15 Summer Programs for High School Students in North Carolina (NC)

Summer programs are a great option for high school students because they involve guided instruction, organized project work, and opportunities to engage with faculty, instructors, and peers who share your interests. You may explore subjects such as science, engineering, writing, leadership, or the arts in settings that reflect college-level learning environments. These opportunities, often run by top colleges and respected organizations, are structured to provide practical skills and exposure to potential college majors. 

North Carolina is home to universities like Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State, and the summer programs here often allow you to live on campus and experience college life. This experience includes college-level coursework, research opportunities, especially in fields like STEM, and career exploration. Participating in a summer program can also make your college applications stand out by showing your interest and ability in your field of choice. 

To help you choose, we’ve reviewed opportunities across the state and selected 15 summer programs for high school students in North Carolina.

1. Duke University STAR

Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $4,000 stipend 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20 – 25 students
Dates: June 22 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors | U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

The Duke STAR Program offers an intensive, structured experience that simulates academic research, guiding you from question design to manuscript publication. You become part of research teams led by Duke faculty, executing a hypothesis-driven project while receiving specialized instruction in statistics, scientific writing, and research methodology. This unique approach, which may include clinical shadowing, helps connect bench science to patient care and deepens contextual understanding. The program's primary objective is to equip you to qualify as a co-author on a peer-reviewed paper, significantly boosting your academic portfolio through focused mentorship and advanced lectures in fields like neonatology and pharmacology. 

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students

Ladder Internships is a remote internship program that places you with early-stage startups for project-based summer work. It matches you with a company after submitting an application and interview. Once placed, you contribute to defined tasks such as research, product development, analysis, or content creation, depending on the startup’s needs. You meet regularly with the founder or a team member to review expectations and progress. Across the program period, you work a set number of weekly hours to complete your assigned project under the guidance of a startup mentor and Ladder coach. At the end, you share the final output of your project with your host organization.

3. National Institutes of Health’s High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

Location: Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC
Stipend: Before graduation: $2,530; After graduation: $2,840
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size according to year and available PI funding
Dates: 8 weeks in summer between mid-June and mid-August
Application Deadline: Typically mid-February
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school | 18 years old by June 1 | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

In the National Institutes of Health’s High School Summer Internship Program, you work within an NIH research group led by a Principal Investigator, where you take part in ongoing biomedical, behavioral, or social science projects. You spend your weeks contributing to tasks such as data collection, analysis, laboratory procedures, or computational work, depending on the focus of your assigned research group. You also participate in activities offered across the NIH campus, including professional development sessions, educational workshops, and career-focused seminars. At the end of the internship, you present your work at Summer Poster Day, where you share your project findings with members of the NIH community.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 1:1 mentoring
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated high academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program connects you with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research project in physics or a related STEM field. You move through key stages of academic research, including reviewing existing studies, shaping a research question, and building an approach that fits your topic. Throughout the program, you meet regularly with your mentor to discuss your methods, interpret results, and refine your work. Your project may involve areas such as quantum mechanics, materials science, computational modeling, or another specialty aligned with your interests. You also have access to guidance that supports the writing and organization of your final paper. At the conclusion of the program, you submit a completed research manuscript based on your project results, and become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit.

5. Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM)

Location: Residential at various UNC system universities across North Carolina, such as Appalachian State University, East Carolina University (ECU), UNC Charlotte, and UNC Wilmington (UNCW)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 170 – 200 students statewide
Dates: 4 weeks long (usually late June to late July)
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: North Carolina residents who are currently in their second or third year of high school (rising juniors and seniors)

The Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM) program is a highly competitive program for academically talented rising NC high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing STEM careers. You explore advanced topics like Discrete Mathematics, DNA Fingerprinting, Neuroscience, Forensic Archaeology, and Biotechnology through college-level courses taught by university faculty. You conduct a hands-on research project either alone or with a partner, living on a UNC system university campus, and present a culminating paper and oral presentation of your findings to peers and faculty. You leave the program having significantly enhanced your analytical thinking, research literacy, problem-solving, and professional presentation skills.

6. Science and Research Summer Program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU)

Location: North Carolina Central University campus, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 15 – 20 participants
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: North Carolina high school juniors between junior and senior year summers, aged 13–17

The Science and Research Summer Program (SRSP) at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) offers high school students an opportunity for hands-on research across diverse STEM fields. You collaborate with NCCU professors on projects in areas such as biology, chemistry, and environmental science, acquiring laboratory skills and contributing to scientific investigations. This program’s primary goal is to create a deeper interest in research careers and clarify future academic pathways, especially toward institutions like NCCU. Through intensive faculty mentorship and direct interaction, SRSP provides invaluable insights into the process of scientific inquiry and discovery.

7. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)

Location: Duke’s campus 
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 7 – 24 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 16 and attend a public or a charter school in Durham, NC, (list here) | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is a summer research program that places you in a Duke University neuroscience lab, where you work on an assigned project under the guidance of faculty and research mentors. The program pairs you with postdocs, graduate students, or staff scientists who guide you closely through your work. As part of the program, you attend regular workshops on scientific communication, career development, and college prep. You also take part in community-engagement sessions to meet people working in academia, medicine, and industry. At the end of the summer, you present your findings in a poster session attended by your peers and Duke scientists. 

8. UNC-Chapel Hill Project Uplift Plus

Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (short commute from Raleigh)
Cost: $1,200; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 – 40 students per summer 
Dates: June 27 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who reside in North Carolina

Project Uplift PLUS is an intensive, two-week summer residential program designed to immerse students in the academic and social culture of UNC-Chapel Hill, preparing them for highly competitive university admissions. You experience a simulation of college life, attending classes across diverse academic areas, including science and technology, and engaging in leadership and cultural enrichment workshops. Although the program doesn't include formal research, its comprehensive exposure to campus resources, current students, and faculty ignites interest in scientific inquiry and academic success. This focused experience is a vital introduction to university rigor and strengthens skills crucial for the transition to higher education.

9. Duke University Pre-College Summer Programs

Location: Duke University Campus
Cost: One-week programs: Residential: $2,580; Commuter: $1,830 | Two-week programs: Residential: $5,640; Commuter: $3,660; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable; cohort size varies as per program
Dates: One-week programs: July 20 – 25; Two-week programs: June 22 – July 4; July 6 – 18 
Application Deadline: Typically, April or early May
Eligibility: High school students in 9th to 11th grades

Duke Pre-College Summer Programs is a collection of academic summer courses offered by Duke University for high school students. You take part in subject-focused study across areas such as STEM, social sciences, arts, and humanities through on-campus or online options. You spend your time engaging with course material, completing assignments, and participating in guided discussions led by Duke-affiliated instructors. Additionally, you get to explore college-level topics that reflect current academic and research interests at the university. As a participant, you will follow a structured schedule that mirrors the pace and expectations of undergraduate coursework. 

10. NC State Summer Textile Exploration Program

Location: Wilson College of Textiles, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $450; partial and full scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; up to 35 students
Dates: 4 weekly cohorts between June 7 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

The Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) is a week-long residential program that introduces you to academic study in textile-related fields. During the week, you explore areas such as fashion design, textile engineering, textile chemistry, and textile technology through guided projects and structured activities. You work in college facilities where materials, processes, and design concepts used in textile production are examined in detail. Alongside this work, sessions provide an overview of the different academic pathways within the Wilson College of Textiles. You also interact with faculty and current students to observe how textile studies are approached at the university level.

11. NC State University Young Investigators Program (YIP)

Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $2,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, typically small cohorts
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, and graduating seniors

The Young Investigators Program at NC State University provides high school students with an intensive, hands-on research experience, primarily focused on nuclear engineering. You are embedded in university departments, collaborating directly with graduate students and faculty on cutting-edge projects. This opportunity allows you to apply your classroom knowledge to scientific challenges, significantly advancing your experimental design and critical thinking skills. Through direct mentorship from leading researchers, you master advanced data collection and analysis techniques. The program culminates with a final symposium, where you present your research findings, effectively honing your scientific communication and public speaking abilities for future academic pursuits.

12. UNCW Young Writers’ Camp

Location: UNC Wilmington (in-person, residential)
Cost: $510; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 45 students
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: All high school students

In this camp, you spend several days on the UNC Wilmington campus studying writing with faculty and graduate students from the university’s creative writing department. The schedule includes daily workshops, focused writing sessions, craft lectures, and readings, giving you time to work in multiple genres. You explore poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction through guided exercises and group discussions. Each day includes roughly six hours devoted to writing, peer feedback, and conversations about technique. You work in small groups led by instructors who introduce approaches to voice, structure, imagery, and revision. Evening activities typically involve discussions with visiting writers and sharing your own pieces. 

13. Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program in Business

Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (in-person, residential)
Cost: $3,500 + $60 nonrefundable application fee; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 7 – 12; June 14 – 19
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until full
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students

In this weeklong program, you explore major areas of business through sessions taught by Wake Forest faculty and visiting professionals. Each day focuses on a different topic, such as management, finance, strategy, marketing, operations, or analytics, and introduces you to the tools used in those fields. You work in small groups to discuss case studies, develop ideas, and complete exercises that reflect common business challenges. The schedule also includes opportunities to meet business leaders and visit local companies to see how different functions operate in practice. Your group collaborates on a project that builds toward a final pitch presented at the end of the session.

14. NC State University’s Horticultural Science Summer Institute

Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC.
Cost: $675; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; generally small cohorts
Dates: July 5 – 10
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students entering 10 to 12 grades in the upcoming school year

The Horticultural Science Summer Institute (HSSI) is a week-long residential program at NC State where high school students work alongside faculty and staff to explore plant science, horticulture, and related careers. You take part in workshops on topics like grafting tomatoes, plant breeding, propagation of ornamental shrubs, sustainable production, and extending the life of cut flowers. The program includes visits to farms, greenhouses, gardens, and markets around North Carolina to connect what you learn in class with applied horticulture. In the evenings, you participate in team-building activities, botanical illustration, and design exercises while living in on-campus residence halls. You'll also spend time discussing leadership and college decision-making with peers.

15. UNC Greensboro Summer Music Camp

Location: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Cost: Overnight: $615 (with a half-hour private lesson) or $635 (with a 1-hour private lesson) | Day camp with meals: $525 (with a half-hour lesson) or $545 (with a 1-hour lesson); partial need-based scholarships and payment plans are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 1,700 – 2,000 students
Dates: Week 1: July 6 – 11; Week 2: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling; as soon as possible, if you play any popular instruments such as the flute, trumpet, saxophone or violin
Eligibility: Rising 6th – 12th grade students who have one year of experience playing an orchestral, band, or keyboard instrument, or singing in a chorus

The UNCG Summer Music Camp program allows you to spend a week focusing on music while working with faculty from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and guest conductors from across the country. You take part in daily rehearsals, sectionals, and musicianship classes that follow a structured schedule throughout the week. You also join large ensembles such as bands, orchestras, or mixed chorus groups, or follow the dedicated piano camp track. Instructors guide you through rehearsals, help you with music preparation, and provide support during lessons and classes. Each session ends with a final concert where you perform with your group. You also have supervised free time in the afternoons.

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