15 Most Competitive Summer Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high schooler looking to boost your resume or profile before college, consider a competitive summer program!
Competitive summer programs are a great way for high school students to gain academic, professional, and personal experiences, often at no cost. These programs offer more than just classroom learning; they give you a chance to deepen your interests, explore potential career paths, and collaborate with like-minded peers. With these experiences, you’ll also build your resume, strengthen your college applications, and gain exposure to skills and settings. When we say competitive, we mean programs with an acceptance rate of less than 10%, as well as a fully-funded nature.
Many of the most competitive programs are hosted by top universities, research institutions, and national organizations. They’re known for their rigorous selection process, intensive coursework, and strong mentorship. These programs are typically fully funded and often offer a stipend, and with their high selectivity and low acceptance rates, they’re considered fairly prestigious. Whether you’re interested in STEM fields, public policy, journalism, or the arts, these programs can help you explore them in depth.
Here are 15 of the most selective and well-regarded summer programs for high school students, each offering a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and get a head start on future academic or professional goals.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Acceptance Rate: < 3%
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to attend, but all applicants must pay an application fee. Participants receive a minimum stipend of $500 for the program, with students receiving a minimum of $1,500. Neither meals nor housing is provided
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: 8 weeks, June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged at least 16 with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are eligible to apply
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an immersive, fully-funded opportunity for high school students interested in medical and biological sciences. Over eight weeks, you’ll work in Stanford labs alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers, gaining experience in scientific research. The program emphasizes key aspects such as ethics, data collection, and analysis while encouraging critical thinking and collaboration. SIMR offers specialized tracks in areas like bioengineering, stem cell research, genetics, neurobiology, and cancer biology. You’ll receive lab safety training, learn research techniques, and wrap up the program by presenting your findings in a final poster session.
2. Texas Tech’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Acceptance Rate: < 3%
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee. $750 taxable stipend paid at the end of the program. On-campus meals are free
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 one of the most selective summer research opportunities in the country, accepting only 12 high school students each year, most of whom score in the 99th percentile on standardized tests. Over the course of seven weeks, you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor to design and conduct a research project in fields like computer science, engineering, cancer biology, physics, chemistry, and more. This fully-funded program includes a stipend, housing, on-campus meals, and weekend activities. You’ll also attend faculty-led seminars, participate in discussion groups, and explore the impact of your research through field trips, while also building your academic profile and research experience.
3. 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 Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit initiative that offers fully-funded research opportunities to high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Lumiere Research Scholar Program, it provides students access to the same one-on-one mentorship and research experience at no cost.
Through the Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program, students work closely with Ph.D. mentors to complete a 12-week independent research project, culminating in a formal research paper. You can explore topics across disciplines like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, international relations, and more, making it a strong option for aspiring researchers.
4. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Acceptance Rate: 3-5%
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York | University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Cost: None
Application Deadline: December 3
Dates: June 22 - July 26
Eligibility: All current high school sophomores and juniors between 15 - 18 years are eligible to apply for the program. International students are also welcome
This fully funded summer program, which is open to both U.S. and international high school students, covers all costs, including tuition, room and board, books, field trips, and facility use. It’s one of the few competitive programs that aims to build critical thinking, leadership, and a strong sense of democratic community in young adults by exploring how power and privilege shape society. With a focus on the humanities and social sciences, students choose between two areas of study: Critical Black Studies, which explores the political, cultural, and intellectual contributions of people of African descent; and Anti-Oppressive Studies, which focuses on understanding and challenging systems of white supremacy, patriarchy, and classism. Each day includes three hours of college-level classes, along with discussions, group work, writing, and guest lectures. You’ll also collaborate with peers on group decision-making, community service projects, and exercises in justice, building both academic and practical skills.
5. Ladder Internship Program
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 gives high school students the chance to work with fast-growing startups across a range of industries. These startups typically raise around a million dollars in funding and accept only 2–3 students per cycle, making this one of the most selective opportunities available. Interns work on real-world projects and are mentored by both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach who provides ongoing support throughout the experience. The internship runs for about 8 weeks and offers exposure to the fast-paced world of startups. You’ll contribute to your host company while building skills in business strategy, communication, and project execution. You can choose roles in industries such as tech, healthcare, finance, sustainability, AI, media, and more, making this a great option if you’re looking to explore business in action.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: 100 students per cohort
Location: MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: None
Dates: June 22 - August 2
Application Deadline: December 11 based on past dates
Eligibility: High school juniors about to enter their last high school year, international applicants are welcome
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is one of the most prestigious and selective summer programs for high school students globally, admitting only 100 students each year with an acceptance rate of around 5%. Offered entirely free to both U.S. and international students, RSI combines intensive STEM learning with a world-class research experience. You’ll begin with a week of seminars across subjects like biology, math, chemistry, physics, and the humanities, taught by leading MIT faculty and researchers. For the remaining five weeks, you’ll conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor in a lab, culminating in both a written paper and final presentation. The program includes training in scientific writing, data analysis, and public speaking, and offers access to MIT’s research resources. You'll also attend guest lectures from industry leaders and Nobel laureates, and take part in group trips and cultural activities, making this a rigorous, immersive, and inspiring experience that also gives your college application a major boost.
7. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Acceptance Rate: 5–6 students are accepted into the in-person program every year. Information on the exact acceptance rate was unspecified
Location: Virtual or in-person at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, east Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Free. The in-person program includes an hourly stipend and covers transportation (housing excluded). The virtual program provides a $500 education scholarship
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: The in-person program lasts 8 weeks from June–August, while the virtual program runs for 5 weeks from July – August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (in the U.S. for the virtual program and in Baltimore City, MD for the in-person program) from underrepresented backgrounds can apply
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS) is a fully funded, eight-week summer program for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in neuroscience. Hosted by the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, the program gives you the chance to engage in research, attend seminars, and work closely with top scientists and mentors at Johns Hopkins University. You’ll also participate in weekly sessions that focus on professional development and academic growth. JHIBS offers two formats: an in-person internship where you'll conduct a research project and present your findings, and a five-week virtual program focused on learning lab techniques and building research skills. Each year, 5–6 students are selected to participate, receiving an hourly stipend and transportation support. Whether on campus or online, this is a great opportunity to gain exposure to neuroscience and connect with professionals in the field.
8. Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students - Harvard Summer School
Cohort Size/Acceptance Rate: Average class size of 15 students
Location: Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee. Financial aid is offered
Application Deadline: Early Deadline: January 8; Regular Deadline: February 12
Dates: Session I - June 22–July 3; Session II - July 6–18; Session III - July 20–August 1
Eligibility: This program is open to rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week academic experience for high school students looking to challenge themselves in a college setting. You’ll choose one course from over 90 options in fields like business, medicine, public health, philosophy, psychology, STEM, and more. With small class sizes and no grades, the program is designed to encourage curiosity and discussion while introducing you to the pace and expectations of college-level academics. You’ll live on Harvard’s historic campus, attend daily classes, and take part in co-curricular activities, college readiness workshops, and social events. Alongside peers from around the world, you’ll get a sense of college life while building your academic confidence and exploring future career paths.
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. Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Pre-College Program
Acceptance Rate: SAMS receives about 1,500 applications annually for 75 spots, making the acceptance rate around 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, highly selective pre-college program designed for high school students passionate about STEM. The program begins with a virtual skill-building session, followed by a six-week in-person experience on campus. You’ll engage in college-level coursework, research projects, and mentorship with Carnegie Mellon faculty and graduate students, all while collaborating with peers from across the country. SAMS is structured to strengthen your academic foundation in STEM through a mix of classroom instruction, workshops, and real-world projects. The program culminates in a final symposium where you’ll present your research.
11. Simons Summer Research Program
Acceptance Rate: < 5% (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 is a highly selective opportunity for academically talented high school juniors to engage in university-level research in science, math, or engineering. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and become part of an active research team in departments such as astronomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, computer science, and geoscience. The experience includes hands-on lab work, exposure to real research methods, and collaboration with experienced researchers. Over the course of the program, you’ll contribute to ongoing research and present your findings in a written abstract and poster presentation. Students must be nominated by their school and submit two letters of recommendation.
12. Carnegie Mellon University AI Scholars Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: < 8%
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost: Free; travel assistance to CMU is available
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Deadline: Applications close March 1
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors
The AI Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded, four-week residential program designed for rising high school seniors with a strong interest in artificial intelligence. Aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, this merit-based program combines college-level coursework, research, and mentorship from CMU faculty and AI experts. You’ll explore real-world applications of AI while learning about its ethical and societal impacts. In addition to academic learning, the program includes college prep workshops on admissions, financial aid, and emotional well-being. You’ll also engage in collaborative projects and discussions on equity in STEM, while experiencing life on a top-tier college campus.
13. 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 passionate about STEM. You’ll take five advanced, college-level courses in subjects such as math, science, and engineering, with electives that may include Architecture or Machine Learning. Through workshops, lab tours, and team projects, you’ll gain experience while building your academic and research skills. The program also includes college admissions support, personal skill assessments, and mentorship from MIT faculty and students. You'll grow both technically and personally, while exploring life at one of the world’s top engineering institutions.
14. 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 highly selective residential research experience for high school juniors with a strong interest in experimental science. You’ll join a team of peers to tackle research projects in fields like Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Genomics, or Synthetic Chemistry, guided by expert faculty and mentors. SSP is hosted at leading universities across the U.S. and offers a collaborative, academically rigorous environment. Each team collects and analyzes original data, contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries. You’ll gain research experience, sharpen your analytical thinking, and be part of a close-knit learning community supported by alumni and scientists.
15. 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 one of the most prestigious summer programs for high school students passionate about advanced mathematics. Each year, 40 students join the residential program and 64 the virtual cohort for an intensive three-week academic experience. Through lectures and problem-solving sessions, you’ll explore rich mathematical topics and gain insight into major areas of ongoing research. The 2023 curriculum focused on Abstract Algebra & Number Theory and Algebraic Topology—covering everything from cryptography and error-correcting codes to symmetry and topological structures. While you won’t produce your own research paper, SUMaC gives you access to sophisticated mathematical thinking and a strong peer community.