STEM programs are educational initiatives that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These programs are designed to provide students with hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills, and exposure to real-world applications of STEM subjects. Jobs in technology, data science, healthcare, engineering, and environmental science are among the fastest-growing career categories in the world. STEM programs provide kids with a head start on career preparedness by exposing them to various career choices and providing them with core skills.

You might be wondering how these programs will benefit you?

As a high schooler, students who participate in STEM programs do better academically, particularly in math and science courses, according to research. Engaging in STEM-related activities can help college-bound children stand out on applications, particularly for STEM-focused programs and scholarships. Given how important technology is to modern life, STEM programs assist students in developing useful tech skills, such as coding and the use of specialized equipment. This technical literacy is useful for everyday living in an increasingly digital environment, as well as for STEM employment.

Students in STEM programs frequently work in groups, which enhances their capacity for effective idea-sharing, teamwork, and interpersonal skill development. Numerous STEM programs are project-based, enabling students to construct projects or work on creative solutions. Students feel more creative and accomplished as a result of this experiential learning.

Here is a list of 10 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students:

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Established by researchers with backgrounds from Harvard and Oxford, Lumiere Research Scholar Programs offer high school students a range of program durations. From 12-week to 12-month research opportunities, students can immerse themselves in various subjects for individualized research. For students interested in STEM, the program offers research in biology, astrophysics, computer science, chemistry, medicine, mathematics, and more. Good news is that the entire program is virtual!

Eligibility: High school students

Program Dates: Four cohorts throughout the year: spring, summer, winter, and fall

For further information: https://www.lumiere-education.com/about

2. Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in the field of artificial intelligence. During this three-week online program, students are immersed in AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities.

A key part of the program is small group mentoring sessions with AI faculty and senior AI researchers. Participants also attend online lectures by experts in career and personal development and social events with Stanford AI graduate students. The program is virtually set to accommodate learners from everywhere!

Eligibility: current 9th-grade students (rising 10th graders during the summer)

Application Date: March (tentative)

Program Date: July

For further information: https://hai.stanford.edu/stanford-ai4all

3. Veritas AI: Deep Dive: AI+ Medicine

The Veritas AI Deep Dive is a 10-week online course designed for ambitious students like you who are interested in the intersection of AI and medicine. In this program, you will learn how AI transforms healthcare, work on projects diagnosing diseases, and sharpen medical scans using AI models. The program is virtual!

Prerequisite: Completion of AI Scholars or background in coding.

Eligibility: 8th-12th Graders

Duration: 10 weeks

For further details: https://www.veritasai.com/deep-dive-ai-medicine

4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

For high school students, Horizon provides trimester-long study programs in a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, neurology, data science, and machine learning. One of the few high school research programs that gives pupils the option to choose between qualitative and quantitative research is this one. You have a good chance to pursue a research program in extremely specialized topics under the supervision of a leading academic with this program. Along with thorough project feedback that you may utilize for future job and college applications, the program also gives each student a letter of recommendation!

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders.

Program Dates: Winter- December, Spring- March

*Prerequisites are required for a few programs; to know more, click the link below.

https://www.horizoninspires.com/application

For further information: https://www.horizoninspires.com/

5. RISE Practicum/Internship | Boston University Summer Camp

If you are passionate about the sciences and are a domestic student currently in your junior year of high school, then RISE must be the right choice for you. The RISE program has helped kick-start the careers of many scientists, researchers, and professors.

There will be lots of enjoyable moments with your fellow students and engaging intellectual connections whether you reside on campus or commute from home. The scientific method, research ethics, reading research papers, presenting independent research, and networking in the science and engineering domains will all be improved for all RISE students.

Eligibility: High school juniors (students entering 12th grade in the fall following the program)

For further information: https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/rise-internship-practicum/

6. Science Honors Program (SHP) Columbia Engineering Outreach

High school students with a keen interest in mathematics and the sciences might apply to the extremely selective Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP). Physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computer sciences are the main subjects of the courses, and the professors are mathematicians and scientists who are actively involved in university research.

Programs: Fall and Spring

Eligibility: 10th-12th Graders

For further information: https://outreach.engineering.columbia.edu/SHP

7. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

Aside from five demanding classes in disciplines like math, physics, and the humanities, MITES Summer is a distinguished program that offers lab visits, social events, and advice on college admissions. All costs are covered by the program, with the exception of transportation to and from MIT. By the end of the program, you will have improved your academic and personal abilities, learned a lot about STEM jobs, and obtained a written assessment from your teacher.

Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Program Dates: Late June to Early August

Application Deadline: February

For further information: https://mites.mit.edu/discover-mites/mites-summer/

8. Smith College’s Summer Pre-College Programs

Participants in the Summer Science & Engineering Program can work directly with Smith academics in disciplines such as the physical and biological sciences. Topics covered in the course include the chemistry of herbal medicine, creating intelligent robots, the health of young women worldwide, and the discovery of new bacteriophages.

Application Deadline: May

Eligibility: Open to high school students who identify as female or gender-nonconforming

For further details: https://www.smith.edu/academics/programs-courses/precollege-programs

9. Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students (CS Programs)

The Pre-College Program at Harvard University is a two-week summer program that gives students a taste of college living and college-level academics. STEM-related courses like "Molecular Oncology: Unravelling Molecular Biology Techniques" and "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: From Schrödinger's Equation to Quantum Computers" are among the many courses offered by the program.

Application Deadline: February

Program Dates: There are multiple sessions from June – August

Eligibility: Applicants must be expected to graduate from high school and enter college.

For further information: https://summer.harvard.edu/high-school-programs/

10. Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Neurology Education and Research Program

For high school and college students who are under-represented in neurology, the Massachusetts General Hospital's Youth Neurology Education and Research Program offers educational and research opportunities. You may meet and learn about the career trajectories of neuroscientists and neurologists from a variety of backgrounds through this program.

You will finish a "boot camp" before the program starts, which will teach you the fundamental skills required to operate in a research lab. You will collaborate on an ongoing research project with a faculty member in the field of neurology at MGH, who will be assigned to each student. In addition to receiving assistance in publishing and award-submitting your work, the program culminates with a research presentation.

Application Deadline: March

Program Dates: July – August

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates who live or study in Massachusetts

For further information: https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/education-and-training/youth-research-and-education