Meaningful research lab opportunities are difficult to come by for high school students. Colleges continually stress the importance of research and summer programs on applications, but rarely there are clear instructions on how to go about obtaining these experiences. As a result, many high schoolers are at a loss for how to make the most of their summers.
The good news is that we’ve compiled a list of some great summer coding programs for high school students that will help you get ahead, whether or not you’re interested in STEM! These opportunities will allow you to learn more about your potential future career, gain important skills, and network with professionals in your field.
Tier 1- Must go if admitted
Research Science Institute at MIT
This program is perfect for students interested in STEM fields. For eight weeks, you will work with a research mentor on an innovative research project. You will also take classes and attend lectures given by renowned scientists. This program is extremely competitive, but if you are admitted it is worth attending!
Program Dates: Late June- Early August
Application deadline: Mid-February
Cost: Free
Program link: https://www.cee.org/programs/research-science-institute
National Institute of Health summer internship program
This program offers high school students the opportunity to work in a research lab at the NIH for eight weeks. You will gain experience in your chosen field of interest, and learn about the research process from start to finish. This is an extremely competitive program, but if you are admitted it is worth attending!
Program Dates: June- August
Application deadline: Early February
Cost: Free
Program link: https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip
Tier II- Good Opportunities
Stony Brook University’s Simmons program
The Simmons program is a six-week research experience for high school students. You will work with a mentor on a research project, and also take classes and participate in workshops. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the research process and gain important skills.
Program Dates: Early July- Late August
Application deadline: mid-March
Cost: $2000
Program link: https://www.stonybrook.edu/simons/
Summer Science Program (SSP)
The SSP is a six-week residential program for high school students interested in STEM fields. You will take classes and take part in research projects and also attend lectures given by renowned scientists. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your potential future career, gain important skills, and network with professionals in your field.
Program Dates: Early July- Late August
Application deadline: Mid-March
Cost: $2000
Program link: https://summerscience.org/
Boston University Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) program
The RISE program is a six-week research experience for high school students. You will work with a mentor on a research project, and also take classes and take part in workshops. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the research process and gain important skills.
Program Dates: Early July- Late August
Application deadline: Mid-March
Cost: $2000
Program link: https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/rise-internship-practicum/how-to-apply/
Tier III–Decent Opportunities
The University of Florida Student Science Training Program
The SSTP is a seven-week residential program for high school students interested in STEM fields. You will take classes and take part in research projects and also attend lectures given by renowned scientists. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your potential future career, gain important skills, and network with professionals in your field.
Program Dates: Late June- Early August
Application deadline: Rolling Admissions
Cost: $3500
Program link: https://www.cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/student-science-training-program/
Amgen Scholars Program
The Amgen Scholars Program is an eight-week research experience for high school students interested in STEM fields. You will work with a mentor on a research project, and also take classes and take part in workshops. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the research process and gain important skills.
Program Dates: Late June- Early August
Application deadline: Rolling Admissions
Cost: $3500
Program link: https://amgenscholars.com/
These are just a few of the many great summer programs for high school students! If you are interested in STEM fields, there are plenty of opportunities out there to gain important skills and experience. Do some research and find the program that is right for you! Remember that the application process for these programs can be competitive, so start researching and applying early.
Besides this don’t forget to look for opportunities locally. There are often many great programs offered by hospitals and universities that don’t get as much attention. So, get out there and explore all the possibilities!
As these are intensive and competitive programs it is advisable to start exploring multiple domains during primary and middle school and join some interesting STEM and coding online classes, this will help you gain clarity on what direction you would like to take and confidence to pursue such intensive programs. So, if you are looking for introductory programming courses or a place to engage yourself this summer, Book a FREE trial class today.
Have a great summer!
By – Prisha Sood