If you’re a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, you may already enjoy solving problems, running experiments, or building projects. But beyond school classes and competitions, you might still wonder what studying STEM at a university level truly feels like. One of the best ways to explore this field more deeply is through a pre-college summer program.

Imagine spending your summer on a university campus, attending lectures, working in labs, or collaborating with peers on hands-on projects. Picture exploring subjects like robotics, computer science, engineering design, biotechnology, or data science while learning from experienced instructors. STEM pre-college summer programs for high school students offer structured academic experiences that closely mirror college-level learning.

How do you choose the right STEM pre-college summer programs for high school students?

With many programs available, it’s important to distinguish between those that offer meaningful academic depth and those that provide only introductory exposure. Some programs focus on lectures, while others emphasize lab work, collaborative projects, and research-based learning. Thoughtful research helps ensure you find a program that aligns with your interests and skill level.

STEM pre-college summer programs may cover areas such as engineering, computer science, physics, biology, mathematics, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. You might participate in experiments, coding sessions, design challenges, or group projects that reflect real-world applications of STEM concepts. You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with motivated peers, and strengthen essential skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic rigor, hands-on learning opportunities, and ability to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

For adjacent opportunities, you can consider online STEM programs. For a research focus, you can check out STEM research opportunities. 

15 STEM Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, room, and board covered; approx. $65 application fee)
Dates: June 22nd – August 2nd (6 weeks, summer program)
Application Deadline: December 11th (11:59 PM ET)
Eligibility: Open to high-achieving high school students worldwide who have completed the equivalent of three years of high school (typically applying during grade 11). High school seniors are not eligible. International students can participate through country-specific selection processes coordinated with the program.

You can take part in the highly selective Research Science Institute, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious stem pre college summer programs for combining advanced coursework with hands-on research. The program begins with a week of lectures and seminars led by distinguished scientists and professors, where you can deepen your understanding of cutting-edge topics in science and engineering.

You then spend several weeks conducting original research under the mentorship of experienced researchers, working through the full research cycle. By the end of the program, you will have prepared a written research paper and presented your findings in conference-style presentations. This immersive experience allows you to develop advanced research skills, collaborate with talented peers from around the world, and gain valuable exposure to real scientific inquiry.

Why it stands out: The Research Science Institute stands out for offering a fully funded, highly selective research experience at MIT, where you conduct original STEM research under expert mentorship and present your work in a professional academic setting.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Summer School

Location: Fully remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies by format; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+)

The Online Research Programme allows high school students to conduct undergraduate-level STEM research remotely from anywhere in the world. The programme pairs you with expert academic tutors from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League institutions in small 1:1 or group formats. You’ll engage in university-style research supervision and regular weekly sessions with your tutor. The programme includes practical research experiences such as experimental design, data analysis, coding tasks, and technical problem-solving across STEM disciplines.

You can choose from core STEM subjects, including Chemistry, Biology, Coding, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, developing advanced research and analytical skills beyond the classroom. By the programme’s end, you will complete an original research project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. 

Why it stands out: You’ll get access to 1:1 Oxbridge- or Ivy-style research supervision culminating in a publishable academic paper.

3. Carnegie Mellon University – Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Location: Hosted at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Cost/Stipend: No cost (fully funded residential program)
Dates: June 20th – August 1st (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1st (11:59 PM EST)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (11th grade at the time of application) who are at least 16 years old by the program start date. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meaning international students are not eligible to apply.

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University is an intensive six-week residential program designed to immerse you in advanced STEM learning and college-level academics. You can explore subjects such as mathematics, science, and computational thinking through rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and collaborative problem-solving activities. The program also provides mentorship, academic advising, and exposure to university-level research environments, helping you strengthen your analytical and quantitative skills.

Alongside academics, you can experience campus life, connect with peers who share a passion for STEM, and develop leadership and teamwork abilities. By the end of the program, you will have gained a deeper understanding of STEM fields and valuable preparation for future university studies and research-driven careers.

Why It Stands Out: This fully funded STEM program at Carnegie Mellon University offers six weeks of rigorous academic training, mentorship, and residential campus experience, giving motivated high school juniors a rare opportunity to explore advanced STEM topics without financial barriers.

4. Stony Brook University – Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Hosted at Stony Brook University, New York, United States
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided to participants (exact amount not specified)
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 5th (11:59 PM EST)
Eligibility: Open to high school students currently in 11th grade (junior year) who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meaning international students are not eligible.

You can engage in hands-on scientific research through the Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University. During this intensive summer experience, you work closely with a faculty mentor and join an active research group in fields such as science, mathematics, or engineering. You can learn laboratory techniques, research methodologies, and analytical skills while contributing to ongoing academic projects.

The program allows you to experience what life is like at a major research university while collaborating with peers who share strong academic interests in STEM. By the end of the program, you typically produce a research abstract and present your work in a poster symposium, helping you develop scientific communication and presentation skills while gaining meaningful exposure to real-world research environments.

Why It Stands Out: This highly selective program allows you to conduct real research alongside university faculty while receiving a stipend, offering an authentic research experience that mirrors the work of professional scientists in a leading research university environment.

5. Stanford University – Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) 

Location: Hosted at Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
Cost/Stipend: No program cost; generally no stipend, though a limited number of need-based stipends may be available
Dates: June 8th – July 30th (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 21st (11:59 PM PST)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors or seniors (graduating classes of 2026 or 2027) who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Applicants must live in and attend high school in the United States and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders), meaning international students are not eligible to apply.

At the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR), you join one of the most immersive stem pre college summer programs to engage in hands-on biomedical research while working directly with mentors at Stanford’s School of Medicine. Over eight weeks, you join a research group and contribute to real projects across fields such as immunology, cancer biology, and bioengineering.

Through laboratory work, mentorship, and seminars, you gain insight into how scientific research is designed and conducted in a professional setting. The program also helps you build analytical and research skills while exposing you to potential careers in medicine and the biological sciences. By collaborating with scientists and peers, you experience the pace and rigor of research at a leading academic institution.

Why It Stands Out: You work alongside Stanford researchers on real biomedical projects, gaining early exposure to professional laboratory research and mentorship within one of the world’s leading medical research environments.

6. The Rockefeller University – Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) 

Location: Hosted at The Rockefeller University, New York City, United States
Cost/Stipend: Free (no program fee mentioned)
Dates: June 22nd – August 6th (approximately 7 weeks, full-time)
Application Deadline: January 2nd (Letters of recommendation due January 5, 2026)
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the program start. Students outside the New York Tri-State area and international students may apply, but the program does not provide travel, accommodation, or visa assistance.

At the Summer Science Research Program at The Rockefeller University, you can immerse yourself in a collaborative biomedical research environment alongside scientists and research trainees. Over seven weeks, you will join a research team investigating a scientific topic and gradually develop your own research question related to the project. With guidance from mentors, you can design experiments, collect and analyze data, and learn how scientific investigations are conducted in real laboratories.

The program also introduces you to research techniques, scientific communication, and teamwork through lectures and mentoring sessions. By the end of the program, you will present your findings in a research poster at a symposium, gaining hands-on experience in scientific inquiry while strengthening your analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

Why It Stands Out: You work on authentic biomedical research projects alongside active scientists, gaining real laboratory experience and presenting your findings at a symposium.

7. The Jackson Laboratory – Summer Student Program (SSP) 

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine, USA & Farmington, Connecticut, USA
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $7,000-$7,500 stipend; includes housing, meals, and round-trip travel support
Dates: May 30th – August 7th (Bar Harbor) | May 30th – August 10th
Application Deadline: January 26th
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students and graduating high school seniors interested in genetics and genomics research. The program primarily recruits students studying in the United States; international eligibility is not clearly specified on the program page.

The Summer Student Program at The Jackson Laboratory allows you to immerse yourself in hands-on research in genetics and genomics while working alongside experienced scientists. During the 10-week program, you join an active research lab and contribute to an independent project under the guidance of a mentor. You can develop practical laboratory skills, analyze scientific data, and learn how professional researchers approach complex biological questions.

Alongside lab work, you participate in journal clubs, professional development sessions, and workshops covering topics such as science communication, genetic testing, and data visualization. By the end of the program, you present your research findings to scientists and peers, helping you build confidence in scientific inquiry while gaining a deeper understanding of research careers in biomedical science.

Why It Stands Out: You gain a fully funded, immersive research experience where you work directly with leading scientists in genetics and genomics while developing independent research skills and presenting your findings in a professional scientific environment.

8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MITES Summer (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science)

Location: Hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Cost/Stipend: Free program; students typically only cover transportation to and from MIT
Dates: 6 weeks in summer (late June – early August)
Application Deadline: February 1st (11:59 PM PST)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (11th graders) who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. The program is not open to international students without U.S. citizenship or a green card.

Through MITES Summer, you can immerse yourself in a rigorous six-week STEM experience at MIT designed to simulate the intensity of a college semester. You explore advanced topics in mathematics, science, and engineering while taking electives that connect STEM to real-world challenges such as machine learning, architecture, and genomics. Alongside academic coursework, you participate in recitations, workshops, and collaborative projects that strengthen problem-solving and analytical skills.

The program also introduces you to the college application process, mentorship opportunities, and the broader impact of STEM careers on society. By learning in a highly collaborative environment with talented peers and MIT instructors, you gain a deeper understanding of STEM fields and develop the academic confidence and preparation needed for future studies in science and engineering.

Why It Stands Out: MITES Summer stands out for offering a fully funded, rigorous STEM immersion at MIT, combining college-level coursework, mentorship, and hands-on learning that helps you experience life as an MIT student while preparing for advanced STEM study.

9. New York University – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: Hosted at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; students receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion
Dates: May 29th (orientation) | Program runs June 1st – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 27th (5 PM ET)
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time New York City residents attending NYC schools. The program is not open to international students or students outside NYC schools.

The ARISE program at New York University offers an immersive introduction to STEM research through a structured 10-week summer experience. You can explore scientific inquiry by first completing remote workshops that focus on lab safety, research methods, and academic writing. After this training phase, you work directly in one of dozens of university research laboratories at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, collaborating with faculty mentors and researchers on real projects across fields such as engineering, data science, and technology.

Throughout the program, you gain hands-on lab experience, build communication and public speaking skills, and learn how research contributes to real-world innovation. The experience concludes with presentations of your work to the academic community, helping you develop confidence, research skills, and a deeper understanding of STEM careers.

Why It Stands Out: This program stands out for offering fully funded, mentored research experience in university laboratories while also providing a stipend, giving high school students the opportunity to contribute to real scientific projects and present their findings publicly

10. Stanford University – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Location: Online (hosted by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies at Stanford University)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition approx. $3,200 (financial aid available)
Dates: Session 1: June 15th – June 26th | Session 2: July 6th – July 17th
Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 8-11, typically ages 13-18 during the program. The program is open to both U.S. and international students, and financial aid is available to applicants worldwide.

You can explore advanced academic topics through intensive two-week online courses offered by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. The program allows you to dive deeply into a specific subject while learning directly from experienced instructors in a collaborative virtual classroom. Classes meet live each weekday, encouraging discussion, critical thinking, and active participation. You will engage with motivated peers from around the world while working on challenging coursework that goes beyond the typical high school curriculum.

Through this experience, you can strengthen your academic skills, gain exposure to specialized areas of study, and build confidence in tackling college-level material. The program also provides a structured yet interactive environment that helps you develop intellectual curiosity and connect with a global learning community.

Why It Stands Out: This program stands out for its focused two-week intensive courses and live interaction with instructors, allowing you to explore advanced subjects in depth while collaborating with academically motivated students from around the world.

11. Boston University – Research in Science and Engineering (RISE)

Location: Hosted at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $4,900 tuition + $470 service fee; residential housing and meal plans cost about $2,876–$3,156 for the six-week session (financial aid available)
Dates: June 28th – August 7th (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 4th
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors who will be entering their senior year in Fall 2026. Only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents are eligible; international students cannot apply.

You can immerse yourself in advanced scientific research through the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program at Boston University. Over six weeks, you work closely with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate researchers while exploring real-world scientific questions. If you choose the Internship track, you spend around 40 hours per week conducting hands-on laboratory research under the mentorship of a research professional.

Alternatively, the Practicum track allows you to participate in structured research projects in areas such as computational neurobiology or data science while learning core research methods. Throughout the program, you gain experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The experience culminates in a Poster Symposium where you present your research, helping you develop strong analytical and presentation skills valuable for future STEM studies.

Why It Stands Out: The program offers an immersive six-week university research experience where you work directly with scientists and present your findings at a research symposium, giving you early exposure to authentic STEM research and academic mentorship.

12. University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Sessions

Location: Hosted at University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $14,687 (6 weeks) or $15,987 (8 weeks) including tuition, housing, meals, activities, and support
Dates: Session C: June 22nd – August 14th (8 weeks) | Session D: July 6th – August 14th (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Residential & Non-Credit Tracks: March 9th | Commuter & Virtual Tracks: June 1st
Eligibility: Open to domestic and international high school students who: Have completed 10th or 11th grade | Are at least 16 years old by June 21st | Maintain a minimum B average (approx. 3.0 GPA) | Meet English language proficiency requirements if studying outside the U.S.

You can experience university-level academics through the Pre-College Scholars program at the University of California, Berkeley. During the summer, you enroll in real Berkeley Summer Sessions courses alongside college students and explore subjects ranging from STEM to the humanities. The program allows you to earn college credit while gaining exposure to rigorous academic expectations at a top research university.

Beyond academics, you can immerse yourself in campus life through residential housing, organized excursions, and student activities that help you build connections with peers from around the world. With academic advising and structured support, the program helps you develop independence, strengthen your academic interests, and gain a clearer understanding of what studying at a leading global university can be like.

Why It Stands Out: You study real UC Berkeley courses for credit while living the campus experience, giving you early exposure to a top research university’s academic rigor and student life alongside peers from around the world.

13. University of Pennsylvania – Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)

Location: Hosted at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Cost/Stipend: $9,250 program fee (covers tuition, housing, meals, course materials, and program activities; travel not included)
Dates: July 12th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 31st | Final deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have completed at least their freshman year (rising sophomores through rising seniors) and are at least 15 years old at the start of the program. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of around 3.0 and strong preparation in math or science. The program accepts international students, though they must apply by the priority deadline and are not eligible for financial aid.

You can explore advanced engineering topics through the Engineering Summer Academy at Penn, one of the most intensive stem pre college summer programs hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. Over three weeks, you participate in rigorous coursework led by Penn faculty while engaging in hands-on projects and collaborative problem-solving.

Courses span fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, computer graphics, robotics, nanotechnology, and computer science, giving you the opportunity to dive deep into a specialized engineering discipline. Alongside classroom learning, you live on campus and experience a fast-paced collegiate environment that emphasizes both independent work and teamwork. The program helps you strengthen analytical thinking, develop technical skills, and gain early exposure to engineering research and innovation, preparing you for future STEM studies.

Why It Stands Out: Hosted at the University of Pennsylvania, ESAP immerses you in a rigorous, college-level engineering environment where you work with faculty on specialized STEM topics while experiencing campus life at a top Ivy League institution.

14. Boston University – Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

Location: Hosted at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $4,000-$8,000 (need-based financial aid available; can cover up to full cost)
Dates: June 28th – August 8th (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 27th (11:59 PM EST)
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged approximately 14-18 who have completed at least 9th grade and are not yet enrolled as full-time college students. The program accepts both U.S. and international students; financial aid may be available for international participants based on need.

You can explore advanced mathematical thinking through an intensive six-week residential experience focused on number theory and rigorous problem solving. The program immerses you in challenging daily problem sets designed to build logical reasoning, creativity, and proof-writing skills. You learn directly from experienced mathematicians through lectures, discussions, and collaborative exploration with a community of peers who share a strong interest in mathematics.

The curriculum encourages you to investigate mathematical ideas deeply rather than memorize formulas, helping you develop persistence and analytical thinking. Living on campus also allows you to engage in informal mathematical conversations and group study sessions that strengthen your understanding. By the end of the program, you gain a stronger foundation in higher-level mathematics and a clearer perspective on pursuing mathematics or related STEM fields in the future.

Why It Stands Out: PROMYS stands out for its rigorous focus on number theory and proof-based mathematics, challenging you to think like a mathematician through deep problem solving, collaborative learning, and mentorship from leading researchers in an intensive six-week environment.

15. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Location: Hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Cost/Stipend: Free for families with income under ~$150,000-$200,000 | Approx. $2,350-$2,400 for families above that income threshold (housing not included)
Dates: Online prerequisite courses open around February 1st
Application Deadline: March 31st (after completing the required progress in the online prerequisite course)
Eligibility: Open to high school students (generally rising 9th-12th graders) who complete the required online prerequisite coursework. The summer program is only available to students living in the United States or attending a U.S. high school. International students can participate only if they are currently studying at a U.S. high school; students living outside the U.S. are not eligible for the July program.

You can explore advanced STEM topics through the highly selective MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute, one of the most innovative stem pre college summer programs designed to build real engineering and computer science skills. The program combines online prerequisite courses with an immersive summer experience where you work on hands-on projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, satellite technology, and cybersecurity.

Through team-based challenges and mentorship from MIT instructors and researchers, you gain practical experience applying programming, engineering design, and problem-solving skills to real-world problems. By completing complex projects and engaging with cutting-edge technologies, you strengthen your STEM foundation and prepare for future academic and research opportunities.

Why it stands out: The program stands out for its rigorous MIT-led curriculum, mandatory technical prerequisite courses, and hands-on team projects in advanced fields like AI and robotics, giving you an authentic engineering experience before entering college.

Turning Summer Projects into Standout Portfolio Pieces

Your groundbreaking research on autonomous drones or synthetic biology at a top university lab provides the definitive proof that you are ready for collegiate rigor.

Enrolling in stem pre college summer programs empowers you to gather the evidence-based results that demonstrate your technical skill to any elite engineering department now.

You can distinguish your application from thousands of others by learning the specific storytelling methods needed to turn your complex research into a compelling narrative.

Visit our University Preparation blogs to discover expert admissions strategies, build your elite portfolio, and secure your place at a world-class STEM institution right now!