16 Summer Programs for High School Students in Mississippi
Summer programs and internships offer high school students invaluable opportunities to explore new fields, gain hands-on experience, and build connections with peers and mentors. Participating in these programs not only helps you develop new skills but can also give you a competitive edge when applying to college. Early exposure to academic or research environments allows students to explore potential career paths, discover their passions, and demonstrate their commitment to learning—qualities that colleges look for in applicants.
Mississippi offers a variety of summer programs designed to immerse students in subjects ranging from science and technology to arts and leadership. Here’s a list of 16 summer programs you can apply to as a high school student in Mississippi.
Location: VirtualCost: $2,990. Financial aid available
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic backgroundsApplication Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort II application deadline: June 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: Fall (September), Winter (December), Spring (February), Summer (June), Summer II cohorts (July)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs students with a PhD mentor who helps guide you through an independent research project. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including engineering, economics, biology, and more. You will develop a research paper at the end of the program, which can be published in academic journals. Lumiere is ideal for students looking for individualized mentorship and a deep dive into a specific academic interest. Find more details and explore options while looking through the application form.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the AI Scholars Program (10-week boot camp) $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, one-on-one mentorship) financial aid available
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Program Dates: Rolling admissions. Available for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Veritas AI offers two innovative programs designed to introduce high school students to artificial intelligence. Developed by Harvard graduates and alumni, these programs cater to different levels of interest and commitment. The AI Scholars Program is a 10-week boot camp that provides an immersive learning experience in AI. For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, the AI Fellowship offers a 12–15 week program with personalized mentorship from Ph.D. candidates, focusing on individual research projects. These programs are perfect for students passionate about computer science and its real-world applications, offering hands-on experience and personalized support. Interested students can apply by completing the online application form.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher
Application Deadline: May 21, 2025 for the summer cohort (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: Summer Seminar: June 24 – September 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program). Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Horizon offers students the opportunity to engage in research across a wide range of subjects, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and psychology. Students work with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper. Horizon also provides detailed project feedback and a letter of recommendation. This program is an excellent fit for students passionate about quantitative or qualitative research in specialized fields.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: $2,900. Need-based financial aid is available
Program dates: Vary according to the cohort. December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (3 weeks) for the upcoming winter cohort
Application deadline: Varies according to the cohort. 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: 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: Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
Cost: Free (includes room and board)
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th grade who reside in Mississippi and are currently enrolled in an accredited Mississippi secondary school. They must meet at least one performance qualification and have not attended a previous MGS session
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 open on October 1, 2024, and close on November 1, 2024
Program Dates: June 1 – 14, 2025
The Mississippi Governor’s School is a residential honors program that focuses on developing leadership and critical thinking skills in top-performing students. You will engage in a mix of classes, workshops, and service-learning projects. You’ll work closely with professors and guest lecturers on topics like creative writing, environmental science, and political theory. With around 50 students in the cohort, the small class size ensures personalized attention and the chance to form lasting connections. Note that special athletic training, such as running or weightlifting, is not allowed during the program.
Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Cost: $2,920 – $2,940 per course for domestic and $5,233 – $7,566 for international students (scholarships and financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025. The 2024 deadlines were:
April 1, 2024 (domestic)
March 15, 2024 (international)
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024:
First Session: May 28 – June 25, 2024
Second Session: June 27 – July 26, 2024
This program offers high school students the chance to experience college life and earn college credits. You can take university-level courses in subjects ranging from engineering to liberal arts. The program includes optional field trips, workshops, and access to university facilities. Class sizes vary, but the small groups provide a focused learning environment, and students receive academic guidance from university faculty. The program offers various scholarships like ACT/SAT, First Generation, Citizen's Bank Summer College Scholarship, and many more.
Location: Delta State University, Cleveland, MS
Cost: $30 – $1,400 (depending on the camp)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 12 – 16, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
This camp is perfect for students interested in the arts. The Delta State University Summer Youth Camp offers workshops in music, theater, and visual arts, where you can refine your creative skills. The camp culminates in a student showcase where you will present your projects. With a cohort of about 100 students, you’ll get the chance to collaborate with like-minded peers while receiving mentorship from artists and professors.
Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MSCost: Free (includes room and board)Eligibility: High school juniors and seniorsApplication Deadline: Varies based on programs
Program Dates: Varies according to selected course but usually between May 28 and July 19
This intensive program offers students the chance to engage in research projects under the supervision of MSU faculty. Students can choose from various subjects like robotics, biomedical engineering, and environmental science. Participants also attend workshops on college readiness and leadership. With a cohort of about 60 students, this residential program fosters close interactions with mentors and peers.
Location: Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS
Cost: Free; students will be provided free room & board. A cash stipend of up to $400 will also be provided to students who will attend Tougaloo College in the fall
Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a composite ACT score of 18
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 2 – 28, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The program offers two specialized tracks: the Physical Science & Pre-Engineering Track and the Biological Science Track. The Physical Science & Pre-Engineering Track includes subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering disciplines (Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical), with projects like Self-Driven Cars and Drone Technology & Remote Sensing. It also features scientific literature reading and presentation and career exposure through visits to NASA and the UMMC Simulation Center.
The Biological Science Track covers Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with projects focused on exploring DNA fingerprints in forensics and analyzing water quality in Mississippi lakes. This program is designed to provide you with early exposure to college life, college-level courses, and career opportunities, helping you smoothly transition into higher education.
Location: Percy Quin State Park, McComb, MS
Cost: $575 for Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Members and $625 for non-members
Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental science
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 10 – 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science High School Field Camp offers an immersive experience of Mississippi’s natural habitats and wildlife. You will study native and endangered species, including black bears, bats, and gopher tortoises, and discover fossils and other natural treasures. Guided by research scientists, the camp provides a unique perspective on the daily work of these professionals. Throughout the week, you will stay at Percy Quin State Park, gaining first-hand insight into the field of research while exploring the region's diverse ecosystems. This camp is ideal for those eager to delve into the world of wildlife and environmental research.
Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Cost: $750
Eligibility: Students aged 10-17
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: Varying dates but usually 4-5 days
This program offers aspiring veterinarians a behind-the-scenes look at veterinary medicine. You will participate in clinical simulations, lab work, and fieldwork, working alongside MSU faculty. You’ll learn about animal anatomy, microbiology, and radiology. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the range of careers in the veterinary field, such as public health, research, pathology, and rehabilitation. The camp offers both day and overnight sessions.
Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Cost: $1,700 (includes $350 non-refundable registration fee and $1,350 program fee). Additional costs for international students include a $350 TB test and medical insurance. (Scholarships are available)
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors). Candidates should ideally be involved in school organizations or community activities
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
Program Dates:
June Session: May 25 – June 27, 2025
July Session: June 22 – July 25, 2025
The Lott Leadership Summer Institute is a month-long dual credit program for high school juniors to enhance their leadership abilities. Held at the University of Mississippi’s Summer College, this program assembles student leaders from across the nation to explore real-world public policy issues and develop skills in public speaking and networking. You will have the opportunity to create and present your own policy proposals to a panel of experts and engage in discussions with national leaders about current issues.
You will earn seven college credits at the UM Oxford campus. The program traditionally includes a visit to Washington, D.C., with detailed information and an itinerary provided during orientation. A total of 40 students will be selected.
Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Cost: $710 Residential; $400 Commuter. Scholarships available
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 14 – 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Discover Engineering at UM is tailored for students passionate about mathematics and science, providing hands-on problem-solving experiences and creative opportunities to explore the link between engineering and their interests. During the week-long program, you will delve into chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, with a focus on potential careers in these fields. Each day features a new engineering challenge conducted in labs by faculty from the University of Mississippi School of Engineering. The program is capped at 50 participants, ensuring close supervision from faculty.
Location: Marine Education Centers, MS
Cost: $450
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 10 – 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Ocean Science and Technology Camp offers an immersive experience for 7th to 12th-grade students, featuring interactions with USM scientists, hands-on projects, and exploration of cutting-edge ocean technology. You will have the opportunity to build your own autonomous vehicle model, learn about the Gulf Blue and ocean technology sectors, and embark on a journey aboard a USM research vessel to explore the Mississippi Sound. You will conduct fieldwork, explore marine ecosystems, and learn about ocean conservation. The camp is limited to 25 students, allowing for an interactive and hands-on experience.
Location: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Cost: $400. Daily breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 who self-identify as belonging to a racial/ethnic group underrepresented in medicine
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 10 – July 21, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Insight Summer Enrichment Program aims to inspire high school students from medically underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in Mississippi to pursue careers in medicine. You will gain valuable insights from UMMC doctors and medical students and learn about the steps to becoming a physician. The program includes presentations on various medical and practical topics, interview skills training with mock interviews, clinical shadowing with patient interaction, and hands-on medical skills training using UMMC’s advanced simulation technology.
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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