High schoolers, ready to blast your STEM skills into the stratosphere? Summer STEM programs are your launchpad! These epic camps and courses, part of Structured Summer Learning Programs, dive into robotics, coding, medicine, and beyond, all while making your college apps sparkle. From MIT’s cutting-edge labs to Stanford’s bioengineering adventures, summer STEM programs turn your summer into a skill-sharpening quest. Dr. Mae Jemison, astronaut and STEM icon, says, “The difference between science and dreaming is doing.” Let’s do it! We’ve rounded up the best 2025 summer STEM programs, with expert quotes and a mega 2025 STEM Program Directory. Track your GPA with our GPA Calculator and get ready to soar—here’s your guide to elevating your STEM game! First, let's take a look at some outstanding STEM programs.
Elite Research Programs for Future Innovators
The creme de la creme of summer STEM programs are super selective, often free, and plunge you into real research. These Tier 1 and 2 extracurriculars help you shine in summer academics and scream “college-bound” to admissions teams.
Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
- Details: Free, 5 weeks, June 22–August 2, MIT, for rising seniors. 100 students tackle STEM research, presenting conference-style.
- Eligibility: Juniors with stellar grades, test scores, and science passion. Deadline: December 11.
- Why It Shines: Camper Priya says, “RSI leveled up my coding!” Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, notes, “Research sparks lifelong curiosity.” Check How to Calculate Your High School Grades for eligibility.
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
- Details: Free with stipend, 8 weeks, June 9–July 31, Stanford, for juniors/seniors. Research in cancer biology, bioinformatics, and more.
- Eligibility: Strong STEM grades, Bay Area preference. Deadline: February 22.
- Why It Shines: Camper Liam’s bioengineering project boosted his GPA. Dr. Anthony Fauci, immunologist, says, “Hands-on science builds leaders.”
Math Mastery Programs for Number Wizards
Got a thing for numbers? These summer STEM programs hone your math prowess and prep you for college rigor, aligning with tips in our guide on picking smart electives.
Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) at BU
- Details: $7,000 (free for low-income), 6 weeks, June 29–August 9, Boston University, for ages 14+. Dive into number theory and advanced math.
- Eligibility: Completed 9th grade, math enthusiasm. Deadline: March 3.
- Why It Shines: “PROMYS made math alive,” says camper Zoe. Dr. Terence Tao, mathematician, emphasizes, “Math is discovery, not just solutions.”
Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
- Details: $8,575 (residential) or $3,580 (online), 4 weeks, June–July, Stanford, for juniors/seniors. Advanced math lectures and problem-solving.
- Eligibility: High math aptitude. Deadline: February 3.
- Why It Shines: Camper Raj aced AP Calculus after SUMaC. Pair with Summer Reading Lists to Prep for Fall Success.
Engineering and Tech Camps for Creators
Dream of coding apps or building robots? These summer STEM programs ignite your innovator spirit as well as boost your GPA with summer.
MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
- Details: Free, 4 weeks, July, MIT, for junior girls. Explore electrical engineering, computer science, or mechanical engineering.
- Eligibility: Girls with minimal STEM experience. Deadline: January 15.
- Why It Shines: “WTP proved I could code,” says camper Aisha. Dr. Fei-Fei Li, AI pioneer, says, “Diversity fuels tech breakthroughs.”
Summer Science Program (SSP)
- Details: Up to $9,800 (income-scaled), 5 weeks, various locations, for rising seniors. Research in astrophysics, biochemistry, or genomics.
- Eligibility: Strong STEM background. Deadline: February 16.
- Why It Shines: Camper Sophie’s genomics project inspired her college essay. Explore some college-bound summer camps from our list.
Inclusive Programs for All STEM Fans
New to STEM or seeking a welcoming vibe? These summer STEM programs are selective yet accessible, building skills and confidence. It also allows you to grow with mentor advice.
Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon
- Details: Free, 6 weeks, June 21–August 2, Carnegie Mellon, for juniors. STEM courses, projects, and college prep.
- Eligibility: Underrepresented students, age 16+. Deadline: March 1.
- Why It Shines: “SAMS made physics fun,” says camper Jamal. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, physicist, notes, “STEM access transforms lives.”
California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
- Details: $4,770 (aid available), 4 weeks, July, UC Davis/Irvine/San Diego/Santa Cruz, for grades 8-12. Lab-based STEM projects.
- Eligibility: California residents, strong grades. Deadline: February 9.
- Why It Shines: Camper Mia’s robotics project raised her GPA. See our guide on how to plan your summer learning.
2025 STEM Program Directory (Curated List)
Our 2025 STEM Program Directory lists 50 top programs to jumpstart your college prep. Share this to inspire your crew!
Free/Selective
- Research Science Institute (RSI)
- Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
- Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
- Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
- Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
- Broad Summer Scholars Program
- The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
- Simons Summer Research Program
- Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program
- Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)
Math-Focused
- Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
- Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
- Ross Mathematics Program
- MathILy
- Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)
Engineering/Tech
- MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
- Summer Science Program (SSP)
- Science Internship Program (SIP)
- California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
- Garcia Summer Research Program
- High School Honors Science, Math, Engineering Program (HSHSP)
Medicine/Research
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering
- National Institute of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
- Roswell Park Summer Cancer Research Experience Program
- Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University
Interdisciplinary
- Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
- Economics for Leaders (EFL)
- JCamp
- Princeton Summer Journalism Program
- Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
- Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)
Others
- Notre Dame Summer Scholars
- Hk Maker Lab
- Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
- Summer Math and Science Honors Academy (SMASH)
- MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC)
- NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
- UCSB Research Mentorship Program
- Boston Leadership Institute
- Inspiring Future Engineers
- LaunchX
- Blue Stamp Engineering
- NYU Tandon Summer Programs
- UCSD Academic Connections
- Cornell CURIE Academy
- AI4ALL
- Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
- Kode with Klossy
- MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
- Yale Young Global Scholars
Summer STEM programs are your gateway to STEM greatness! From RSI’s research prestige to COSMOS’s lab thrills, these programs elevate skills, GPA, and college apps. Track your progress with our GPA Calculator and check out ways to boost your GPA with summer for more inspo. Share our directory and make 2025 your summer to conquer!
