course, The Human Event, a mandatory first-year course covering topics across history, literature, and human culture.
Location: Mathnasium Mesa South, Mesa
Cost: Varies
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: One on one and small group programs offered
Program dates: Varies
Application deadline: Not applicable
Eligibility: High school students eligible.
Mathnasium’s site in Mesa South, Arizona, offers Summer Math Programs for high schoolers to help retain and expand their current math skills. You’ll begin your involvement with an assessment of your math skills, after which your instructors will develop a program of study customized to your needs and goals. You’ll work with instructors either on a one-on-one basis or in a small group of students at similar skill levels to develop your target skills in math.
Location: Arizona Science Center, Phoenix
Cost: $350
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: 50 students
Program dates: July 6 to July 10
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 to 12, ages 13 to 17. Similar camps offered for grades 1 to 6.
Arizona Science Center’s NASA ASTRO Camp is a week-long exploration of astronomy and space exploration. You’ll take on a NASA-designed curriculum covering topics across planetary systems, rocketry, robotics, and their connections to physics, mathematics, and engineering. You will engage in practical engineering tasks, physics experiments, and various interactive learning activities.
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson
Cost:
$750 residential
$350 commuter
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open enrollment
Program dates: Multiple 4 day camps from early June to late July
Application deadline:
Rolling registration through June 30 or until space fills
Scholarship deadline April 15
Eligibility:
High school students in grades 9 to 12 and graduating seniors
Residential option limited to students in grades 11 and 12
The University of Arizona offers a variety of math-oriented programs through its Summer Engineering Academy for high school students. You’ll choose from options including Semiconductor Design, Fabrication and Application, Engineering our Energy and Water, and Women in Engineering. In each program, you’ll work directly with UA professors and current students to complete hands-on engineering projects in UA facilities, focusing on topics such as optics, semiconductors and circuits, renewable energy technology, and more. You’ll gain networking and professional development opportunities through workshops and discussions with industry partners on engineering degrees, research opportunities, and careers in the field. If you live outside the Tucson area or are interested in a residential college experience, you’ll have the option of staying on-campus at UA.
Location: Online
Cost / Stipend: To be announced
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open enrollment for students who meet eligibility criteria
Program dates: Semester long courses in the fall and spring. Students may participate across multiple semesters
Application deadline: Open registration during course enrollment. Students must meet eligibility requirements
Eligibility:
High school students from Southern Arizona
Completed the highest level of math offered by their school or district
Score of 4 or higher on the AP Calculus BC Exam
Approval from the student’s school math department and principal required
The Arizona Advanced High School Math Scholars Program supports students from Southern Arizona who have completed their entire high school math course offerings and are looking to challenge themselves with college-level math. You’ll enroll in Vector Calculus at the University of Arizona, taking the official undergraduate course alongside your high school classes. You’ll earn transferable college credit for your work; approximately 3 credits per course. Based on your skill level and the prerequisites you complete in the program, you’ll also be eligible for increasingly advanced 200- and 300-level math courses such as Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. The University of Arizona supports students in achieving the highest level of math education they’re able to achieve, so you may also request to enroll in higher-level courses if you’ve completed those traditionally completed by Scholars and meet all prerequisites.
Location: Online | In-person camp offered at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $3,750; financial aid offered (In-person cost: $8,950)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 students (In-person: 40 students)
Dates: Session One: June 15 - July 3 | Session Two: July 6-24 | Algebraic Topology is only offered in Session One | Residential: June 21 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Grades 10-11 | Students should have experience with proofs, high school geometry, and algebra; some background in number theory and modular arithmetic is recommended. | Applicants to the Algebraic Topology program are recommended to have experience with group theory and a stronger background in proofs and higher mathematics
SUMaC offers high schoolers with advanced mathematical skills an intensive remote-learning and research experience over three weeks. You’ll enroll in either the Abstract Algebra & Number Theory or Algebraic Topology Program based on your mathematics skill level, the latter offering a particularly advanced curriculum. You’ll participate in programming throughout the day, including lectures from Stanford faculty, group problem-solving activities led by Stanford graduate students, and assignments. You’ll complete a final research project on a math topic of your choice from the program, which you’ll present to the class. To gain industry exposure, you’ll also attend talks with mathematicians, researchers, and other professionals in quantitative fields.
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.
Image Source - Horizon Academic Research Program logo