25 Summer Programs in Arizona for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- 25 Summer Programs in Arizona for High Schoolers
- How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Students and parents often think that “summer camps” are just for younger kids. However, summer programs specifically for high schoolers provide abundant opportunities for growth by allowing them to develop their current interests, explore new fields, build skills, meet like-minded peers, and gain first-hand experience in their areas of interest.
The Grand Canyon State is home to a multitude of great options–check out 25 of them below.
25 Summer Programs in Arizona for High School Students
1. Business Careers Awareness Program
Dates: June 1 – 6
Location: University of Arizona
Application Deadline: March 2
Cost: Free
High schoolers from backgrounds that are underrepresented in undergraduate accounting and business classes are welcome to explore careers in the business field and learn about college life at the University of Arizona (UA). The program is hosted by UA’s Eller College of Management Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy. In addition to classes, participants will have a chance to take part in a business plan case competition with book scholarships for the winning teams, professional networking opportunities, and a closing celebration.
2. Young Writers Institute
Dates: July 7 – 10
Location: Online
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $200
For more than four decades, the Writing Skills Improvement Program has been helping students develop their writing fluency and confidence. This virtual program hosted by the University of Arizona (UA) gives students the chance to participate in reading- and writing-focused activities, explore UA programs, and build the skills needed to succeed in both academic and personal ventures.
3. KEYS Research Internship
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Location: University of Arizona
Application Deadline: N/A (Typically in January)
Cost: Free
This seven-week program begins with a one-week crash course in bioscience and data science techniques, followed by a six-week internship with a University of Arizona researcher. It concludes with students giving a presentation of what they learned and experienced. Over the course of the program, students hone their STEM skills and gain real-world experience with science research, all under the mentorship of professional researchers.
To be eligible for the program, students must be 16 years old by the start date and must have a minimum of one year of Arizona residency. Participants will earn 3 Molecular and Cellular Biology credits after completing this experience.
4. Native American Science and Engineering Program (NASEP)
Dates: June 8 – 14
Location: University of Arizona
Application Deadline: March 14 (priority deadline)
Cost: Free
This summer program is for rising high school juniors and seniors who are either enrolled members or descendants of AI/AN or Native Hawaiian Tribes who have an interest in STEM. While the program is only a week long, it kicks off a year-long engagement designed to provide Native American high school students with the necessary resources to enroll in college and pursue a career in STEM. Students network with Indigenous professionals from well-known companies and participate in activities like building a computer and visiting Biosphere II, in order to hone the skills needed to pursue a STEM degree in college.
5. Summer Engineering Academy
Dates: Varies depending on program choice
Location: University of Arizona
Application Deadline: Varies on program choice
Cost: $350 for day camps; $750 for residential camps
The University of Arizona Summer Engineering Academy welcomes high schoolers to participate in engineering projects and learn what life is like as a Wildcat. Participants gain hands-on experience designing projects and conducting research, meet mentors and like-minded peers, explore engineering careers, and get a taste of college life. There are both day and residential experiences are offered.
6. Summer Scrubs
Dates:
- Residential camp: June 1 – 7
- Day camp: June 9 – 13
Location: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $300 for day camp; $500 for residential camp
Current 11th graders interested in becoming physicians can prepare for their future careers in healthcare by participating in hands-on labs, attending professional lectures, and going on health-related field trips. They will also explore various medical specialties and learn from practicing medical doctors.
7. University of Arizona Med-Start
Dates: Early June – mid-July
Location: University of Arizona
Application Deadline: February 1
Cost: $6,000
This program is a fantastic option for rising seniors interested in the health sciences. During six immersive weeks at the University of Arizona, participants will explore healthcare career opportunities and experience college-level coursework in English, science, and math. Med-Start was created in 1969 to introduce students to the importance of health care in rural areas and regions with a known shortage of healthcare professionals.
8. Barrett Summer Scholars
Dates:
- Rising 9th graders: June 1 – 4
- Rising 10th graders: June 8 – 11
- Rising 11th graders: June 15 – 18
- Rising 12th graders: June 22 – 25
Location:
- Rising 9th graders: ASU Tempe Campus
- Rising 10th graders: ASU Downtown Campus
- Rising 11th graders: ASU West Valley Campus
- Rising 12th graders: ASU Polytechnic Campus
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: $1,000
This residential summer program allows talented and motivated high schoolers to engage with college-level coursework while experiencing a slice of college life at multiple Arizona State University campuses across the state. Barrett Summer Scholars will join a T.R.A.C.K., an elective pathway designed to explore college and career options. The T.R.A.C.K.s available are Technology and Engineering, Research and Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Commerce and Business, and Kinetics and Health. Need-based scholarships are available.
9. Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program (JBMSHP)
Dates: June 1 – July 11
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: February 18
Cost: Free
This free residential program is aimed at high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in STEM careers and come from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented in the field. The program provides students the opportunity to begin their mathematical studies—and earn three college credits—while still in high school. The following 3-credit university courses will be offered during the summer: College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus for Engineers I, and Calculus for Engineers II.
10. César E. Chávez Leadership Institute
Dates: June 22 – 25
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: $50 (non-refundable registration fee)
Just 60 students in 11th and 12th grade are selected to participate in this one-of-a-kind summer program.
The César E. Chávez Leadership Institute seeks to improve access to higher education for Arizona high school students. It provides a low-cost, week-long summer program that encourages rising juniors and seniors to embrace community service and civic engagement, as well as develop their leadership skills. Participants also explore the opportunities available at ASU and work with college advisors to plan for college admissions and learn how to translate their interests into career opportunities.
11. RISE Summer Leadership Institute
Dates: June 8 – 11
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: $50 (non-refundable registration fee)
This low-cost, week-long residential program is aimed at Black and African-American students entering grades 9 through 12. The program highlights a variety of topics, but primarily focuses on college readiness, career exploration, leadership skills, and community engagement. Additional topics included in the curriculum are financial wellness, personal growth, and self-care. Program activities are led by Black and African-American industry leaders and educators.
12. The Burton Family Foundation Summer Health Institute
Dates:
- Camp 1: June 15 – 21
- Camp 2: June 22 – 28
Location: Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus
Application Deadline: April 6
Cost: Free
This immersive summer experience provides rising high school seniors with the opportunity to explore careers in healthcare. Participants engage in an immersive college experience while learning what it’s like to work in professions such as dentistry, physical therapy, and optometry. Students will also learn about essential skills like suturing, setting up IVs, intubation, and administering injections.
13. Horizon Academic Research Program
Dates:
- Summer I Cohort Start Date: June 16
- Summer II Cohort Start Date: July 14
Location: Online
Application Deadline:
- Summer I: May 18
- Sumer II: June 22
Cost: $5,950
Horizon Academic Research Program is a selective online research program for gifted high school students interested in conducting undergraduate-level research. The program’s capstone project is a 20-page research paper aimed at equipping high school students with the practical knowledge and research writing skills needed to excel in their future academic careers. Subject offerings for the seminar program include: Computational Neuroscience, Behavioral Economics, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Psychology and Emotion Regulation, and more. Need-based scholarships are available for the seminar courses (the maximum tuition waiver offered is 90%).
14. High School Game Camp
Dates: June 16 – 27
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,000
This camp takes a hands-on approach to teaching students about computer graphics and game development, allowing each student to utilize a high-spec computer equipped with NVDIA RTX. Participants are led by an ASU professor with 20 years of experience in the field, and use the high-end game engine from Epic Games—Unreal Engine 5—to develop realistic 3D games.
15. Robotics Camp
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $900
Students interested in robotics and engineering will want to check out this summer program. Participants build and program a robot by using the latest engineering concepts and technologies. The program culminates with students testing their creations in a robotics challenge.
16. Digital Culture Summer Institute
Dates: Varies
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $150 – $250 per class
This summer program is presented by Arizona State University’s School of Arts, Media, and Engineering and hosts five-day project-focused workshops. The Digital Culture Summer Institute is aimed at future makers, artists, designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Participants will get to hone the skills needed to succeed in a technology-fueled world through interdisciplinary classes in the arts, music, digital media, computer science, technology, and engineering. Some of the workshops include: Learn to Code in Minecraft, AI and the Creative Process, Python Coding 101, and 3D Animation: Blender Fundamentals.
17. Camp Cronkite
Dates:
- Session 1 – Sports Media: June 8 – 13
- Session 2 – Media: June 15 – 20
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: $799 – $899
High schoolers can gain real-world media experience and get a taste of college life at this exciting residential summer program. Participants are exposed to a variety of types of media, including visual, audio, and narrative storytelling, while exploring numerous fields within journalism and mass communication, such as sports journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital marketing. For session 1 (Sports Media), campers learn sports photography, try out play-by-play coverage, and attend live sporting events—including a Diamondbacks game!
18. Mayo Clinic High School CARES
Dates: N/A
Location: Mayo Clinic Office of Education Engagement and Outreach | Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ campus
Application Deadline: February 1
Cost: Free
The mission of Mayo Clinic CARES is to expose students to the wide spectrum of healthcare careers. This is accomplished by providing engaging learning experiences and opportunities to meet Mayo Clinic professionals, establish connections, and discover new possibilities for their personal and professional journeys. Participants will gain insight into healthcare careers such as Surgical Technician, Clinical Research Coordinator, Respiratory Therapist, Nurse Anesthetist, and more.
19. Helios Scholars at TGen
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Location: Various TGen locations, depending on focus area (Phoenix and Flagstaff)
Application Deadline: February 5
Cost: Free
Graduating seniors (who will also be enrolled in school during the next academic year) will want to look into this paid eight-week internship. The opportunity is open to incoming and continuing undergrad, graduate, and medical students who have studied at an Arizona high school, college, or university. As participants work on research projects focused on public health and pathogens under the mentorship of professional scientists, they will build professional skills, learn about career paths, and network with like-minded peers. The program culminates with participants presenting their project results at a formal research symposium.
20. Aerospace Engineering Camp
Dates: June 1 – 6
Location: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University | Prescott, AZ
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,700
Take a hands-on journey to the heart of aerospace engineering through this exciting summer program, in which students learn about topics like aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aircraft design. While working alongside Embry-Riddle faculty, students will participate in engineering labs and gain firsthand experience applying the principles of design. This is a residential program, so students also have the chance to get the full college experience—both living and learning on a college campus.
21. Astronomy Camp
Dates: June 15 – 20
Location: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University | Prescott, AZ
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,750
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the secrets of the universe, this adventurous summer experience is for you! Students will listen to lectures, take part in hands-on activities, view planetarium shows, and go on eye-opening field trips, as they learn about the cosmos alongside other peers who are drawn to the mystery of outer space. Students live and learn on the university’s Prescott campus during the program and are taught by Embry-Riddle faculty, so you’re sure to get an accurate, comprehensive taste of what college life is like.
22. Data Science Camp
Dates: July 20 – 25
Location: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University | Prescott, AZ
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,750
Participants in this residential summer camp will dig into the mathematical and computational foundations of data science to learn about an exciting discipline and college life simultaneously. Students will crunch numbers, write code, and explore the impact of data science on individuals and societies through hands-on activities and conversations.
23. Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP)
Dates: June 7 – 14
Location: Diné College
Application Deadline: March 22
Cost: Free
This eight-day program for Native American high schoolers in grades 10 through 12 introduces students to careers related to public health, health research, and service learning in local communities. Students build new skills, develop leadership qualities, and become part of a supportive network of mentors and students. Not only is this program free, but participants receive a stipend at its completion.
24. Indigenous Youth Media Workshop
Dates: June 15 – 25
Location: Northern Arizona University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Indigenous storytellers and media makers will want to check out this free summer program focused on broadcast media and journalism. Students will create documentary-style multimedia news stories, produce a live broadcast news show, and explore careers in media. Participants will also build a range of skills related to journalism, collaborate with other students, and immerse themselves fully in college life by eating in the student union, living in residence halls, and learning on NAU’s campus.
25. NAU Curry Summer Music Camp
Dates: June 17 – 21
Location: Northern Arizona University
Application Deadline: May 9
Cost: $635 for residents; $370 – $430 for commuters
High schoolers from Arizona and the greater Southwestern U.S. will receive world-class music instruction and get to perform at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium during this five-day camp. Students with a knack for band, choir, or orchestra can explore and deepen their passions through this program. In addition to rehearsing for Final Concert, campers will also take musical classes that include options like Reed Making, Vocal Techniques, Conducting, Jazz Ensemble, and more.
There is also an option to add private lessons with NAU Kitt School of Music faculty for $40 more during registration.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Participation in summer programs does factor into college admissions, although their significance depends on various factors, including their prestige, how they align with your interests, and the value particular institutions place on extracurricular activities.
The more prestigious an extracurricular activity (like attending a summer program), the more weight it will hold with admissions officers. For example, attending a selective program like UA’s Young Writers Institute will generally grab attention. Similarly, participating in a program closely aligned with your interests, like a prospective pre-med student attending a program like Summer Scrubs, is another great way to boost your admissions odds.
The four tiers of extracurricular activities are a good way to understand how colleges assess an applicant’s pursuits outside of the classroom. The top tiers—one and two—are the most desirable to colleges. Top-tier activities are impressive, unique, and rare. The lower tiers—three and four—are reserved for more common and less wow-worthy activities. Ideally, a college profile will have a few top-tier activities, like attending a prominent summer program, mixed with activities from the lower tiers.
CollegeVine can also help you determine the influence extracurricular activities have on your chances of college admission. Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors, including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
