Explore the best STEM summer programs for high school students in 2025. From AI to robotics, these STEM summer programs for high school students offer top university-led and hands-on learning opportunities, many with financial aid options to make them accessible to all.

In an increasingly tech-driven world, STEM education is more than just a buzzword. It is the gateway to innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. If you are a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, there are dozens of STEM summer programs for high school students designed to help you explore and grow in these fields.

This carefully curated 2025 guide highlights the 25 best STEM summer programs for high school students, covering everything from artificial intelligence and biomedical research to robotics, aerospace, and sustainability. Each program combines rigorous academics, hands-on projects, and mentorship from leaders in science and technology.

Whether you are dreaming of studying at MIT, joining NASA labs, or launching your own AI project, these STEM summer programs for high school students will set you on the right path. Plus, we will show how you can enhance your learning experience through Inspirit AI’s mentorship-based, project-driven approach to STEM education.

AI, Data Science & Computer Vision Programs for High School Students

1. Inspirit AI Scholars Program

Explore artificial intelligence with the Inspirit AI Scholars Program, a premier STEM summer program for high school students. This 10-session (25-hour) online course, taught by Stanford and MIT graduates, introduces AI fundamentals through hands-on projects with social impact, such as healthcare or environmental solutions. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, students receive personalized mentorship to excel in AI.

Location: Online
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer sessions, rolling cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling

Learn more about Inspirit AI Scholars.

2. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Google’s CSSI is a free, 3-week online program for graduating high school seniors, offering a robust introduction to computer science. Students build foundational programming skills and tackle real-world problem-solving, making it an ideal STEM summer program for aspiring coders.

Location: Online
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
Program Dates: Summer (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Google CSSI.

3. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute – Autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix

Offered by MIT, this free in-person program in Cambridge, MA, immerses high school students in computer vision and robotics. Participants program autonomous robotic cars to navigate a racetrack, culminating in an exciting final competition. A top-tier STEM summer program for hands-on engineering enthusiasts.

Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; students cover travel and personal expenses
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically July)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about MIT Beaver Works.

4. AI4ALL Summer Camps

AI4ALL promotes diversity in AI through summer camps at various U.S. universities. High school students engage in hands-on AI projects, receive mentorship, and explore AI careers, making it a standout STEM summer program for inclusive tech education.

Location: Various universities across the U.S.
Cost: Varies by location; scholarships available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (varies by location)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about AI4ALL Summer Camps.

5. AI Scholars Live Online – Inspirit AI

AI Scholars Live Online by Inspirit AI offers a 25-hour program where high school students dive into machine learning and neural networks. Taught by Stanford and MIT grads, students build impactful projects in fields like healthcare and sustainability, with a 5:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized learning. A leading STEM summer program for AI enthusiasts.

Location: Online
Cost: $900; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer sessions, rolling cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling

Learn more about AI Scholars Live Online.

Top Research-Driven & University-Based STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025

Research-Driven & University-Based STEM Programs for High School Students

6. Research Science Institute (RSI) @ MIT

The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a prestigious 6-week STEM summer program for high school students. Combining on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus research in science and technology, RSI offers an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside top researchers at a world-renowned institution.

Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: January (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about RSI at MIT.

7. Simons Summer Research Program @ Stony Brook

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school students with hands-on research experience in science, math, or engineering. Guided by faculty mentors, participants engage in cutting-edge projects, making it a top-tier STEM summer program with a stipend included.

Location: Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Program Dates: Summer (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Simons Summer Research.

8. UC Irvine Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

The UC Irvine Research Mentorship Program pairs high school students with UCI faculty mentors to conduct university-level research projects. Culminating in a final presentation and research paper, this program is ideal for students seeking a rigorous STEM summer experience.

Location: Irvine, CA
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about UC Irvine RMP.

9. Clark Scholars Program @ Texas Tech

The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech is a 7-week intensive research program for high school juniors and seniors. Offering hands-on research in various STEM fields and a stipend, this program provides an immersive university-based experience for driven students.

Location: Lubbock, TX
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Clark Scholars.

10. Boston University RISE Internship

The Boston University RISE Internship allows rising high school seniors to conduct university-level research under the guidance of BU faculty mentors. With a focus on individualized projects, this STEM summer program prepares students for advanced academic pursuits.

Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Approximately $5,500; financial aid available
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Program Dates: Summer (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about BU RISE Internship.

11. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Science & Engineering Track

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offer academically talented high school students intensive study in science and engineering. Conducted in a university setting, this STEM summer program provides college-level coursework and hands-on projects.

Location: Stanford, CA
Cost: Approximately $7,000; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: March (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Stanford Pre-Collegiate.

12. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program is a selective 6-week program where high school students conduct research with UCSB faculty in fields like environmental science and computer science. The program culminates in a symposium and potential publication opportunities.

Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Approximately $7,700; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: March (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about UC Santa Barbara RMP.

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

Columbia SHAPE is a 3-week engineering program offering tracks in robotics, biomedical engineering, and more. High school students engage in lectures, labs, and college preparation, making it a dynamic STEM summer program at a top university.

Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Approximately $4,680; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically July)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Columbia SHAPE.

14. LaunchX Summer Entrepreneurship Program (Tech-Focused Track)

LaunchX is a startup incubator for high school students, with a tech-focused track emphasizing STEM-based product innovation and entrepreneurship. Students work in teams to create businesses, guided by mentors, in a virtual or residential format.

Location: Online or select campuses
Cost: $6,770 (virtual); $9,770 (residential); scholarships available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about LaunchX.

Top Space, Robotics & Engineering STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025

Space, Robotics & Engineering Programs for High School Students

15. NASA High School Internship Program (HIP)

The NASA High School Internship Program (HIP) offers high school students a unique opportunity to work with NASA scientists and engineers on real-world space and engineering projects. This prestigious STEM summer program provides hands-on experience at various NASA centers across the U.S., with a stipend included.

Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about NASA HIP.

16. Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation

Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation is a college-level STEM summer program where high school students tackle engineering challenges using math and science. Available in various locations and online, participants engage in lab work and complete a final design project.

Location: Various locations and online
Cost: Approximately $2,500–$4,500; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation.

17. iD Tech Summer Robotics and Game Dev Bootcamps

iD Tech Summer Robotics and Game Dev Bootcamps provide hands-on courses in robotics, AI, coding, and game development. Held at various U.S. universities, this STEM summer program caters to all experience levels, fostering creativity and technical skills.

Location: Various universities across the U.S.
Cost: Approximately $1,000–$1,500 per week
Eligibility: Ages 7–18
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling

Learn more about iD Tech Bootcamps.

18. MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science)

MITES is a 6-week residential STEM summer program at MIT for rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. Offering academic enrichment in science and engineering, it provides a rigorous and supportive environment for future STEM leaders.

Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about MITES.

19. BlueStamp Engineering

BlueStamp Engineering allows high school students to build individual engineering projects from scratch, guided by professional mentors. Available in various locations and online, this STEM summer program emphasizes real-world engineering experience.

Location: Various locations and online
Cost: Approximately $3,000–$4,000; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling

Learn more about BlueStamp Engineering.

20. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science)

COSMOS is a 4-week program for California high school students, hosted at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. With clusters in robotics, marine biology, and quantum computing, it offers hands-on learning in a university setting.

Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz
Cost: Approximately $4,570; financial aid available
Eligibility: California students, Grades 8–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about COSMOS.

21. Stanford AI + X Summer Program

The Stanford AI + X Summer Program explores AI’s applications in fields like climate science, music, healthcare, and economics. This online STEM summer program emphasizes interdisciplinary projects and ethical considerations, guided by Stanford instructors.

Location: Online
Cost: Approximately $3,000; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: March (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Stanford AI + X.

22. Purdue Summer College for High School Students – Engineering Track

Purdue’s Summer College offers 1- to 4-week engineering courses in aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Taught by Purdue faculty, this STEM summer program provides hands-on learning for high school students.

Location: West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Varies by course; scholarships available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Purdue Summer College.

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

NYU ARISE is a 7-week summer research program placing NYC high school students in engineering, computer science, and life science labs at NYU Tandon. Free with a stipend, it offers hands-on research experience.

Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Eligibility: NYC high school students, Grades 10–11
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: March (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about NYU ARISE.

24. Caltech Young Investigators Program (YIP)

The Caltech Young Investigators Program (YIP) is a selective research program where high school students work alongside Caltech researchers on advanced STEM projects. This free STEM summer program offers an immersive experience at a leading institution.

Location: Pasadena, CA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: February (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Caltech YIP.

25. University of Michigan Math & Science Scholars (MMSS)

The University of Michigan Math & Science Scholars (MMSS) offers 2-week courses in robotics, astrophysics, and computational biology. With interactive classes capped at 20 students, this STEM summer program fosters hands-on learning.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Approximately $3,400 per session; financial aid available
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: Spring (check website for exact dates)

Learn more about Michigan MMSS.

Why You Should Attend a STEM Summer Program

STEM summer programs for high school students offer far more than just academic enrichment. They serve as a launchpad for future success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Here is why these programs are worth your time :

Explore Your Passion Early : Dive deep into STEM subjects like AI, coding, or robotics that you might not encounter in a traditional classroom setting.
Gain Hands-On Experience : Participate in real-world activities such as lab work, software development, engineering challenges, and scientific research.
Prepare for College : Experience life on a university campus, collaborate with professors or PhD students, and get a taste of college-level learning.
Strengthen College and Scholarship Applications : Completing STEM summer programs for high school students from selective institutions helps your applications stand out.
Learn from Mentors in the Field : Get guidance from researchers, engineers, and graduate students actively working in the STEM industries.
Build a Like-Minded Network : Connect with peers who share your interests and work together on solving real-world problems.
Discover Your Career Path : Whether you are drawn to biomedical research, aerospace engineering, or artificial intelligence, STEM summer programs for high school students help you explore your interests and identify where you excel.

Student Testimonials for STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025

What Students Have Said About These STEM Programs

Inspirit AI Scholars Program

"The Inspirit AI Scholars Program was a game-changer for me. Learning Python and building an AI project for healthcare with mentors from Stanford was incredible. The small group setting made it feel personal, and I now feel confident pursuing AI in college!" – Sarah K., Grade 11, 2024

NASA High School Internship Program (HIP)

"Working at a NASA center was a dream come true. I contributed to a satellite project and learned from engineers who inspired me to aim for a career in aerospace. The stipend helped, and the experience was unforgettable!" – Michael T., Grade 12, 2024

MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science)

"MITES pushed me to think like an engineer. The professors and peers were so supportive, and I loved the hands-on robotics labs. It gave me the confidence to apply to top STEM schools!" – Aaliyah R., Grade 12, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions About STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About STEM Programs

What are STEM programs for high school students?

STEM programs for high school students emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, providing hands-on learning in fields like AI, robotics, and research. These programs, such as Inspirit AI Scholars or NASA HIP, engage students in projects, mentorship, and competitions to build skills for future STEM careers.

Are there free STEM programs for high school students?

Yes, several programs like NASA High School Internship Program, MITES, and Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT are free, with some offering stipends. Others, like Inspirit AI Scholars and Stanford Pre-Collegiate, provide financial aid to ensure accessibility.

How can I choose the right STEM program for my high school student?

Evaluate your student’s interests (e.g., AI, robotics, or engineering), experience level, and preferred format (online, in-person, or hybrid). Review program details like cost, duration, and testimonials (see our student reviews section) to find a program that aligns with their goals, such as Simons Summer Research or COSMOS.

Do STEM programs enhance college applications?

Definitely! Programs like UC Irvine RMP or Boston University RISE Internship provide rigorous research experiences and projects that strengthen college applications. Skills in coding, engineering, or data analysis also prepare students for competitive STEM majors and careers.

What is the time commitment for these STEM programs?

Time commitments vary. Programs like MITES or RSI last 6–7 weeks with full-time engagement, while others, like iD Tech Bootcamps, run for 1–2 weeks. Online options like Stanford AI + X or Inspirit AI Scholars offer flexible schedules, typically 10–25 hours over several weeks.

Download our College Admissions Report and learn how 400+ Inspirit AI Scholars got accepted to Ivy League Schools in the past 2 years!

Conclusion

The world is rapidly evolving, and STEM fields are at the forefront of shaping our future. By participating in one of the top 25 STEM summer programs for high school students, you will gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to pursue a meaningful path in science and technology.

Whether you are building autonomous vehicles, researching cancer therapies, or launching an AI startup, your journey can begin this summer through one of these exceptional STEM summer programs for high school students. Start exploring your future today. Learn. Build. Innovate.

If you are ready to dive deeper into artificial intelligence with guidance from world-class mentors, consider joining Inspirit AI for a transformative STEM learning experience designed specifically for high school students.

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 Best STEM Summer Programs for High School Students (2025 Guide)

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