������һ����ӰԺ�ݲ�

In the early 2000s, the National Science Foundation coined “STEM” – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. (It used to be SMET – decidedly less catchy.) Often used to define a curriculum that combines all four disciplines, the term has multiple variations, including STEAM (Art) and STREAM (Art & Robotics), among others. STEM curriculums have become a core educational fixture in many US schools, with more and more children being introduced to STEM topics in preschool & kindergarten. Such early contact is meant to build skills and confidence while increasing the likelihood of STEM success & persistence in college and beyond. Likewise, high school summer STEM programs are an excellent way to receive valuable insight into a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math careers, and often provide exposure to multiple topics & disciplines. Interested in a specific STEM field? See our posts on engineering, math, and computer science summer programs.

Want a full look at our searchable database of the best 2026 summer programs? Click below to sort summer programs by discipline and location, and view important data points such as tuition costs, deadlines, course listings, and more!

2026 Best Summer Programs

 

1)

• Location: n/a
• Instructional Method: Online
• Program Length: 1, 2, or 4 weeks
• Cost: $1,795 per course
• Eligibility: 13+
• Application Deadline: Rolling

On the hunt for a program that you can dive into at any time during the year and complete at your own pace? Rice University’s Precollege Program, available to students aged 13 and up, is an excellent option. Given that Rice’s mission is to improve the world through unconventional thinking and doing, their ten current courses aim to capture that ethos with options in subject areas like medicine, STEM, business, law, government, psychology, and even aerospace.

During your course, you’ll learn through a series of dynamic videos recorded by Rice professors, and engage in a variety of different activities along the way. Prepare for approximately 20-30 total hours of instruction, simulations, and assignments. Additionally, you’ll receive support from a mentor, who will provide direction and motivation along the way. All courses conclude with a capstone project, which allows you to demonstrate all that you’ve learned throughout the course. Even in an online format, the curriculum has been curated to be engaging and hands-on; in Engineering: Solving Real-World Problems, students not only learn the essentials of mechanical, biomedical, and aerospace engineering, but also learn how these concepts can be applied to real-world problems like climate change and the quest for clean energy. In Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine, students tackle genome editing, study clinical trials, and explore ethical considerations before creating a project that involves identifying a gene-editing strategy for a blood disorder.

As there’s no limit to how many courses you can take at one time, you can explore your interests in great depth. You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of each program. Interested in applying? It’s a simple process—you’ll only need to provide basic personal information as well as a personal statement that discusses why you’re interested in your course of choice.

2)

• Location: n/a
• Instructional Method: Online
• Program Length: 1, 2, & 4-week sessions
• Cost: $1,895
• Eligibility: 13+
• Application Deadline: Rolling

This program allows you to explore college-level courses designed by top instructors—all from the comfort of home. These courses conclude with a final capstone project and students will earn a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth. Currently, there are four STEM-related classes in applied math, biology, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine. 

Regenerative Medicine: Healing with Science takes students through the core principles of tissue engineering, stem cell technology, and organ regeneration in modern medicine. Students will explore how cutting-edge tools like 3D bioprinting and biomaterials are shaping the future of healthcare. In a similar vein, students in Biology: Transforming the Future of Science will explore how systems biology revolutionizes our understanding of genes, proteins, and cellular interactions. From personalized medicine to anti-aging research, students will learn how cutting-edge technology and computational tools are transforming the world.

Unsurprisingly, Dartmouth also offers a class on AI called From Understanding to Innovation. This course uncovers how AI is reshaping fields from medicine to the arts, while handing students the blueprint to innovate in any industry. However, if you’re looking for something less amorphous, you might be interested in Dartmouth’s applied math course, which promises to teach students how models are used to simplify complex systems and use mathematical reasoning to question claims encountered in daily life.

Dartmouth also offers an , so whatever your interest, there’s a Dartmouth program for you.

3)

• Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
• Program Length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $5,518
• Eligibility: Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors (California students only)
• Application Deadline: February (application opens in January)

During these summer STEM programs, students are exposed to advanced topics typically not included in high school curriculums. As such, each student chooses a “cluster” comprising two science and/or math courses as well as a science communication course. Furthermore, each campus offers different clusters, and students can only apply to one campus. For example, past clusters at UC Irvine included courses like How Bacteria Respond to Changing Environments, Sustainable Aviation Systems, and Computation and Machine Learning. Past clusters at UC Santa Cruz included Video Game Design, Nanochemistry and Nanotechnology, and Wonders of the Ocean: From Bioluminescence to Marine Mammals. All courses are led by UC faculty members and include labs, field trips, discussions, and a research project.

Outside of academics, students live in residence halls and participate in social programming. These include activities like sports, games, and karaoke nights along with off-campus excursions.

To apply, students must submit at least one teacher recommendation (STEM teacher preferred), a personal statement, and transcripts. Most students have a 3.5 GPA or above. It should also be noted that these STEM summer programs are for California high school students only.

4) Wentworth Institute of Technology Pre-College Programs

• Location: Boston, MA
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential or commuter)
• Program Length: 1, 2, or 4 weeks
• Cost: $699/$1,699 (Momentum commuter/residential); $3,995 (ImpactLab); free (SummerFAB)
• Eligibility: Varies
• Application Deadline: Rolling (application opens in January)

The Wentworth Pre-College Programs offer a diverse range of immersive summer experiences for high school students to explore STEM fields, design, and more. These programs combine hands-on learning with real-world applications to build critical skills and help students discover their passions.

For example, during ImpactLab, rising juniors and seniors have the opportunity to try out a STEM major before college, living on Wentworth’s campus while diving into science, engineering, and design. Freshman or sophomore? Check out Momentum, which provides an interdisciplinary approach to science, engineering, and design, allowing participants to explore various career pathways while developing future skills. Finally, SummerFAB—exclusively for Boston-area teens—is Wentworth’s four-week, fully funded commuter program focused on the built environment. Here, high school students collaborate with Wentworth faculty and architecture students to design and construct community-driven solutions to local challenges.

Interested in Wentworth’s programs? Registration is first-come, first-served, so you’ll want to be on the early side with your application.

5) Barnard College Pre-College Programs

• Location: New York, NY
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential or commuter)
• Program Length: 3 weeks
• Cost: $8,160 (commuter) / $10,771 (residential)
• Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Application Deadline: Rolling (application opens in December)

For high-achieving young women, Barnard has several New York City summer programs available. Firstly, students accepted into the NextGen Leadership Institute will develop their problem-solving skills, career readiness, and ability to collaborate. To do so, they’ll choose from one of four tracks: STEMinist, Writing and Literature, Global Humanities, or Leadership in Action. Within each track, there are two session options and several topics available. For example, Writing and Literature students can choose between courses like Writing for TV, Reading NYC, or Screenwriting.

Additionally, the Health and Society Institute is where students explore the intersection of science, medicine, and health. Topics include healing rituals and the politics of surveillance, among others, and students also take a qualitative research course. Likewise, the Plate + Planet Lab introduces students to how agriculture, health, policy, and climate change overlap. During their exploration of these and other topics, students interact with farmers and local experts.

Finally, Athena Summer Innovation Institute students design a start-up, nonprofit, or advocacy campaign that will impact social change. All students will be individually mentored, and the program culminates with Pitchfest, where students present their ideas.

Applications are required for all programs. In addition to transcripts and recommendations, students must also write an essay and activities list.

6)

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential or commuter)
• Program Length: 2 weeks
• Cost: $1,400 (commuter) / $2,500 (residential)
• Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Application Deadline: Rolling

At these summer STEM programs, students participate in a two-week-long experience during which they will undertake one course. There are three summer sessions offered and students can elect to take one, two, or three sessions.

Courses vary by session and are offered in multiple disciplines. For example, courses include AI Ain’t Magic, Digital Media with Python, Graph Theory and Hex and the 4 Cs. Courses are interactive and include hands-on projects, lab work, and fieldwork. Furthermore, University of Michigan professors teach all STEM summer programs. Students should expect to spend approximately six hours per day in class.

Beyond academics, students gain valuable career insight that will be highly beneficial should they continue with a STEM career. Additionally, residential students live in dorms and participate in social programming such as outdoor film screenings, swimming, and laser tag.

Admission is competitive; approximately half of all applicants are accepted. Accordingly, students must provide teacher recommendations, a transcript, and a personal statement.

7)

• Location: Annapolis, MD
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
• Program Length: 1 week
• Cost: $450
• Eligibility: Rising freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
• Application Deadline: March (applications open in January)

The Naval Academy, which has one of the best undergraduate engineering programs in the country, runs a competitive summer program for students considering a career in one of the STEM disciplines. During the week-long experience, students cover topics like Reverse Engineering, Searching for Unobtanium, and Storm Chasing. In each module, they’ll participate in hands-on projects, such as writing code and working in a hydro lab.

USNA isn’t your typical undergraduate experience. As such, these STEM summer programs focus heavily on teamwork and character building. Moreover, participants have a chance to interact with current midshipmen and learn about USNA’s structure and majors. They’ll also receive exposure to important aspects of USNA’s campus life, including intramural sports and presentations by veteran empowerment organizations.

When applying, students should demonstrate strong academic performance, test scores, and extracurricular involvement. It’s also important to communicate a passion for STEM subjects.

8)

• Location: Northampton, MA
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
• Program Length: 2 weeks
• Cost: $4,985
• Eligibility: Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Application Deadline: May (applications open in December)

Fun fact: Smith was the first women’s college to create a program in engineering science. As such, these summer STEM programs are an excellent place for young women to participate in hands-on research experiences.

There are two two-week sessions offered, and students can take one or both. Each session offers six distinct course choices. For example, past courses have included Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Designing Intelligent Robots, and Novel Bacteriophage Discovery. Students spend five days a week in class, attending lectures and conducting experiments & fieldwork. Additionally, the program is team-based, allowing students to learn from each other’s ideas and perspectives.

Some courses have prerequisites and age minimums. Furthermore, admission is selective. Serious applicants should have a strong academic record, stellar teacher recommendations, and a well-written essay. Given that Smith is a women’s college, the vast majority of applicants will be women.

9)

• Location: Iowa City, IA
• Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Cost: $7,500
• Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
• Application Deadline: February (application opens in December)

At this research-based summer STEM program, students have an incredible opportunity to build their academic research skills alongside faculty mentors. The program is residential, and offers three college credits.

Students choose from a robust variety of research areas. In past years, there have been 20+ options available that included everything from pathology to business analytics to neurology. Accordingly, students can delve into biomedical engineering, physics & astronomy, among many others. All students spend approximately seven hours per day in their research groups and also must attend evening seminars.

To the best of their ability, program coordinators try to pair students and mentors with similar interest areas. Additionally, the program culminates with a poster presentation.

Acceptance into these STEM summer programs is highly competitive. To that end, students must submit essays, transcripts, and recommendations. They should also have strong academic performance as well as solid writing skills.

Final Thoughts – Summer STEM Programs

When evaluating STEM programs, it’s important to decide whether you’d like a more comprehensive overview of multiple topics or whether you’d like to dig into a particular specialty. That preference will not only guide your final summer program choice but also allow you to enter said program with specific goals and learning objectives in mind. Accordingly, the academic enrichment and skills you’ll gain will be sure to benefit you in college as well as your future professional life.

Looking for STEM summer programs in your area? Consider checking out the following:

• Best Summer Programs in Atlanta
• Best Summer Programs in the Bay Area
• Best Summer Programs in Boston
• Best Summer Programs in Chicago
• Best Summer Programs in Dallas
• Best Summer Programs in Denver
• Best Summer Programs in Houston
• Best Summer Programs in Los Angeles
• Best NYC Summer Programs
• Best Summer Programs in Philadelphia
• Best Summer Programs in Phoenix
• Best Summer Programs in Seattle