10 University STEM Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 14
- 6 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, exploring STEM through a university program is something you should consider.
What are university programs? Why should I apply to one?
University STEM programs for high school students are structured programs hosted by universities, and allow you to work on your understanding of a subject, engage in hands-on projects, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Beyond regular high school academics, participating in a university STEM program can also strengthen your college applications. It demonstrates your interest and passion for the field and commitment to learning. Many of the university programs below include research or project components, giving you a chance to showcase skills in analysis, writing, and collaboration.
Hosted by MIT and the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI is a highly selective summer program for high school students interested in STEM research. The program begins with a week of intensive coursework covering topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics. This is followed by a five-week research period, where you will work on a project under the mentorship of an expert. The program includes hands-on lab work, data analysis, and opportunities to present your findings through a written report and oral presentation.
Cost: Free
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: June 22 – August 5
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors meeting required test scores can apply. International students may apply as well.
MITES is a rigorous six-week residential program designed for high school students passionate about STEM. You will take courses in mathematics, life sciences, physics, humanities, and a project-based elective, with past options including architecture and machine learning. The program includes midterms, final exams, and a final project presentation. Beyond academics, you will participate in lab tours, field trips, and workshops focused on the college application process.
Cost: Free
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: Six weeks, late June to early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are US citizens or permanent residents can apply
This two-week project-based program introduces you to data science through hands-on learning. You will build and program a self-driving toy car using machine learning algorithms for image recognition. The curriculum covers Python, machine learning fundamentals, image classification, and Raspberry Pi applications. By the end of the program, you will have gained experience in AI, machine learning, and programming.
Cost: Free; stipends available for low-income students
Location: Harvard University, Boston, MA
Program Dates: June 22 – July 10 (tentative)
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students with a basic understanding of algebra; low-income students encouraged to apply
COSMOS is a four-week residential program designed for high school students passionate about STEM. You will take two advanced science or math courses, a science communication course, and work on a research project. The program includes lab work, field activities, and mentorship from university faculty. You will select a specialized cluster, with topics ranging from Nanochemistry and Nanotechnology to Molecular Biology Investigations and Sustainable Aviation Systems.
Cost: $5,300 (includes a $44 application fee); need-based financial aid available
Location: University of California (Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Program Dates: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM fields can apply
SIMR is a highly selective eight-week program that allows you to conduct hands-on research in medical sciences at a Stanford lab. You will work under the one-on-one guidance of a mentor and choose from eight research areas, including immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, genetics, bioengineering, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, and bioinformatics. The program includes lectures, but most of your time will be spent in the lab. At the end of the program, you will create a research poster and present your findings during a final session.
Cost: $40 application fee; no tuition fees; stipend of $500 - $1,500
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+ years old); U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply
This highly selective research program pairs you with a mentor and integrates you into a research group, where you will take the lead on a specific project. Research areas include applied mathematics, bioengineering, computer science, medicine, physics, and more. You will spend about four hours per day on your research while also attending faculty talks, workshops, and lab tours. The program culminates in the submission of a research abstract and a research poster presentation.
Cost: Free; $2,360.25 for residential track
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and 16+ years old can apply
This three-week intensive program allows you to explore specialized STEM fields through focused academic tracks in biomedicine, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and neuroscience. Each track includes classroom lectures on advanced topics, hands-on laboratory work, and field trips. Some tracks also involve a research project, giving you the opportunity to apply what you've learned. By the end of the program, you will gain a deeper understanding of your chosen field.
Cost: $9,949; scholarship available for Philadelphia residents attending specific schools
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Program Dates: July 5 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 31; rolling admissions after this date
Eligibility: Students from grades 9-11; international students can apply
This two-week intensive academic program is part of Yale’s broader Young Global Scholars initiative, with a specialized track for students interested in STEM. The Innovations in Science & Technology course explores a range of topics, including bioengineering, astronomy, physics, immunology, neuroscience, chemistry, and earth science. The program encourages you to apply scientific principles to real-world challenges through a mix of lectures, seminars, breakout discussions, and a capstone project. With an interdisciplinary approach, you will develop critical thinking skills, learn to innovate, and consider multiple perspectives in problem-solving.
Cost: $6,500; need-based financial aid available
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4; Session 2: July 6 – 18; Session 3: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 16-18 can apply
This free engineering design summer program provides high school students with hands-on experience in STEM and healthcare innovation. The program is divided into two phases. In the first phase, you will participate in Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)—a three-week program that offers project-based engineering courses in fields like robotics, computer science, and chemical engineering. In the second phase, you will work on a two-week project, developing a digital media solution such as an app or website to address a global health issue. After completing the program, you will also have the opportunity to enroll in a healthcare internship.
Cost: Free; travel and lunch stipends upon completion
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Program Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from NYC public or charter schools, facing educational or economic disadvantage can apply
This rigorous academic program is designed to encourage students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM fields. The program begins with a two-day virtual session focused on skill-building, followed by a six-week, in-person portion. During the in-person phase, you will attend seminars in math and science and work on a STEM-related research project. At the end of the program, you will present your research at a day-long symposium. The program also provides resources and workshops to help students prepare for the college application process and future careers.
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Program Dates: Virtual: June 16-17; Residential: June 21 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: The ideal applicant should be a current high school junior, a U.S. citizen/permanent resident, and at least 16 years old
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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 - Harvard Logo
