15 St. Louis Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 12 min read
If you’re a high school student looking to build skills and explore your interests, a summer program can offer that opportunity. These programs provide you access to college-level coursework, practical projects, and experience in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, and the arts. Many also connect you with mentors, professors, and peers who share your interests, helping you grow both academically and personally.
Why should you attend a program in St. Louis?
St. Louis is home to universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions that host competitive, well-structured summer programs. You might conduct lab experiments, collaborate on design challenges, or explore artistic techniques while learning directly from professionals in the field. Whether you live in the city or are coming from out of state, these programs allow you to experience campus life, connect with mentors, and develop your academic or creative strengths.
To help you get started, we’ve selected 15 St. Louis summer programs for high school students.
If you are looking for online research summer programs, check out our blog here.
15 St. Louis Summer Programs for High School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~15–18 students selected annually
Program Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri or Illinois); must have completed 11th grade before the program begins.
Cost: Fully funded; includes a $4,500 stipend and public transit support
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Summer Focus is an eight-week, full-time biomedical research internship that places you directly in a Washington University laboratory working on an individualized research project. Each participant is paired with a dedicated faculty or research mentor and a graduate-level tutor who provides close, ongoing guidance throughout the summer. You gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and laboratory techniques across various fields, including genetics, neuroscience, cancer biology, and biomedical engineering. The program also includes structured coursework in scientific writing, literature analysis, and oral presentation to build research communication skills. The program ends with a formal research symposium where you'll share your findings with scientists, peers, and family members.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Program 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.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
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 subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. 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 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, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–10 enrolled in a St. Louis Metropolitan area school; minimum 2.5 GPA; must be enrolled in or have completed Algebra; application, transcript, and recommendation required
Cost: Free
Location: University of Missouri–St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Bridge Program Summer Academy is an academic enrichment program designed to support early high school students through structured coursework and college readiness preparation. You take part in academic skills workshops in mathematics, science, and writing that emphasize critical thinking and preparation for college entrance exams. The program also includes career development workshops that introduce structured approaches to career exploration and long-term planning. In addition to academics, you participate in personal and professional development activities focused on goal setting, communication, and self-advocacy. Students who complete the Bridge Program gain access to ongoing advising support and future scholarship opportunities at UMSL.
4. Veritas AI
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Program 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). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater St. Louis area with an interest in healthcare; application, essays, recommendations, interview, and full attendance commitment required
Cost: No tuition charged; program offers compensation (stipend details provided to accepted students)
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The BESt Healthcare Institute Summer Program is a four-week, immersive experience designed to introduce you to careers in healthcare through a structured blend of academics, exposure, and professional development. You engage in academic instruction aimed at enhancing math and science skills and developing essential healthcare knowledge, while also preparing for standardized tests. The program offers firsthand experience in healthcare settings through lectures, site visits, and interactions with medical and STEM professionals. Professional development sessions focus on leadership, character building, communication, and personal branding. Hosted on WashU’s Danforth Campus, the program provides consistent exposure to a college environment while connecting you with peers from across the St. Louis region who share an interest in healthcare careers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: July 12 – July 17
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
Cost: To be announced; scholarship information forthcoming
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Gateway to Business Program is a one-week residential pre-collegiate experience designed to introduce you to core business concepts and the academic environment at WashU’s Olin Business School. You learn directly from Olin faculty while exploring foundational areas, including consulting, strategy, and business problem-solving. A central component of the program is a team-based case study in which you analyze a real-world business challenge and develop structured recommendations. You also engage with current WashU students and business professionals through networking sessions and discussions about academic pathways and careers. The program emphasizes communication and presentation skills through group work and formal presentations.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 students selected per cohort
Program Dates: Summer sessions (exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: Spring deadline (final date to be announced)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12; student and parent/guardian commitment required; must meet attendance and participation expectations
Cost: Not publicly specified; email CAST@umsl.edu for more information
Location: University of Missouri–St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Advocacy Leadership Program is a summer enrichment initiative that introduces you to the field of child advocacy through an applied, interdisciplinary lens. You explore how professionals respond to child abuse and neglect across systems such as education, mental health, healthcare, law enforcement, and public policy. The program combines interactive learning sessions with campus-based exposure to UMSL’s Child Advocacy Studies program, including discussions with faculty, staff, students, and community professionals. You engage in workshops focused on cultural competency, trauma-informed practices, secondary stress, and community care. The experience also includes service-oriented activities and pre-collegiate development sessions designed to build leadership and advocacy skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; exact acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: July 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores (minimum age 15 by July 1) attending a rural or small-town high school in the U.S.; open to students of any citizenship
Cost: Fully funded; tuition, housing, meals, and activities covered; limited travel funding available
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Rural Scholars Academy is a week-long residential program designed for high-achieving students from rural and small-town communities to experience college-level academic and professional development in an urban setting. You participate in lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities centered on interpersonal skills, leadership growth, and academic preparedness. The program features design thinking workshops that cover human-centered problem-solving, including user research, synthesis, prototyping, and idea presentation. Additionally, you attend college admissions workshops led by WashU admissions experts, providing insights into pathways at highly selective universities. During the week, you work with peers, WashU students, faculty, and staff through structured social and community activities that highlight St. Louis.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 24 – June 27
Application Deadline: June 9
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 with an interest in vocal music and a cappella performance
Cost: Paid; sponsorships and scholarship funding available for eligible students
Location: University of Missouri–St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Acappellooza Summer is a four-day residential a cappella music camp that immerses you in intensive vocal training and ensemble performance. You rehearse daily under the guidance of experienced choral directors and nationally recognized a cappella performers, working across structured TTBB, SSAA, and combined chorus settings. Music and learning tracks are provided in advance, allowing rehearsals to focus on precision, blend, and ensemble technique rather than note learning. In addition to rehearsals, the program includes educational workshops, guest performances, and informal singing sessions designed to deepen musical understanding and collaboration. The experience culminates in a public concert where you perform alongside professional and semi-professional vocal groups.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typical cohort size is approximately 15–20 students
Program Dates: July 12 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current high school students with one to three years remaining in high school.
Cost: $3,985; includes housing, meals, and all program activities; need-based scholarships are available
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Ancient Studies Institute is a two-week residential program focused on the humanities, offering an interdisciplinary and hands-on introduction to classical studies. You study primary and secondary sources from the ancient Mediterranean, including literary texts, philosophical works, and archaeological evidence, while learning how historians and classicists interpret material culture. A core component of the program involves studio-based work, where you practice ancient textile techniques such as spinning, dyeing, and weaving to produce an original textile using historical methods collaboratively. Academic sessions combine lectures, discussions, and close reading with applied, experiential learning in the studio. You also examine the social and cultural contexts of fiber production, including its historical ties to gender and labor.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: July 20 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (preference given to juniors and seniors); must be at least 16 years old by program start date; minimum 3.0 GPA required.
Cost: $850; includes housing, meals, lab equipment, program materials, and activities; non-refundable deposit required
Location: University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Health Care Summer Immersion Program is a six-day residential experience designed to introduce you to a range of health care and biomedical career pathways. You participate in non-credit academic programming that blends classroom learning, lab-based exposure, and skill-building workshops focused on leadership and college readiness. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to engage with health-focused topics while working alongside peers with similar interests. Outside of academics, you partake in organized social programs that offer a glimpse into campus life and the wider St. Louis community. Sessions led by faculty and staff offer exposure to health sciences education in a college environment, helping you understand the expectations of undergraduate studies in health-related fields.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typical class size is approximately 15–20 students
Program Dates: July 12 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current high school students with one to three years remaining in high school; must have completed one year of high school biology; designed for students new to environmental studies
Cost: $3,985; includes housing, meals, and all program activities; need-based scholarships are available
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Environmental Studies Institute is a two-week residential summer program that introduces you to the interdisciplinary foundations of environmental studies and sustainability. You explore topics such as climate change, energy systems, food and water resources, pollution, biodiversity, and human health through a mix of lectures, discussions, and applied projects. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, allowing you to analyze environmental challenges from both scientific and social perspectives. Small class sizes enable close interaction with WashU instructors and structured feedback on assignments and projects. Beyond academics, you participate in optional enrichment activities and community events.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 9 – June 14
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior year of high school
Cost: $750; includes housing, meals, classroom instruction, on-campus activities, off-campus excursions, and required transportation to program events
Location: Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
The Rawlings Sport Business Management Summer Institute is a six-day residential program that introduces you to the business side of the sports industry through applied, project-based learning. You work on real-world projects while learning foundational concepts in sports marketing, operations, analytics, sponsorship, and event management. The program provides direct exposure to industry professionals from organizations such as Rawlings Sporting Goods, professional sports teams, racing venues, and athletic conferences. Instruction is led by Maryville faculty and teaching practitioners with extensive experience in collegiate and professional sports organizations. You present project work back to industry professionals, gaining experience in professional communication and applied problem-solving.
14. Washington University in St. Louis – Portfolio Plus Program (Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: July 12 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; application with essay and recommendation required
Cost: $6,557; need- and merit-based scholarships available up to full program cost (deposit waived for scholarship recipients)
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Portfolio Plus Program is a three-week residential pre-college institute where you take college-level art and design courses taught by Sam Fox School faculty. Each weekday begins with a structured drawing course focused on fundamentals such as composition, form, space, and modeling, using both wet and dry media. In the afternoons, you specialize in one studio concentration, such as communication design, fashion design, or studio art, aligned with WashU’s BFA pathways. Workshops in digital tools, portfolio documentation, and college admissions preparation complement the studio work. You participate in field trips to museums, galleries, artist studios, and major cultural institutions across St. Louis. The program culminates in a final exhibition, allowing you to present a cohesive body of work developed for competitive college art and design applications.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate and cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: July 12 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; application with essay and recommendation required
Cost: $4,361; need- and merit-based scholarships available up to full program cost (deposit waived for scholarship recipients)
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
The Architecture Discovery Program is a two-week residential pre-college institute designed to introduce you to architectural thinking and design studio practice. You spend the majority of the program in a structured design studio, working through short design exercises that build toward a final architectural project reviewed by faculty and guest critics. Drawing studio sessions focus on observation and visual communication, covering proportion, perspective, materiality, light, and spatial relationships through on-site sketching. Sustainability and the relationship between the built environment and society are integrated throughout studio work and discussions. The program includes field trips to architecture firms, museums, and cultural institutions across St. Louis to contextualize design concepts in real-world settings.
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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