Stanford University, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers an unmatched academic gateway for motivated teens. Whether you are passionate about artificial intelligence, medicine, the humanities, or the arts, a Stanford summer program for high school students in 2025 provides the perfect platform to explore college-level courses, engage in groundbreaking research, and experience vibrant campus life.

With application deadlines approaching fast (May 23, 2025, at 9 p.m. PDT for Stanford Summer Session), now is the time to plan ahead. These prestigious programs blend rigorous academics with real-world learning, helping students boost their college applications, gain clarity on career goals, and connect with like-minded peers from over 60 countries.

Ready to unlock your full potential through a Stanford summer program for high school students? Dive into our ultimate 2025 guide to find your best fit.

Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students 2025 :

7 Top Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025

STEM Focused Programs

1. Stanford Summer Session

A premier choice among Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, this 8-week program (June 21–August 17, 2025) offers college-level STEM courses like “Machine Learning” or “Neuroscience of Consciousness.” Students live on campus or commute, earning a Stanford transcript. “It’s a collaborative vibe where everyone pushes each other to grow,” says Xavier, a 2024 participant.

Eligibility: Grades 10–12; ages 16–19 by August 17, 2025
Program Dates: June 21–August 17, 2025
Cost: $8,091 (commuter, 5 units) to $18,443 (residential, 8 units)
Application Deadline: May 23, 2025, 9 p.m. PDT
Best For: Students seeking college credit

Learn more about Stanford Summer Session.

2. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (SPCS)

Explore cutting-edge STEM topics like AI and quantum physics in this 2–3-week program (June 16–July 18, 2025), part of Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025. Offered online or residentially, SPCS provides deep dives with Stanford faculty. “I explored cryptography in a way my school couldn’t offer,” says Ann, a 2024 alum.

Eligibility: Grades 8–11; case-by-case for 8th graders
Program Dates: June 16–July 18, 2025
Cost: $1,495 (virtual) to $2,795 (in-person); financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
Best For: Intensive, non-credit study

Learn more about SPCS.

3. Stanford AI4ALL

A 3-week residential program (June–July 2025) within Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, AI4ALL focuses on AI, machine learning, and ethics. Students work on real AI projects with Stanford researchers, emphasizing diversity and societal impact.

Eligibility: Ages 16+; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Aspiring AI innovators

Learn more about Stanford AI4ALL.

4. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

A highly selective 4-week program (June 16–July 25, 2025) in Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, SUMaC explores advanced math like number theory. With a <10% acceptance rate, it offers rigorous lectures and collaborative problem-solving.

Eligibility: Grades 10–11; strong math background
Program Dates: June 16–July 25, 2025
Cost: $3,500 (online) to $8,000 (residential)
Application Deadline: February 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Math prodigies

Learn more about SUMaC.

5. Genomics Research Internship Program (GRIPS)

An 8-week program (June 16–August 7, 2025) in Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, GRIPS places students in Stanford labs for computational genetics research, requiring 20 hours/week with expert mentors.

Eligibility: Ages 16+; no prior lab experience required
Program Dates: June 16–August 7, 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Best For: Future bioinformaticians

Learn more about GRIPS.

6. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

A 2-week virtual program (June–July 2025) in Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, AIMI explores AI in healthcare and imaging. Students complete hands-on projects and a capstone presentation with Stanford mentors.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in AI and medicine
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: $1,495; scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Best For: AI-healthcare enthusiasts

Learn more about AIMI.

7. SAGE Camp (Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement in STEM)

A free 1-week residential camp (June 22–28, 2025) at SLAC, part of Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, SAGE Camp offers hands-on STEM projects and lab tours for girls from Northern California public schools.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; Northern California public school students
Program Dates: June 22–28, 2025
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 21, 2025
Best For: Girls exploring STEM careers

Learn more about SAGE Camp.

Medicine and Health Sciences

8. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

A standout among Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, this 5-week residential program (June–July 2025) supports low-income, first-generation juniors in Northern California with hands-on research in Stanford labs on topics like nanotechnology. Highly selective (~16 students).

Eligibility: Grade 11; low-income, first-generation; Northern California residents
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Free; includes $500 stipend
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Underrepresented students in medicine

Learn more about SMYSP.

9. Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)

This 1-week in-person program (June 9–13, June 23–27, or July 7–11, 2025) dives into human anatomy with hands-on dissection labs and lectures from Stanford Medicine faculty, ideal for future doctors.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in health fields
Program Dates: June 9–13, June 23–27, or July 7–11, 2025
Cost: $4,000–$5,000
Application Deadline: March 8, 2025
Best For: Future doctors and health professionals

Learn more about CASP.

10. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship

A 2-week program (June 23–July 25, 2025) focusing on surgical anatomy and techniques, where students practice suturing and simulated surgeries with expert mentors.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in medicine
Program Dates: June 23–July 25, 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
Best For: Aspiring surgeons

Learn more about the Cardiothoracic Internship.

11. Stanford Tri-Valley Clinical Academy

This 2-week program (June–July 2025) covers medical topics like cardiology and suturing, offering hands-on clinical skills and mentorship from Stanford physicians.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in healthcare
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Students exploring medical careers

Learn more about Tri-Valley Clinical Academy.

12. Stanford CARE AI Summer Program

A 2-week in-person program (June–July 2025) exploring AI for Asian health outcomes, with a focus on underserved communities and innovative health solutions.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in AI and health equity
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Best For: Students passionate about health equity

Learn more about CARE AI.

13. Video Games for Health Program

This 2-week in-person program (June 16–27, 2025) blends game design and medical science, where students create health-focused video games and present at a virtual symposium.

Eligibility: Ages 9–18; interest in gaming and health
Program Dates: June 16–27, 2025
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Creative students in gaming and medicine

Learn more about Video Games for Health.

6 Top Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students 2025: Humanities and Arts

Humanities and Social Sciences

14. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

A highlight of Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, this 3-week residential program (June 22–August 1, 2025) explores topics like ethics and democracy through seminars with Stanford professors, fostering critical thinking.

Eligibility: Grades 10–11; under 18 during program
Program Dates: June 22–August 1, 2025
Cost: $7,000–$8,000; scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
Best For: Humanities enthusiasts

Learn more about Stanford Summer Humanities Institute.

15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Immersive

These online courses (June–August 2025) offer advanced humanities and social sciences topics like philosophy, allowing students to earn Stanford Continuing Studies credit in a flexible format.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; strong academic background
Program Dates: June–August 2025
Cost: $495–$1,500; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Rolling, by May 2025
Best For: Students seeking flexible humanities study

Learn more about Stanford Pre-Collegiate Online.

16. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program

A 3-week online program (June–July 2025) for low-income U.S. middle schoolers, building academic skills with Stanford mentors to prepare for high school.

Eligibility: Grades 6–7; low-income U.S. students
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Younger students from underserved backgrounds

Learn more about Middle School Scholars.

Arts and Music

17. Stanford Jazz Camp

A vibrant part of Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, this 1–2-week program (June–July 2025) focuses on jazz performance and theory, culminating in a performance at the Stanford Jazz Festival with world-class instructors.

Eligibility: Ages 12–17; all skill levels
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application Deadline: April 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Aspiring musicians

Learn more about Stanford Jazz Camp.

18. Stanford Youth Orchestra

This 2-week program (June–July 2025) offers rehearsals and masterclasses, allowing students to perform with talented peers under Stanford conductors.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; musical experience required
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Serious young musicians

Learn more about Stanford Youth Orchestra.

19. Stanford Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program

A 1-week program (June–July 2025) blending art and medical illustration, where students create medical illustrations with mentorship from artists and physicians.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in art and medicine
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Creative students in health sciences

Learn more about Medicine Art & Anatomy.

6 Top Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students 2025: Research and Specialized

Research and Specialized Programs

20. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Research (SIMR)

A premier offering among Stanford summer programs for high school students in 2025, this 8-week program (June–August 2025) places students in Stanford labs for biomedical research with faculty mentors. Highly selective (<3% acceptance rate) with stipends up to $2,500.

Eligibility: Grades 11–12; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 16+ by start
Program Dates: June–August 2025
Cost: Free; stipend up to $2,500 for financial need
Application Deadline: February 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Aspiring biomedical researchers

Learn more about SIMR.

21. Pediatrics Internship Program (PIPS)

This 6-week program (June–July 2025) focuses on pediatric research, offering hands-on experience with Stanford faculty in cutting-edge medical studies.

Eligibility: Grades 11–12; interest in science and medicine
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Students interested in pediatric medicine

Learn more about PIPS.

22. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)

A 2-week program (June–July 2025) exploring neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology through interactive seminars and a capstone project, available virtually or in-person.

Eligibility: Grades 10–12; virtual or in-person
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: $1,495 (virtual) to $2,795 (in-person)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025; waitlist open
Best For: Neuroscience enthusiasts

Learn more about CNI-X.

23. SMASH Academy

A 5-week STEM program (June–July 2025) for underrepresented students, combining rigorous coursework with college prep and networking opportunities.

Eligibility: Grades 9–11; underrepresented groups; U.S. residents
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Underrepresented STEM students

Learn more about SMASH Academy.

24. Stanford Summer Community College Research Program

A 6-week program (June–July 2025) for community college students and select high schoolers, focusing on scientific research addressing health inequities with Stanford mentors.

Eligibility: Community college students; high schoolers considered
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Free; includes stipend
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Transitioning students in science

Learn more about Community College Research.

25. Workshop on Translational Behavioral Pharmacology

A 1-week in-person program (June–July 2025) exploring drug discovery and disease modeling, with a focus on practical and ethical aspects of medical research.

Eligibility: Grades 9–12; interest in pharmacology
Program Dates: June–July 2025
Cost: Varies; scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 2025 (estimated)
Best For: Students in medical research

Learn more about Translational Behavioral Pharmacology.

Why Choose Stanford Summer Programs in 2025?

Learn from Stanford’s World-Class Faculty : Experience top-tier education by studying under renowned Stanford professors and Silicon Valley innovators. The Stanford summer program for high school students offers direct access to leaders in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship.
Strengthen Your College Application : Gain a competitive edge with a Stanford transcript, college credits, or research experience. Participation in the Stanford summer program for high school students demonstrates initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to academic excellence. These are qualities top universities look for.
Join a Global Network of Future Leaders : Connect with ambitious students from over 60 countries on Stanford’s 8,180-acre campus. The program fosters cross-cultural friendships and prepares students for the global academic environment.
Explore Careers in AI, Medicine, and More : Use the summer to test-drive future career paths in emerging fields. The Stanford summer program for high school students offers hands-on courses in everything from neuroscience and humanities to computer science and climate policy.
Immerse Yourself in the Stanford Experience : Live and learn on campus while accessing world-class resources like research libraries, innovation labs, and the Stanford Jazz Festival. The immersive environment is designed to spark creativity and growth, both academic and personal.

How to Choose and Apply

With deadlines as early as February 28, 2025 (e.g., AIMI, GRIPS) and May 23, 2025 for Summer Session, here is how to choose the right Stanford summer program for high school students :

Align with Your Passions : Whether you are interested in artificial intelligence, mathematics, or the humanities, Stanford offers specialized options. Choose AI4ALL for tech-focused exploration, SUMaC for advanced math enrichment, or the Stanford Humanities Institute to sharpen your critical thinking skills. Each Stanford summer program for high school students is designed to help you explore future academic and career interests.
Check Format and Duration : Some programs are brief but intensive. If you prefer a one-week experience, consider CASP. Looking for a full immersion into campus life? The Stanford Summer Session spans eight weeks and allows you to earn college credit while living like a Stanford undergraduate.
Review Eligibility Requirements : Before applying to a Stanford summer program for high school students, verify the specific age, grade, and regional criteria. For example, SMYSP is open only to students from Northern California with an interest in medicine and health equity.
Prepare Your Application Materials : Be ready to upload your transcripts, personal essays, and proof of English proficiency through summer.stanford.edu. Each Stanford summer program for high school students has unique requirements, so read the guidelines carefully.
Seek Financial Aid Opportunities : Many Stanford summer programs for high school students offer need-based or merit-based scholarships. Apply early to increase your chances of receiving funding and ensure your participation in these competitive programs.

Student Tip : “The independence and academic rigor of the Stanford Summer Session truly prepared me for college life,” says Ann, a 2024 participant in the Stanford summer program for high school students. From navigating campus resources to managing coursework, the experience gave her a head start on college readiness.

Explore more firsthand stories and detailed program descriptions at spcs.stanford.edu to find the right Stanford summer program for high school students for you.

What Students Have Said About Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students 2025

"Taking ‘Machine Learning’ in one of the Stanford summer programs for high school students 2025 was intense but incredible. The professors were world-class, and living in Stanford dorms felt like real college life. I made friends from Japan and Brazil!"

— Xavier, Summer Session, 2024

"The cryptography course opened my eyes to cybersecurity. The small classes meant I could ask questions and dive deep. It’s why I’m now aiming for a CS major."

— Ann, SPCS, 2024

"As a first-generation student, SMYSP was life-changing. Working in a Stanford lab made me feel like I belonged in science. Plus, the stipend helped my family."

— Maya, SMYSP, 2024

"SUMaC’s math lectures were tough but thrilling. Collaborating on proofs with other math nerds was the highlight of my summer."

— Liam, SUMaC, 2024

"Learning AI ethics from Stanford researchers showed me how tech can solve real-world problems. My capstone project is now part of my college application!"

— Sofia, AI4ALL, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions About Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students 2025

Are Stanford summer programs worth it?

Yes! Stanford summer programs for high school students 2025 offer college-level academics, access to Stanford faculty, and a global community, boosting your college applications and career clarity. Many provide credits or research experience.

How do I apply to Stanford summer programs for 2025?

Visit summer.stanford.edu or spcs.stanford.edu for program-specific applications. Submit transcripts, essays, and proof of English proficiency (if required). Deadlines range from February to May 23, 2025.

How much do Stanford summer programs cost?

Costs vary: $1,495 (virtual SPCS) to $18,443 (Summer Session residential). Many programs, like SMYSP and SMASH, are free, and scholarships are widely available.

Who is eligible for Stanford summer programs?

Most programs target grades 9–12 (some include grade 8), with age ranges of 12–19. Some, like SMYSP, have regional or demographic requirements (e.g., Northern California, low-income).

Can international students attend?

Yes, programs like Summer Session and SPCS welcome international students from 60+ countries. Proof of English proficiency may be required (e.g., TOEFL). Check program-specific rules.

Are scholarships available?

Many programs offer financial aid or are free (e.g., SMYSP, SMASH). Apply early to maximize scholarship chances, especially for competitive programs like SUMaC.

How competitive are these programs?

Some, like SUMaC and SIMR, have acceptance rates below 10%. Others, like Summer Session, are less selective but require strong academics. Apply early with a polished application.

Conclusion

Stanford’s 2025 summer programs for high school students offer a transformative opportunity to explore fields like artificial intelligence, medicine, and the humanities, all at one of the world’s leading universities. Participating in a Stanford summer program for high school students allows you to experience college-level academics, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant campus life. With application deadlines quickly approaching (May 23, 2025, for Stanford Summer Session), now is the time to start your journey. Visit summer.stanford.edu or spcs.stanford.edu to apply and make your summer unforgettable. Your Stanford experience starts here!

About Inspirit AI

AI Scholars Live Online is a 10-session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.

25 Stanford Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025

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