12 Summer Programs for High School Students in South Dakota
If you’re a high school student in South Dakota looking to make the most of your summer, there are plenty of enriching programs that can help you explore potential career paths, develop new skills, and enhance your college applications. Whether you’re interested in science, technology, the arts, or leadership, there’s a summer program that can help you grow both academically and personally.
Check out these 12 summer programs for high school students in South Dakota.
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world
Cost: $2,990. Need-based financial aid is available
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Lumiere Education, established by Harvard and Oxford researchers, is a virtual platform for high school students to conduct advanced academic research. Through the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you will engage in rigorous, university-level research under the guidance of mentors from top institutions.
The program offers three distinct tracks that cater to varying research goals. The Individual Research Program is a 12-week course where students work one-on-one with a mentor to produce a 15-page research paper on a topic of their choice. For those seeking publication, the Premium Research & Publication Program spans 16-20 weeks, including additional sessions with a publication specialist and a customized publication plan, though publication is not guaranteed.
The most intensive option, the Research Fellowship, extends over 6-12 months and involves original data collection and analysis, aiming for publication in international journals or presentation at prestigious competitions like MIT’s THINK or ISEF Regeneron. Each track is designed to provide a rigorous academic experience, preparing students for university-level research and beyond. Apply here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (The 10-week bootcamp) | $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (the 12–15-week 1-1 mentorship) | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. October 20, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: High school students from around the world with a keen interest in AI can apply. For the AI Fellowship program, applicants will either need to complete the AI Scholars program or have past experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers a suite of programs designed to introduce high school students to the foundational concepts and advanced applications of artificial intelligence and data science. Throughout the program, you will engage with key AI and data science topics such as neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, and Python coding, as well as a research project under the guidance of scholars.
The program is divided into three tracks, each catering to different levels of experience and focus areas. The AI Scholars Program provides a 25-hour introduction to AI and machine learning, covering topics like linear regression and convolutional neural networks, and culminating in a group project. For a more intensive experience, the AI Fellowship offers a 12-15 week one-on-one mentorship, guiding students through the creation of an independent AI project, from ideation to execution, with opportunities for publication and presentation. Finally, the Deep Dive Programs—AI + Medicine and AI + Finance—allow students to explore AI's impact on specific industries, focusing on specialized topics such as medical data preparation and financial risk management, with hands-on projects to apply their learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,490, need-based financial aid available
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships provides high school students with the chance to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of startups through hands-on, real-world projects. In this program, you will be matched with companies that align with your specific interests, enabling you to work on projects that are impactful as well as within your interests. Over an 8-12 week period, you will be expected to dedicate 5-10 hours per week to your role, collaborating closely with managers who will guide you through the process and help set weekly goals. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you get to present your work to your company and peers, showcasing the skills and knowledge you’ve gained!
The program offers opportunities in various fields, such as health tech, environmental science, machine learning, and media. As an intern, you might contribute to launching a solar startup in Southeast Asia, support the development of a wealth management app, or help create a pitch deck for a trading app targeting the Swiss market—among other exciting projects! Each project is carefully chosen to ensure it provides substantial learning opportunities and adds value to your professional profile, making Ladder Internships a solid stepping stone for students interested in the startup ecosystem.
Location: Virtual
Program dates: December 2, 2024 onwards for the winter seminar | Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Application deadline: November 10, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Horizon Academic provides high school students with advanced research opportunities through its two main programs: Horizon Labs and Horizon Seminar. Horizon Seminar offers a structured experience where students engage in a college-level research project under the guidance of experienced professors or lecturers. The program combines individualized research topics with small group classes, ensuring that each student receives focused attention. With an average class size of just 4 to 6 students, participants benefit from personalized instruction over 14 classes led by senior instructors, as well as additional review sessions with teaching assistants.
Horizon Labs, on the other hand, is a one-on-one mentorship program tailored for students looking to delve deeply into specialized research areas. Participants work closely with leading researchers and lecturers from top universities, gaining access to cutting-edge studies and data. Over 20 hours of individualized mentorship, students can develop unique research projects, craft customized reading lists, and receive expert feedback on their paper drafts. Horizon Labs also provides guidance on publication opportunities, making it an ideal option for students aiming to produce research that could contribute to academic journals or conferences.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: $2,900. Need-based financial aid is available
Program dates: December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (3 weeks)
Application deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is an immersive start-up boot camp designed for high school students by Harvard entrepreneurs. The program guides participants through the process of creating a revenue-generating start-up that tackles a real-world problem. Under the mentorship of successful entrepreneurs and professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X, students gain hands-on experience in the start-up ecosystem. The curriculum includes interactive classes on business fundamentals, ideation workshops, skill-building sessions, and case studies.
The program is divided into three phases, beginning with foundational business education and ideation. In the second phase, you will engage in market and user research to develop a prototype of your product or service. The final phase focuses on launching the start-up, gaining traction, and achieving revenue generation. The program concludes with a demo day, where you’ll present your start-ups to potential investors, offering a real-world experience of pitching and scaling a business.
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Cost: No information available
Program Dates: July 7 – 11, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Deadline: May 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students
The University of South Dakota offers a five-day business analytics program for high school students. You’ll work on business projects at USD’s Ellis Finance and Analytics Lab and learn from business leaders. You’ll tour companies in Sioux Falls, getting the chance to learn about the paths that lead to careers in business. The program balances academics with recreation, incorporating activities like movie nights and sports into the curriculum. High school students also have the opportunity to earn college credit from USD.
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Cost:
Early Bird Registration: $500 (Resident Campers), $375 (Commuter Campers)
Regular Registration: $525 (Resident Campers), $400 (Commuter Campers)
Scholarships: Available for students with Division I ratings on contest solos or selected for All-State ensembles (up to $50). Private scholarships may also apply
Application Deadline: No specific deadline mentioned, but early registration is encouraged for lower fees
Program Dates: July 13 – 18, 2025
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 5-12
For students passionate about music, the University of South Dakota’s Summer Music Camp offers an immersive experience where participants can refine their musical skills under the guidance of university faculty. The camp includes daily rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances, and it culminates in a final concert. It’s a great way for students to meet others with similar interests while improving their instrumental or vocal abilities.
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Cost: $100, which covers meals, lodging, and activities. Financial aid is available based on need
Deadline: May 12, 2025
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year
Dates: June 8 – 13, 2025
In this career exploration camp, you will engage in hands-on medical experiences, attend demonstrations, tour facilities, and connect with healthcare professionals. The 2025 cohort has 40 spots. You’ll have the chance to talk to medical students and healthcare workers to learn what entering the medical field is like. You’ll learn about courses that can prepare you for the pre-med track. The camp also includes recreational activities to foster community among attendees. To apply, you need to submit transcripts, a personal statement, and a completed application form.
Location: South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD
Cost: Free with a refundable $100 deposit
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: June 10 – 13, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers a day camp called ‘Science of Pottery and Glass–Metallurgical Engineering.’ You’ll use materials from the surrounding Black Hills region to create ceramics and glasses. Through lab activities, you’ll learn how these substances are created, enhancing your understanding of minerals. Other topics covered include color theory, clay-body processing, and glaze forming.
Location: Black Hills Playhouse, Custer, SD
Cost: $950 (Financial aid available)Application Deadline: June 1, 2025Program Dates: July 13 – 19, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12
This week-long residential theater camp takes place in the scenic Black Hills and is perfect for students interested in performing arts. You will work on acting techniques, stage direction, and production design, culminating in a final performance. The camp provides an opportunity for you to develop your skills and creativity while working with theater professionals in a fun, collaborative environment.
Dates: June 2 – 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
Cost: Free (includes meals, housing, instruction, and art supplies)
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute at the University of South Dakota offers an enriching environment for high school students to explore their artistic talents in various media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and photography. The curriculum emphasizes the significance of Indian culture and heritage, providing students with a contextual framework for their artistic expression.
Throughout the program, you will engage in collaborative projects, fostering peer interaction and creative brainstorming. Professional artists will mentor you, guiding you through techniques and concepts. The experience culminates in a gallery exhibition, showcasing your creations to the public, followed by a ceremony that recognizes your accomplishments and contributions.
Cost: $600 (all inclusive); $560 if registered by April 15Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)Program Dates: July 21 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-9 in fall
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
This camp at the University of South Dakota brings together high-achieving students from across the state for a week of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) courses. You will take 12 courses on topics like robotics, playing the guitar, visual art, 3D printing, veterinary dissection, and more. In addition to your coursework, you’ll hear from guest speakers and participate in team-building activities. By exposing students to a wide array of subjects, this program aims to help you discover your academic interests as you begin high school.
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.
Comments