12 Competitive STEM Programs for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, competitive STEM programs can give you a solid head start. These programs are more than just summer classes; they’re rigorous programs where you’ll explore advanced topics, work on research or engineering projects, and collaborate with peers who are just as driven as you are. Whether you're building code, designing experiments, or analyzing data, you'll be doing meaningful work that builds both your technical and problem-solving skills.
Many of these competitive STEM programs are hosted by top universities, government agencies, and research institutions, and they’re known for their rigorous academics and highly selective admissions. You'll often learn directly from professors, graduate students, or industry professionals, and take part in mentorship sessions, career exploration panels, and team challenges. Most of these competitive programs are fully funded, and some even offer a stipend. If you're considering a future in STEM, these programs are a great way to explore your interests, boost your college applications, and start building a network in the field. Here are 12 competitive STEM programs you can consider to get started!
1. Texas Tech’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Acceptance Rate: < 3%
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend; housing and meals are covered
Application Deadline: January 2
Program Dates: 7 weeks, June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: You must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident, a high school junior or senior of at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should be graduating this year or the next
The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a prestigious, fully funded summer research opportunity for high-achieving high school students. Each year, only 12 students are selected to participate in this intensive seven-week program, where they work one-on-one with faculty mentors on original research projects in areas like computer science, cancer biology, physics, engineering, and more. See all research areas here. In addition to research, students participate in faculty-led seminars, discussion groups, and academic field trips. A key feature of the program is its interdisciplinary approach. Students are encouraged to engage with peers across research areas, fostering a broader understanding of how different fields intersect. The Clark Scholars Program is ideal for students seeking deep research exposure in a rigorous academic setting.
2. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program
Acceptance Rate: ~5%
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)
Dates: Varies based on the cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall; Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is a fully funded research opportunity for high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Lumiere Research Scholar Program, it offers students the chance to work one-on-one with PhD mentors from top universities to explore advanced topics in STEM and beyond. Over 12 weeks, you’ll conduct independent research in fields like machine learning, physics, data science, behavioral economics, or computer science, culminating in a formal research paper. With structured guidance and academic rigor, this program is an excellent fit for students passionate about STEM who want to deepen their subject knowledge and gain experience in the world of academic research.
3. STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program by NASA and UT Austin
Acceptance rate: Approximately 5% for the on-site internship and around 20% for the virtual internship
Location: The University of Texas Center for Space Research, Austin, Texas
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: Remote tasks till July 1 | On-site internship: July 6 - July 19
Eligibility: U.S. citizen | Be 16 years old by July 5 | Be current high school sophomores or juniors ONLY (will be rising juniors and seniors) who have yet to work as SEES interns
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity hosted by UT Austin’s Center for Space Research in partnership with NASA and the Texas Space Grant Consortium. Designed for students passionate about Earth and space science, this competitive program combines virtual learning with a two-week on-site experience. Interns work in teams on NASA data and research projects, diving into topics like satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, climate science, and planetary exploration. Guided by NASA scientists and engineers, students build skills in data analysis, Python programming, and scientific communication. The program concludes with a virtual symposium where interns present their work to NASA experts and peers.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: ~20%
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with the cohort
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a highly selective, virtual program for high school students interested in exploring business, STEM, and entrepreneurship through experience. Founded by Harvard alumni, the program pairs students with fast-growing startups across industries like technology, healthcare, sustainability, AI, finance, and media. Startups typically accept only 2–3 interns per cycle, making this one of the most competitive internship programs available. Over the course of 8 weeks, interns work on projects, ranging from business strategy and market research to machine learning and software development, while receiving guidance from both a startup mentor and a dedicated Ladder Coach. The program offers an inside look at startup operations and helps students build key skills in leadership, communication, and project execution.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: 100 students per cohort; ~5%
Location: MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: None
Dates: June 22 - August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors about to enter their last high school year, international applicants are welcome
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a fully funded, six-week summer STEM program for high school students, jointly run by the Center for Excellence in Education and MIT. Open to both U.S. and international students, RSI combines advanced coursework with a world-class research experience on the MIT campus. Students begin with a week of deep academic seminars in subjects like biology, physics, math, and chemistry, followed by five weeks of mentored research in university labs. You’ll write a formal research paper, present your work, and build skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and public speaking. RSI also features guest lectures from leading scientists and opportunities to connect with MIT faculty, researchers, and fellow aspiring scientists.
6. Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Pre-College Program
Acceptance Rate: ~ 6.8%
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost: Free; this is a fully-funded program
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 21 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a fully funded, academically rigorous pre-college program for high school students with a strong interest in STEM. The program begins with a virtual skill-building phase, followed by six weeks on the Carnegie Mellon campus, where you’ll take part in college-level coursework, group projects, and research guided by faculty and graduate students. Throughout the program, you'll deepen your understanding of math, science, and engineering through lectures, workshops, and collaborative learning. SAMS also emphasizes leadership, identity exploration, and college readiness. The experience culminates in a final symposium where you present your research findings. SAMS is a great opportunity to grow academically, build meaningful connections, and experience life at a top-tier research university.
7. Simons Summer Research Program
Acceptance Rate: 5-10% (students need to be nominated to apply)
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, featuring commuter and residential options.
Cost: Free, although students are responsible for transportation and residential costs. At the program’s closing symposium, students receive a stipend award
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: July 1 – August 9
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years of age
The Simons Summer Research Program offers high-achieving high school juniors the chance to conduct original, university-level research in science, math, or engineering at Stony Brook University. Selected students are paired with faculty mentors and embedded within active research teams working in areas like biochemistry, pharmacology, geoscience, computer science, and astronomy. Over the course of the program, you’ll gain experience with lab equipment, explore research methodologies, and contribute to ongoing projects. The program culminates in a written abstract and a formal poster presentation of your research findings.
8. MITES Summer Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; acceptance rate around 3%.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: TBD (typically opens in winter or early spring)
Dates: Late June to early August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently in Grade 11
The MITES Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a fully funded, six-week residential experience for high school juniors who are passionate about STEM. You'll take five advanced, college-level courses in subjects such as math, physics, life sciences, and more, along with electives like Engineering Design, Architecture, or Machine Learning. Classes are tailored to your skill level, ensuring meaningful growth across disciplines. Beyond academics, the program includes lab tours, mentorship, and college admissions support. You'll also visit local companies, engage in team projects, and receive feedback from instructors on your performance. Designed to support talented students from underserved backgrounds, MITES fosters academic confidence, research experience, and community—helping you prepare for future success in STEM fields.
9. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: < 5%
Location: Greater Seattle area, Washington
Cost/Stipend: None. Some internship roles offer a stipend
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Dates: 6 to 8 weeks in summer
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 for the current school year
The SPARK Program is a competitive, volunteer-led mentorship experience that connects high school students with professionals from fields like business, education, tech, and more. Designed around one-on-one mentorship, SPARK focuses on learning and personalized guidance. The application process is highly selective, ensuring each student is matched with a mentor who aligns with their interests, goals, and learning objectives. Throughout the program, you’ll work on a customized project that allows you to explore career paths, build practical skills, and gain insight into your chosen industry. Mentors come from academic institutions, startups, and established companies, offering you a valuable and immersive learning experience.
10. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: Approximately 24-36 students per program; highly competitive admissions
Location: Depending on your course of choice, either New Mexico State University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Purdue University, or Indiana University
Cost: $8400 (based on last year’s figure). Need-based financial aid covering up to 100 percent of all expenditures is provided, and need-blind admission is guaranteed
Application Deadline: February for international applicants and March for domestic students
Dates: Mid-June to the end of July
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors, as well as a few exceptional sophomores, who are between the ages of 15 and 19 during the program
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a prestigious, 39-day residential research experience for high school juniors with a strong interest in experimental science. Held at top universities across the U.S., SSP offers four tracks: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Genomics, and Synthetic Chemistry, each centered around solving scientific problems. You'll work in teams to conduct original research, collecting and analyzing data alongside expert faculty and researchers. The program combines hands-on research with intensive academic instruction, including lectures, lab work, field trips, and guest talks. Beyond technical skills, SSP emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and scientific communication. With a tight-knit learning community, SSP is ideal for students eager to explore advanced STEM research in a supportive, rigorous setting.
11. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: 80 students approximately; highly selective
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend of $1000
Application Deadline: February 21 (Recommendation deadline: February 28); You can apply here.
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (Remote workshops in June, in-person labs July – August)
Eligibility: New York City residents in 10th or 11th grade (as of June)
ARISE at NYU is a competitive, tuition-free, 10-week summer research program for 10th and 11th graders from New York City with a strong interest in STEM. You'll work alongside NYU faculty and graduate students in active labs focused on fields like robotics, computer science, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and machine learning. The program begins with four weeks of virtual workshops covering lab safety, research methods, and college-level writing, followed by six weeks of in-person, lab research. You’ll build public speaking skills, attend seminars, and present your work at a final symposium. ARISE also includes college application support and a $1,000 stipend for students who complete the program successfully.
12. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: 4.8%
Location: Stanford University (Residential) and Online
Cost: Tuition Fee - $3,200. Residence Fee - $8,250. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Applications close February 3
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 16 to July 25
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th and 11th graders
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a highly selective, intensive summer program for high school students with a deep interest in advanced mathematics. Over three weeks, you’ll dive into university-level topics such as Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, and Algebraic Topology through a mix of lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and guided exploration. Rather than conducting original research, SUMaC emphasizes conceptual understanding and theoretical thinking, offering insight into areas like cryptography, symmetry, and topological structures. The program is offered in both residential and virtual formats, with a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge and inspire. You’ll join a strong community of peers who share your passion for math, making this an ideal opportunity to expand your academic horizons in a supportive, intellectually vibrant setting.
Bonus! Here are a few more programs you can consider: