15 Nutrition Summer Programs for High School StudentsÂ
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student curious about food science, health, or the role nutrition plays in public well-being, a summer program can help you explore those interests in depth. These programs go beyond classroom theory, offering hands-on learning in labs and kitchens, access to university faculty, and even the chance to work on research or community health projects.
Whether you’re exploring a future in medicine, public health, or dietetics, nutrition programs can help you build foundational knowledge and practical skills. Some even blend culinary arts with science, offering a unique lens on how food impacts the body.Â
We’ve put together a list of 15 nutrition summer programs for high school students that offer academic rigor, real-world experience, and guidance from experts.
15 Nutrition Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Cost: Not specified
Dates: July 8 – July 31 (3 days per week, 4 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade
STEP Science & Nutrition Summer Research Program is a 4-week on-campus program designed to introduce students to nutrition, covering macronutrients, balanced diet, global socioeconomic impacts of food, and what affects health. As a participant, you will also explore the City of Hope community garden to understand how food influences various aspects of life, such as society, environment, and community. Apart from classroom work, you will gain hands-on experience through labs and case studies. You will also participate in a final group project, analyzing scientific literature, developing research questions, and proposing solutions to existing problems or diseases. The program will conclude with student presentations of final projects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with academic excellence
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research program for high school students interested in developing a research paper. You can choose your own research topic related to nutrition, such as food safety, exercise nutrition, public health nutrition, and more. You will be paired with a world-class researcher who will be your mentor throughout the program. You can also expect individual sessions with a writing coach and workshops on the research process. Your outcome will be a 15-page research paper that you will present at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $65 non-refundable application fee
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade by the start of the program. There are no other prerequisites, but it is generally recommended for students with two years of high school science with a grade B or above.Â
The Science of Food, Nutrition, and the Biological World is a USC Pre-College Summer Program aimed at helping students learn about the scientific aspects of food. During the 4 weeks, you will discover a wide range of topics, including nutrition, molecular biology, microbiology, biology of taste and smell, history of GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and the impact of agriculture on the environment. Learning will be through both classroom lectures and laboratory work. You will also learn to make bread, tofu, cheese, and hot sauce.
Location: Online (live sessions)
Cost: Non-refundable $65 application fee + $3,165 program fee
Dates: July 7 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors in good academic standing with a GPA of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or recent high school graduates who have completed high school biology and chemistry
Nutrition in Health is an online summer course for high school students organised by Syracuse University. It comprises both live virtual meetings and asynchronous activities. During Zoom class sessions, you will learn various nutrition-related topics such as weight management, supplements, foods for proper growth and development, disease prevention, food safety, and sustainability. Besides lectures, you will take guided tours of local grocery stores and farmers' markets to understand the food environment. The critical thinking skills you develop will help you efficiently decode nutrition information and make healthy choices for your well-being. At the end of the program, all students will receive a certificate of completion and can request a Syracuse University credit transcript.
Location: Online (Asynchronous)
Cost: $5,820
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year and are between 15 and 19 years of age at the start of the program; completion of high school biology is recommended.Â
NS 1150 Nutrition, Health, and Society is an 8-week Cornell Pre-College online nutrition summer program for high school students to explore the relationship between nutrition, health promotion, and disease prevention. You will study biological, physiological, pathological, social, and structural factors of nutrition. You will also learn the basics of interpreting nutrition scientific literature, helping you develop critical thinking skills. The course material is pre-recorded, allowing you to view it based on your schedule. However, you can expect virtual interactions with fellow students and the instructor. You must also submit assignments and take final exams per the given deadlines.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee, $2,050 (early bird cost), $2,150 (cost after April 1)
Dates: July 20 – July 26
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomore, or junior who has completed at least one year of high school by the start of the program and holds a GPA of at least 2.0
Nutrition: Food Science and Technology is a week-long UConn Pre-College Summer program to help high school students explore the scientific aspects behind food production and make healthy food choices. You will delve into topics like food microbiology, food chemistry, food engineering and technology, food quality and safety, food packaging, food regulations, and more. In addition to immersive classroom learning, you will get to take on the role of a food scientist in practical laboratory experiments. The course will help you in everyday life and open career opportunities in science, food, nutrition, and health safety.
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Cost: $3,907 (Residential), $2,262 (Commuter)
Dates: June 29 – July 12
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Anthropometrics, Body Image & Nutrition is a pre-college course designed by UMass Amherst to help high school students explore the relationship between nutrition science and the human body. During the program, participants will attend interactive lectures, participate in discussions, and work on a final group research project. You will learn about the impact of macro and micronutrients on health, the science of body measurements, and the influence of nutrition and culture on body image. You will engage in hands-on learning by taking anthropometric measurements, conducting surveys on body image perceptions, and using other scientific research methods to gather information.
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $75
Dates: July 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Feeding Your Future Summer Camp is a 4-day residential nutrition summer program for high school students organized by the Kansas State University College of Agriculture. The primary focus is on helping participants understand more about agriculture and the use of grains in food production for humans and animals. You will have the opportunity to explore feed and flour mills, agronomy research farms, and bake labs, which will cover the food science and nutrition aspects of food production. Besides hands-on learning and networking with fellow students, the camp will give you insight into career and job opportunities.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee, $2,050 (early bird cost), $2,150 (cost after April 1)
Dates: July 13 – July 19
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who have completed at least one year of high school by the time the program begins, have a GPA of 2.0 or above, and must have studied high school biology with a grade of C or more
Nutrition: Human Nutrition and Health is a one-week UConn Pre-College Summer course that allows students to explore how our nutrient intake, food choices, and other dietary behaviors affect the human body's functioning and overall health. Participants will also learn in-depth about the factors influencing what we eat and drink, how to identify nutrients in foods and beverages, and how our bodies process what we consume. You will attend interactive classroom lectures, complete case studies, and participate in individual and group activities. Additionally, you can expect guidance on careers in nutrition, healthcare, the food industry, and research.
Location: Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,400
Dates: June 1 – June 6 or July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: Applications open on November 1 and continue until the program is complete.
Eligibility: Current 9th – 12th grade students
The Health and Exercise Science Institute is an on-campus summer immersion program organized by Wake Forest University. Participants will delve into the impact of exercise science on overall wellness. The 6-day course covers various topics, including our body systems, cardiovascular and pulmonary health, muscle function, physical therapy, strength conditioning, and sports nutrition. You will also gain hands-on experience through touring health and fitness facilities. You will learn various procedures, like heart rate, blood pressure, muscle function, and pulmonary testing. The faculty will also discuss careers in health and exercise science.
Location: Virtual (Live sessions)
Cost: $10 application fee + $1,499 program fee (scholarship opportunities available)
Dates: July 14 – July 30
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
The Stanford Lifestyle Medicine High School Summer Program is a three-week virtual course for students interested in health and wellness careers. Participants will explore seven pillars of lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, gratitude and purpose, social connection, and cognitive enhancement, and their connections to overall well-being. You will participate in interactive online sessions, discussions, activities, writing projects, and a final capstone project. Key outcomes include learning to make informed health decisions, developing a personalised health plan, transforming communities through health initiatives, analyzing research papers, and developing health communication skills.
Location: Online (Asynchronous)
Cost: $300
Dates: August 1 – January 15 (Course availability)
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students who are rising 11th or 12th grade students
Serving a Healthy Diet is an online course released by Tufts University to help students explore the interrelationship between diet and health. You will learn about all components of a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, grains, sources of fat and protein, dairy and its alternatives, and various beverages. The course also covers aspects such as responsible sourcing of foods, why food preparation matters, and how to prepare healthy dishes to prevent chronic conditions. Learning is self-paced and involves watching videos, taking quizzes, and participating in discussion forums.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not specified
Dates: June 3 – June 26
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders to rising college freshmen
The Virtual Internship Program (VIP) by the Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is a 4-week nutrition summer program for high school students. You will attend virtual lectures and group mentoring sessions conducted by NRI faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and staff members. For your final project, you will prepare scientific posters on a key nutrient of choice and present the findings with fellow participants and NRI scientists during the last week of the program. It can help you enhance your research, critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee, $2,050 (early bird cost), $2,150 (cost after April 1)
Dates: July 6 – July 12
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who have completed at least one year of high school at the beginning of the program, display strong academic standing with a GPA of 2.0 and higher, and hold a grade C and above in high school biology.Â
Nutrition for Exercise and Sport is a one-week UConn Pre-College Summer Program for high school students interested in understanding the connection between nutrition intake and athletic performance. Students will better understand the role of macro and micronutrients, nutrient timing, and sports supplements in maximizing athlete health, performance, and recovery. As a participant, you will attend lectures and participate in case study activities, exposing you to theoretical and practical learning opportunities. You will learn to analyze and implement evidence-based scientific information, read food labels, and plan out nutritious meals for different types of athletes.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $650/session
Dates: Various sessions, but the best fit for high school students is Session 5: July 21 – July 25 (ages 12-17)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Youth aged 8 to 17Â
Culinary Nutrition and Fitness Camp at Susie's Kitchen is a youth summer camp organised by Susan Thomas Jastrow, an alum of The University of Texas at Austin. Participants will explore nutrition science and engage in culinary experiences, such as learning knife skills, kitchen safety, cleaning techniques, and cooking techniques. You will also have the opportunity to prepare healthy snacks and meals in the kitchen and share them with fellow campers. Additionally, you will engage in physical activities and fitness sessions organized by the Fitness Institute of Texas trainers.Â
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 research mentor to develop a research paper.
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