15 Best Academic Summer Programs for High School Students
Academic programs offer high school students the chance to deepen their knowledge in specific subjects through advanced coursework. With defined curricula, homework, and readings, these programs can prepare you for the academic expectations of college. They provide practical learning opportunities and exposure to professional fields.
Many top colleges and organizations run summer academic programs for high school students. There are programs available in a range of academic fields across STEM, social science, and the humanities. These programs also give you the opportunity to explore potential majors or career paths, which can be very useful for the future. To guide you, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best academic summer programs for high school students.
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $75 application fee
Cohort Size: About 100
Application Deadline: December 11
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors
MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) offers a 6-week summer program that immerses high school students in advanced STEM research. The experience begins with a week of intensive lectures taught by distinguished faculty, followed by five weeks of mentored research in university labs. You’ll study scientific literature, design experiments, conduct research, and prepare both written and oral reports in a professional style. Evening seminars with leading scientists provide additional exposure to innovative work and strengthen your presentation skills.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Minimum $500 stipend + $40 application fee (can be waived)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an 8-week opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to engage in biomedical research. You’ll work under the guidance of experienced mentors on projects that may include bioengineering, bioinformatics, and AI applications in medicine. Throughout the program, you conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to active research initiatives. Lectures and workshops are included to strengthen your understanding of scientific methods and medical research practices. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your findings and also receive a stipend in recognition of your work.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students (mostly 10th/11th graders) with >3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites
Horizon offers trimester-long, one-on-one research opportunities for high school students in fields such as data science, machine learning, and political theory. The program includes two formats: the 1:1 PhD Labs Program, which provides individualized mentorship, writing coach support, and publication-focused sessions, and the Professor Seminar Courses, small-group summer programs for 3–6 students featuring 20 professor or TA sessions and 4 writing-coach workshops. Once you select your subject track, you’re paired with a PhD mentor or professor for guided research. Over the term, you’ll produce a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. Participants receive detailed feedback and a recommendation letter to support their academic pursuits.
5. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD / Virtual
Stipend: $15/hour for the in-person internship
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: In-person: June – August (8 weeks) | Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors living in Baltimore City
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is an 8-week summer program where you study the brain through both laboratory research and clinical exposure. Guided by neuroscientists, clinicians, and faculty mentors, you’ll participate in educational sessions, attend seminars, and develop an independent research project. Clinical rotations give you firsthand insight into neurological disorders and patient care. At the conclusion of the program, you present your findings, building valuable scientific communication skills. Participants also receive a stipend and transportation support, making this immersive internship both practical and rewarding.
6. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free; a stipend is provided
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Students in their junior year of high school at the time of applying; at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program offers high school students the chance to engage in hands-on scientific research under the mentorship of a Stony Brook University faculty member. You’ll work as part of a lab team, contributing to ongoing projects while learning essential techniques and applying problem-solving skills. Weekly lectures by distinguished researchers and group activities broaden your academic experience. Over the course of 8weeks, you’ll complete a research abstract and present your work at a final poster symposium. All participants receive a stipend for their involvement in the program.
7. The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/ Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 16
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: 17 years of age by the program start date
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a 7-week summer research experience that engages high school students in advanced, faculty-mentored projects across multiple disciplines. You’ll collaborate with peers from around the world while contributing to research in fields spanning science, technology, humanities, and the arts. Weekly seminars and field trips are included to expand your academic perspective and strengthen your understanding of research methods. Under the guidance of university faculty, you’ll gain the skills and mentorship needed to make meaningful contributions to active projects. This intensive program offers both collaboration and independent growth in a university setting.
8. Boston University’s RISE Internship / Practicum
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: $9,785 (Residential program) | $6,185 (commuter program) | Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 28 - August 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Boston University’s RISE program is a 6-week summer experience designed for high school students interested in scientific research. You will join a small group of peers and conduct either laboratory or computational research under the mentorship of faculty and professional researchers. Internship track students focus on full-time research across a variety of disciplines, while Practicum students take part in daily lectures and collaborative experiments in areas like computational neurobiology or data science. The program also includes weekly academic workshops and networking opportunities with biotechnology professionals. Lastly, you will showcase your findings at the Poster Symposium.
9. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
NYU’s ARISE Program is a 10-week summer opportunity that blends research training with practical lab experience. During the first 4 weeks, you’ll focus on core skills such as lab safety, academic writing, and research methodology. The following 6 weeks place you in an NYU research lab, where you gain about 120 hours of hands-on experience in fields like computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Along the way, you build skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and professional networking. The program concludes with a research presentation at NYU and a poster symposium held at the American Museum of Natural History.
10. Stanford EXPLORE
Location: Virtual/ In-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $1,800 (online program) | $2,400 (in-person program)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Dates: July 6 – July 24
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th-12th grade
The Stanford EXPLORE Lecture Series offers high school students the chance to experience college-level science instruction through lectures hosted by Stanford’s School of Medicine. Over 4 weeks, you will explore research in fields such as immunology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, and bioengineering. Sessions are led by faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars who present both foundational concepts and recent discoveries. The program also highlights academic and career pathways in medicine and graduate education. While there are no exams or graded assignments, the coursework is challenging, so prior knowledge in biology or related sciences is recommended.
11. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 + $40 application fee (full financial aid available for both application and program fees)
Cohort Size: 25
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a 2-week virtual program designed to introduce high school students to the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You will attend technical lectures covering AI fundamentals and learn how these tools are applied in medical research and practice. Daily mentorship and group projects give you the chance to apply concepts in real-world research settings. Guest speakers from industry, academia, and government provide insights into emerging technologies in medicine. Career-focused “Lunch and Learn” sessions further explore opportunities where healthcare and AI intersect. After the main program, you may continue with additional research, and participants receive a Certificate of Completion.
12. Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: ≈ $16,600; Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: July 7 - July 25 | July 28 - August 15
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates
Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE program is a pre-college experience that introduces you to college-level engineering through a 3-week session. You choose one course to focus on, with options such as robotics, biomedical engineering, product design, machine learning, chemical engineering, sustainable engineering, and more. All students visit the Columbia Makerspace, a lab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC tools, where you complete safety training before working under supervision. Workshops led by Columbia faculty and staff focus on leadership, public speaking, and online presence. You also attend college preparation sessions hosted by Columbia’s admissions office.
13. Secondary School Program by Harvard
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, or virtual
Cost: $4,050 – $14,950 (depending on length and type) + $75 application fee
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: February 12
Dates: 4-Week: July 12 – August 8 | 7-Week: June 20 – August 8
Eligibility: Students must be high school graduates or college students at least 16 years old, and not turn 19 before July 31
In Harvard’s Secondary School Program, you step into the role of a college student by taking real Harvard courses for credit. The program offers two options: a 4-week residential experience with one course or a 7-week format that may be residential, online, or commuter-based, with one or two courses. With over 200 courses across more than 50 disciplines, you can explore fields like psychology, computer science, creative writing, or history. Faculty and distinguished visitors lead classes, ensuring exposure to advanced learning and diverse perspectives. SSP also encourages you to engage in campus life alongside academics. The program prepares you to handle college-level challenges and explore future majors or career paths.
14. Summer@Brown
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $2,960 - $10,386
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates: Multiple sessions between June 16 - July 25
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
At Summer@Brown, you design your own learning experience by selecting from over 230 courses that mirror the breadth of Brown University’s Open Curriculum. Topics span STEM, humanities, social sciences, creative arts, business, and even course-based research opportunities in fields like natural science, physical science, language, and mathematics. The program emphasizes exploration without grades, helping you focus on learning rather than performance. You also participate in workshops, events, and activities that take place throughout the day. With peers from diverse backgrounds, you form friendships and learn in a community that values different perspectives. Summer@Brown allows you to engage deeply in subjects you care about while gaining the independence and preparation necessary for college life.
15. Columbia University Pre-College NYC Residential Summer
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,764 per session + $80 application fee
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: Session A: June 29–July 17 | Session B: July 21–August 7
Eligibility: Domestic and international students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and students currently enrolled in grade 12, ages 16 or older by the start of the program.
The Columbia Pre-College NYC Residential Summer Program combines rigorous academics with an immersive residential experience. You choose from more than 70 courses taught by expert instructors who challenge you to think creatively and critically. Each weekday, classes meet for about four hours, divided into morning and afternoon sessions with a break in between. Living on campus, you are steps away from classrooms, workshops, and recreational activities. Events include faculty-led lectures, community-building programs, wellness activities, and special weekend outings. At the conclusion, you receive a Columbia Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter summarizing your academic performance.
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