Boston is home to world-renowned universities, advanced research facilities, and a thriving technology sector. The city offers high school students many options to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through programs. These STEM programs allow you to engage with industry experts, use state-of-the-art technology, and tackle current problems.

STEM programs can help you develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. In addition to strengthening your academic skills, STEM programs can be a valuable addition to your college application profile. If you plan to apply to competitive STEM undergraduate programs, summer programs can show admissions officers you’re committed to learning outside the classroom. 

Here are the 7 best STEM programs for high school students in Boston, Massachusetts!

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

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.

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

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.

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

2. Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students

Harvard’s Pre-College Program offers high school students a two-week residential experience featuring a range of STEM courses. From biotechnology to coding, the program’s offerings provide a multidisciplinary approach. Led by Harvard faculty, the courses emphasize projects, collaborative problem-solving, and discussions. The program allows you to develop technical skills and a broader perspective on real-world issues. For students who want to expand their knowledge and engage with a diverse community, Harvard’s Pre-College program offers a valuable academic experience. To learn more about summer programs at Harvard, check out our complete guide here. 

Location: Virtual and/or Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee

Dates: June 22–July 3 (Session I); July 6–18 (session II); July 20–August 1 (session III)

Application Deadline: January 8 (priority deadline); February 12 (regular deadline)

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors. Students must be graduating high school in the next two years and must be at least 16 years old. 

3. Veritas AI 

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: 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: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.

Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.

4. Tufts University’s STEM+M CONNECT Program

STEM+M CONNECT is a summer program for high school students interested in exploring the medical field and biomedical sciences. The program combines a residential experience at the Tufts Mini-Med School or Lab Science Investigations with mentoring activities. You will participate in workshops and science activities to explore career pathways in STEM and medicine. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and real-world application. Ideal for aspiring healthcare professionals, Mini-Med Connect offers an academically rigorous environment to deepen your understanding of the medical sciences.

Location: Tufts University Boston Health Sciences Campus, Medford, Massachusetts

Cost: $2,175 stipend provided upon completion

Dates: June 30-July 25

Application Deadline: February 28

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; U.S. citizen; able to commute daily to Tufts University Boston Health Sciences Campus. 

5. MITES Semester

MITES Semester is a rigorous academic program for talented high school students interested in STEM. Held during the school year, the program offers courses in advanced math, science, and engineering taught by MIT faculty and graduate students. You will engage in challenging coursework and projects, developing a deeper understanding of core concepts while building problem-solving skills. Through mentorship from instructors, MITES Semester prepares you for the academic rigor of college. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

Location: Online with an in-person conference at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cost: No cost!

Dates: Begins in the summer before students’ senior year and continues until December

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a strong academic background.

6. Stonehill College’s Girls Get Math Program 

GirlsGetMath at Stonehill College is a week-long summer program introducing high school girls to mathematics and its real-world applications. Through activities guided by faculty mentors, you will explore cryptography, data science, and mathematical modeling. The program fosters a supportive environment, encouraging collaboration in tackling complex problems. By connecting math to fields like computer science and economics, GirlsGetMath helps you see the creative and practical aspects of mathematics. This program is a great opportunity for girls interested in exploring STEM pathways.

Location: Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts

Cost: $100

Dates: Check their website for more info 

Application Deadline: N/A

Eligibility: Rising 10th or 11th-grade students with a recommendation from a math teacher. 

7. Smith College’s Summer Science & Engineering Program

The Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is a four-week experience for high school girls who want to explore STEM fields in a collaborative setting. Hosted on Smith's campus, the program offers courses in genetics, renewable energy, computer programming, and robotics led by faculty and researchers. You will conduct lab work and experiments, tackle real-world problems, and understand the scientific process. The program focuses on creativity, innovation, and mentorship. SSEP allows girls to develop technical skills, build connections, and explore their interest in science and engineering.

Location: Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts

Cost: $4,864 (per session); $9,728 (both sessions)

Dates: Session 1: July 5–18; Session 2: July 20–August 2

Application Deadline: N/A

Eligibility: Students entering 9th-12th grade in the fall

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.