10 STEM Programs for High School Students in Hawaii
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 15
- 7 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
If you're a high schooler interested in STEM, participating in a STEM program is a solid way to engage in a field outside the classroom and build an advanced skillset. These programs provide firsthand exposure to scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and practical applications of the things you learn about at school. You can work alongside university faculty, researchers, and industry professionals through such programs.
Hawaii offers a ton of opportunities in STEM, especially biology and marine science, owing to its geographical location and wealth of natural ecosystems!
Engaging in STEM programs is also an excellent way to strengthen your college applications, especially if you’re interested in competitive STEM undergraduate programs. By demonstrating a commitment to learning and problem-solving beyond the classroom, you can show admissions committees that you are curious and driven.
Here is a list of 10 STEM programs for high school students in Hawaii to get you started!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a highly individualized research experience designed for ambitious high school students. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor to develop a research project tailored to your interests. Your mentor will guide you through the entire research process, from forming a research question to analyzing data and crafting a full academic paper. This mentorship ensures that your project reflects your unique perspective while meeting rigorous academic standards. By the end of the program, you’ll not only have a polished research paper to showcase but also experience that can set you apart in college applications and future academic pursuits.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starting $2990. Financial aid is offered.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
Science Camps of America offers an opportunity for high school students to gain exposure to STEM. The camp includes two ten-day sessions. In Session 1: Land, Sea, Air & Space, you’ll study geology, marine science, and more through activities like exploring active volcanoes, hiking, and designing and launching model rockets. Session 2: Science of the Sea focuses on marine ecosystems. You’ll visit beaches, coral reefs, and rugged coastlines, engaging in activities like snorkeling and field research to learn about the rich biodiversity of Hawaii’s waters. Throughout the session, you’ll interact with scientists, conservationists, and engineers to gain insights into protecting marine environments.
Location: Pahala Island, HI
Cost: $2,795 (limited scholarships available)
Program dates: Session 1 (Land & Sea): July 1 – 10 | Session 2 (Air & Space): June 11 – 20
Application deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 and between the ages of 13-17
3. Veritas AI
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.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
The Summer Sessions at UH Mānoa Outreach College allow high school students to engage in advanced STEM coursework. With offerings spanning subjects like chemistry, physics, microbiology, and engineering, these sessions will enable you to explore specialized areas of interest. Courses such as Basic Circuitry Analysis, Water and Wastewater Engineering, and The Science of Human Nutrition emphasize practical applications, while mathematics options like Precalculus, Calculus, and Linear Algebra and Differential Equations strengthen your analytical skills. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in lab work and critical thinking tasks that deepen your understanding of scientific and mathematical principles.
Location: Honolulu, HI
Cost: $500 - $1,000 (need-based financial aid is available)
Program dates: Summer 1: May 27 – July 3 | Summer 2: July 7 – August 14 | Midsummer: June 16 – July 25
Application deadline: April
Eligibility: National and international students enrolled in grades 9 to 12 at the start of the program
In the Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA), you’ll engage in projects designed to address global challenges with compassionate scientific solutions in their STEM lab. One highlight is the Energy Lab, an award-winning facility where you can work on research projects in collaboration with organizations like NASA, the W. M. Keck Observatory, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. HPA’s curriculum encourages progression from foundational courses such as biology, chemistry, or physics to specialized electives and capstone projects that let you explore your specific interests. You’ll have opportunities to conduct independent research, contribute to the school's Sea Turtle Research Program, and take advanced courses like AP Environmental Science or Agro-Ecology.
Location: Kamuela, HI
Cost: International boarding: $7,600 | Domestic boarding: $6,500 | Day: $2,050
Program dates: June 23 - July 18 (boarding students will be on campus from June 21 - July 19)
Application deadline: Grades 9-12 + PG (boarding): February 10 | International boarding: February 10 | Grades 9-12 (day): January 15
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 11 to 17 (entering grades 6 to 12)
In this program, you will collaborate with UCSD researchers, graduate students, and local experts to explore critical environmental issues like water quality, coral reef health, and sustainable practices. The program incorporates research, allowing you to collect and analyze data in the field and develop a scientific poster that you’ll present to peers and researchers. You’ll also work on service projects such as restoring the Ka‘upulehu Dryland Forest and working at Kiholo Bay. Leadership development is another program focus, drawing from the Social Change Model of Leadership. You’ll also engage in cultural exchanges with native Hawaiians, gaining insight into traditional practices and values.
Location: Big Island of Hawaii
Cost: $3,675 (including course materials, room, all meals, ground transportation, and activities)
Program dates: July 30 - August 8
Application deadline: February
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who are at least 14 years of age, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, and comfortable engaging in water activities.
The Hawaii Baptist Academy Summer School Program offers various STEM courses to help you build strong foundations. For high school students, the program includes credit courses in subjects such as Algebra and Trigonometry, allowing you to prepare for future academic requirements. Additionally, SAT/ACT Prep courses provide targeted strategies to excel in standardized testing. HBA’s emphasis on face-to-face instruction and active participation ensures a personalized learning experience. These classes emphasize practical learning, fostering a collaborative environment where you can solve problems.
Location: Stan Sagert High School Campus, Honolulu, HI
Cost: $305 - $605 per course
Program dates: June 12 – July 3
Application deadline: February - March
Eligibility: Open to all high school students; specific information not available
The Pacific Discovery: Hawaii College Summer Program is ideal for high school students interested in STEM, particularly those interested in environmental science and conservation. During this four-week program, you’ll engage in activities that explore the intersection of science, sustainability, and Hawaiian ecosystems. As you work on local conservation projects, including marine protection and permaculture farming, you’ll apply scientific principles to real-world environmental challenges. You’ll gain experience in data collection, ecosystem management, and sustainable practices. The program includes stargazing on Mauna Kea, exploring volcanic landscapes, and learning about the islands' environmental challenges.
Location: Starts in Hilo and ends in Honolulu, HI
Cost: $8,950 (plus $500 registration fee)
Program dates: July 3 – August 1
Application deadline: Open year-round
Eligibility: National and international students between the ages of 17 and 22
The UH Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Program is a week-long experience designed to introduce students to cancer research and the career opportunities in the field. This program focuses on population science and aims to inspire students to explore careers centered around cancer prevention and addressing health disparities in Hawaiʻi. Throughout the week, you’ll engage in various activities, including cancer-related presentations and group projects led by a multidisciplinary team of faculty members. The program covers essential topics such as epidemiology, genomics, public health, behavioral health, and dry-lab research.
Location: University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Cost: Free
Program dates: One week in the spring
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders nominated by their teachers.
The Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Summer Program is a week-long summer program for those interested in pursuing health professions. Held at the UH Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine in Kaka‘ako, the program engages you in small group problem-based learning, gross anatomy lab demonstrations, clinical skills training, computerized manikin simulations, and simulated patient interactions. You will understand the epidemiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of common illnesses in Hawai‘i, explore heart and lung anatomy, perform basic clinical skills like taking vital signs and using stethoscopes, and develop patient communication skills.
Cost: $525 (needs-based scholarships are available)
Location: John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Program Dates: July 7–11
Deadline: May 20 (scholarship applications close on March 31)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
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 - UH Mānoa Logo
