Summer is a perfect time to relax and have fun, but it can also be more than that. You could learn things that school doesn’t teach and challenge yourself to personal development. Summer research camps for high school students allow you to conduct real-world experiments, improve your skills, and discover your academic interests while preparing for college.

Imagine working in a real lab, using advanced tools to study everything from cancer biology and AI to polymer science. You could work with expert faculty on real-world research projects and share discoveries with like-minded students from around the world. These camps are more than classes; they offer early exposure to college-level study and professional research environments.

You may already have some exposure to science or research labs, but a research camp can help turn that interest into a clear academic direction. You will form connections with motivated peers and develop skills essential for professional lab work.

What types of summer research camps for high school students are available?

Well, not all camps are the same; some may fall short of expectations. Some might function like an introductory course, while others offer deep research that prepares you for university and professional work. Therefore, it’s important to get the right information to identify the most useful programs.

Leading universities and research institutions offer challenging research camps in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and interdisciplinary fields. These camps show you what a future in research looks like, whether you are just beginning to explore an interest or already have a strong passion.

You’ll work on expert-led research projects in a team, gain hands-on skills in scientific methodology, computational analysis, research ethics, and academic presentation. 

These programs require hard work and full-time commitment, but we have made it easier for you to choose. To help you identify which camp would best match your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Summer Research Camps for High School Students. 

15 Summer Research Camps for High School Students

1. Honors Summer Math Camp

Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $6600; Scholarship available
Program Dates: June 21st – August 1st
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; application reviews begin on or after February 15th
Eligibility: Grades 9-12. Participants come from all over the United States.  We have also had a few international students from other countries, including Albania, Mexico, South Korea, Hungary, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Spain, China, and Indonesia.

Honors Summer Math Camp at Texas State University is an intensive multi-summer math camp for high schoolers, providing an advanced problem-solving and research-based environment.  By returning for multiple summers, you work on research projects with research mentors. You will work in teams and form a bond with peers.

The program is focused on community building, skills development, and preparing for the future in math, science, engineering, and many other academic and professional careers. The camp focuses on hands-on learning for in-depth study and encourages active participation in extra-curricular activities.

Why it stands out: You study in a multi-summer program where you study advanced and problem-solving math and form a network with research mentors and other campers.

2. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Summer Camp

Location: Boston, Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Program is a globally immersive example of summer research camps for high school students seeking early exposure to university-level study. Delivered across leading international campuses, the programme places students in small classes of 4 to 10, where they work closely with academics from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard. Through a combination of lectures and weekly 1:1 tutorials, students develop independent research skills, academic confidence, and a clear understanding of higher-level study expectations.

You can choose from over 20 subjects, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It provides a wide range of choices with regard to both courses and locations; it has provision for 1:1 sessions with the tutor/ mentor.

3. Northwestern CTD Academic Summer Camp

Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost/Stipend: Varies by session and course type ($1,005 – $6,105); Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 28th – August 7th
Application Deadline: The deadline for each session is one week before the start date
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on the type of course students from any grade want to take. There are three main levels: Indigo Tier, Magenta Tier, and Emerald Tier. Check here for eligibility.

Northwestern University’s CTD Research Summer Camp is for high schoolers to experience college life and college-level education taught by expert faculty and industry professionals. The program offers two course types: Advanced Enrichment & Accelerated Courses. During the program, you will develop critical and problem-solving thinking skills and gain in-depth knowledge of concepts of science and maths.

The fast-paced course is where you cover two semesters’ content in three weeks. You will be challenged academically to enhance your focus and high-level thinking skills and build persistence. You will have an opportunity to network with students from around the globe while preparing for academic and professional careers.

Why it stands out: You will experience college life on the university’s campus and experience intensive learning with the semester’s content in three weeks.

4. LSU High School Summer Research Camp (Engineering)

Location: Louisiana State University (LSU) Campus, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed yet
Program Dates: Various
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: Local students must be at least 15 years old, currently in the 9th through 11th grade, and maintain a minimum 3.5 high school GPA

At Louisiana State University, the High School Summer Research (HSSR) is a hands-on learning camp where you explore engineering, computer science, and construction management. It is an in-person program where you explore college life, university-level coursework, and research, and bond with other students.

Under the guidance of experts, you will conduct your research and attend workshops on research guidelines and communication. You will study the engineering design process while working directly with faculty on their active research projects and extracurricular activities. At the end, you will be prepared for a regional science fair, and you will present your final research findings in a poster presentation.

Why it stands out: You will work directly on research projects under the mentorship of faculty and graduate students and gain hands-on experience with the engineering design process.

5. UT Dallas Research Summer Camp

Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost/Stipend: Registration fee $1600, excluding lab and workshop fee
Program Dates: June 8th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Not disclosed yet
Eligibility: For highly motivated 10th and 11th-graders worldwide. In-person participants must be at least 16 years old and are responsible for securing their own housing near UT Dallas if they live outside the area.

High School Students Research Camp provides hands-on experience and opportunity to study current trends in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, machine learning, software engineering, and many more. You will explore two types of research opportunities: internships in computer science labs and research workshops, and you can choose the structure of the camp to be either one lab and one workshop, or two workshops.

Both tracks provide hands-on research experience under mentorship. In the CS lab and workshop, you will work on reading research papers, conducting simulations, developing applications, and Python programming, data analysis, and AI model building. At the end, you will receive a T-shirt, a completion certificate, and an experience letter. You can also request a recommendation letter.

Why it stands out: You will gain research experience through the CS lab and workshops covering multiple computer science topics like AI and machine learning.

6. Stanford SHTEM Summer Research Camp

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $2500
Program Dates: June 22nd – August 14th
Application Deadline: January 25th, application link
Eligibility: Students must be at least 14 years old and a current high school junior or senior. Participation is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as visa sponsorship is not available for international students.

Stanford Compression Forum’s SHTEM offers high schoolers an in-person, on-site experience at Stanford University to gain first-hand experience in research, science, and humanities. You will be assigned projects to identify and build on your current interests, strengths, and explore new areas, and experience college life on the campus.

Stanford Compression Forum faculty, staff, and students will mentor you on the research projects that combine different themes like engineering, computer science, arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, and philosophy. Throughout the program, you will explore a diverse range of engineering topics while gaining early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment. By the end, you will discover and learn the interrelation between the humanities and research in STEM.

Why it stands out: You will discover the interrelation and its significance between the humanities and research in STEM, while gaining first-hand experience in research. You will gain college and academic life experience at Stanford University.

7. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Camp

Location: CMU campus, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 20th – August 1st
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old and between 11th and 12th grade in high school. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University is designed in three parts to offer high school students rigorous coursework and hands-on experience. Part one is a virtual start where you’ll develop skills needed for the in-person program. In part two, you’ll enhance your knowledge and understanding of STEM  fields through courses and meetings.

You will be prepared for college and careers in the field by the university alumni and local industry leaders through weekly writing workshops. You’ll earn college credit, understand your future career preferences, and prepare for college with the ‘Student to Scholar’ course.  Part three offers the opportunity to participate in virtual sessions like  FAFSA and info sessions.

Why it stands out: You will experience virtual skill-building with six weeks of hands-on faculty research and professional workshops. You will earn college credit and life experience.

8. Salk Institute Heithoff-Brody Summer Scholars Camp

Location: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 15th – August 7th
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Students must be San Diego County residents aged 16 or older with a minimum 2.75 GPA and prior credit in high school biology and chemistry. You must provide your own transportation and be able to commute every week for the entire program. If under 18, you must be able to obtain a work permit from your school.

Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Camp at Salk Institute for Biological Studies is a life-changing internship where you discover your interests and develop hands-on skills. You will gain hands-on lab experience through ground-breaking research projects under the mentorship of Salk scientists.

The program provides several other options, like seminars, career workshops, and biotech industry site tours to enhance your scientific knowledge and develop skills. Throughout the program, you will become a part of the Salk community and connect and network with researchers through events and collaborative activities. At the end, you will present your research findings to the mentors and family at a research symposium.

Why it stands out: The program offers you an opportunity to conduct lab research with professional mentors and tour active biotechnology companies.

9. Belin-Blank Center Secondary Student Training Camp

Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Cost/Stipend: $7,500; Financial aid and scholarship available
Program Dates: June 17th – July 24th
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: For high school students worldwide in grades 10-11

The Secondary Student Training Camp at Belin-Blank Center is a hands-on experience camp where you identify your interests and future goals. The program offers you your own research so that you can deepen your knowledge while bonding with other students.

The camp is an in-person, on-campus, fast-paced learning experience where you attend weekly seminars that help you in the research space, communication research, and well-being management. You will gain college experience and access to university resources that prepare you for future academic success. By the end, you would have a community with other peers sharing love for science, balancing intensive learning and fun.

Why it stands out: The program provides college life experience while preparing you for the future. Besides, through hands-on learning, you will find your interests and long-term career goals.

10. Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) Camp

Location: UChicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $15,200
Program Dates: Session 1: June 15th – July 10th
Application Deadline: February 11th
Eligibility: High school students in 10th and 11th grade who are at least 15 and have completed high school biology. remote or commuting options are available, even for Chicago residents. Living in a university residence is mandatory for everyone.

Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) is one of the most comprehensive summer research camps for high school students with a strong interest in biology. Hosted at the University of Chicago, the programme immerses students in professional research environments while teaching a wide range of laboratory techniques used in modern biological research. You gain sustained exposure to experimental design, data analysis, and scientific inquiry across multiple biological disciplines.

In this program, you will learn the basics of research, develop various skills, and lead your own research. The program offers more than traditional learning; you will participate in hands-on activities and attend seminars led by the faculty. At the end, you will present your research findings at a research forum.

Why it stands out: Your learning experience will range from gaining basic lab skills to conducting your own research project. You will experience working as a professional throughout the program.

11. Stony Brook Garcia Research Camp – Research Experience for High School Students

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Laboratory fee: $4,000 (tentative, previous year based)
Program Dates: June 24th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 23rd
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old and have a grade average of 95% or higher. Also, must have taken at least three of these subjects: English, Chemistry, Math, Physics, or Biology. Your standardized test scores must also be in the top 40%. International students are welcome to apply

Research Experience for High School Students at the Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces at Stony Brook University offers high schoolers an independent research project on polymer science and technology with the Center’s faculty and staff. You will work in teams with other students to learn how to make original contributions to the existing body of scientific knowledge and design a research project under faculty guidance.

The program offers you a year-long mentorship program at a school to continue your research. At the end, you can participate in national competitions and publish in scientific journals. You will present the final findings of your research at a national conference.

Why it stands out: You get an opportunity to publish your research, which you’ll conduct in the camp, in scientific journals. You can continue the research for an entire academic year in the mentor program.

12. BU Research in Science & Engineering Camp

Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition Fee: $5,930
Program Dates: June 28th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 4th
Eligibility: Domestic students must be current high school juniors entering their senior year in the fall.

The Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Camp at Boston University offers two tracks: the Internship and Practicum tracks. The Internship track is a track of 40 hours weekly mentored research lab work in various STEM fields, while the Practicum track features structured group research in Computational Neurobiology or Data Science under a BU instructor.

Besides research, every week you attend workshops to build skills and tour local companies. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific process and research ethics while building networks and academic skills for your future career. You will gain high-level academic experience and form bonds with students from other programs while you stay in the dorms at  BU. Both the tracks end at the Poster Symposium, where you present the findings of your research.

Why it stands out: You can choose between mentored research or a structured group research project, both of which provide hands-on lab experience and exposure to Boston’s biotech industry.

​13. PROMYS for Students Camp

Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the family income; more details here
Program Dates: June 28th – August 8th
Application Deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Students must be between 14 and 18 years old by the start of the program and have completed at least 9th grade (or its equivalent). International students are accepted

Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) is a mathematics summer camp at Boston University providing intensive lectures on number theory, advanced seminars, guest lectures, and research projects. You live in university dormitories to experience college life while forming a community with peers and mentors. The guest lectures focus on ethics and philosophy of research, and the difference between pure and applied science.

You can participate in and explore open-ended projects via Exploration Labs led by faculty and counselors. Beyond daily coursework, the program provides guidance on various career paths. At the end, you will present your findings and research to the entire PROMYS community, and many of these research papers have been published in academic journals or presented at Joint Mathematics Meetings.

Why it stands out: You can participate in mathematics research and exploration labs and finally present the research to the  PROMYS community. Your research can be published in academic journals or presented at the Joint Mathematics Meetings.

14. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology Campuses, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Boulder, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 22nd – Aug 7th
Application Deadline: January 26th
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors or seniors during the application period, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0

The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a seven-week internship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for high school students interested in science research. You will learn and work with expert faculty scientists and engineers on a cutting-edge research project to solve a research problem. NIST is divided into six laboratories focusing on physical and engineering sciences that provide industry with essential measurement tools, data, and technology.

You can choose one of the six research laboratories of your interest, like the Engineering Laboratory, the Information Technology Laboratory, the Material Measurement Laboratory, the NIST Center for Neutron Research, the Physical Measurement Laboratory, and the Communications Technology Laboratory. NIST offers very few SHIP research opportunities in the biological or life sciences.

Why it stands out: You will conduct cutting-edge research with faculty scientists and engineers to solve research problems.

15. Rockefeller Summer Science Research Camp

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 22nd – August 6th
Application Deadline: January 2nd
Eligibility: Students must be a high school junior or senior and at least 16 years old by the start date. International students are welcome to apply

Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Camp is among the most immersive summer research camps for high school students seeking authentic, long-term laboratory experience. Students work in small research teams within a fully equipped RockEdu laboratory, using dedicated workstations and professional tools. Under the close mentorship of trainee scientists, participants engage in sustained research that mirrors the structure, discipline, and expectations of real academic laboratories.

During the seven weeks of the camp, you will learn new techniques, skills, and lab norms, and choose a research question related to the topic of your research project with an expert mentor. You will explore the research question, then discover and analyze the new data. The program offers extra classes, seminars, and workshops led by guest speakers, and social events where you form a bond with peers and network with professionals. You will finish the program by presenting your research findings on a poster at a symposium.

Why it stands out: You conduct independent research in a professional lab and environment with trainee scientists, and present your findings at a symposium.

Turn Summer Research Into University Momentum

Summer research changes how you experience learning. Ideas move beyond textbooks into laboratories, discussions, and real problems that demand curiosity, patience, and disciplined thinking.

The strongest programmes give you space to explore uncertainty. Through guided projects, you learn how questions turn into evidence and how sustained effort leads to real academic progress.

Experiences like these capture the value of Summer Research Camps for High School Students. They help you test interests, build research habits, and understand what university-level study truly requires.

To carry this momentum forward, explore our University Preparation blogs. You’ll find guidance on academic planning, subject choices, and preparing competitive applications for leading universities worldwide.