15 STEM Programs for High School Students in St. Louis, MO
If you are a high school student interested in STEM, a program can be a worthwhile way to explore the field. STEM programs for high school students help you explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They provide exposure to practical skill-building and mentorship from industry professionals that can guide your future academic and career decisions.
What STEM programs are available for high school students in St. Louis, Missouri?
St. Louis is home to many prestigious universities, research institutions, and organizations that offer programs for high school students. As a participant, you will gain practical experience, develop critical thinking skills, and connect with peers who share your interests. You might find opportunities that allow you to conduct research, while others focus on learning how to code or build robots.
To help you get started, we've put together 15 STEM programs for high school students in St. Louis, MO.
1. Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
Stipend: A $4,500 stipend is paid for the eight-week program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 - 18 students selected per year through a competitive application and interview process
Dates: June 1 - July 24
Application Deadline: January 26 (applications due in one sitting; letters of recommendation due on February 2)
Eligibility: Students from any high school in the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois) in 11th grade
The Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus is an eight-week paid research internship for high school seniors in the Greater St. Louis area who have a demonstrated interest in biomedical science. You will be paired with two mentors: a laboratory mentor who supervises your research projects and a tutor who supports your academic learning and helps you understand scientific literature. You will conduct independent biomedical research projects tailored to your interests across various Washington University laboratories, working full-time (40 hours per week) as part of active research teams. In addition to laboratory work, you will attend weekly courses focused on strengthening science communication skills and preparing for college and career advancement. The program concludes with a closing symposium where you will present your research findings to mentors, peers, family, and community members. You will also receive professional development training in college applications, financial aid navigation, and ACT preparation. Free MetroLink and MetroBus passes are provided to accepted students, and students cannot miss more than three days of the eight-week program due to its intensive schedule.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual internship program connecting high school students with startup companies and nonprofits across multiple fields, such as technology, marketing, finance, and design. Over an eight to twelve-week program, you will work on real-world projects that address organizational needs, collaborating directly with startup founders and ladder mentors who provide ongoing guidance and support. You will work on projects such as website development, marketing campaigns, data analysis, and product research, applying skills across STEM and business domains. Each intern receives a ladder coach throughout their internship in addition to direct guidance from startup managers, and you can select from multiple project types based on your interests. You will gain exposure to professional work environments, develop technical and business skills, and build a project portfolio that strengthens your college applications and demonstrates practical experience. The program structure allows flexibility for you to balance school and other commitments while providing mentorship as compared to traditional in-person internships. The virtual format offers scheduling flexibility regardless of geographic location within the United States. Apply now!
3. CHROME Lab at Saint Louis University
Location: Saint Louis University School of Science and Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri
Stipend: Position-dependent; hourly rates paid for research assistants; exact compensation varies depending on the project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on active research projects
Dates: Year-round opportunities
Application Deadline: Contact the lab directly for current opportunities
Eligibility: High school students
The Collaborative Haptics, Robotics, and Mechatronics (CHROME) Lab at Saint Louis University conducts research focused on effective human-machine interaction for applications in education, medicine, and consumer technologies. Research projects in the lab include the development of steerable medical devices used by neurosurgeons in brain tumor removal through minimally invasive procedures, the design of next-generation haptic touchscreens allowing users to physically feel digital surfaces on screens, and collaborative work with neurosurgeons on automated neurological assessments. As a high school research assistant, you will contribute to ongoing projects through work in computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, three-dimensional printing, and data collection supporting laboratory investigations. You will gain practical experience in engineering design, materials science, programming, and professional research collaboration. The lab welcomes students with varying skill levels and backgrounds, and provides training in specialized tools and techniques. You will see a direct relationship between your work and real-world applications addressing meaningful problems in medicine and technology. The lab actively mentors developing engineers and scientists who pursue research experience as a strong foundation for building future professional careers in engineering and technology.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program | Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars | you can apply here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12 - 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students with a strong interest in artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science will benefit from the AI Scholars program.
Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get an opportunity to work on real-world projects. For more advanced students, Veritas AI offers the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. In this program, students get an opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. An additional benefit of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also review some examples of past projects here.
5. UMSL CLIMB Internship (Collaborative Laboratory Internships)
Location: University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, and partner research institutions
Stipend: Paid at approximately $13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 20 students selected per cohort
Dates: Six-week program
Application Deadline: February through March/April (exact dates announced in advance)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors from St. Louis-area schools
The UMSL CLIMB program offers junior high school students paid, full-time laboratory experience across multiple scientific disciplines. As an intern, you will work 40 hours per week, from Monday through Thursday, conducting hands-on research under the guidance of university faculty and graduate students in laboratories focused on biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, or engineering. Friday sessions are reserved for professional development activities, including workshops on scholarship applications, public speaking, scientific writing, and effective research presentation. The program concludes with a public research showcase where you will present your findings to the academic community, developing communication skills essential for future careers in STEM fields. Each intern receives mentorship from both laboratory researchers and academic advisors who support their scientific development throughout the program. You will gain insight into how professional scientific research operates and explore potential STEM career paths. Transportation support and paid hourly compensation make this program financially accessible while providing valuable career-building experience.
6. BESt Healthcare Institute
Location: Washington University Danforth Campus, St. Louis, Missouri
Stipend: Cash stipend up to $400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 50 - 60 students per annual cohort
Dates: Four-week summer program; exact dates announced annually
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Must be a full-time freshman (BESt I), sophomore (BESt II), or junior (BESt III) student currently enrolled in a St. Louis regional high school (St. Louis City, St. Louis and St. Charles, MO counties, and Madison, St. Claire, IL counties).
BESt Healthcare Institute offers a four-week summer program focused on a STEM-based curriculum designed to introduce you to healthcare professions. The program combines intensive academic preparation with professional exposure, including Princeton Review ACT preparation classes that have contributed to significant score improvements among participants. You will interact with healthcare professionals across multiple specialties such as pharmacy, nursing, medicine, and allied health fields. The curriculum includes laboratory work, hospital or clinical site visits, and mentoring from current healthcare professionals and students. The program reports a 100% college acceptance rate among graduates, with 87% of participants pursuing healthcare-related degrees, demonstrating strong alignment between program experience and student outcomes. You will receive comprehensive support, including test preparation, college application guidance, and career exploration. The program actively recruits students from underrepresented backgrounds to promote diversity in healthcare professions and ensure equitable access to professional mentoring and academic preparation.
7. Tyson Research Center SIFT Program (Shaw Institute for Field Training)
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve and Tyson Research Center, Eureka, Missouri (Greater St. Louis area)
Stipend: Stipend provided for summer and school-year fieldwork
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 28 participants per year
Dates: Year-round engagement through the academic year, starting in June
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10th - 11th (current 9th or 10th graders)
The SIFT program serves as an introductory field research experience to help high school students explore natural ecosystems and field biology careers. The one-week intensive training session in June introduces you to Missouri ecosystems while teaching practical field skills, including plant and animal identification, biotic sampling and census methods, abiotic factor testing, and navigation using maps, compasses, and GPS technology. After the training week, you will participate in fieldwork during the summer months and the following academic year, contributing to important research and restoration projects at Shaw Nature Reserve, Tyson Research Center, and other field sites. Work opportunities include invasive species management, habitat restoration, plant and animal inventories, field experiment setup and breakdown, and data collection and entry. You will receive paid stipends for your fieldwork contributions, recognizing your participation and making the program financially accessible. Transportation from the St. Louis area is provided to all participants, and the year-long engagement model allows you to observe seasonal changes and engage in long-term ecological monitoring. The program emphasizes collaboration, skill development, and scientific knowledge gained through hands-on field experience.
8. Tyson Research Center TERA Program (Tyson Environmental Research Apprenticeship)
Location: Tyson Research Center, Eureka, Missouri (Greater St. Louis area) and affiliated field research sites
Stipend: Stipend provided for summer research work
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10 - 15 summer apprentices per year
Dates: Spring training (March - April); summer apprenticeship (June - July)
Application Deadline: Selection from SIFT program participants; SIFT program deadline is March 15 for initial entry
Eligibility: You must be a graduate of the SIFT program
The TERA program offers advanced field research opportunities for high school students who have successfully completed the SIFT training program. Selected students are placed as summer fellows on ecology and environmental biology research teams, where they will conduct genuine environmental and ecological research under the mentorship of scientists at Tyson Research Center. Research projects include wildlife tracking using current technologies, habitat restoration through applied conservation efforts, and environmental data collection that supports larger ecological studies. You will work alongside professional scientists and graduate researchers, gaining realistic insight into research-driven environmental careers. The program structure allows you to build field skills developed during SIFT training while introducing more advanced research questions and methodologies. You will present your research findings and contribute to the intellectual life of the research center. Summer apprentices receive paid stipends for their research contributions, and successful TERA graduates often pursue university programs and careers in environmental science, ecology, or conservation.
9. Junior Academy of Science at the Academy of Science of St. Louis
Location: Partner research laboratories and institutions throughout the Greater St. Louis region
Cost: Free or low-cost membership; scholarships available for field trips and special events
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open membership for students interested in science
Dates: Year-round membership with scheduled events and field trips
Application Deadline: No formal deadline
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 12 students from the Greater St. Louis area
The Junior Academy of Science (JAS) membership program provides opportunities for high school students to engage with researchers, visit professional research environments, and build scientific skills. As a member, you will gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes visits to leading engineering, technology, and science laboratories across the St. Louis region, arranged specifically for Academy members. Through field visits to research facilities at universities and corporations, you will meet top STEM professionals and develop meaningful connections with practicing scientists and engineers. Membership includes access to members-only scientific events designed to challenge and inspire developing scientists. You will receive e-newsletters with advanced registration for teen events, ensuring access to time-limited opportunities before public availability. The academy promotes academy-sponsored science challenge contests where you can sharpen skills in competition while connecting with peers across the St. Louis metro area with shared scientific interests. You will connect with other science-focused high school students from diverse schools and backgrounds throughout the region. Membership provides affordable, ongoing engagement with professional science and scientists throughout the year.
10. Saint Louis University STEM Pre-College Programs
Location: Saint Louis University School of Science and Engineering campus, St. Louis, Missouri
Cost: Varies depending on specific program; tuition costs apply for most programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the program
Dates: Summer programs typically run from June through August
Application Deadline: Varies depending on program
Eligibility: High school students
Saint Louis University offers comprehensive pre-college STEM programming through its School of Science and Engineering, providing high school students with exposure to engineering, robotics, aviation, and technology careers. Throughout the academic year, the university hosts fall and spring semester events where you can explore engineering laboratories, meet faculty and current students, and participate in informational sessions about STEM degree programs. Billiken BEAMS is a group-based bridge engineering competition where teams of local high school students design, construct, and test efficient balsa-wood structures, while fostering collaborative problem-solving skills valuable in professional engineering environments. Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, scheduled during Engineers Week in February, allows female students to participate in hands-on laboratory activities, tour facilities, and opportunities to meet current women engineering students and faculty mentors. In partnership with Women in Aviation International, SLU hosts an annual event at their Cahokia hangar connecting students with aviation careers and hands-on experiences. Summer programming includes specialized camps and academies with hands-on activities led by faculty and student mentors, including opportunities to take flights in university aircraft and engage in robotics design challenges.
11. Saint Louis University School of Medicine Summer Scholars Program
Location: Saint Louis University School of Medicine Campus, St. Louis, Missouri
Cost: $500 program fee; need-based financial aid may be available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection; approximate cohort size determined annually based on faculty mentor availability
Dates: June 1 - 26
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grades
The Saint Louis University School of Medicine Summer Scholars Program offers you exposure to medicine and healthcare through interaction with health professionals across multiple specialties. You will meet practicing physicians and healthcare professionals in fields such as family medicine, orthopedics, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, transplant surgery, internal medicine, pathology, and nursing. The program is supported by first-year medical students who serve as teaching assistants and mentors, offering relatable guidance for high school participants. You will participate in a cadaver demonstration providing authentic anatomical education, receive several hours of ACT preparation to strengthen standardized test performance, and participate in community service projects connecting healthcare to broader social responsibility. The program includes campus tours, site visits to healthcare facilities, and completion of a structured research project with guided instruction. You will earn the stop the bleed certification, demonstrating proficiency in life-saving hemorrhage control techniques. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of program completion. The four-week intensive format delivers concentrated exposure to medical careers without requiring a long-term summer commitment.
12. Maryville Cyber Security Camp
Location: Maryville University Campus, St. Louis, Missouri
Cost: $75 as registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: June 16 - 18
Application Deadline: May 28
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior year
In the Maryville University Cybersecurity Summer Program, you’ll act as a digital defender, learning how to identify vulnerabilities and protect systems against simulated cyber threats. You will get to engage in hands-on labs that cover the fundamentals of ethical hacking, network security, and digital forensics, allowing you to apply concepts in practical scenarios rather than focusing just on theoretical concepts. You can expect to work alongside experienced faculty who guide you through the principles of securing data infrastructure, providing a realistic view of the day-to-day work of cybersecurity professionals. By participating in interactive challenges, you’ll build technical confidence and critical thinking skills essential for a future in technology. This immersive experience demystifies the cybersecurity field and supports informed decision-making about pursuing a career in information security.
13. Washington University High School Summer Scholars Programs
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, MO
Cost: $4,075
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on specific program
Dates: June 7 - July 11
Application Deadline: Typically announced in the fall for the following summer
Eligibility: Current juniors in high school
Washington University offers a range of comprehensive summer programs across multiple divisions, providing STEM and other academic opportunities for high school students at different stages of academic development. The high school summer scholars program allows rising seniors to enroll in college-level, credit-bearing courses in humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences, with residential, commuter, and online options available. You will engage in rigorous, credit-bearing undergraduate STEM courses ranging from advanced mathematics to natural sciences, with the same depth and expectations as a college major. You can customize your schedule based on your specific interests, whether that includes introductory lab sciences or data-intensive social science research, all while earning official WashU credits. You get to learn directly from university faculty, gaining early exposure to the pace and expectations of college-level STEM academic coursework before graduating from high school.
14. WashU’s Exploration Courses
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, MO
Cost: $985 fee per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: Current high school student
In WashU’s Exploration Courses, you will engage in rigorous, college-level study from home while learning advanced topics alongside peers from around the world. You learn through an asynchronous format that lets you balance coursework with other commitments while still receiving personalized feedback in small, focused classes. You develop confidence in your ability to handle complex subjects, from STEM to the humanities, without the pressure of traditional letter grades, emphasizing skill development and intellectual curiosity instead. By interacting with expert instructors and exposure to a university-level curriculum, you gain a realistic preview of the college academic expectations. The program helps you to strengthen your academic portfolio and demonstrate your readiness for higher education, all while exploring subjects that genuinely interest you.
15. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,120; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 - 26
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current 9th graders
AI4ALL is an online program that gives you an opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence through lectures, research projects, and mentoring activities. You’ll interact with AI experts and gain insights into the latest advancements while exploring applications of AI in diverse areas such as medicine, disaster response, and tackling poverty. You’ll participate in small-group research projects led by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in computer science and AI. The projects explore how AI can address real-world problems in society. This program is well-suited for students interested in hands-on, application-based learning in the field of AI and looking for an opportunity to work on real-world problem-solving while still in high school.
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