10 STEM Programs for High School Students in Kansas
Kansas offers a variety of STEM programs designed to challenge high school students academically. Whether you’re interested in robotics, biomedical research, environmental science, or computer programming, there’s a program tailored to your interests. These opportunities provide experience in cutting-edge fields, help you explore potential career paths, and connect you with peers who share your interests.
From engineering workshops at local universities to research mentorships in advanced STEM topics, Kansas STEM programs can help you build practical skills while enhancing your college admissions profile. Participating in a STEM program shows college admissions officers your commitment to learning beyond the classroom.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 STEM programs available to high school students in Kansas.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Cost: Free (students are responsible for their transportation)
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: Math and Aerospace Engineering: June 2–7 | Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence: June 9–14
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The LEAPES program at the University of Kansas provides high school students with an introduction to engineering through projects and classroom instruction. This free program allows you to experience undergraduate life while exploring STEM disciplines. The program features two focused sessions: Math and Aerospace Engineering to explore concepts in linear algebra and probability and learn their applications in aerospace engineering; and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence to gain skills in optimization algorithms, programming, and AI techniques. LEAPES allows you to develop practical engineering skills, interact with faculty, and network with peers with similar academic interests.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: June 16–28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
AATEE is a two-week residential summer program that introduces high school seniors to hands-on STEM learning and research. You will learn applied physics and programming while working on collaborative projects like building and programming autonomous race cars and drones. In addition to the technical curriculum, the program offers career guidance and networking opportunities with industry professionals and university researchers. You will also enjoy recreational activities. This experience provides an opportunity to explore aerospace technologies, develop problem-solving skills, and gain insights into potential STEM career paths.
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $290 (Need-based scholarships available)
Application Deadline: Typically closes in April
Program Dates: June 5–7
Eligibility: Open to students completing grades 8, 9, 10, or 11
The EXCITE Summer Workshop is a three-day program that helps high school students explore careers in STEM and pre-health professions. While the workshop is dedicated to supporting girls and women in STEM, it is open to everyone. Through interactive sessions and activities, participants will gain exposure to diverse opportunities in STEM. The program also offers a taste of college life, as you will stay in K-State dormitories and engage with peers, mentors, and professionals.
Location: Newman University, Wichita, KS
Cost: $300 (early bird); $350 (regular). Scholarships are available.
Application Deadlines: Early Bird: April 25 and Regular: May 24
Program Dates: June 2 – 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who have completed at least one high school science course. Freshmen may be considered.
The Investigative Summer STEM Program (ISSP) allows high school students to understand interdisciplinary research in biology or chemistry. You will work in small groups to perform literature reviews, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present your findings. The program prioritizes hands-on learning, with faculty offering guidance through one-on-one and small group discussions rather than traditional lectures. ISSP aims to foster curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Upon completing the program, you will earn two hours of college credit. You can also experience college life by staying in on-campus residence halls.
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $600
Application Deadlines: Rolling. Register in the interest list.
Program Dates: Session 1: June 23 – 28 and Session 2: July 7 – 12
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who have completed at least one high school science course. Freshmen may be considered.
The Health Professions Summer Program at Kansas State University offers a week-long exploration of careers in the medical field, ideal for rising juniors and seniors. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to various healthcare professions, with opportunities for hands-on activities. You will interact with faculty, alumni, and current students, gaining valuable insights into what it’s like to pursue a medical career. Beyond academics, you can live on campus at KSU, connecting with peers who share your interest in healthcare. With only 20 spots available per session, the program fills up quickly.
Location: KU School of Engineering, Lawrence, KS
Cost: $750 per session (covers housing, dining, camp supplies, and extracurricular activities)
Application Deadlines: Rolling. For inquiries, email engrsummercamp@ku.edu.
Program Dates: Session 1: July 7–12 and Session 2: July 14–19
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
The KU School of Engineering Summer Camps provides week-long experiences for high school students interested in engineering. As a camper, you will explore various engineering disciplines by selecting a focus area and working on projects with KU faculty and graduate students. You will get an inside look at KU’s campus, including access to the School of Engineering’s classrooms and labs. Each camp offers specialized tracks for various engineering interests: Aerospace Engineering: Propulsion and Space Exploration, Aircraft Design and Fabrication, Bioengineering: Technology for Care, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, and more. Each track includes in-depth exposure to the respective field through lab work.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free registration
Program Dates: Varies by position. Check here.
Application deadline: February 28 (Summer), May 16 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program offers high school students the chance to work on research and technology projects at NASA. You will collaborate with NASA engineers and scientists on real-world challenges. Topics include space exploration, artificial intelligence and machine learning for air traffic management, augmented and virtual reality applications, and robotics. Internship durations and focus areas vary, but they offer mentorship from NASA professionals and access to advanced research environments. Some internships also provide stipends based on project scope and commitment level. For tips on getting a competitive NASA internship, check out our guide here.
Location: Virtual or hybrid at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, DC
Cost: Free (Stipend available, amount unspecified)
Program Dates: Eight to ten weeks between March and May
Application deadline: February 3 - March 7
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, as well as high school students (at least 16 years old)
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship provides high school students with experience in digital media, marketing, and science education outreach. You will contribute to content creation, social media strategy, video production, and graphic design projects. You will work on research, content brainstorming, and asset management to support the Smithsonian’s STEM education initiatives. The internship format (virtual or hybrid), work responsibilities, and hours vary based on the selected role.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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