11 Summer Programs for High School Students in Phoenix, Arizona

Summer programs give you a practical way to explore academic interests while gaining early exposure to college-level coursework and skills. Many programs emphasize projects, mentorship, and collaboration, helping you build transferable skills and meaningful connections. Participating in a summer program can also help you better understand whether a subject or career path is a good fit before making longer-term commitments.

Why should you attend a program in Phoenix, Arizona?

 If you’re looking to use your break productively, summer programs for high school students in Phoenix can help you test potential career paths and strengthen your future college applications. These programs cover areas such as healthcare, research, technology, engineering, and the arts, and are typically designed to introduce you to professional and academic environments through guided instruction and supervised work. 

To help you get started, we’ve narrowed this list to 11 summer programs for high school students in Phoenix.

If you are looking for online STEM summer programs, check out our blog here.

1. Barrow Neurological Institute High School Research & Volunteer Program

Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ]

Cost/Stipend: Free

Dates: June 8 – July 9 (summer cohort; year-round opportunities available)

Application Deadline: February 10

Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older; strong interest in neuroscience, biomedical research, or science-related support roles

The Barrow Neurological Institute High School Research & Volunteer Program gives you the opportunity to gain early, hands-on exposure to scientific research in neurosciences in a professional setting. You may work directly in active research laboratories using advanced technologies, where you will learn core biological principles, experimental techniques, and how research informs the treatment of neurological disease. The program emphasizes long-term, high-quality mentorship, helping you develop skills in scientific thinking, literature evaluation, and communication. In addition to lab-based research, you can apply for research support roles in areas such as marketing, neuroscience publications, and the Barrow Neurological Foundation, allowing you to explore non-laboratory career paths that support scientific work. You will be given guidance in developing projects that may be presented at scientific symposia or contribute to research publications. The program is selective, and participation offers sustained exposure to both the scientific and professional sides of neuroscience research in Phoenix.

2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available

Program Dates: Varies by cohort (summer, fall, winter, or spring); options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate strong academic achievement

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity that allows you to conduct independent, university-level research under close mentorship. You will be paired one-on-one with a PhD mentor who guides you through the full research process, from refining a research question to conducting analysis and synthesizing results. The program emphasizes academic rigor and individualized support, helping you build skills in critical thinking, research methodology, and scholarly writing. You can choose from a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, computer science, economics, data science, engineering, chemistry, physics, and international relations. By the end of the program, you will complete a substantial independent research paper, giving you a concrete academic output and early exposure to advanced research expectations.

3. Mayo Clinic CARES Program

Location: Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ (in-person option available; virtual option offered separately)

Cost/Stipend: Free

Dates: Summer program (specific dates announced with application cycle)

Application Deadline: February 1 (in-person program)

Eligibility: Arizona high school students; competitive selection process

The Mayo Clinic CARES Program is a selective summer pathway program that allows you to explore a wide range of healthcare careers within one of the nation’s leading medical institutions. You will participate in structured learning experiences designed to help you understand how hospitals function and how different healthcare professionals collaborate to support patient care. Throughout the program, you will interact with Mayo Clinic physicians, clinicians, and staff, gaining insight into roles such as medical assistants, surgical technologists, respiratory therapists, clinical research coordinators, and more. While the program does not include individual shadowing or hands-on research, it emphasizes career exploration, professionalism, wellness, and self-assessment of personal strengths. You will also build connections with peers who share similar interests and gain exposure to college and career pathways in healthcare. 

4. Veritas AI

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available

Program Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter)

Application Deadline: Rolling; priority cycles in January, May, September, and November

Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have prior experience with AI concepts or Python, or have completed the AI Scholars program

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.

5. Helios Scholars at TGen – Translational Genomics Research Institute

Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ or TGen North, Flagstaff, AZ

Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

Dates: June 8 – July 31

Application Deadline: February 4 (recommendations due by February 6)

Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and enrolled as a full-time college, graduate, or medical student in the Fall semester; you must have graduated from an Arizona high school or currently attend an Arizona college or university

Helios Scholars at TGen is a highly competitive, eight-week summer research internship that allows you to work full-time on a biomedical research project under the mentorship of a TGen scientist. You will conduct translational research in areas such as cancer, neurological disease, diabetes, public health, or infectious disease, depending on your placement in Phoenix or Flagstaff. The program offers opportunities across laboratory research, computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, and research administration. In addition to research, you will participate in professional development seminars, practice scientific writing, attend networking events, and prepare a scientific poster. The program culminates in a formal research symposium where you present your work to the academic and scientific community, with select interns delivering oral presentations. 

6. Maricopa ACE (Achieving a College Education) Program

Location: Phoenix College, Phoenix, AZ

Cost/Stipend: Free; tuition covered for up to 24 college credit hours (valued at $2,000+)

Dates: Multi-year program beginning the summer before your junior year of high school

Application Deadline: Varies by school and district

Eligibility: High school students entering 11th grade who meet one or more criteria: first-generation college student, underrepresented background, working 10–30 hours per week, single-parent household, foster care, or similar circumstances

The Maricopa ACE Program is a nationally recognized college-access initiative designed to help you successfully transition from high school to college and beyond. You will join a structured cohort beginning the summer before your junior year and will be supported through high school, community college, and transfer to a university. While in the program, you will enroll in real college courses taught by Maricopa faculty and earn up to 24 transferable credits at no cost, while maintaining high academic standards. You will participate in hands-on workshops focused on problem-solving, career exploration, and personal statement writing, along with college visits to universities such as ASU, the University of Arizona, and NAU. The program emphasizes continuous mentorship, family involvement, and access to advising, counseling, financial aid, and career services through Phoenix College.

7. SLHS Summer School & BARK Summer Program

Location: Shadow Lake High School, AZ

Cost/Stipend: Free; breakfast and lunch provided; transportation available within school boundaries

Dates: Summer School: June 1 – June 14 or June 15 – June 2, BARK Summer Program: June 6 – June 23 

Application Deadline: Rolling until capacity is reached

Eligibility: Current SLHS students; course eligibility varies by grade and academic needs

SLHS Summer Programs offer two in-person options that allow you to either earn academic credit or engage in enrichment-focused learning during the summer. If you enroll in Summer School, you can recover credits or get ahead academically by completing one course per session in a structured classroom setting. The program includes transportation, meals, and counselor support to help you stay on track with graduation requirements. Alternatively, the BARK Summer Program is a non-credit enrichment experience designed to help you reconnect with teachers, peers, and campus life through creative, hands-on activities. BARK emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning through projects that blend creativity with skill-building. Both programs provide a supportive summer environment that helps you stay engaged academically or socially while preparing for the upcoming school year.

8. Summer Scrubs

Location: University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ

Cost/Stipend: $250–$500, depending on session; full and partial need-based scholarships available

Dates: Explore Medicine (Residential): May 31 – June 6, Explore Medicine (Day): June 8 – June 12, Healthcare Team: June 15 – June 18

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students (rising sophomores through seniors); eligibility varies by session

Summer Scrubs is a structured program that allows you to learn about healthcare professions through hands-on and interactive experiences. Depending on the session you choose, you will participate in professional lectures, laboratory activities, and guided explorations of medical and healthcare roles. If you are a rising senior interested in becoming a physician, the Explore Medicine program introduces you to multiple medical specialties through direct interaction with practicing physicians. If you are a rising sophomore or junior, the Healthcare Team track exposes you to a broader range of healthcare careers and how interdisciplinary teams support patient care. You will engage in clinical-style activities, build foundational professional skills, and gain insight into healthcare education pathways. 

9. Barrett Summer Scholars (BSS)

Location: Arizona State University (Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, West Valley, or Polytechnic campus)

Cost/Stipend: $800 program fee (includes $50 non-refundable registration fee); limited need-based scholarships available

Dates: Rising 9th graders: June 1 – June 4 (Tempe Campus), Rising 10th graders: June 8 – June 11 (Downtown Campus), Rising 11th graders: June 15 – June 18 (West Valley Campus), Rising 12th graders: June 22 – June 25 (Polytechnic Campus)

Application Deadline: April 1

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students; minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 (rising 9th–10th) or 3.25 (rising 11th–12th)

The Barrett Summer Scholars program allows you to experience college-level academics while becoming part of a selective community of high-achieving students from across Arizona. You will take part in honors-style coursework designed to introduce you to the expectations of university classes while building academic confidence. The program also emphasizes peer engagement, allowing you to collaborate and connect with students who share strong academic motivation. You will choose an elective T.R.A.C.K. aligned with your interests, such as technology and engineering, research and sciences, arts and humanities, commerce and business, or health-related fields. Throughout the program, you will interact with ASU faculty and gain insight into academic pathways and campus life. Designed as a short, intensive experience, Barrett Summer Scholars offers early exposure to honors-level learning and helps you prepare for future success at ASU and beyond.

10. PCDS Summer Programs

Location: Phoenix Country Day School, Paradise Valley, AZ

Cost/Stipend: Varies by course and schedule; lunch is included for all students

Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 14 (full), Session 2: June 16 – June 27 (full)

Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions fill

Eligibility: Students entering kindergarten through 9th grade; open to both PCDS and non-PCDS students

PCDS Summer Programs offer a broad range of in-person enrichment opportunities that allow you to explore academic subjects, creative arts, technology, science, and athletics in a structured summer setting. You can choose from a diverse catalog of classes, including robotics, STEAM projects, arts-based courses, sports medicine, model United Nations, and hands-on science activities. The program is designed to support both full-day and half-day participation, with flexible scheduling options for different grade levels. You will learn in well-equipped facilities that include art studios, computer labs, athletic fields, gymnasiums, and an aquatic center with instructional swim programming. PCDS Summer Programs emphasize exploration, skill-building, and engagement, allowing you to learn, create, and stay active throughout the summer.

11. PCM Summer Camps & Music Intensives

Location: Phoenix Center for the Arts, Phoenix, AZ

Cost/Stipend: Varies by camp and format; aftercare available for an additional hourly fee

Dates: Week-long sessions throughout the summer (Monday–Friday)

Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions fill

Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18 (grade level based on upcoming fall enrollment)

PCM Summer Camps and Music Intensives offer a week-long, in-person experience designed to help you develop musical skills while collaborating with peers in a creative and supportive environment. If you are a high school student, you can enroll in full-day music intensives focused on improving technique, theory, and performance across different musical styles and genres. Each day includes hands-on instruction using musical instruments and professional gear, along with opportunities to play, rehearse, and experiment musically with other students. You will build confidence, strengthen motor and coordination skills, and learn how to perform as part of a group. Many sessions culminate in a Friday performance where you can share your work with family and friends. 

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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