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Writer's pictureHarpal Kochar

Top Summer Programs for High School Students Interested in STEM

Updated: Oct 31

SK students routinely get admitted to these coveted, highly competitive programs. If you’re a high school student with a passion for STEM, summer programs can be an amazing opportunity to dive deeper into your field of interest, work with renowned researchers, and gain hands-on experience that will benefit you for years to come. Here are some top STEM summer programs you should consider applying to!


1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

- Website: RSI

- A prestigious, rigorous program at MIT, RSI offers research experience in science and engineering to high-achieving students. Through this six-week program, students participate in theoretical and experimental research while being mentored by MIT faculty.


2. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science)

- Website: COSMOS

- COSMOS is a four-week summer program at various UC campuses where students take courses in STEM fields. Ideal for students in California looking for hands-on science and math experience with faculty from the University of California.


3. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

- Website: [RMP]

- This six-week program pairs high school students with UCSB faculty to conduct academic research in a variety of fields. Students also engage in workshops and seminars to learn research skills and explore career pathways.


4. BU RISE Internship/Practicum

- Website: BU RISE

- Offered by Boston University, RISE is open to rising seniors interested in hands-on research experience in STEM. The program offers both lab and practicum tracks, depending on the student’s preference.


5. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

- Website: [MIT BWSI](https://beaverworks.ll.mit.edu/CMS/bw/)

- BWSI is a rigorous program aimed at rising seniors interested in topics like robotics, cyber security, and AI. However, students from all grades are encouraged to apply if they meet the prerequisites.


6. Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program

- Website: [Simons Program](https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/simons/applying_to/how-to-apply.php)

- The Simons program provides high school juniors interested in STEM with a unique research opportunity to work on real-world research projects at Stony Brook University.


7. Engineering Innovation at Johns Hopkins

- Website: [Engineering Innovation](https://ei.jhu.edu/programs/eei-online/)

- Designed by Johns Hopkins, this program covers fundamental engineering topics and allows students to work on exciting hands-on projects while earning college credit.


8. Stanford SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Internship

- Website: [Stanford SHTEM](https://compression.stanford.edu/outreach/shtem-summer-internships-high-schoolers-and-community-college-students)

- This internship program offers students the chance to explore a blend of STEM fields in a collaborative environment and participate in innovative research at Stanford.


9. UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)

- Website: [SCIP](https://summer.ucla.edu/summer-programs/summer-college-immersion-program/)

- SCIP is a challenging UCLA summer program that combines college courses, hands-on activities, and workshops. Students get a taste of college life while deepening their knowledge in a specific academic area.


10. UC San Diego Academic Connections

- Academic Connections is a pre-college program that offers a range of STEM courses taught by university faculty. Ideal for students looking to explore specific STEM fields and university-level coursework.


11. Stanford AI4ALL

- Website: [Stanford AI4ALL](https://hai.stanford.edu/stanford-ai4all)

- Stanford AI4ALL provides an introduction to AI and aims to increase diversity in the field. Open to students passionate about ethical AI and solving real-world problems.


13. UC Berkeley ATDP (Academic Talent Development Program)

- Website**: [ATDP](https://atdp.berkeley.edu/programs/sd/catalog/)

- ATDP offers accelerated courses across STEM subjects, allowing students to explore their interests in math, science, and engineering with UC Berkeley faculty.


14. UCI GATI Programs

- BEAM (Biology, Engineering, AI & Medicine): [BEAM](https://www.ucigati.org/beam)

- GSET (Game Science & Entertainment Tech): [GSET](https://www.ucigati.org/gset)

- These two programs by UC Irvine’s GATI offer hands-on learning in cutting-edge fields, perfect for students with specific interests in biology, gaming, and AI.


15. Comp Sci Summer Institute at UCLA

- An intensive program designed for students interested in computer science, with courses and activities to sharpen programming skills.


16. USC Discover Engineering

- Website: [Discover Engineering](https://precollege.usc.edu/summer-programs/discover-engineering/)

- Hosted by USC, this program offers students a broad introduction to engineering fields through hands-on projects, lectures, and lab work.


17. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Institutes

- A set of programs offering advanced study in diverse fields. Designed to provide motivated high school students with in-depth, college-level coursework.


18. UCSF AI4ALL

- A program specifically focused on advancing AI knowledge in high school students, with a mission to increase diversity in the AI field.


19. UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP)

- Website: [SIP](https://sip.ucsc.edu/about/)

- SIP offers research experiences with UCSC faculty in a range of scientific disciplines, ideal for students passionate about scientific exploration.


20. Columbia SHAPE (Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers)

- Website: [SHAPE](https://apply.engineering.columbia.edu/apply/)

- Columbia’s SHAPE program offers advanced engineering coursework and project-based learning experiences for high school students.


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These summer programs are incredible opportunities to gain real-world STEM experience, build foundational skills, and discover your passions. Applying early is often essential, so be sure to check each program’s specific requirements and deadlines.

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