15 Free STEM Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring science, technology, engineering, or math, joining a STEM program is a good way to learn more about these fields. STEM programs for high school students help you develop skills in areas like coding, experimentation, and data analysis. With mentorship from college faculty or industry experts, you’ll gain exposure to how professionals think, experiment, and solve problems.
You’ll contribute to research projects or technical challenges and present your work to an audience. Free programs are typically competitive, making them valuable additions to your college admissions profile if you’re accepted. To help you get started, we’ve compiled 15 free STEM programs for high school students. These opportunities emphasize mentorship, project work, and industry exposure.
1. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend opportunities available for students with financial needs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The Rockefeller University SSRP is a 7-week, full-time STEM internship that immerses high school students in real-world biomedical and bioinformatics research. You will be paired with a Rockefeller lab that aligns with your scientific interests and collaborate with professional researchers on ongoing projects. During the program, you’ll design experiments, analyze data, and participate in workshops that build your technical and analytical skills. Guest lectures, elective classes, and community events provide additional insights into careers in scientific research. The program is fully funded, and stipends are available for students with financial aid, ensuring motivated students from all backgrounds can participate.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; 100% financial aid available for qualified students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies depending on the industry
Dates: Multiple cohorts; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadlines: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to work 8-12 weeks, devoting 10–20 hours/week
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, mentor-guided virtual experience for high school students interested in STEM and entrepreneurship. You’ll be matched with a start-up aligned with your interests in areas such as technology, AI/ML, engineering, sustainability, or health innovation. You will work directly with company founders and teams on hands-on projects ranging from data analysis, research, to product development and marketing strategy. Throughout the internship, you’ll also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach to strengthen your professional and communication skills. With 100% financial aid available, this program makes high-quality, real-world STEM and business internship experience accessible to motivated students worldwide.
3. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend available upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~76–80 students accepted
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (first 4 weeks remote; next 6 weeks in-person on weekdays)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to NYC high school students completing 10th or 11th grade in June
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at NYU Tandon offers a 10-week, hands-on, free STEM research opportunity for high school students in New York City. The program begins with four weeks of virtual workshops on lab safety, ethics, and computational tools, followed by six weeks of in-person research under the mentorship of NYU faculty and graduate students. You will work on projects in cutting-edge fields like robotics, data science, chemical engineering, and machine learning. In addition to your lab work, you’ll attend seminars on college readiness and professional development. The program concludes with a formal research symposium, where you’ll present your findings to peers and mentors — offering a strong foundation in academic research.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility:You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
5. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) Program
Location: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, plus online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Online: December – April | Summer Academy: June 22–28, July 13–19, or July 27–August 2
Application Deadline: October 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are residents of Virginia, at least 16 years old, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program offers a free, hybrid STEM experience that combines online learning with an in-person academy at NASA’s Langley Research Center. During the academic year, you’ll complete virtual modules focused on aerospace engineering, systems design, and NASA missions. Top-performing students are invited to the residential Summer Academy, where you’ll work in teams to design a simulated Mars mission, tour NASA facilities, and present your work to NASA professionals. This selective program immerses you in real-world aerospace challenges and gives you a unique opportunity to learn directly from engineers and scientists shaping the future of space exploration.
6. Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (~40 students)
Dates: June 8 – July 19
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Florida residents who have completed 11th grade (exceptionally mature 10th graders may apply); minimum GPA of 3.0; 90th percentile or higher in math on a standardized test; completion or enrollment in Pre-Calculus
Florida State University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a 6-week, fully funded STEM research experience for top high school students in Florida. You’ll live on campus and collaborate with faculty on hands-on research projects in fields such as physics, biology, and computer science. Alongside independent and team-based research, you’ll gain experience in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Daily seminars and workshops expand your understanding of current STEM challenges while strengthening your problem-solving and leadership abilities. With all expenses covered, YSP stands as one of the most selective and impactful free STEM programs for high school students in the state.
7. Campos EPC ENvision Summer Program
Location: Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to rising juniors and seniors nationwide
Dates: May 31 – June 6
Application Deadline: Spring (typically March–April)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from across the U.S. with an interest in engineering
The Campos EPC ENvision Summer Program is a 1-week, residential STEM program hosted at Colorado State University. You’ll explore different engineering disciplines through hands-on activities, lab sessions, and design challenges led by CSU faculty and engineering students. The program also introduces you to college life, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and problem-solving — key skills for success in STEM fields. Mentorship and small-group projects allow you to experience what it’s like to work in an engineering team. A unique feature of ENvision is that completing the program can make you eligible for a scholarship toward an engineering degree at CSU, turning this free summer experience into a valuable stepping stone for your academic future path.
8. Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Miami-Dade County, FL (in partnership with Miami Dade College)
Cost/Stipend: Free; dual enrollment credits available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Large regional cohort; open to eligible high school students
Dates: Summer session (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; specific dates announced annually
Eligibility: Miami-Dade County Public School students in grades 10–12, aged 15–18 years, with a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5
The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) offers Miami-Dade high school students a free, career-focused STEM and professional internship experience through partnerships with local businesses and organizations. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to fields such as engineering, computer systems, business, and technology, applying academic learning to real-world challenges. You can also earn dual enrollment credits at Miami Dade College through specialized courses like Co-op Work Experience in Engineering or Creativity, Innovation, and Technology for the 21st Century Learner. The program emphasizes communication, collaboration, and workplace readiness, helping you build professional skills and explore future STEM-related career paths.
9. Cybersecurity Camp Summer Program
Location: CSU Fort Collins (Computer Science Building) and CSU Spur (Denver, CO)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited space available
Dates: June 9–13 (Fort Collins) | July 14–18 (Denver)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Open to high school students; no prior experience in cybersecurity or computer science required
The Cybersecurity Camp Summer Program at Colorado State University offers a free, week-long STEM learning experience focused on the fundamentals of digital security. Through interactive lessons and guided activities, you’ll learn about topics like cryptography, phishing prevention, and network protection. The program combines lectures, online exercises, and cyber games to make learning engaging and hands-on. You’ll also meet cybersecurity professionals who provide insights into industry trends and career opportunities. Hosted at CSU’s Fort Collins and Denver campuses, this beginner-friendly camp is ideal for students interested in exploring computer science or cybersecurity for the first time.
10. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Location: New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC resident students currently in grades 10–11
The Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) program at NYU Tandon is a free, 3-week summer STEM experience that introduces high school students to cybersecurity through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. You’ll explore key technical areas like ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, and digital forensics while using real cybersecurity tools to analyze and prevent cyber threats. The curriculum also covers behavioral science concepts such as phishing and social engineering, highlighting how human factors impact digital safety. A unique aspect of CS4CS is its collaboration with the Irondale Ensemble Project, which incorporates theater-based workshops to enhance teamwork and communication skills, adding a unique, valuable addition to technical training.
11. Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) – Mayo Clinic
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; limited by mentor availability
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application Deadline: November 1 – December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Duval or St. Johns County, FL; minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5; must attend June orientation
The Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) at the Mayo Clinic offers a free, extended STEM research opportunity for high school students interested in biomedical sciences. Over several months, you’ll work alongside Mayo researchers in fields such as immunology, biochemistry, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine. You will dedicate at least 25 hours per week to labs during the summer and continue your projects into the school year. You’ll design independent research questions, present your findings at scientific symposia, and often participate in regional or state science fairs. With its focus on professional mentorship and real-world lab experience, SPARK provides an excellent foundation for students aiming to pursue careers in biomedical or health-related research.
12. CodeBreakHERS
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to grades 8–12; limited spots available
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 8–12, with no prior experience in computer science or cybersecurity required
CodeBreakHERS, hosted by the University of South Florida, is a free, five-day cybersecurity summer camp designed to make computer science accessible to students of all experience levels. Through hands-on labs and interactive lectures, you’ll explore key topics like digital security, cryptography, blockchain, and hardware protection. The curriculum also builds practical skills in encryption, secure data transfer, and information encoding. Working in small, collaborative teams, participants apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges in cybersecurity. The camp places a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility, encouraging students from all backgrounds to explore STEM and digital security fields.
13. GirlsGetMath@CSU
Location: Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spaces available
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Current high school students (all genders welcome); no prior advanced math background required
GirlsGetMath@CSU is a free, 5-day STEM program introducing high school students to higher-level mathematical ideas through interactive and collaborative learning. You’ll explore topics such as data science, cryptography, image processing, and fractals using hands-on problem-solving and computer-based labs. The program is designed to boost confidence in mathematical thinking while highlighting how math supports fields such as computer science, engineering, and finance. You’ll also receive mentorship from CSU undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants who are pursuing math-intensive careers. The program concludes with a celebratory reception where students present their projects and reflect on their learning journey.
14. Tech Scholars Programs
Location: Tech Commons, New-York Historical Society, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Tech Scholars: Podcasting (Cohort 1): July 7–11, Tech Scholars: Web Design: July 21–25, Tech Scholars: Podcasting (Cohort 2): August 18–22
Application Deadlines: Podcasting – May 19 | Web Design – May 26
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 who reside and attend school in the NYC metro area (including NYC’s five boroughs and nearby NY, NJ, and CT regions)
The Tech Scholars Programs at the New-York Historical Society provide a free, hands-on STEM and digital media learning experience that combines technology with history and social justice. You can choose between podcasting or web design tracks, gaining hands-on experience with HTML/CSS, audio editing, and storytelling techniques. The program is hosted at the museum’s Tech Commons and guided by mentors and museum professionals who help you integrate historical research into creative projects. Participants explore civic and cultural themes while developing technical and design skills in a collaborative environment. This program is unique in blending STEM, digital media, and humanities, making it ideal for students interested in both creative and technical careers.
15. HK Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 8 – August 13 (mandatory orientation in late June)
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: 10th–11th graders attending NYCDOE public or charter high schools with an interest in STEAM fields
The HK Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program at Columbia University is a fully funded, 5-week STEM experience that introduces high school students to engineering, biomedical innovation, and design thinking. You’ll choose a focus area — either biomedical engineering or innovation and design — and take college-level courses taught by Columbia faculty. Working in teams, you’ll create prototypes and pitch real-world solutions to public health challenges, combining creativity with scientific problem-solving. Participants gain hands-on experience using professional design tools and lab resources on Columbia’s campus. A unique feature of this program is the opportunity to pursue a paid internship afterward, further expanding your exposure to healthcare and research environments.
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