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Summer research programs offer high school students an incredible opportunity to dive into the world of scientific exploration, work with renowned researchers, and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields. These programs not only enrich your academic journey but also serve as a significant boost to your college applications. We’ve curated a list of the top 25 summer research programs for high school students in 2024, each offering a unique and immersive experience in various STEM disciplines.

In one of these programs, you’ll get to work on incredible projects with renowned scientists and explore new horizons (without worrying about the cost!). Here are the TOP 10 FREE STEM SUMMER PROGRAMS for ambitious students.

Once you’re done with this list, check out our extended, comprehensive article on the 50 BEST STEM SUMMER PROGRAMS for high schoolers!

1. UTDallas Summer Research Workshop
   • Program Dates: 9 weeks in the summer
   • Eligibility: High school students
   • Cost: Need-based scholarship available, 500 USD
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship
   • Program Dates: 12-15 weeks
   • Eligibility: High school students with basic understanding of Python
   • Cost: $4,900; Need-based financial aid available
3. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
   • Program Dates: 8-12 weeks
   • Eligibility: High school students
   • Cost: None
4. Research Science Institute (RSI)
   • Eligibility: High school students
   • Acceptance Rate: 5%
   • Cost: None
5. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
   • Program Dates: 7 weeks
   • Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
   • Cost: None; $750 stipend provided
6. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
   • Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented populations in STEM
   • Cost: None
7. Simons Summer Research Program
   • Program Dates: June 27 – July 29
   • Eligibility: High school students 16+
   • Acceptance Rate: 8%
   • Cost: None; Stipend provided of $750
8. Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) (University of Iowa)
   • Program Dates: 5 weeks
   • Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
   • Cost: $6,395
9. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
   • Program Dates: 6 weeks
   • Eligibility: High school students 17+
   • Cost: None; $750 stipend provided
10. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
    • Program Dates: 6 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school students 14+
    • Cost: $5,150; Financial aid available for families earning under $60,000 per year
11. University of Illinois High School STEM Research Program
    • Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
    • Program Dates: 6 weeks
    • Cost: None
12. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
    • Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
    • Acceptance Rate: 10%
    • Cost: $7,450; Financial aid available for families earning under $70,000 per year
13. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
    • Program Dates: 8 weeks
    • Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors, 16+
    • Cost: None; $500 minimum stipend provided
14. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
    • Program Dates: 8 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school students
    • Cost: None
15. Research in Materials Science Program (RIMS)
    • Program Dates: 8 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school students
    • Cost: None; Stipend provided
16. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
    • Program Dates: 10 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school students 18+ who have completed grade 12
    • Acceptance Rate: 3%
    • Cost: None; $6,000 stipend provided
17. Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)
    • Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors interested in theoretical physics
    • Cost: $195
18. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
    • Program Dates: 6 weeks
    • Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds
    • Cost: None
19. National Institute of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
    • Program Dates: 8 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, 17+ at program start
    • Acceptance Rate: 15%
    • Cost: None; $2,080 per month stipend provided
20. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
    • Program Dates: 8 weeks
    • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented communities
    • Cost: None; Stipend provided
21. Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
    • Program Dates: June 27 – August 11 (tentative)
    • Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors, 16+
    • Cost: None
22. Coriell Institute For Medical Research Summer Experience
    • Program Dates: 4 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school students 17+
    • Cost: None; $1,000 stipend provided
23. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Jump Start Program
    • Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have completed AP Biology and Chemistry
    • Cost: $250
24. City Of Hope Cancer Center Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
    • Program Dates: 10 weeks
    • Eligibility: High school students 16+
    • Cost: None; $4,000 stipend provided
25. UC San Diego Academic Connections Research Scholars
    • Program Dates: 6 weeks
    • Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
    • Cost: $4,200

These summer research programs provide high school students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in hands-on research, work with distinguished mentors, and explore potential career paths in STEM. By participating in these programs, you’ll not only gain valuable experience and knowledge but also set yourself apart in the college admissions process. Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to dive into the world of scientific research and make a lasting impact on your academic journey.