Top 10 Free STEM Research Camps for High Schoolers Summer 2026

These are some of the best research-focused summer programs for high schoolers, and most of them are completely free. A couple charge tuition or have strict eligibility, so read each program’s cost and eligibility note before you apply.

1. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University

A free, selective program at Carnegie Mellon with coursework in math, science, and engineering, team research projects, and guest lectures.

• Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have refugee/asylum status, and are from groups underrepresented in STEM (including racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, or those from low-income backgrounds).
• Cost: Free.

2. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

A four-week residential program where female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team projects, mentored by female MIT students and faculty. The Mechanical Engineering track is the one currently running (the EECS track has been on hiatus since 2022).

• Eligibility: Female high school juniors with a strong academic record and a real interest in STEM.
• Cost: There is tuition, with need-based financial aid available. Check the program site for current figures.

3. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

One of the most prestigious and selective summer research programs in the world. Around 100 students spend six weeks doing real research with leading scientists at MIT, attending lectures, and getting college admissions guidance. It’s a long shot, but worth a try.

• Eligibility: High school juniors with exceptional academic achievement, especially in math and science. The application includes transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendation letters.
• Cost: Free (fully funded).

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4. Garcia Summer Scholars Program at Stony Brook University

A seven-week research program in polymer and materials science at Stony Brook, combining formal instruction with independent research under faculty mentors.

• Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, with standardized test scores at the 60th percentile or above and a strong interest in STEM.
• Cost: Not free. There’s a $50 application fee plus program tuition (room and board not included). Check the Garcia site for current pricing.

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

An eight-week biomedical research program at Stanford. Students do hands-on lab work and contribute to ongoing research, with one-on-one mentorship from Stanford faculty and researchers.

• Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong science background and a genuine interest in biomedical research.
• Cost: Free, and participants receive a stipend.

More lists of competitions for high school students:

Math competitions worldwide
Biology competitions
Psychology competitions
Medical competitions

6. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

A research program in genetics and genomics at The Jackson Laboratory, a leading institution in mammalian genetics. Students do hands-on lab work alongside research scientists.

• Eligibility: Students who have finished their sophomore or junior year with a strong background in biology and a genuine interest in genetics research.
• Cost: Free, and participants receive a stipend.

7. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship Program (SHIP)

A summer research internship at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, where students work alongside leading scientists in biomedical research labs.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, in grades 9 through 11 at the time of application, with a strong science background.
• Cost: Free, and interns are paid.

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8. GenCyber Program

A free cybersecurity program funded by the NSA and NSF, run as summer camps at universities across the country. Students get hands-on training in protecting systems and defending against cyber threats.

• Eligibility: High school students interested in computer science and cybersecurity. Specific requirements vary by the hosting university.
• Cost: Free.

9. NSBE Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK)

A free, three-week hands-on engineering program from the National Society of Black Engineers. Worth knowing about, though note the age range below.

• Eligibility: SEEK is for students in grades 3 through 8, not high schoolers, so it’s an option for a younger sibling rather than you. For high schoolers, look at NSBE’s other student programs.
• Cost: Free.

10. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

A NASA program combining online coursework with a hands-on experience at a NASA facility, focused on aerospace, engineering, and space exploration.

• Eligibility: This one is Texas only. You must be a U.S. citizen, a Texas resident, and a junior at a Texas high school. If you’re not in Texas, check NASA’s other STEM opportunities instead.
• Cost: Free.

Resources for competitions

Summer programs and competitions are two of the best ways to dig into your interests and get real experience from top universities. Take a look at Rishab Jain’s YouTube playlist on landing internships and competing, and grab the free STEM Student Guide, which lists over 50 opportunities, internships, and competitions.