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! https://youtu. be/32Uq1qNSDz4 AND here’s a bit of deeper insight into some of the select few programs that Rishab Jain, Harvard student and ISEF top winner, attests to.

UTDallas Summer Research Workshop Program Dates: 9 weeks in the summer Eligibility: High school students Cost: Need-based scholarship available, 500 USD 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 Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP) Program Dates: 8-12 weeks Eligibility: High school students Cost: None Research Science Institute (RSI) Eligibility: High school students Acceptance Rate: 5% Cost: None Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program Dates: 7 weeks Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors Cost: None; $750 stipend provided California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented populations in STEM Cost: None Simons Summer Research Program Program Dates: June 27

- July 29 Eligibility: High school students 16+ Acceptance Rate: 8% Cost: None; Stipend provided of $750 Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) (University of Iowa) Program Dates: 5 weeks Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors Cost: $6,395 Anson L.

Clark Scholars Program Program Dates: 6 weeks Eligibility: High school students 17+ Cost: None; $750 stipend provided 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 University of Illinois High School STEM Research Program Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors Program Dates: 6 weeks Cost: None 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 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 Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program Program Dates: 8 weeks Eligibility: High school students Cost: None Research in Materials Science Program (RIMS) Program Dates: 8 weeks Eligibility: High school students Cost: None; Stipend provided 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 Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP) Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors interested in theoretical physics Cost: $195 Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Program Dates: 6 weeks Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds Cost: None 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 Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program Program Dates: 8 weeks Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented communities Cost: None; Stipend provided Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) Program Dates: June 27

- August 11 (tentative) Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors, 16+ Cost: None Coriell Institute For Medical Research Summer Experience Program Dates: 4 weeks Eligibility: High school students 17+ Cost: None; $1,000 stipend provided Howard Hughes Medical Institute Jump Start Program Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have completed AP Biology and Chemistry Cost: $250 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 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.