15 Best Math Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer doesn’t have to be just a break from school; you can use this time to dive into your interests and pick up new skills this summer through academic programs! If you are a high school student interested in math, then a summer math program is worth considering.
Math programs designed for high schoolers typically offer opportunities to engage in advanced coursework, prepare for competitive exams or future math academics, and keep practicing math beyond the school curriculum. As a participant, you will dive into numbers, logic, quantitative reasoning, and even advanced topics like number theory or data science. These programs can help you strengthen your problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, while also connecting with mentors, industry professionals, and like-minded peers.
To make the search easier, we have come up with a list of the 15 best math summer programs for high school students. The options here cater to different interests, levels, and goals, ensuring there’s a fit for every aspiring mathematician. Many of these programs are hosted by prestigious colleges and well-regarded organizations.
1. √Mathroots @ MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, Cambridge
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 1 – 15
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18, who are U.S. citizens or attending high school in the U.S. (before the last year of high school)
At √mathroots, you will spend two weeks at MIT studying mathematics that goes far beyond what you normally see in high school. The program focuses on creative problem-solving, introducing you to advanced concepts and proof-based reasoning techniques through interactive classes, group problem-solving sessions, and lectures from experienced mathematicians. You will work on problems that blend elements of research-style math with competition-level challenges, encouraging you to think flexibly and analytically. Outside the classroom, you will exchange ideas with peers who share your enthusiasm for mathematics, building a sense of community and collaboration. The topics you cover here are designed to stretch your thinking while still aligning with high school academics.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August) cohort; dates vary
Application deadline: May for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
If you choose the Lumiere Research Scholar Program’s math track, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from a leading university like Harvard or Oxford to design and complete a math-based research project. The program is entirely virtual, so you can participate from anywhere while developing a deep understanding of a mathematical topic that interests you. You can choose a research topic that focuses on pure mathematics or explore how math connects with other areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, or data analysis. Over the course of several weeks, you will move from defining a research question to writing a university-level paper, guided step-by-step by your mentor. You will also present your findings at the program’s research symposium, gaining experience in communicating mathematical ideas.
3. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 21 – August 2
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors from underrepresented communities who are 16 or older when the program begins
SAMS at Carnegie Mellon is a fully funded program designed for students from underrepresented communities who want to strengthen their STEM skills. Your experience begins with a virtual “Jumpstart” in June, which focuses on foundational skills, followed by a six-week residential program on campus. You will attend seminars in mathematics and science, work on a faculty-advised STEM research project, and join workshops that cover topics like college preparation and financial literacy. The program also emphasizes personal growth, offering you the opportunity to take a credit-bearing course called “Student to Scholar.” Throughout the summer, you will collaborate closely with peers, faculty, and mentors while preparing for your final research work presentation, which will be conducted at the end of the session at the SAMS Symposium.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks; June – September
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; multiple deadlines throughout the year for each cohort
Eligibility: High school students (most accepted students are 10th/11th graders) with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA); a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites
Horizon allows you to pursue an in-depth research project in a field of your choice, including math. You will start by selecting both a subject and a research style (quantitative or qualitative) before being paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who will guide you throughout the program. Over the course of the program, you will produce a 20-page research paper that you can submit to academic journals or competitions. The program provides detailed feedback to help you refine your work, along with a letter of recommendation from your mentor. This structure gives you the chance to learn how professional research is conducted while producing a tangible academic project as a high school student.
5. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,580 (online) | $8,575 (residential); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 40 residential students and 64 online participants accepted
Dates: Session One (Online): June 16 – July 4 | Session One (Residential): June 22 – July 18 | Session Two (Online): July 7 – 25
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
At SUMaC, you will dive into advanced mathematics for three to four weeks, exploring topics like abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology. The program offers a four-week residential option at Stanford and a three-week online format, each providing you with a mix of lectures, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and independent assignments. You will dive into mathematical ideas and learn about their applications in other fields, while also working on a final research project to present at the end. Through the process, you will engage in intensive mathematics coursework and connect with a small group of peers who share your enthusiasm for the subject.
6. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong grades and test scores—at least 740 in PSAT math and 700 in reading, or 33 in ACT math and 34 in verbal
At the Research Science Institute, you will spend six weeks at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, immersed in both advanced coursework and guided research. The program begins with a week of intensive STEM classes, followed by a five-week research internship under the mentorship of experienced scientists and engineers. During this time, you will read current literature, develop a research plan, carry out experiments or analyses, and prepare both a written paper and a conference-style presentation. The curriculum covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and physics, and also includes evening lectures with leading figures in science and technology. You will access MIT’s extensive academic resources and take part in field trips to local scientific and cultural sites.
7. Ross Mathematics Program
Location: Otterbein University, Columbus, OH, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $7,000; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~15%; 60 first-year participants/site
Program dates: June 15 – July 25
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential summer experience that allows you to explore number theory in depth while learning to think like a mathematician. You will spend the entire session investigating the properties of integers through daily lectures, group discussions, and challenging problem sets. A chunk of the learning will take place outside formal class hours as you work independently or collaboratively to develop and write rigorous proofs. The program emphasizes collaboration over competition, aiming to create an environment where you can share ideas and learn from your peers. By the end of the summer, you will have completed a sequence of related problems that build toward original conjectures and theorems.
8. University of Minnesota’s IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Not specified; contact Math Center for Educational Programs at mathcep@umn.edu
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students (preferably in Minnesota) who have completed a one-year course in single variable calculus
The IMA-MathCEP camp is a one-week program that focuses on the use of mathematical models to analyze and solve real-world problems. The exact activities and instruction content vary by year, but camp sessions may cover topics like the role of math in foretelling the trends in population and disease, the impact of climate on resources, and the effects of traffic on bridges. In past sessions, the project work has involved analysis of potential routes for a light rail system. This experience can help you explore the applications of math and assess it as a career path.
9. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, or Santa Cruz campuses, CA
Cost: $5,256 + $44 nonrefundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 160–200 students per campus
Dates: July 6 – August 2
Application deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California students going into grades 9 through 12 in the Fall
If you are a California high school student interested in STEM fields, COSMOS offers a four-week residential program at one of several University of California campuses. You will apply to a specific cluster of courses aligned with the campus’s research strengths, such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, or environmental science. The program combines lectures, labs, and hands-on projects, allowing you to explore topics far beyond the standard high school curriculum. Within a small cohort at each campus, you will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and researchers while gaining exposure to advanced facilities and current scientific methods.
10. Mathematical Modeling at Mercy University (M3U)
Location: Mercy University Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost/Stipend: None; $800 stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; selective
Dates: July 7 – August 2
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 with a B average or higher; women and minority students encouraged to apply
At M3U, you will spend your time tackling real-world problems from the physical, natural, and environmental sciences through the lens of mathematical modeling. The program combines classroom learning with computer lab work, science lab activities, and visits to research centers or museums. You will work with software tools to analyze data, model scenarios, and prepare a final project report that you present to your peers and family. The program also includes guest speakers who discuss career paths, ethical issues in science, and practical advice for college preparation. Field trips will connect you with working scientists and provide a closer look at the environments where research takes place.
11. NYU’s Summer Math Program for Young Scholars
Location: New York University (NYU), New York, NY
Cost: $2,400; limited financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August 11 – 29
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current students in grades 9–11 with at least a B- in Algebra I
The Summer Math Program for Young Scholars is a three-week opportunity to explore undergraduate-level mathematics while sharpening your problem-solving skills. Led by faculty from NYU’s Courant Institute, the program covers topics such as number theory, group theory, graph theory, knots, surfaces, and computer science. Each lecture is followed by small-group problem sessions guided by graduate student assistants. One day each week is dedicated to games and puzzles that bring math concepts to life. In addition to exploring new areas of mathematics, you will attend talks that discuss how math is applied in various fields and offer insights into college admissions and academic life.
12. New York Math Circle High School Summer Program (HSSP)
Location: NYU Courant Institute, New York, NY (in-person); online (Zoom and Remote options)
Cost: In-person: $1095 | Remote: $975 | Zoom: $795; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; seats are limited
Dates: July 22 – August 8
Deadline: March 1 (early); April 5 (regular)
Eligibility: High school students; all applicants must take a qualifying exam and have a background in Algebra I or higher
At the New York Math Circle’s High School Summer Program, you will spend three weeks working through mathematics that goes far beyond the standard high school curriculum. Placement is based on a qualifying exam. Your classes will focus on problem-solving, proof writing, and exploring mathematical ideas from both historical and modern perspectives. Sessions are conducted in-person at NYU or online on weekdays, with Fridays reserved for activities like team challenges, games, and creative problem-solving tasks. Instructors and teaching assistants will guide discussions during lectures, encouraging you to think critically and explore multiple solution paths. The emphasis is on exploration and logical reasoning rather than rote learning, so you will be challenged to apply what you know in new contexts.
13. NYU’s GSTEM
Location: NYU, New York, NY
Cost: $5,500 + additional cost for optional housing and meal plans
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: March 2; applications open on February 1
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in the 11th grade with a strong academic record
GSTEM is a six-week program where you will work with a mentor, often a professor or researcher from NYU or another New York City institution, on a STEM research project of your choice. While the program spans a wide range of fields, you can indicate your preference for math-focused projects, which might focus on topics like modeling physical systems, analyzing patterns in nature, or applying nonlinear dynamics to real-world scenarios. Additionally, you will participate in weekly field trips, meet STEM professionals, attend workshops on scientific writing and presentation skills, engage in discussions on diversity and equity in the sciences, and participate in organized social and cultural events in the city. The program’s structure blends independent work with group activities. You will finish by presenting your research at a public symposium.
14. Illinois Tech Elevate College Math in Action: Real-World Problem Solving
Location: Virtual
Cost: $300 + $100 application fee; financial aid available + upon completing the program, you may be eligible to secure a $500 scholarship for future education
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: June 16 – 20
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders between the ages of 14 and 17
Illinois Tech offers a variety of in-person and virtual summer programs for high school students interested in exploring topics in STEM. Its Math in Action is an online program that allows you to explore practical applications of mathematics. Through virtual problem-solving sessions, demonstrations, and exposure to real-world scenarios, you will learn how mathematical concepts can be used to tackle various challenges. During the week, you will learn how to connect abstract mathematical thinking to practical applications.
15. Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) @ Texas State University
Location: Texas State University campus, San Marcos, TX
Cost: $7,000; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate: 15%
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until camp is full
Program dates: June 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students
HSMC is a six-week residential camp for high school students interested in engaging in rigorous mathematics coursework. The camp courses cover math fundamentals, like abstract algebra, elementary number theory, combinatorics, and analysis, along with practical problem-solving exercises using Mathematica software. You will also attend weekly guest lectures led by speakers from academia or industry. Social events, field trips, and team-building activities are also part of the experience. HSMC is a multi-summer program; it encourages you to return to the camp as a second-year or third-year camper to dive deeper into math concepts. This option is worth considering as returning campers get a chance to work on a math research project.
One other option for you—Ladder Internships
If you are looking for an immersive internship experience, check out Ladder Internships—a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups span a variety of industries. As part of the internship, you will work on a real project that addresses a genuine need of the startup they are working with, and present your work at the end of your internship. In addition to working closely with a manager from the startup, you will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout your internship. Apply now!
Image Source - MIT logo