15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you are a high school student looking for academic and professional exposure outside the regular school year, summer programs can be a strong option. Well-designed programs often introduce you to college-level coursework, structured research, and applied learning, while also helping you build practical skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Many programs also provide early insight into specific industries and mentorship opportunities, allowing you to explore potential career paths before committing to long-term academic programs.
What summer programs are available for high school students in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
Tulsa offers a diverse range of summer programs to meet your interests and academic goals, hosted by local universities, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and industry partners, spanning STEM, healthcare, engineering, business, and the arts. You may participate in laboratory research, internships, technical training, or college-style seminars that mirror undergraduate academic experiences. In addition to subject-specific learning, these programs often help you develop transferable skills such as time management, professional communication, and teamwork, while also earning college credits.
Below is a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 25–30 students
Dates: June 15–20
Application Deadline: Mid-to-Late April
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply
Tulsa Community College’s Summer STEM Academy offers high school students applied learning experiences in areas such as energy systems, robotics, and technology, alongside guidance on college planning and financial aid. The program emphasizes early exposure to sustainable technologies and their role in addressing environmental and infrastructure challenges. As part of the curriculum, you will complete a capstone project focused on designing and building solar-powered vehicles, providing practical insight into renewable energy and engineering principles. Through hands-on work, you will develop foundational skills in science, mathematics, and technology while examining real-world applications of sustainability.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 1:1 mentor-student ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with strong academic records (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program that offers numerous one-on-one research opportunities for high school students across a wide range of subjects. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, data science, computer science, economics, biology, history, international relations, law, and more. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper and become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK
Cost: Varies as per class; more details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; typically 12–20 students per camp
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Tulsa-area high school students aged 14-16 years are eligible to apply
Tulsa Community College’s College for Kids program offers a wide range of summer camps for high school students. With more than three decades of experience through TCC Continuing Education, the program provides structured learning opportunities across STEM, world languages, arts and literature, gaming, and coding. Camps are offered during June and July in both in-person and virtual formats, allowing for flexible participation. Sessions are designed to support cognitive, social, and skill-based development through age-appropriate, hands-on instruction. Programs typically run Monday through Friday with separate morning and afternoon sessions. Past offerings have included courses in aviation, programming, language learning, digital media, and game design, though specific offerings may vary each year.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate: Selective; AI Scholars: student-to-mentor ratio of 5:1; AI Fellowship: 1:1 mentoring
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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.
Location: The University of Tulsa Campus, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 30–40 students
Dates: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors/seniors) who are members of federally recognized tribes
In the Tulsa Advanced Sciences Camp, you will dive into a rigorous six-day immersion covering advanced neural networks, CRISPR gene editing, and quantum physics. Led by MIT mentors, this program uniquely bridges advanced STEM education with a focus on serving Native communities and advancing digital equity. You’ll engage in hands-on projects like building personal AI assistants, designing wildlife conservation systems, and creating tools for tribal language preservation. Beyond the technical labs, you will sharpen your decision-making through rationality workshops and dedicated leadership development sessions. This experience equips you with vital skills in research methodology, public speaking, and complex problem-solving.
Location: Typically held at a designated district site (e.g., Remington or University of Tulsa)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; cohort size varies based on registration
Dates: June 2–6
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: Native American students (grades 9–12) with a valid ED 506 Form on file
The Tulsa Public Schools Indian Education Summer Camp gives you a dedicated space to explore your heritage alongside other high school students with tribal membership. You’ll explore topics such as tribal history, indigenous identity, and college readiness through hands-on activities, including traditional beadwork, weaving, educational field trips, and peer networking. This program is unique because it focuses exclusively on reinforcing Native roots within a supportive, community-driven environment rather than just standard academics. With free meals and transportation provided, the camp ensures you can focus entirely on your personal growth. It is a powerful way to strengthen your sense of belonging while honoring ancestral legacies.
Location: Living Arts, Tulsa, OK.
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 10–15 students
Dates: School-Year Program - Meets monthly, Sept – May
Application Deadline: Late September
Eligibility: High school students in the Tulsa metro area
Living Arts provides educational programs and workshops that highlight contemporary art practices for learners of all ages. One of its offerings, the New Arts Youth Council, is a weekly after-school program for high school students. The program focuses on developing both creative and professional skills relevant to working artists, including project development, collaboration, and an introduction to the practical aspects of sustaining an artistic practice. You will engage in structured projects that strengthen technical skills and encourage critical and creative growth.
Location: Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, OK
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; typically 40–80 students
Dates: July 14–25
Application Deadline: Late June
Eligibility: Rising 6–12 graders who have experience debating in the Tulsa Debate League
The Tulsa Debate League is a nonprofit organization that works with Tulsa Public Schools to expand access to debate education, particularly for students and schools that have historically had limited opportunities to participate. In addition to organizing competitions and supporting educators, the organization offers a two-week summer debate camp for students. The program focuses on developing skills relevant to both competitive debate and college readiness, including analytical reasoning, research evaluation, and structured argumentation. You will strengthen your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to varied audiences while engaging with multiple perspectives on contemporary issues. Through guided practice and collaborative learning, the camp emphasizes thoughtful engagement and informed decision-making.
Location: University of Tulsa (Philips Hall)
Cost: Normal: $200; Early Bird (March 2–13): $175; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served basis; limited cohort sizes
Dates: June 1–12
Application Deadline: May 8 or until full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Kravis Summer Arts program at the University of Tulsa offers a professional space to refine your craft. You will explore specialized topics including jewelry fabrication, copper etching, wheel throwing, and acrylic mixed media. During this two-week intensive, you’ll engage in hands-on activities like soldering custom jewelry, mastering the pottery wheel, and sculpting intricate polymer clay dioramas. A unique feature of this program is its dedicated focus on helping you build a mature portfolio tailored specifically for undergraduate art school admissions. This immersion is the perfect way to elevate your talent for future academic and creative success.
Location: The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Cost: $50; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; approximately 40–60 students
Dates: June 16–20
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: All high school students
The Collins College of Business at The University of Tulsa hosts the JOLT Entrepreneurship Camp for high school students interested in exploring innovation, business strategy, and entrepreneurial thinking. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, with you working in teams to develop, test, and refine original ideas. You will engage in structured workshops led by entrepreneurs and industry mentors with expertise in design thinking and creative problem-solving. The camp also includes visits to local startup hubs and innovation centers, offering insight into Tulsa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A culminating pitch competition allows you to present your ideas in a simulated investment setting, with select projects receiving cash awards.
Location: Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK
Cost: $10 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; 30 students per session
Dates: July 1–3
Application Deadline: Mid-June or until full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
OSU–Tulsa offers a range of summer camps at its downtown campus for high school students, with a focus on experiential learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These free programs, led by the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, emphasize hands-on activities and collaborative problem-solving. You will engage with real-world engineering concepts through guided projects designed to introduce foundational technical skills. The camps also provide opportunities for peer interaction and exposure to academic pathways in engineering and related fields. Designed to support early interest in STEM disciplines, the programs highlight practical applications of engineering in a structured learning environment.
Location: The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Cost: $1,200; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 15–20 students per track
Dates: June 15–25
Application Deadline: Mid-to-Late April
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Honors Summer Academy at The University of Tulsa is an immersive, on-campus pre-college program for high school students that offers the opportunity to earn college credit. Hosted by the TU Honors College, the program centers on close reading and discussion of classic texts that explore foundational questions related to ethics, justice, friendship, and the nature of a well-lived human life. You will participate in morning seminars led by Honors College faculty, engaging with works by thinkers such as Plato, Dante, and Frederick Douglass through discussion-based instruction. Afternoons and evenings are devoted to recreational and cultural programming led by current Honors College students, both on campus and throughout the Tulsa region.
Location: The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Cost: $375
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; limited cohort sizes
Dates: June 9–13; June 16–20
Application Deadline: Late May or until full
Eligibility: All high school students
The University of Tulsa’s Esports Summer Camp is a five-day program for high school students that introduces them to the structure and development of the esports industry. The camp combines guided gameplay with instruction on game-specific strategies and broader topics related to competitive gaming. Open to students of all experience levels, the program provides access to individual computer workstations and structured interaction with UTulsa varsity esports players. Sessions also address themes including digital citizenship, mental resilience, well-being, and balance in competitive environments. Enrollment is limited to small cohorts, and programming includes industry guest speakers and organized daily discussions.
Location: Augustine Christian Academy, Tulsa, OK
Cost: $125
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; typically 10–15 students
Dates: June 2–6
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: All high school students in the Tulsa community and surrounding areas
Summer Arts at the Arts & Creativity Academy is open to students from Tulsa and surrounding communities. The fine arts sculpting course introduces you to the fundamentals of three-dimensional art, guiding you through developing an original concept and translating it from initial sketches into a completed sculpture. Instruction covers basic to intermediate sculpting techniques using materials such as cardboard, wire, papier-mâché, and plaster, alongside contextual discussions of art history. By the end of the program, you will produce a finished sculptural work while building foundational skills in form, structure, and creative development.
Location: Camp Tallchief, Sand Springs, OK (near Tulsa)
Cost: CIT 2: $650; CIT 1: $700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size is limited
Dates: CIT 2: June 7–26; CIT 1: July 5–24
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: CIT 1: Grades 9–12 (minimum age 14); CIT 2: Grades 10–12 (minimum age 15) + CIT 1 completion
In the GSEOK Counselor-in-Training program, you step into a leadership role that bridges the gap from camper to staff member. You will explore essential topics such as child development, group dynamics, and conflict resolution while gaining hands-on experience at camp. During your training, you’ll lead younger scouts through outdoor skills, facilitate group games, and assist in planning daily camp ceremonies. The program offers a mentorship-based environment where you receive direct feedback from seasoned professionals in a supportive, real-world setting. By the end, you will have developed professional skills like public speaking, creative problem-solving, and team management.
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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