15 Free STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in STEM, free summer programs for high school students offer a cost-effective way to gain hands-on experience, industry insights, and valuable mentorship. Unlike expensive summer courses, many prestigious colleges and organizations offer free or fully-funded programs and internships, making it easier to develop technical skills and explore career paths.
Many of these free summer programs for high school students provide exposure to cutting-edge research, real-world applications, and professional networking. To help you navigate these opportunities, we’ve selected the top 15 free summer programs for high school students in STEM.
1. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11 and 12 with a strong scientific interest and academic background; should be able to attend the program full-time in Seattle
The Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, full-time paid opportunity for rising high school seniors from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. The program kicks off with two weeks of hands-on training, covering lab safety, pipetting, DNA isolation, and fundamental lab techniques. During weeks 3-8, you become part of a research team, collaborating with experienced mentors on real scientific projects.
You’ll also engage in weekly research seminars, career development workshops, and discussions on topics such as ethics, biostatistics, and career pathways. The program ends with a final presentation, where you can showcase your research experiences to peers, mentors, and the Fred Hutch community. No prior experience is required to apply!
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 – $6,900. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling; April 27 for the regular admission deadline for the summer cohort
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, created and led by Harvard graduates, offers immersive programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. For those new to AI, the AI Scholars program is a great starting point. It’s a 10-session bootcamp that covers the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science and provides you with opportunities to apply newly learned skills in real-world projects.
If you’re more experienced, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is ideal. It pairs students with mentors from elite universities to develop a personalized research project. Fellows also receive support from an internal publishing team to submit work to high school research journals. You can explore previous projects to get inspiration and see the type of work completed through the fellowship.
3. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins, Baltimore
Stipend: $15/hour (in-person)
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (in-person)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors living in Baltimore City (in-person)
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is an eight-week summer research program designed for high school juniors and seniors from Baltimore City public schools. As an intern, you will conduct hands-on research in neurology and neuroscience under the guidance of mentors at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology.
The program also includes clinical rotations, scientific seminars, and professional development sessions. To support you in your academic and career aspirations, weekly mentor meetings are held throughout the program. The experience concludes with a final research presentation.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; May 11 for the regular admission deadline for the summer cohort
Dates: Multiple 8-12 week cohorts throughout the year; the summer cohort starts on June 2
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a competitive program designed for driven high school students looking to gain real experience with fast-growing start-ups. As a participant, you will be matched with companies across industries like tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. These start-ups typically raise over $1 million in funding, offering a dynamic environment to learn and contribute.
During the 8-week virtual internship, you will collaborate with company managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects. You will also get the chance to showcase your work directly to the company. You can explore the wide range of available opportunities by visiting the application form.
5. Physics in and Through Cosmology
Location: Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – 18 and June 20
Eligibility: High school students
The Physics in and Through Cosmology workshop, hosted by Lawrence Berkeley Lab, is one of the best free summer programs for high school students. It offers high school students an in-depth introduction to modern physics. This summer program features expert-led discussions on topics such as particle physics, dark matter exploration, and cosmic mapping.
You will also tour research labs and engage with scientists to learn about their work firsthand. Previous workshops have included sessions with renowned physicists, including Nobel Laureate Saul Perlmutter. Supported by QuarkNet, the program fosters learning and collaboration in STEM fields.
6. NYU Cyber Security for Computer Science (C4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders; NYC residents
If you’re interested in understanding how hackers infiltrate systems and how to defend against them, NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science program is an opportunity to explore. As one of the top free summer programs for high school students, this program delves into ethical hacking, cryptography, and data privacy through interactive cybersecurity challenges. You’ll also gain experience in coding, digital forensics, and real-world security analysis.
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Paid; some opportunities are unpaid
Application Deadline: February 28 (summer)
Dates: Late May/Early June – August (summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time high school students; at least 16 at the time of application; a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale required
The NASA OSTEM offers several free summer programs for high school students that provide students with hands-on experience in engineering, aeronautics, and space technology. You’ll get to collaborate with NASA professionals on projects in fields like robotics, spacecraft systems, and structural engineering. This opportunity offers insight into NASA’s groundbreaking research while helping you develop skills in problem-solving, technical analysis, and innovation. You’ll also get to apply scientific principles to real-world challenges.
The internship is available three times a year with flexible scheduling at various NASA centers. Interested students are encouraged to check the NASA website regularly for application deadlines and new opportunities.
8. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders with a minimum 3.2 GPA and no Cs in math and science courses
The ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program is another one of the top free summer programs for high school students and is a rigorous four-week engineering research experience supported by the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering. You’ll engage in hands-on research, draft proposals, and conduct literature reviews to strengthen your understanding of engineering principles.
The program provides mentorship from undergraduate and graduate students, offering guidance on research methods and project development. Additionally, you’ll take part in college preparation workshops focused on financial aid and career planning. Through engineering-based activities, you will refine your problem-solving abilities and gain practical exposure to real-world applications.
Location: The Cooper Union, Cooper Square, New York
Cost: (Full tuition scholarships and application fee waivers are available)
$3,950: 6-week courses
$1,950: 3-week courses
Application Deadline: March 26
Dates:
3-Week Courses
Session 1: July 7 – July 24
Session 2: July 28 – August 14
6-Week Courses
July 7 – August 14
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9-11
The Cooper Union Summer STEM Program allows high school students to explore college-level engineering before graduation. Open to students in grades 9-11, the program offers 3- or 6-week courses focused on engineering principles and hands-on research projects. You’ll tackle real-world problems, design prototypes, and apply STEM concepts in an engaging, interactive environment.
With class sizes ranging from 18 to 22 students, the program fosters a collaborative learning experience. The curriculum also reflects first- and second-year Cooper Union undergraduate coursework, providing an authentic introduction to engineering education and research.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend:
New participant: $4,000
Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer internship that immerses students in hands-on research at the Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories. As an intern, you will work alongside expert engineers and scientists on innovative engineering projects.
Through SEAP, you will gain access to cutting-edge DoN research and technology while receiving mentorship and practical experience in Naval STEM fields. With more than 38 labs across the country and 300 internship placements, this competitive program enhances technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and career preparedness in engineering and applied sciences.
11. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: November 22 – January 19
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; at least 16 by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a paid summer internship designed to introduce you to the world of fisheries and aquatic science, making it one of the best free summer programs for high school students. If accepted, you’ll be matched with a mentor and gain hands-on experience in diverse environments, from laboratories and offices to boats and outdoor fieldwork.
Your activities may include fish population surveys, electrofishing, water quality testing, data analysis, and even assisting with educational programs. Some fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require extended trips. With mentors across the country, the Hutton Program offers a unique and immersive experience to help you explore fisheries science as a potential career path.
12. NYU Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders residing in NYC and Nassau County; aged 15+
NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) is one of the best hands-on free summer programs for high school students eager to explore the future of urban living. The course blends coding, microcontroller programming, and sensor integration with entrepreneurial training. You will gain technical skills to prototype smart city solutions while also exploring economics, product development, and intellectual property. Theater-based workshops are organized to help you refine your communication and pitching skills.
13. Summer Science Intensive: iCLEM
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), CA
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: March 16
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, from low-income backgrounds in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5
The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer program that offers hands-on research training in biotechnology and microbiology. Throughout the program, you will conduct laboratory research under the guidance of scientists from the Joint BioEnergy Institute and undergraduate mentors from the University of California.
You will also explore molecular biology, biochemistry, and biofuels while developing critical research and analytical skills. The program provides opportunities to learn about STEM careers and improve science communication. Additionally, you will apply key scientific concepts by working on a research project in a cutting-edge laboratory environment.
14. Scripps Research Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Institute, CA
Stipend: $4,830
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility:
San Diego County residents
High school students enrolled in Barrio Logan College Institute, Crawford High School, Hilltop High School, Hoover High School, Lincoln High School, or Morse High School
Completed at least one year each of high school-level chemistry and biology
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Scripps Research High School Student Research Education Program is a seven-week, full-time internship designed for students interested in biomedical, biological, and chemical sciences. Before being placed in research labs, you will attend a three-day boot camp that will introduce you to some fundamental lab techniques. During the internship, you will get to work alongside scientists and mentors and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. The program also includes one-on-one mentorship from graduate students, offering support with college applications and insights into scientific career pathways.
15. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: January 6 – February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year; NYC residents only
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program is one of the best free summer programs for high school students passionate about science and engineering. The program begins with four weeks of training in lab safety, research methods, and professional development, followed by six weeks of hands-on research in one of NYU’s 80+ labs.
Under the guidance of faculty and researchers, you will explore disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering. With over 120 hours of lab work, you will gain valuable technical and analytical skills. The program culminates in a Colloquium presentation and a Poster Symposium at the American Museum of Natural History, where you will present your research findings.