Computer Science programs for high schoolers.
153 programs indexed in computer science. 128 are free or pay a stipend. 64 prioritize under-resourced or underrepresented students. This page updates whenever we add a new computer science program.
All computer science programs
- SelectiveArmy Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)AEOP High School Apprenticeship Program
Students work alongside Army scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in world-class laboratories.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 8 weeks📅 Early March🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCarnegie Mellon UniversityAI Scholars at CMU
Free AI-focused summer program for rising seniors underrepresented in computing.
📍 PA⏱ 3 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveAllen InstituteAllen Institute Summer Intern
Paid neuroscience and cell biology research in Seattle.
📍 WA⏱ 10 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveAmazonAmazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Scholarship for high school seniors planning to study computer science in college.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 4 years scholarship📅 December 1🎓 Grade 12 - ModerateACSLAmerican Computer Science League (ACSL)
A multi-division computer science competition covering both theory and programming.
📍 Nationwide⏱ School year📅 November 30🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveAlaska Native Science & Engineering ProgramANSEP Acceleration High School
Free year-round STEM acceleration for Alaska Native students.
📍 AK⏱ School year + summer📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveApple Inc.Apple Swift Student Challenge
Swift coding competition hosted by Apple to showcase creativity and app development skills.
📍 Global⏱ 1 month📅 April 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveArgonne National LaboratoryArgonne Exemplary Student Research Program
Chicago-area students conduct year-long research mentored by Argonne scientists.
📍 IL⏱ School year📅 October🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveAspiring Scholars Directed Research ProgramASDRP (RISE)
Free year-round Bay Area lab research. Open application.
📍 CA⏱ Year-round📅 May🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNCWITAward for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Award for girls and non-binary students in computing, providing recognition and a cash prize.
📍 Nationwide⏱ One-time📅 April 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMIT Lincoln LabBeaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Free MIT-led project-based courses in AI, robotics, cybersecurity.
📍 MA⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveBlack Girls CODEBlack Girls CODE Workshops
Program that provides coding workshops and tech exposure to young girls of color.
📍 Nationwide⏱ Varies📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMITBlueprint by HackMIT
Annual learnathon and hackathon for HS students at MIT.
📍 Cambridge, MA⏱ 2 days📅 Winter🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUKMTBritish Informatics Olympiad (Open to Int'l)
Solve complex math and computer science problems created by the UK Mathematical Trust.
📍 Global⏱ 1 day📅 November 1🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveBroad Institute (MIT & Harvard)Broad Summer Scholars Program
Paid genomics research for Boston-area rising seniors from underrepresented groups.
📍 MA⏱ 6 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveBuilt By GirlsBuilt By Girls Wave Program
A peer-mentorship program connecting high school girls with women in tech.
📍 Online⏱ Ongoing📅 November 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUniversity of Waterloo (CEMC)Canadian Computing Competition (CCC)
Free competitive programming contest run by Waterloo's CEMC; open worldwide and used as a qualifier for the Canadian Computing Olympiad.
📍 Remote (Global)⏱ 3 hours📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCarnegie MellonCarnegie Mellon AI Scholars
Free three-week residential AI program for underrepresented students.
📍 Pittsburgh, PA⏱ 3 weeks📅 March🎓 Grades 10–11 - SelectiveCarnegie MellonCarnegie Mellon SAMS
Free six-week residential STEM program for underrepresented students.
📍 Pittsburgh, PA⏱ 6 weeks📅 March🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveCERNCERN Summer Student Programme
Paid 8–13 week summer programme at CERN for undergrads worldwide in physics, engineering, or computing.
📍 Various📅 January🎓 Grade 12 - Highly SelectiveCarnegie Mellon UniversityCMU SAMS
Fully-funded STEM immersion for rising seniors from underrepresented backgrounds.
📍 PA⏱ 6 weeks (summer)📅 Mid-February🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveCode2CollegeCode2College Summer Program
Summer program for Texas students to gain technical skills and professional development.
📍 TX⏱ Various📅 February 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCodeDayCodeDay Labs Fellowship
High school students are paired with industry mentors to build a real-world software project.
📍 Online⏱ 3 months📅 May 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCodeforcesCodeforces Educational Rounds
Free competitive programming platform with weekly contests for students worldwide.
📍 Online⏱ 2 hours📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 6–12 - SelectiveCoding it ForwardCoding it Forward Civic Innovation Corps
Summer civic-tech fellowship placing students at federal agencies (mostly college, some HS programs).
📍 United States⏱ 10 weeks📅 Winter🎓 Grade 12 - Highly SelectiveColorado School of MinesColorado School of Mines REACH
Engineering immersion at Mines. Scholarships for Colorado students from underrepresented backgrounds.
📍 CO⏱ 1 week (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveColumbia UniversityColumbia Junior Science Journal
Peer-reviewed high-school-authored science journal at Columbia.
📍 Online⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectiveCarnegie Mellon UniversityComputational Biology
Pre-College Computational Biology program at Carnegie Mellon University.
📍 Pittsburgh, PA🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUS House of RepresentativesCongressional App Challenge
District-level coding competition open to every US high schooler.
📍 All US districts⏱ Self-paced📅 November🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectiveUniversity of CaliforniaCOSMOS
UC residential STEM program. Need-based fee waivers cover full cost for qualifying families.
📍 CA⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCode.orgCS Principles from Code.org
High-quality AP Computer Science preparation and advanced CS courses.
📍 Online⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectiveCarnegie Mellon UniversityCS Scholars
Pre-College CS Scholars program at Carnegie Mellon University.
📍 Pittsburgh, PA🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveHarvard University / edXCS50: Introduction to Computer Science
Harvard's world-famous introduction to computer science. While self-paced on edX, it offers a certificate and a deep dive into programming.
📍 Online⏱ 12 weeks📅 Self-paced🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCyberPatriotCyberPatriot
A cybersecurity competition for high school teams to learn and apply cybersecurity skills in a virtual environment. Teams compete to find and fix vulnerabilities in simulated operating systems.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveAir Force AssociationCyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense
National youth cybersecurity competition with middle and high school divisions.
📍 United States⏱ Year-long📅 Fall🎓 Grades 6–12 - SelectiveDavidson InstituteDavidson Fellows
Scholarships of USD 10K, 25K, and 50K for students under 18 with significant work in STEM, literature, music, or philosophy.
📍 Online application⏱ Project-based📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveU.S. Department of EnergyDOE STEM Rising / SCEP
Paid internships across the 17 DOE national laboratories.
📍 Multiple national labs (nationwide eligibility)⏱ 8-10 weeks (summer)📅 January🎓 Grades 11–12 - ModerateDuke UniversityDuke Summer Academy
Pre-college academic programs at Duke. Need-based scholarships.
📍 NC⏱ 2 weeks (summer)📅 April🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveETH ZurichETH Zurich Studienwoche
One-week research study weeks at ETH Zurich in math, physics, and CS.
📍 Zurich, Switzerland📅 Spring🎓 Grades 11–12 - ModerateFIRSTFIRST Robotics Competition
Team-based robotics season culminating in regional and world championships. Team participation fees vary; financial aid available.
📍 Local team + regional events⏱ 6-week build📅 Jan kickoff🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateFIRSTFIRST Tech Challenge
Smaller-scale FIRST robotics program. Team fee + parts; many teams sponsored by schools.
📍 Local team + regional events⏱ Multi-month📅 Sep-Apr season🎓 Grades 7–12 - SelectiveFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterFred Hutch Summer High School Internship
Paid cancer research in Seattle. Prioritizes students underrepresented in biomedical sciences.
📍 WA⏱ 8 weeks (summer)📅 Late January🎓 Grades 11–12 - Highly SelectiveNSA / NSFGenCyber Summer Camp
Free summer cybersecurity camps at universities nationwide.
📍 Multiple states⏱ 1-2 weeks📅 Spring🎓 Grades 7–12 - SelectiveGeorgia Institute of TechnologyGeorgia Tech Summer Research at CSE
Paid CS/engineering research at Georgia Tech. Strong recruitment of Georgia students.
📍 GA⏱ 8 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 11–12 - Highly SelectiveGirls Who CodeGirls Who Code Summer Immersion
Free two-week virtual program teaching CS to high school girls and nonbinary students.
📍 Online⏱ 2 weeks📅 Winter🎓 Grades 9–11 - SelectiveGirls Who CodeGirls Who Code Virtual Summer Programs
Free online coding workshops for girls and non-binary students focusing on web development, game design, and AI.
📍 Online⏱ 2 weeks or 6 weeks📅 Spring/Summer cycles🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNational Research Foundation SingaporeGlobal Young Scientists Summit
Multidisciplinary summit where young scientists — including a small cohort of high-school participants — engage with Nobel laureates and Turing / Fields medalists.
📍 Singapore⏱ 5 days (January)📅 September🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveGoogleGoogle Code-in Archive Projects
Archive of the Google Code-in competition tasks for self-guided open source learning.
📍 Online⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveGoogle OfficialGoogle Generation Scholarship (Americas)
Google's scholarship aimed at supporting students with disabilities pursuing CS degrees.
📍 Nationwide⏱ One-time payment📅 Varies🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveGoogleGoogle Summer of Code — Contributor
Paid open-source contribution program. Now open to any newcomer to open source 18+, worldwide.
📍 Global📅 March🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveHack ClubHack Club
Free worldwide network of student-run high school coding clubs and hackathons. Travel grants for in-person events.
📍 Worldwide⏱ Flexible📅 Year-round🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveHack ClubHack Club Clubs
1,500+ in-person clubs. Find one near you, or start your own and we’ll help you get it off the ground.
📍 Various (global)🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveHack ClubHack Club Outernet & Events
Network of student-run coding clubs and hackathons.
📍 Multiple states⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveHackerRankHackerRank CodeSprint
Sponsored competitive programming contests with student divisions.
📍 Online⏱ Varies📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveHarvardHackHarvard
Harvard's flagship hackathon; high schoolers can apply.
📍 Cambridge, MA⏱ 2 days📅 Fall🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveMITHackMIT
Annual 24-hour student hackathon at MIT; many HS students attend HackMIT High School Hackathon (Blueprint).
📍 Cambridge, MA⏱ 2 days📅 Fall🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMITHackMIT / Blueprint
HackMIT's flagship HS hackathon weekend at MIT.
📍 Cambridge, MA⏱ 1 weekend📅 Fall🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateHarvard UniversityHarvard Pre-College (Need-Based Aid)
Pre-college courses with substantial need-based scholarships covering up to full tuition.
📍 MA (nationwide eligibility)⏱ 2-7 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveBrookhaven National Laboratory (DOE)High School Research Program (HSRP) at Brookhaven
Paid summer research program for local students to gain hands-on experience in physics and engineering at a major particle physics lab.
📍 Upton, NY⏱ 8 weeks📅 January 15🎓 Grades 11–12 - Highly SelectiveHorizonHorizon Academic Research Program
Trimester-style research cohort with university faculty. Full scholarships available.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 10 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveHSCTF AssociationHSCTF (High School Capture the Flag)
One of the largest student cybersecurity competitions, featuring crypto and web exploits.
📍 Online⏱ 2 weeks📅 November 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveIBMIBM BlueCamp (High School)
Students spend a week learning about technology careers and interacting with IBM engineers.
📍 Austin, TX⏱ 1 week📅 April 1🎓 Grades 10–11 - Highly SelectiveImperial College LondonImperial College Summer Schools
University-level summer courses in AI, data science, business, and engineering.
📍 London, United Kingdom⏱ 2 weeks📅 May🎓 Grades 11–12 - ModerateInspirit AIInspirit AI Scholars
AI research mentorship by Stanford/MIT alumni for HS students.
📍 Online⏱ 10 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 7–12 - SelectiveInspirit AIInspirit AI Scholars (Aid)
AI research projects mentored by Stanford/MIT grads. Need-based aid covers full tuition.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 10-25 hours📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateInspirit AIInspirit AI Scholars Program
Live-online AI program for grades 9-12 taught by Stanford and MIT grad students.
📍 Online⏱ 2 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateTerra ScienceInternational Journal of High School Research
Open-access peer-reviewed journal for HS research across disciplines.
📍 Online⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNACLO/UKLO/OzCLOInternational Linguistics Olympiad — National Rounds
National linguistics olympiads (NACLO, UKLO, OzCLO, etc.) that select for the IOL — many are open worldwide via school registration.
📍 Global (national organizers)📅 January–February🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveIOLInternational Linguistics Olympiad (IOL)
Puzzle-based olympiad in theoretical, mathematical, and computational linguistics — no prior knowledge of the languages required.
📍 Rotates by host country⏱ Multi-day contest📅 National selection: winter/spring🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveIOIInternational Olympiad in Informatics
Premier international algorithmic programming competition; qualify via national CS olympiad.
📍 Rotates by host country📅 National selection Spring🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveIYRCInternational Youth Research Conference & Mentorship
Student-run research group providing mentorship and resources for high schoolers to conduct and publish original research.
📍 Online⏱ Flexible📅 May (for summer/fall)🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveIZhOInternational Zhautykov Olympiad
International math, physics, and CS olympiad hosted in Kazakhstan; individual events.
📍 Almaty, Kazakhstan📅 January🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveJack Kent Cooke FoundationJack Kent Cooke Young Scholars
Free 5-year program for 7th-grade high-achieving low-income students. Includes summer programs, college advising, and scholarships.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 5 years📅 April🎓 Grade 7 - SelectiveJEI (Harvard)Journal of Emerging Investigators
Free peer-reviewed publication venue for middle/high school STEM research. Real PhD reviewers.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveDoD / National Science Teaching AssocJSHS
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Regional and national competitions in original STEM research, with cash awards and DoD lab tours.
📍 Regional sites nationwide⏱ 2 days📅 Regional Jan-Mar🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveKaggleKaggle Competitions
Global data-science competition platform with beginner "Getting Started" tracks, community notebooks, and cash-prize challenges accessible from anywhere.
📍 Remote (Global)⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling · anytime🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateKAISTKAIST International Summer Program
STEM summer program at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
📍 Daejeon, South Korea⏱ 4 weeks📅 April🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveKode With KlossyKode With Klossy
Free two-week coding camp for girls and gender-expansive teens.
📍 Multiple cities⏱ 2 weeks📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveKode With KlossyKode With Klossy Applications
Kode With Klossy scholars are curious, community-minded, creative individuals who want to explore the possibilities of technology. We welcome all applicants who identify as young women and gender expansive, ages 13-18 — regardless of CS experience.
📍 Multiple🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveKode With KlossyKode With Klossy Camp
Free two-week coding camps for girls and gender-expansive teens ages 13-18.
📍 Multiple cities⏱ 2 weeks📅 Winter🎓 Grades 7–12 - SelectiveKode With KlossyKode With Klossy Summer Programs
Coding programs for young women and gender expansive youth, ages 13-18. No coding experience required. Programs are free.
📍 remote🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveLos Alamos National LaboratoryLANL UTS High School Pipeline
Paid internships at LANL for Northern New Mexico students.
📍 NM⏱ 8-10 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveLatinas in STEMLatinas in STEM 101 Workshops
Events that bring Latinas into STEM through hands-on technology workshops and panels.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 1 day📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveLeetCodeLeetCode Weekly Contest
Free weekly competitive programming contests.
📍 Online⏱ 90 min📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 6–12 - SelectiveCaltechLIGO SURF
Gravitational-wave research at Caltech. Need-based travel and housing aid.
📍 CA⏱ 10 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveLumiere EducationLumiere Research Scholar (Aid)
Independent research papers with PhD mentors. Need-based financial aid up to 100%.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 12 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMLHMajor League Hacking (MLH) Digital Events
MLH partners with dozens of online student-led hackathons throughout the year accessible to any student with an internet connection.
📍 Online⏱ 24-48 hours📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMLHMajor League Hacking High School Hackathons
Calendar of student hackathons; many high school-friendly.
📍 Multiple cities⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMLHMajor League Hacking Local Hack Day
Free worldwide student hackathons run by MLH. Beginner-friendly tracks.
📍 Worldwide⏱ 1-2 days📅 Year-round🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectiveMohamed bin Zayed University of AIMBZUAI AI Summer School
Machine learning and AI summer school at the UAE's dedicated AI university.
📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE⏱ 2 weeks📅 April🎓 Grade 12 - ModerateUniversity of MichiganMichigan Math & Science Scholars
Hands-on math/science programs at U-M. Need-based aid available.
📍 MI⏱ 2 weeks (summer)📅 May🎓 Grades 10–12 - ModerateMicrosoft CorporationMicrosoft High School Internship Program (Redmond Area)
Paid summer internship doing technical research or development at Microsoft.
📍 Redmond, WA⏱ 4-10 weeks📅 February 1🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveMITMIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Four-week residential STEM program at MIT in autonomous systems, AI, cybersecurity, and more.
📍 Cambridge, MA⏱ 4 weeks📅 Winter🎓 Grades 11–12 - Highly SelectiveMITMIT MITES Semester
Free six-month online STEM program for HS juniors.
📍 Online⏱ 6 months📅 February🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveMitacs (Canada)Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Paid 12-week summer research internship in Canada for undergraduates from partner countries.
📍 Various📅 September🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveMajor League HackingMLH Fellowship
A 12-week fellowship for aspiring software engineers to contribute to Open Source projects.
📍 Online⏱ 12 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveMajor League HackingMLH Member Hackathons
A season of student-run hackathons across the world where students build software/hardware.
📍 Global⏱ 24-48 hours📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNASANASA App Development Challenge
Open team coding challenge from NASA. Teams build a visualization of mission data. No fee; finalists visit Johnson Space Center.
📍 Online⏱ 12 weeks📅 December🎓 Grades 6–12 - SelectiveNASANASA High School Internship Program (OSTEM)
Students participate in NASA's mission-driven projects through unique internship experiences at NASA centers across the country.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 10 weeks📅 January 15🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveNASANASA International Space Apps Challenge
The largest annual global hackathon: 48 hours to solve real challenges using NASA's open data, with local host cities on every continent.
📍 300+ cities worldwide⏱ 48 hours (October)📅 September🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNASA / UT AustinNASA SEES Internship
Earth and space science research mentored by NASA scientists.
📍 TX / Remote (nationwide eligibility)⏱ Virtual spring + 2-week onsite📅 February🎓 Grades 10–11 - SelectiveNCWITNCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
Free annual award for high-school women, genderqueer, and non-binary students with interest in computing. Affiliate and national levels.
📍 Online⏱ Self-paced📅 September🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveSupercomputing Challenge OutreachNew Mexico Supercomputing Challenge
A unique research program in New Mexico that places high school students in state-of-the-art laboratories through the Supercomputing Challenge.
📍 Los Alamos, NM⏱ Year-round📅 January 31🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNational University of SingaporeNUS High School Research
Undergraduate-level research mentorship at NUS for advanced high school students.
📍 Singapore⏱ 12 weeks📅 January🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveNYC DYCDNYC Ladders for Leaders
Free paid summer internship program for NYC high schoolers. Stipend included; competitive admission.
📍 New York, NY⏱ 6 weeks📅 January🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectivePurple Comet! Math MeetOnline Math Team Championship (OMTC) / Purple Comet!
An international online math competition focused on high-level problem solving, often allowing students from rural areas to compete.
📍 Online⏱ 1 week📅 Late August (yearly)🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveOak Ridge National LaboratoryORNL High School Summer Internship
Paid DOE national lab research at Oak Ridge.
📍 TN⏱ 8 weeks (summer)📅 January🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveUniversity of PennsylvaniaPennApps
One of the oldest college hackathons; HS-track sometimes available. Travel stipends offered.
📍 Philadelphia, PA⏱ 36 hours📅 Spring/Fall🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCarnegie Mellon CyLabpicoCTF
Free annual cybersecurity capture-the-flag competition for students.
📍 Online⏱ 2 weeks📅 March🎓 Grades 7–12 - Highly SelectivePioneer AcademicsPioneer Academics (Aid)
Accredited college-level research with US professors. Need-based aid up to full tuition.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 15 weeks📅 Multiple cycles🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectivePolygencePolygence Scholars (Financial Aid)
1:1 research mentorship with PhDs across any field. Full financial aid for qualifying students.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 10-20 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectivePurdue UniversityPurdue STAR (STEM Academic Research)
Free research immersion at Purdue for Indiana students underrepresented in STEM.
📍 IN⏱ 2 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveSociety for ScienceRegeneron ISEF
The largest international pre-college science fair. Qualify through an affiliated regional or state fair. Travel and lodging covered for finalists.
📍 Rotating US city⏱ 1 week📅 Regional Jan-Mar🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectiveCEE × MITResearch Science Institute (RSI)
The most selective free summer research program in the US. Six weeks of STEM research at MIT with PhD mentors.
📍 MA (nationwide eligibility)⏱ 6 weeks (summer)📅 Mid-January🎓 Grade 11 - ModerateRice UniversityRice Engineering Summer Academy
Pre-college engineering at Rice. Scholarships available.
📍 TX⏱ 2 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveSchmidt Futures × Rhodes TrustRise
A lifetime program for 15- to 17-year-olds worldwide; the top ~500 finalists receive scholarships, mentorship, and career support to work on problems that matter.
📍 Remote application + summer residency⏱ Ongoing📅 Late January🎓 Grades 10–11 - SelectiveRiseRise (Schmidt Futures × Rhodes Trust)
Global program identifying brilliant young people who need support. Scholarships, mentorship, funding.
📍 Multiple + Remote (nationwide eligibility)⏱ Lifetime support starting at age 15-17📅 January🎓 Grades 9–10 - SelectiveRutgers UniversityRutgers Future Scholars Research
Free college-prep + research for first-gen New Jersey students.
📍 NJ⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling (program-based)🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveSouth Carolina Governor's SchoolSC Governor's School Summer Programs
Free arts and STEM intensives for top SC students.
📍 SC⏱ 3 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 9–11 - SelectiveDepartment of the Navy / ONRScience and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Interns work at a Naval laboratory on real-world research under the mentorship of professional scientists and engineers.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 8 weeks📅 January 12🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateSouth Dakota MinesSD Mines Summer Tech Academy
STEM camps at SD Mines. In-state aid.
📍 SD⏱ 1 week (summer)📅 April🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveSF DCYFSF Mayors Youth Employment & Education
Free paid year-round and summer internships for SF youth.
📍 San Francisco, CA⏱ Flexible📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateSmith CollegeSmith Summer Science & Engineering Program
Research courses for young women in STEM. Substantial need-based aid.
📍 MA⏱ 2-4 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveSPARK SMPSPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Free 1:1 mentorship with industry researchers. Started by WA students, now nationwide.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 8 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveStanfordStanford AI4ALL
Three-week residential AI program for underrepresented HS students.
📍 Stanford, CA⏱ 3 weeks📅 January🎓 Grade 9 - SelectiveStanford UniversityStanford TreeHacks (High School Track)Check Site
Youth-led hackathons and tech workshops held annually at Stanford.
📍 Stanford, CA⏱ 1 day📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNational Security Agency (NSA)Stokes Educational Scholarship Program
Scholarship and internship program for students interested in a career in cybersecurity.
📍 Nationwide⏱ Varies📅 December 15🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveUniversity of FloridaStudent Science Training Program (SSTP)
A rigorous math program for rising high school seniors in Florida, focusing on discrete mathematics and computer science.
📍 Gainesville, FL⏱ 6 weeks📅 February 15🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveFermilab (Department of Energy)TARGET Program
Students engage in cutting-edge research in high-energy physics and accelerator science at a national laboratory.
📍 Batavia, IL⏱ 6 weeks📅 January 31🎓 Grades 11–12 - Highly SelectiveTechnionTechnion SciTech Summer Program
Pre-university STEM program at Israel's leading engineering institute.
📍 Haifa, Israel⏱ 3 weeks📅 March🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveTechnovationTechnovation Girls
Global tech entrepreneurship challenge for girls 8-18.
📍 Online⏱ 12 weeks📅 October🎓 Grades 3–12 - SelectiveToshiba / NSTAToshiba ExploraVision
K-12 team STEM competition forecasting future technologies.
📍 Online⏱ Annual📅 January🎓 Grades 1–12 - SelectiveTechnology Student Association (TSA)TSA National Competitions
The premier middle and high school competition for engineering and technology projects involving a formal design process.
📍 Nationwide⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUniversity of UtahU of U ACCESS Program
Year-long STEM research program for women entering the U of U from Utah high schools.
📍 UT⏱ Summer + school year📅 February🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveUniversity of ChicagoUChicago DATA High School Program
Computational science and modeling fellowship for underrepresented high school students.
📍 Chicago, IL⏱ 6 weeks📅 January 15🎓 Grade 11 - ModerateUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUIUC Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering
STEM camps at UIUC. Need-based aid for Illinois students.
📍 IL⏱ 1 week (summer)📅 April🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateUniversity of MarylandUMD Young Scholars
Pre-college research at UMD. Need-based aid available.
📍 MD⏱ 3 weeks (summer)📅 April🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveUniversity of MinnesotaUMN Eureka! and Talented Youth Math
Free STEM enrichment for Minnesota girls and underrepresented students.
📍 MN⏱ Summer + school year📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUniversity of OxfordUNIQ Summer School
Free residential summer school for UK state-school students in Year 12 — subject-specific academic sessions on the Oxford course you'd apply to.
📍 Oxford, UK⏱ 1 week (July)📅 January (Year 12)🎓 Grade 11 - Highly SelectiveUniversity of TokyoUniversity of Tokyo Summer Programs
Short summer programs in Japan across science, technology, and Japanese studies.
📍 Tokyo, Japan⏱ 2-4 weeks📅 May🎓 Grade 12 - ModerateUniversity of Nevada RenoUNR Davidson Academy Research
Pre-college STEM research at UNR. In-state scholarships.
📍 NV⏱ 2-4 weeks (summer)📅 April🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveUniversity of Oregon / Saturday AcademyUO Saturday Academy ASE
Paid 1:1 research apprenticeships across Oregon. Strong equity focus.
📍 OR⏱ 8 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveUSACOUSA Computing Olympiad
Free online programming contests held four times a year. Top US students earn an invitation to the summer training camp and the IOI team.
📍 Online⏱ Multi-round📅 Dec-Apr contests🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateX-CampUSACO Guide Summer Camp (X-Camp) (Affiliated)
Intensive summer coding bootcamp focusing on competitive programming and software dev.
📍 San Jose, CA⏱ 2-4 weeks📅 March 15🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateUniversity of Texas at AustinUT Austin High School Research Academy
Course-based research at UT Austin. Need-based aid.
📍 TX⏱ 5 weeks (summer)📅 April🎓 Grades 10–12 - Highly SelectiveSouthern Utah University / State of UtahUtah Governor's Honors Academy (GHA) - STEM Focus
A 4-week math/science/engineering program for high-achieving Utah high school students hosted at Southern Utah University.
📍 Cedar City, UT⏱ 4 weeks📅 February 15🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveUniversity of Washington BothellUW Bothell Research Experiences
Local UW Bothell faculty research opportunities — great for North Seattle students.
📍 WA⏱ Variable📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveUniversity of WashingtonUW Genome Sciences Summer Bridge
Seattle-area paid genomics research. Strong support for first-gen and low-income students.
📍 WA⏱ 6 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveVeritas AI (Harvard alumni)Veritas AI
AI research mentorship and publishing program. Financial aid available.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ 8-15 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateVeritasVeritas AI / Veritas Research
Online AI research and project programs taught by Harvard/MIT mentors.
📍 Online⏱ 10 weeks📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveVirginia TechVirginia Tech C-Tech²
Free cybersecurity and tech camp for high school women.
📍 VA⏱ 2 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 10–11 - SelectiveWRO AssociationWorld Robot Olympiad
Global robotics competition with regional, national, and international finals.
📍 International (national finals worldwide)📅 National rounds Summer🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveYale UniversityYale Young Global Scholars (Need-Based Aid)
YYGS offers full need-based scholarships covering tuition, travel, and room.
📍 CT⏱ 2 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grades 10–11