The High School summer STEM programs included in this list emphasize research and project work in a time frame (≥10 days) that allows for substantial engagement.  Note the early application deadlines.  Programs will be added as the 2026 details become available on institution websites.

LOCATION WEBSITE PROGRAM(S) GRADES APPLICATION DEADLINE 2026 DATES TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh https://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org PA Governor’s School for the Sciences, courses, research & lectures Current Juniors Jan 31 June 21 – July 25 Free
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies

Summer Academies inc Biomedical, Chemistry, Coding, Experimental Physics, Math, Neuroscience

Current Grades 9 – 11 Jan 31 priority deadline, rolling afterwards 3-week: July 11 – Aug 1, 2026

2 week: July 11 – July 25, 2026

$1500 non-refundable;

scholarships available to students of the Philadelphia Area SD

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh https://www.cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/computational-biology.html

Computational Biology, includes labs and computational analysis

Must be 16 yrs old Feb 1 – early decision;

Mar 1- regular decision & scholarships

June 20 – July 18 Residential – $10,750
Commuter – $8,041Application Fee: $50* 
Enrollment Deposit: $800*
*Non-refundable
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh https://www.cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/game-academy.html

National High School Game Academy, intensive learning and team-based experience

 

Current sophomore or junior; 16 yrs old Feb 1 – early decision;

Mar 1- regular decision & scholarships

 

Residential only.

June 20 – Aug 1

Check website

University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia

https://ceet.upenn.edu/education-training/high-school/

Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science, seminars and research projects

 

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

https://hillmanacademy.upmc.com

Hillman Cancer Center Academy – authentic research in biology, medicine and computer science and career preparation

Over 15 yrs old Feb 15, 2026 June 15 – July 31
Penn State – Harrisburg https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/STEM/summer-STEM-program

STEM Summer Enrichment Program: field trips, demonstrations, experiments, projects, presentations

Current Grades 9 – 10 5 pm, Feb 27, 2026 June 15 – 26 Free
Penn State University – Main, State College https://agsci.psu.edu/school-for-excellence/program-summary

PA Governor’s School for Agriculture, courses, research and lectures

Current Juniors Feb 27 Session 1: TBA.

Session 2: TBA.

Free
University of Pittsburgh https://www.hcsa.pitt.edu

Health Career Scholars Academy

Current sophomore or junior; at least 15 yrs old

Drexel University, College of Medicine, Philadelphia

https://drexel.edu/academics/pre-college-programs/summer-institutes/medicine

Neuroscience camp for HS students

Rising juniors and seniors Apr 3, 2026 July 20 – 31 $2500

Lehigh University, PC Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bethlehem, PA

Summer Engineering Institute

High school, available to students in districts associated with the Lehigh University School Study Council

Access through school district Session 1: June 28 – July 11.

Session 2: July 12 – July 25.

Free to eligible students

Table of Research Opportunities

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