10 Summer Programs for High School Students in New Orleans
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 7
- 6 min read
If you're a high school student in New Orleans, summer programs in the region can be a practical way to explore new subjects and get a feel for college life. These programs often include college-level classes, hands-on projects, and exposure to local industries. You'll also have the chance to meet mentors, work with peers who share your interests, and start building real-world skills—all while staying close to home and keeping costs low.
If you're a high school student in New Orleans considering joining a summer program, below is a shortlist of top summer programs in New Orleans. These programs are challenging, offer strong networking opportunities, and are either fully funded or affordable.
Here are 10 summer programs for high school students in New Orleans!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a challenging research program for high school students. It offers one-on-one guidance from Ph.D.mentors, helping you work on your research project over 12 weeks. By the end of the program, you’ll complete an independent research paper. You can choose topics from a wide range of subjects, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. It’s a great way to dive deeper into subjects you love and strengthen your college applications.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: On a rolling basis.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: 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, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session boot camp that introduces students to the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science. It includes hands-on projects based on real-world problems, making it ideal for beginners.
For more advanced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers one-on-one mentorship with experts from top universities. Students work on a unique research project and get support from Veritas AI’s publication team to publish their work in high school research journals. You can also explore examples of past projects on their website.
Location: New Orleans, LA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: Summer (exact start and end dates are flexible but involve about 15-20 hours per week, totaling approximately 120-140 hours during the summer)
Eligibility: You must be at least 15 years old, currently in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or above (based on your latest transcript)
The LSU College of Engineering’s High School Summer Research (HSSR) Program gives high school students the chance to do research in engineering, computer science, and construction management. As an intern, you’ll work with university research teams, learn how they operate, and explore what it’s like to study and work in these fields.
You’ll also attend workshops on safety, research skills, ethics, and communication. At the end of the program, you’ll create and present a research poster to share what you’ve learned—this is a required part of the internship.
Location: Loyola College, New Orleans, LA
Cost: Per week: $700 | Both weeks discount: $1000 total | No refunds after May 16, and May 31 is the scholarship deadline.
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: Week 1: June 16 - June 20 | Week 2: June 23 - June 27
Eligibility: Rising 9th- 12th grade students
Loyola's College of Music and Media offers the Creative Summer Experience, a boot camp for high school students to explore careers in motion design, graphic design, photography, game design, film, theater, and music. This hands-on boot camp is designed for students who want to learn more about careers in creative fields, taught by experienced educators and industry professionals. The program helps students discover career paths while working on real, resume-worthy projects.
You'll choose one area to focus on in the morning and another in the afternoon, while also being introduced to all other programs. This allows you to get a well-rounded experience and explore multiple interests.
Location: The University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Stipend: $2000
Application Deadline: March 21
Program Dates: June 2 - July 25
Eligibility: High school within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans.
The AMRI Summer Research Program gives high school students a chance to explore hands-on lab research over 8 full-time weeks. You will explore topics like chemistry, physics, engineering, neuroscience, and more while working with leading scientists. Recent project topics have involved catalysis, neuroscience, environmental remediation, magnetic materials, 3D printing, thin film deposition, battery technologies, nanomaterials, sensor arrays, and computer modeling. Alongside research, you'll attend weekly seminars on science careers, lab safety, and new technologies. You’ll receive a $2,000 stipend, with all other program costs covered.
Location: KID smART, New Orleans, LA
Stipend: $20.27/hour
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: June 2 to July 22
Eligibility: Public high school students
Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program is a paid internship that gives selected public high school students the chance to work at local cultural organisations, gain real-world experience, and develop professional skills used in college and workplace environments.
This internship includes time spent at your worksite, orientation, cultural site visits, and professional development sessions. Through this internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience, learn valuable workplace skills, explore New Orleans’ rich cultural scene, and receive mentorship through structured workshops.
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost:
Enrichment courses: Commuter (1 week)- $895 | Residential (2 weeks)- $4,895
Credit-Bearing Courses: Commuter (2 weeks)- $2,495 | Residential (2 weeks)- $5,995. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 21, Priority & International Student Deadline || April 4 Regular Deadline | April 25 Extended Deadline
Program Dates: Varies according to course, various dates in June and July
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) is a two-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors, where you can take college-level STEM courses for credit. You'll get a feel for college life by living and learning on campus, attending lectures, and doing hands-on lab work with Tulane professors and grad students.
A small group of TSSP applicants will also be selected for a six-week paid research internship through the Tulane Center for K-12 STEM Education. If chosen, you'll work in Tulane’s research labs with faculty and grad students from the School of Science and Engineering, receive a stipend, and get a full scholarship to attend TSSP.
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $500 – $550
Application Deadline: Check the website for more updates.
Program Dates: Varies by course, typically 3 weeks in June/July
Eligibility: Students in 7th-12th grade taking a corresponding course in the fall
You will explore core STEM subjects through Xavier University of Louisiana’s Star Programs, designed to give rising 7th–12th graders a strong head start before beginning challenging high school courses.
The five programs—CHEMStar, BIOStar, PHYStar, MATHStar I (Algebra), and MATHStar II (Geometry)—are meant to be taken the summer before you enter the corresponding course. In just three weeks, you’ll cover about one-third of the full-year high school curriculum, helping you feel confident and prepared when the school year begins. The program kicks off with a mandatory orientation for students and their parents/guardians, and wraps up with an Award Ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
Location: LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA
Cost: No cost. A stipend is provided
Application Deadline: Check the website for more updates.
Eligibility: High school student
Program Dates: 8 weeks duration, exact date varies.
The LSU School of Medicine Summer Research Internship Program offers an 8-week summer research experience for high school students that allows them to explore medical and research careers in basic or clinical sciences or public health. High school interns work with mentors in laboratories or clinics at LSU Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, or Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
The program includes learning laboratory techniques, research skills, professional development seminars, and training in scientific presentation. At the end, you present your research at a poster session or oral symposium.
Location: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Cost:
Enrichment courses: Commuter (1 week)- $895 | Residential (2 weeks)- $4,895 |
Credit-Bearing Courses: Commuter (2 weeks)- $2,495 | Residential (2 weeks)- $5,995. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 21, Priority & International Student Deadline || April 4 Regular Deadline | April 25 Extended Deadline
Program Dates: Between June to July for two weeks
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
This program gives high school students a chance to learn about gender issues and how they shape our world. You’ll take part in courses like DIY Feminisms, Media & Reproductive Rights, Music and Gender, and Women’s Advocacy. These classes will help you think critically and understand gender inequality from different angles. The program also includes group discussions, hands-on workshops, and team projects focused on gender-related topics.
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 - Lumiere Research Scholar Program logo