Top 15 Environmental Science Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025-2026

Environmental science summer programs allow you to explore questions about the natural world, climate change, and other related topics through projects, research, and fieldwork designed for high school students.

In this blog, you’ll find some of the best environmental science summer programs that help you demonstrate initiative, deepen your academic interests, and provide experiences that you can highlight in your college applications—especially for environmental science schools like Brown, Harvard, and UVA. Each section explains what the program offers and why it’s worth your time.

• What Are the Best Environmental Science Summer Programs?
• Stanford Young Investigators
• Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)
• Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)
• Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
• Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains
• Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL)
• Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program
• UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
• UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP)
• Simons Summer Research Program
• Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE)
• Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI)
• Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC)
• TeenNat
• Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Environmental Science Summer Programs?

Environmental science programs give high school students hands-on research experience and practical technical skills. You learn how environmental data is collected, analyzed, and used to solve problems in climate, ecosystems, and sustainability.

These programs also strengthen college applications by showing clear academic focus and initiative in STEM fields. Below, 15 environmental science summer programs are reviewed in a table that summarizes each program’s name, location, and dates.

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Stanford Young Investigators

• Dates: June 16–August 6, 2026
• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
• Cost: Unpaid internship; honorarium available for eligible scholars

Stanford Young Investigators is a research internship for high school students interested in environmental science, sustainability, and earth systems. You work on environmental research projects such as biodiversity studies, energy research, or sustainability-focused social science work alongside graduate-level mentors at Stanford.

Depending on the project, you might collect field data, run lab experiments, or use tools like GIS to analyze environmental patterns. You also join group talks, lab visits, and field trips that help you see how your work connects to larger environmental issues.

This Stanford high school internship is open to students who have completed at least one year of high school, with most interns being sophomores or juniors. Since the program is fully in-person and doesn’t offer housing or remote options, applicants must live and attend school within 25 miles of Stanford.

For more information about the program, check out our blog on Stanford Young Investigators.

2. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)

• Dates: Late June through August
• Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, New York
• Cost: Paid internship; specific stipend details not disclosed

Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) is a six-week program where you work alongside Columbia University scientists on field and laboratory research and learn how environmental studies are designed, conducted, and communicated.

Most projects are based at Piermont Marsh in New York, a long-term environmental research site. SSFRP uses a tiered mentoring model that pairs high school students with undergraduate mentors, a participating science teacher, and a Lamont researcher. Depending on your team’s focus, you may study water chemistry, nutrient cycling, sediment accumulation, bacterial levels, fish populations, or invasive and native plant distributions.

To be eligible, you must be in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and enrolled at one of the program’s partner schools. Each participating school assigns a science teacher to serve as a liaison and take part in the fieldwork. Teachers work with the program to select students to participate.

The application process includes a completed online application and an interview. Interviews focus on your interest in science and your willingness to work outdoors, on the water, or in a marsh environment.

3. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)

• Dates: June through July
• Location: Kangerlussuaq and Summit Station, Greenland
• Cost: Fully funded program; includes travel and a $1,500 stipend for personal and gear expenses

The Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) is focused on Arctic research and polar systems. It brings together students and scientists from Greenland, the United States, and Denmark to study Arctic environments and long-term environmental change through collaborative research.

JSEP offers two participation options:

• One-week remote program. Open to high school students, this option introduces Arctic science through data analysis, guided instruction, and hands-on activities.
• Three-week field-based program. Open to recent high school graduates who are 18 or older, this option takes place in Greenland at research sites such as Kangerlussuaq and Summit Station.

Both options emphasize interdisciplinary learning and cross-cultural collaboration. Students in the field program work closely with international scientists and educators, exploring topics such as climate patterns, ice and snow systems, atmospheric science, and the impact of humans on polar regions.

Eligibility depends on the program option. For the 2025 cycle, the remote program is open to U.S. high school juniors at the time of application. The field-based program is limited to U.S. citizens who have completed a remote JSEP program, will be 18 but not yet 19 by June 1, 2025, and hold a valid passport. Eligibility details for the 2026 cycle have not been released yet.

4. Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

• Dates: June 28–August 7, 2026 (Residential); June 29–August 7, 2026 (Commuter)
• Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• Cost: Commuter tuition was $6,185 in 2025, while residential students paid $9,785 including housing and meals. Updated 2026 rates to be announced soon.

Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) is a six-week summer research program for high school juniors who want early exposure to college-level STEM work. You spend the summer on Boston University’s campus, working in labs and getting a feel for what research looks like at a major university.

RISE offers two program tracks:

• Internship track. You’re placed in a BU research lab for about 40 hours per week. Students work with faculty, graduate students, or postdocs, learn lab techniques, contribute to ongoing projects, and present their findings at a final poster symposium.
• Practicum track. This option focuses on computational neurobiology or data science. Students attend lectures in the morning, work on group research projects in the afternoon, and visit biotech and pharmaceutical companies to learn how data science and research are used in commercial industry settings.

BU RISE is highly selective. Although the university doesn’t release official acceptance rates, only 190 students were admitted in 2025, indicating a very competitive application process.

To learn more about the program and how to apply, read our detailed guide to BU RISE.

5. Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains

• Dates: July 5–17, 2026
• Location: Vermont State University, Castleton, Vermont
• Cost: $7,290 + travel fees

The Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains is a two-week, campus-based program for high school students interested in climate science and sustainability. Hosted at Vermont State University, the program combines classroom instruction with field-based learning.

Students learn from experts affiliated with the Columbia Climate School and examine how climate change is studied across science, policy, and society. The program emphasizes discussion, analysis, and applied coursework, giving students exposure to college-level climate topics, such as:

• The Science of Climate Change
• Climate Impacts
• Climate Preparedness and Resilience
• International Climate Policies and Negotiations
• Decarbonization Pathways and the Energy Transition
• Climate Justice
• Sustainability and the Circular Economy
• Climate Change Communication and Conversation
• Field-Based Sampling & Analysis
• Climate Solutions in Action
• Climate Solutions & Collective Action

The program is open to students in grades 9–12, as well as motivated rising 9th graders, from around the world. Students who complete the program receive a certificate of participation from the Columbia Climate School. This is a non-credit pre-college program.

Find more details in our blog on the Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains.

6. Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL)

• Dates: July 13–24, 2026 (Alaska); July 9–16, 2026 (Florida Keys); June 21–July 2, 2026, and July 5–16, 2026 (Rhode Island)
• Location: Various locations in Alaska, the Florida Keys, and Rhode Island
• Cost: $7,642 (Alaska); $4,708 (Florida Keys); $6,274 (Rhode Island)

The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) is a distinctive option within Brown’s Pre-College Program, combining environmental science, ecology, and leadership training. For 2026, the university is offering BELL courses in three program locations, each focused on a different set of environmental challenges.

• BELL Alaska. Courses change each year to reflect Alaska’s unique ecosystems and communities. Students choose between studying Earth processes or exploring marine ecology and oceanography. Learning includes lectures, data analysis, and field trips.
• BELL Florida Keys. This program is based at MarineLab, an environmental education center near the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Students study tropical marine ecology, coral reef restoration, and mangrove ecosystems while examining how climate change, human activity, and extreme weather affect coastal environments.
• BELL Rhode Island. This program is based at Brown University with field trips across Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. Students select one course per session, all of which highlight the region’s diverse ecosystems. Coursework combines lectures, discussions, and site visits focused on environmental science and sustainability topics.

The program is open to students completing grades 10–12 who are between 16 and 18 years old by June 14, 2026. BELL programs run from June to July, with session lengths varying by location. Alaska and Rhode Island each offer 12-day programs, while the Florida Keys program runs for 8 days.

7. Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program

• Dates: Program will not be offered in 2026
• Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cost: Free

The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program is a tuition-free summer research and mentorship program hosted at the University of Pennsylvania. It offers motivated high school students the chance to work one-on-one with mentors on environmental research projects they help design.

Students begin with hands-on training in essential laboratory skills before moving into an independent research project. They conclude the program by writing a research report and presenting their findings.

To be eligible, students must have completed grades 9, 10, or 11, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and show a strong interest in environmental science research. Parental consent is required, and students must be able to commute to and from the UPenn campus.

The TREES Program won’t be offered in summer 2026. If you’re interested in future opportunities, you can check the official Penn website for updates on upcoming program cycles.

8. UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

• Dates: June 15–July 31, 2026
• Location: UCSB, Santa Barbara, California
• Cost: $13,274 total (residential option); $5,675 total (commuter option)

The UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a six-week program held on the UC Santa Barbara campus that pairs high school students with graduate students, postdocs, or faculty mentors to work on research projects in various fields.

Research areas vary from year to year and may include earth science, ecology, environmental policy, and marine biology. The program also features GRIT Talks, where UCSB researchers present their work and research questions. By the end of the program, participants complete a technical research paper, present their work at a symposium, and earn college credit.

The program is known for its highly selective admissions process. While exact numbers vary by year, acceptance rates have historically ranged from about 4% to 6%, reflecting the program’s competitiveness and academic rigor.

Applicants are typically in 10th or 11th grade, though exceptional 9th graders may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A minimum weighted GPA of 3.8 is required. Because RMP is a full-time commitment, students must attend the entire program, including virtual components and final events, and can’t enroll in other academic programs at the same time.

To explore this program more deeply, check out our detailed guide to USCB RMP.

9. UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP)

• Dates: June 15–19, 2026 (Online Research Week); June 22, 2026 (Program Kickoff); June 22–August 7, 2026 (Active Research Weeks); August 8, 2026 (Presentation Day)
• Location: Online and in-person at UCSC, Santa Cruz, California
• Cost: $68 non-refundable application fee; $750 non-refundable deposit, $4,250 full tuition, $7,350 full-week housing, $5,250 weekly commuter + $560 optional Monday/Friday shuttle

The UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP) begins with a week of online preparation before students arrive on campus for nine weeks of in-person research. It ends with a presentation day, where you share findings with peers, mentors, and the UCSC community.

Students work directly with research labs across a wide range of fields. SIP projects can fall under subjects such as Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Studies, and Ocean Sciences. During the program, you complete reading assignments, join lab meetings, and carry out hands-on or computational research as part of your selected project.

UCSC SIP is highly selective, and although the exact acceptance rate isn’t published, the program receives many more applications than available spots. SIP also has a strong record of supporting young women in STEM. In fact, around 60% of past participants have been female, and the program typically maintains a 3:2 ratio of girls to boys.

If you’re curious about how the program works, read our complete guide to UCSC SIP.

10. Simons Summer Research Program

• Dates: June 29–August 7, 2026
• Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
• Cost: No tuition or program fees; but students cover their own dining, transportation, and optional residential housing (estimated at $2,450 for Summer 2026).

The Simons Summer Research Program is a six-week research experience for high-achieving high school juniors hosted at Stony Brook University in New York. Once admitted, you’re matched with a faculty mentor and join an active research group in science, math, or engineering.

Fellows spend at least four hours per day on research, either independently or with their lab team. The program also includes faculty talks, workshops, and structured activities that introduce different STEM fields. At the end of the program, students submit a written abstract and present a research poster at the final symposium. Participants receive a stipend award upon completion.

For a full breakdown of the experience, see our blog on the Simons Summer Research Program.

11. Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE)

• Dates: June 28–July 3, 2026
• Location: George Mason University (GMU), Fairfax, Virginia
• Cost: $2,650 tuition; $250 minimum deposit during registration

The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) is a one-week program hosted at George Mason University in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. It brings together high school students who have been selected as National Youth Delegates to explore environmental science, conservation, and sustainability.

The program features hands-on sessions with researchers, conservation professionals, and policy experts working in environmental science, sustainability, law, and engineering. Students also take part in guided visits to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and other field sites.

Selection is competitive. Each year, 300 National Youth Delegates are chosen to represent their schools and states, typically from nominated 10th- and 11th-grade students with strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in environmental fields.

12. Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI)

• Dates: July 12–25, 2026
• Location: Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS), Geneva, New York
• Cost: $3,900 (covers tuition, room, and board); $500 deposit required upon acceptance

The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) is a two-week, college-level program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. The program introduces environmental studies through an interdisciplinary approach that includes science, policy, ethics, and social perspectives.

ESSYI is structured as a one-credit academic course, equivalent to four semester hours. Students build a foundation in environmental studies through classroom learning and field-based work focused on the Adirondack region of New York. Activities include exploring natural areas, analyzing environmental data, and presenting findings through individual and group projects.

Throughout the program, students work closely with faculty, college student staff, and peers from across the country and around the world.

13. Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC)

• Dates: June 17–August 1, 2025
• Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California
• Cost: Free; participants receive an educational award of up to $2,400 upon completion

Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a six-week summer program for high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program emphasizes outdoor service and community engagement through hands-on experiences in local parks and natural areas.

Students take part in a rotating set of weekly activities such as:

• Trail work, habitat restoration, community cleanups, and a summer service project
• Learning technical skills like wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration
• Overnight trips, including camping in state or national parks
• Wildlife observation using tools like iNaturalist and field guides
• Team-based activities such as cooking, kayaking, and field games
• Connecting with other youth from across the Bay Area
• Learning about local, state, and national parks

To be eligible, students must live in the Bay Area and attend a public high school. While all grade levels may be considered, graduating seniors are prioritized. The program primarily serves low-income, BIPOC youth, as well as students from immigrant communities, who have had limited access to outdoor and nature-based opportunities.

14. TeenNat

• Dates: June 23–July 23, 2026
• Location: Pepperwood Preserve, Santa Rosa, California
• Cost: Free

TeenNat is a free, five-week summer program at Pepperwood Preserve for high school students interested in environmental science and conservation. The program takes place on a 3,200-acre nature reserve, focusing on hands-on learning in natural ecosystems, including oak woodlands, grasslands, and ponds.

Students build field skills such as hiking safety, data collection, plant and animal identification, map navigation, and research methods. Participants work with Pepperwood scientists, explore different areas of the preserve, and complete a biodiversity project by the end of the program.

Applicants must be in grades 9–11 at the time of application and able to commit to the full program. Students should be comfortable spending long days outdoors in warm weather and be able to follow instructions, work with others, and take care of plants, animals, and equipment.

15. Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS)

• Dates: June 26–August 1, 2025
• Location: Riverview Learning Center (RLC) and various project sites throughout King County
• Cost: Free; $1,800 stipend provided with full attendance

Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) is a summer internship program for high school students in Washington. Students participate as interns while earning a stipend and credit toward graduation. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on environmental work and culminates in a final restoration project and presentation.

Topics covered include:

• Safety and well-being
• Land management practices
• Plant identification and watershed ecology
• Restoration ecology practices
• Restoration ecology laws and agencies
• Career pathways

YESS enrolls a small cohort of up to 16 students from the WANIC service area, which includes Riverview School District and nearby districts in Washington. Admission is determined by lottery, with priority given to first-time participants and upper-grade students.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best environmental science summer programs for high school students in 2025?

Some of the best programs include Stanford’s Young Investigators, UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program, the Simons Summer Research Program, and the Joint Science Education Project (JSEP). These programs are highly selective and offer strong research or field-based experience.

2. Are there free environmental science summer programs for high school students?

Yes, several environmental science summer programs are free or fully funded. Examples include TeenNat, LINC, and YESS, some of which also provide stipends or educational awards.

3. What subjects do environmental science summer programs typically cover?

These programs commonly cover ecology, climate science, conservation, environmental policy, and sustainability. Many also include field research methods and laboratory skills.

4. How can environmental science summer programs help with college admissions?

These programs show interest and initiative that top environmental science colleges look for in applicants. Research experience, fieldwork, and exposure to topics like ecology, climate science, and environmental policy also give you strong material for essays and interviews.

5. When should I apply for environmental science summer programs?

Most applications open between late fall and early spring, with deadlines often between January and March. Highly selective programs may close earlier, so it’s best to start researching and preparing applications at least six months in advance.

Takeaways

• Environmental science summer programs help high school students gain experience in field research, data analysis, and scientific thinking that colleges value.
• Programs like Stanford Young Investigators, JSEP, and Boston University RISE are highly selective, while TeenNat, LINC, and ESSYI are open to a wider range of students.
• Many programs offer hands-on projects and close mentorship, giving you clear experiences to reference in college applications.
• If you need help choosing the right program or preparing your application materials, consider working with a college admissions consultant for personalized guidance.