25 Summer Programs at Stanford for High Schoolers

It’s the time of year to start planning your summer! If you have a few weeks to spare and want to try something new, consider applying to one of these 25 Stanford-based summer programs just for high school students.

 

Want to learn what Stanford University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Stanford University needs to know.

 

Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers

 

You have worked all year to earn good grades and make the most out of high school. With summer around the corner, it can be tempting to kick back. While some rest is probably overdue, so is some exploring. Here are three reasons we think dedicating a few weeks to a program will give you the summer of your dreams.

 

Meet peers with similar interests and drive. Some of the best and brightest students from around the world gather at Stanford each summer to learn from world-class faculty––and each other. Use this time as an opportunity to swap stories, share study tips, and dream together.

 

Get ideas for how to pursue your passion. Students aiming to attend top tier colleges and universities will need a lot more than participating in a summer program to make their application stand out. That said, taking captivating seminars and going on mind-blowing expeditions offers a great starting point from which to continue exploring your passion after the program ends.

 

Learn what life on campus is like. If you have dreamed of going to Stanford, an on-campus residency program gives you the opportunity to test the waters. Over several weeks, you will experience the daily rhythms of Palo Alto and learn whether this Golden State university is right for you.

 

Summer Programs at Stanford

 

1. RISE Summer Internship Program

 

Spend seven weeks working in an active lab conducting research. Keep in mind you must have at least a 3.5 weighted GPA, with all As and Bs in science and math classes. Additionally, you must live within 25 miles of Stanford’s campus and come from a low-income family. You must also be the first person in your family who plans to graduate from college. Please ask a teacher to nominate you using this form.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $0
• Application Deadline: February 15th

 

 

2. Stanford Earth Young Investigators | Biodiversity

 

Ever wonder what makes chimps smaller than gorillas?  You can delve into questions about body size evolution during this 8-week program. Note: You must be from the San Francisco Bay area to participate.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $0
• Application Deadline: None listed

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online.

 

 

3. Stanford Earth Young Investigators | Environment

 

If you’re passionate about sustainability, join a research group dedicated to studying the environment this summer. Note: You must be from the San Francisco Bay area to participate.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $0
• Application Deadline: None listed

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online.

 

 

4. Stanford Earth Young Investigators | Geology

 

Do you like rocks? If so, you’ll love studying with Stanford’s geological research group. Note: You must be from the San Francisco Bay area to participate.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $0
• Application Deadline: None listed

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online.

 

 

5. Stanford Medical Youth Science Summer Residential Program

 

Spend five weeks growing your interest in medicine into a body of knowledge. You must live and attend high school in Northern or Central California to participate. Additionally, you must come from a low-income family and have at least a B-average in a science class.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $0
• Application Deadline: February 13th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online.

 

 

6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

 

Conduct basic medical research with Stanford’s team of medical scientists during this 8-week program.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $0
• Application Deadline: February 23rd

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online.

 

 

7. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Topics in Politics and Public Policy – Deliberative Democracy

 

Is democracy inevitable? Spend three weeks answering this question and others pertaining to theories of governance.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

8. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Product Design

 

If you love design but don’t have a portfolio yet, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to create a large body of work in a condensed period of time.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

9. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Creative Writing 10-11 – Visual Writer

 

Compose a writing portfolio over three weeks of workshops and creative writing seminars.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

10. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Sociology of Silicon Valley

 

If it’s not enough to live in Silicon Valley for three weeks, try studying it too. Analyze the dynamics of its unique culture in this three week course.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

11. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Artificial Intelligence – Computational Materials Design

 

If machine learning and data science consume your thoughts, consider attending this three-week program designed to explore artificial intelligence.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Theory of Relativity

 

Dive into the minds of geniuses during this three-week mathematics course that uses the same tools professionals rely on to study relativity.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Mathematics of Symmetry

 

A place for everything – ideally directly opposite its counterpart – and everything in its place. Explore the mathematics of symmetry during this three-week program.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

14. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Artificial Intelligence

 

Learn enough to beat the machines! Stanford makes no promises, but this three-week program will give you insights into the basics of AI and how it can be deployed to strengthen our society.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Investigations in Bioscience & Biotechnology – Prototyping in Biotechnology

 

If your interests lie at the nexus of technology and the study of life, consider spending three weeks learning about the emerging field of biotechnology.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

16. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Artificial Intelligence for Robots

 

Build a pet robot hamster, then give him a mind of his own in this three-week summer study program.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

17. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Business & Entrepreneurship

 

If you ever have considered a career in business, learn the basics at this three-week summer program.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

18. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Astrochemistry – Origins of Life in Space

 

Learn how molecules evolve into organisms throughout the universe in this three-week course at Stanford.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

19. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Creative Writing 10-11 – Self, Place, Style

 

Hone your craft to write with true skill this summer, focusing on expression, observation, and modulation.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

20. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Number Theory

 

I have a theory that you’d be interested in researching mathematics this summer. Prove me right by applying to this three-week program.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

21. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Game Design

 

Get into the mind of your computer, focusing on variables, types, and control structures during this three-week summer study experience.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

22. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Investigations in Bioscience & Biotechnology – Nanobiomaterials

 

To think big, sometimes we have to start small––with nanobiomaterials. Attend this three-week program to understand the unique properties of the miniscule.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

23. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Embedded Systems

 

Combining theoretical lessons with hands-on experience, this program explores embedded systems beyond anything you will cover in high school.

 

• Grades: 10th and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

24. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Topics in Bioscience and Biotechnology

 

Understand the underpinnings of bioscience and biotechnology by attending this three-week course.

 

• Grades: 9th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

25. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes | Digital Marketing

 

Starting a career in digital marketing is a great way to make sure products and services you love get the online coverage they need to thrive. Stanford’s three-week program will help you start strong.

 

• Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
• Program Cost: $7,250
• Priority Deadline: January 30th
• Application Deadline: February 27th

 

Ready to Apply? You can find the full application online. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

 

• Describe yourself as a student and also your aspirations for the future. Please include examples from your personal academic and non-academic experiences.

 

• What do you hope to gain by participating in the Summer Institutes? What are your main reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes?

 

• If you attended Summer Institutes or another Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs before, what was your favorite part about the experience?

 

• Write a note introducing yourself to your future Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes roommate.

 

• Describe what diversity and inclusion means to you.

 

 

Looking for help navigating the road to college as a high school student? Download our free guide for 9th graders and our free guide for 10th graders. Our guides go in-depth about subjects ranging from academics, choosing courses, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, and much more!

 

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