14 Summer STEM Programs for High School Students in Virginia
STEM programs are one of the most valuable ways for high school students to prepare for their college. For students interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, a summer STEM program is a chance to explore your interests and gain experience outside the classroom. These programs can help you develop skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. A STEM summer program can also strengthen your college applications by demonstrating your interest in the field.
Virginia offers a wide range of summer STEM programs for high school students hosted by universities and research organizations. These programs provide access to labs, industry professionals, and workshops along with projects you can add to your college application portfolio. Whether you’re curious about coding, robotics, bioengineering, or data science, these programs allow you to expand your knowledge and connect with peers and mentors in your field. To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 14 summer STEM programs for high school students in Virginia, including residential camps, research placements, and virtual opportunities.
1. SEES High School Summer Intern Program – NASA & UT Austin
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5% for in-person | ~20% for virtual
Location: Virtual | In-person (Austin, Texas)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June – July (typically 6–8 weeks) | On-site internship will be July 6 – 19
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Must be U.S. citizens | 16 years or older | Rising juniors or seniors (current sophomores and juniors)
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship is a hands-on research program for high school students offered by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research in partnership with NASA. Interns join project teams such as Earth System Explorers, Urban Heat Island Study, Air Quality Initiative, or Exoplanet Transits, working closely with NASA scientists and mentors. Depending on the format, you’ll either participate virtually or in person, analyzing satellite data, conducting local fieldwork, and learning research software tools. The program emphasizes Python programming, data visualization, and scientific analysis, helping you build real-world STEM skills. It concludes with the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, where you present your project findings to NASA experts and peers from across the country.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots per cohort
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students | Must be able to work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective remote internship designed for high school students interested in tech and STEM fields. In this program, you’ll work directly with high-growth start-ups in industries such as deep tech, artificial intelligence, health tech, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience by contributing to real-world projects, collaborating closely with a company manager. Throughout the program, you’ll sharpen your technical skills, learn how start-ups operate, and build professional experience by presenting your work to the company. This opportunity helps you explore career paths in STEM while building connections and receiving mentorship in a flexible, remote environment.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
4. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Online (December–April) and in-person at NASA Langley Research Center
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Session 1: July 6–12 | Session 2: July 20–26
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Virginia residents, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program gives you the chance to explore Earth science through NASA’s perspective. You’ll begin with a semester-long online course covering climate science, environmental technology, and satellite research. If you perform among the top participants, you’ll be invited to a week-long summer residency at NASA Langley, where you’ll work on projects studying Earth systems using satellite data. Throughout the program, you’ll build teamwork skills, practice scientific analysis, and tackle real-world environmental challenges, while gaining hands-on insight into climate science, space research, and NASA mission design.
5. George Mason University’s FOCUS Academy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots available (waitlist used)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $500 (includes program, food, and lodging)
Program Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students
The FOCUS Academy is a 5-day residential STEM camp designed for high school students who want an advanced and immersive college experience. During the week, you’ll participate in extended STEM workshops covering topics in science, technology, engineering, and math, along with college and SAT preparation, goal-setting sessions, fitness classes, and a farewell party. You’ll stay in suite-style dormitories with other participants, guided by experienced counsellors and a graduate student “dorm mom.” The program focuses on hands-on learning, helping you strengthen your skills and build confidence in STEM subjects while preparing for college life. It offers a chance to experience campus life, meet peers with similar interests, and gain insight into future academic and career paths.
6. Virginia Tech Data Science Camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: $1,400 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: July 6 – 12
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students | Must have completed Algebra I and one other math class
The Virginia Tech Data Science to Solve Real World Problems Camp is a one-week in-person program designed for high school students interested in exploring data science. Throughout the week, you’ll build a small computer cluster to understand the hardware behind data processing and work in small teams to analyze real-world data problems in areas like public health, the environment, and education. No prior programming or statistics background is required, making it a great opportunity for beginners. You’ll attend interactive lectures on statistical analysis, data visualization, and experiment design while developing technical and analytical skills. By the end of the camp, you’ll present your data-driven findings at a showcase event where family members are invited. The experience also includes networking workshops and activities that help you explore STEM career paths.
7. VALHEN STEM Academy (VSA)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free for selected students
Program Dates: Late July – Early August
Application Deadline: Application opens February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors from Virginia with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
The VALHEN STEM Academy (VSA) is a three-day, immersive STEM experience designed for rising high school juniors who are ready to explore the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math. During the program, you’ll attend university lectures, complete hands-on STEM challenges, and collaborate in a research-intensive group project focused on solving global STEM or sustainability problems. You’ll get to work alongside STEM faculty, industry professionals, and like-minded peers while developing essential research, problem-solving, and science communication skills. The residential option offers the opportunity to experience college life by staying overnight in suite-style dorms, complete with meals and snacks included. The program aims to prepare you for future STEM pathways while connecting you to a network of scholars and professionals passionate about science and sustainability.
8. Pathways for Future Engineers Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Rising Seniors: June 15 – 28 | Rising Sophomores and Juniors: June 23 – 28
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are first-generation college students and residents of Virginia
The Pathways for Future Engineers Program at Virginia Tech is a two-week residential summer camp designed to give rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors hands-on experience in engineering and technology. You’ll engage in design projects, laboratory activities, and real-world engineering challenges that help you gain practical skills while exploring different engineering disciplines. The program offers year-round virtual activities, campus visits, and college application assistance to support you beyond the camp experience. As a first-generation college student, you’ll also benefit from workshops aimed at demystifying the college admissions process and preparing you for competitive engineering programs.
9. The Emerging Engineers Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: University of Virginia (UVA) Engineering, Charlottesville, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free for accepted applicants
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Applications open in Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 9-12
The Emerging Engineers Program at the University of Virginia offers a week-long, immersive experience designed to introduce high school students to the world of engineering. During this program, you’ll participate in hands-on engineering activities, lab tours, guest lectures, and panel discussions with students and professionals. You’ll also engage in community-building activities that make the learning experience fun and interactive. You’ll have the opportunity to explore two engineering tracks—Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering—while working on real-world challenges and learning how engineers solve global problems.
10. Bridge Program by NOVA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Various campuses in Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Free | $200 stipend upon completion
Program Dates: Late June – Mid-August
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer open in January
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in engineering, computer science, or technology careers
The Bridge Program by NOVA is a hands-on summer experience designed to help high school juniors and seniors explore career pathways in Engineering Technology, Data Center Operations, Information Technology, and Computer Science. Over the summer, you’ll participate in interactive activities such as cybersecurity labs, computer assembly, and pneumatic simulator exercises. You’ll also visit industry sites and academic partners like AWS, Micron Technology, and George Mason University labs, giving you a real-world glimpse of tech careers. Along the way, you’ll learn about NOVA’s degree pathways, financial aid options, and campus life, plus have the chance to take coursework for college credit or industry certification.
11. NASA OSTEM Internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, varies by placement
Location: Multiple NASA centers across the U.S., including NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA) | Virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns receive a stipend based on academic level and program duration
Program Dates: In Summer: Early June – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadlines: February 27
Eligibility: Full-time high school students | Must be U.S. citizens | Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale | At least 16 years old
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to work on real-world scientific and engineering projects at NASA centers or online. You’ll work closely with scientists, engineers, and researchers to contribute to exciting projects in fields such as space science, aeronautics, engineering, technology development, space microbiology, and ecology. You might help design experiments, analyze data from space missions, or assist in creating new technologies that support NASA’s goals. Each internship is focused on a specific short-term project, so you’ll gain practical experience and learn from experts while building your skills in STEM fields.
12. BLAST (Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology) program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Limited cohort at each university
Location: Hosted at Old Dominion University, Radford University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary
Cost/Stipend: Free | No cost to participants
Program Dates: Sessions vary by university
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to 8th and 9th-grade students in Virginia | Must have at least a C+/B- average or a minimum 2.7 GPA | Must be a Virginia resident and U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
The Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) program is a three-day, fully funded summer experience designed to spark your curiosity in STEM. You’ll stay in college dorms, explore campus life, and take part in engaging STEM activities led by university faculty. Each day offers hands-on projects, demonstrations, and interactive sessions to introduce you to STEM concepts and career paths. With no prior experience required, BLAST helps you discover your interests, build confidence, and prepare for more advanced STEM opportunities.
13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual Experience
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Location: Virtual | In-person (Baltimore, Maryland)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Virtual interns receive a $500 stipend, while in-person interns are paid hourly
Program Dates: Virtual: 5 weeks (July–August) | In-person: 8 weeks (June–August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | In-person program is limited to Baltimore City residents, while virtual program is open nationwide
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is designed for you if you’re a high school student interested in neuroscience. You can choose between a five-week virtual program or an eight-week in-person experience. During the internship, you’ll attend live lectures, participate in virtual lab exercises, and receive guided research training directly from Johns Hopkins faculty. You’ll explore topics such as neurodevelopment, neuroimaging, and clinical neurobiology, while gaining hands-on experience with essential research techniques. Each week, you’ll join seminars, career workshops, and mentorship sessions to help you understand potential pathways in neuroscience research or clinical practice. By the end of the program, you’ll present a capstone project, showcasing your research findings and the skills you’ve developed throughout the internship.
14. BioE Buzz Summer Camp – George Mason University
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $1,000 (limited scholarships)
Dates: June 23–27 or July 21–25
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
At BioE Buzz Summer Camp, you’ll dive into the world of bioengineering and discover how it’s applied to solve real biomedical problems. You’ll get to learn directly from current GMU students, explore the campus, and gain hands-on experience in the labs. You’ll design a heart valve using biomaterials and 3D printing, work with cell cultures, and compete in teams to see whose design comes out on top. If your design wins, you could even earn a one-week internship in a GMU research lab. You’ll also tour the GMU MIX and Nanofabrication facilities and collaborate with other campers on STEM challenges at The Edge.
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