Top 15 Physics Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025–2026

Are you curious about which physics summer programs for high school students offer research experience and hands-on experiments? These programs help you build skills, gain mentorship from experts, and experience what real scientific work is like.

In this guide, you will find the top 15 summer programs for 2025–2026 that let you work on experiments, attend lectures, and connect with students who share your passion. You can see which programs fit your interests, what each requires, and how you can make the most of a summer learning experience in physics.

• What Are the Best Physics Summer Programs for High School Students?
• Research Science Institute (RSI)
• Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics
• Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)
• Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics
• Simons Summer Research Program
• Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, Texas Tech
• Boston University RISE
• UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)
• UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
• Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Applied Science & Engineering
• COSMOS
• Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs
• Princeton University Physics Department Summer Internship Program
• UPenn Summer Research Academy in Experiential Physics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Physics Summer Programs for High School Students?

Physics summer programs let you explore careers in physics, astronomy, and engineering while helping your college applications stand out. We’ve compiled a list of 15 top physics summer programs, and the table below summarizes each program’s name, location, and 2025–2026 dates:

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI)

• Dates: Summer 2026 (exact dates TBD)
• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Cost: Free

Research Science Institute (RSI) is a world-renowned summer program designed for high school students who love science, engineering, and research. Each summer, 100 of the most accomplished students from around the globe gather at MIT for an in-person, six-week program. 

During RSI, you work on a five-week individual research project under experienced mentors. The program features the RSI Evening Lecture Series, where past speakers have included:

• Dr. Dudley Herschbach, Nobel Laureate
• Dr. Phillip Sharp, Nobel Laureate
• Dr. Wolfgang Ketterle, Nobel Laureate

You conclude the program by presenting your research through written reports and conference-style oral presentations, gaining real experience in communicating scientific results.

To apply, you should be entering your final year of high school, typically after completing grade 11, with strong academic performance in math and science. High PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are recommended, and your application should include essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and any prior research experience. RSI is entirely free for all accepted students, covering tuition, housing, and meals.

If you want a deeper look at what the program offers, explore our complete guide to RSI.

2. Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics

• Dates: June 8 – August 3, 2026 (varies by campus)
• Location: Georgia College and State University; New Mexico State University; UNC Chapel Hill; University of Colorado Boulder; Colby College; Knox College
• Cost: Based on family finances; some students pay $0, and the maximum cost is $9,800.

The Summer Science Program in Astrophysics is a five-week residential research program where you study near-Earth asteroids using physics, calculus, and scientific programming. You work in teams of three to select an asteroid, write an observing proposal, and operate professional telescopes to capture images. 

After each observation, you measure the asteroid’s position using digital astrometry and write Python code to calculate its velocity and orbital elements. Your final calculations are submitted to the NASA-funded Minor Planet Center and become part of its official database.

You will spend the program alongside 35 other students, learning from world-class scientists, collaborating on research, and exploring a college campus. To apply, you must be a current high school junior between 15 and 18 years old who has completed physics and precalculus, or calculus if your school does not offer physics.

If you want a closer look at the research and projects you will tackle, explore our complete guide to SSP in Astrophysics.

3. Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)

• Dates: July 18 – July 29, 2026
• Location: Online
• Cost: 250 CAD

Perimeter Institute’s International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP) is a two-week online program for high school students in Grade 11 or 12 (or equivalent) who have completed a Grade 11 physics course, have strong physics and math skills, and are fluent in English. Exceptions apply for Grade 10 students who have completed equivalent physics. Students must submit transcripts, recent grades, a counselor report, an essay, an activities list, one teacher recommendation, and consent forms.

The program covers quantum mechanics, special relativity, general relativity, cosmology, and black holes through mini-courses, live interactive sessions, and hands-on experiments completed from home. Each weekday includes two mandatory 90-minute live sessions (three hours total), at least one hour of required preparation, and optional problems. Weekend independent work takes 2–3 hours. Preparation includes reading, sample problems, and recorded lectures.

ISSYP also includes keynote sessions with Perimeter Institute researchers and career insight discussions with alumni and physicists. The schedule runs approximately 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET, so international students must plan for the time difference. Participants receive a small package of supplies for experiments.

4. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics

• Dates: July 5 – August 2, 2026 (on-campus), with online self-study June 22 – July 3
• Location: Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
• Cost: $8,000; need-based financial aid up to 80% tuition remission available

Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a six-week program for rising high school seniors who excel in math and science and are interested in astrophysics research. The program begins with a two-week online self-study covering observational astronomy and Python programming. The four-week on-campus portion includes morning classes in the planetarium on:

• Observational astronomy
• Telescope optics
• CCD imaging
• Photometry
• Spectroscopy
• Stellar evolution
• Calculus
• Numerical simulations
• Machine learning
• Scientific writing

In the afternoons, you work in teams using Python and software like Astropy, SAO DS9, and AstroimageJ to analyze data and complete a research project. The program concludes with a scientific paper and presentation at the YSPA mini-conference.

Hands-on activities include weather balloon launches, solar spectroscope experiments, off-campus field trips, and weekly public nights at the observatory.

To apply, you must be a high school junior who will be a rising senior, at least 15.5 years old by July 5, 2026, submit a transcript and two teacher recommendations, and participate in the online pre-program study. International students with English proficiency are welcome.

If you want a closer look at the research projects and hands-on activities, explore our complete guide to YSPA.

5. Simons Summer Research Program

• Dates: June 29 – August 7, 2026
• Location: Stony Brook University, New York
• Cost: Fully funded with stipend; residential students pay an estimated $2,450 for housing, dining, and fees

The Simons Summer Research Program allows high school juniors to spend six weeks doing research in science, math, or engineering at Stony Brook University. You work directly with faculty mentors and join an active research team, taking responsibility for a project from start to finish. 

Throughout the program, you also attend weekly faculty talks, participate in workshops, tours, and special events, and experience life on a primary research university campus. By the end of the program, you will produce a written research abstract and a poster presentation at the closing symposium. 

To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, currently a high school junior, and at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Applications require a nomination from your high school; each school can nominate up to two students. Once nominated, you complete an online application and select your top three research areas.

If you want a detailed look at the research experience and mentorship opportunities, explore our complete guide to the Simons Summer Research Program.

6. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, Texas Tech

• Dates: June 21 – August 6, 2026
• Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
• Cost: No program fees; $25 application fee; $750 stipend; travel, personal, and medical expenses not included

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is an intensive seven-week summer research program for 12 high school juniors and seniors. You will work one-on-one with experienced Texas Tech faculty on research projects in areas like:

• Physics
• Biology/Cellular & Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering: Cancer Bioimaging
• History
• Cancer Biology

Throughout the program, you will live on campus, attend weekly seminars and discussions, go on field trips, and participate in social activities while developing research and critical-thinking skills. Scholars complete a research project and receive a $750 stipend.

To apply, you must be at least 17 by the program start, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and graduating in 2026 or 2027. The application includes short essays, high school transcripts, standardized test scores (PSAT or PACT at a minimum), three recommendations, and a list of your top five activities.

If you want a closer look at the research projects and faculty mentorship, explore our complete guide to the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program.

7. Boston University RISE

• Dates: Residential: June 28 – August 7, 2026; Commuter: June 29 – August 7, 2026
• Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• Cost: Residential: $9,785; Commuter: $6,185

Boston University’s (RISE) program is a six-week summer research experience for domestic high school juniors passionate about physics and STEM. You can choose between two tracks:

• Internship Track. Work 40 hours per week on hands-on physics research under the mentorship of BU faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. Present your results at the Poster Symposium.
• Practicum Track. Focus on Computational Neurobiology or Data Science with structured group research. Attend lectures and weekly workshops, and present your project at the Poster Symposium. A laptop capable of running programming software is required.

RISE students also engage in social activities, explore the BU campus and Boston, and gain exposure to research ethics, data analysis, and scientific communication. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents entering their senior year in fall 2026. Applications require essays, transcripts, and one recommendation.

If you want a detailed look at the research tracks and hands-on projects, explore our complete guide to RISE.

8. UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)

• Dates: Online Research Week: June 15–19, 2026; In-Person Research: June 22 – August 7, 2026
• Location: UC Santa Cruz, California
• Cost: Application fee: $68; Deposit: $750; Tuition: $4,250; Housing options: Full-week $7,350, Weekly commuter $5,250, Daily commuter $0. Need-based scholarships are available.

The UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP) gives high school students the chance to work on physics research projects alongside UCSC faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. The program starts with a one-week online research week to prepare for in-person lab work. For the following seven weeks, you will conduct full-time research and end the program by presenting your results on Presentation Day.

Applicants must be 14–17 years old at the start of the program and currently enrolled in high school. Preference is given to students who can commit to all eight weeks. Financial aid can cover up to 100% of tuition, housing, and program fees.

If you want a closer look at the research experience and faculty mentorship, explore our complete guide to UC Santa Cruz SIP.

9. UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

• Dates: June 15 – July 31, 2026
• Location: University of California, Santa Barbara
• Cost: Commuter: $5,675; Residential: $13,274; Need-based scholarships available

The UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) engages high-achieving high school students in hands-on, university-level research across disciplines, including physics. You will be paired with a mentor who is a graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, or faculty member and work on a research project of your choice.

The program begins with a multi-day virtual component to introduce you to your mentor and the resources available at UCSB. You will then participate in six weeks of in-person research, dedicating 35 to 50 hours per week to lab work, fieldwork, data collection, and library research.

You will learn to document your findings in a technical research paper, present at a formal academic symposium, and earn 8 university credits through two interdisciplinary courses on research writing and presentation techniques.

Applicants must be in 10th or 11th grade, have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.80, and commit to the full program, including the virtual component and closing events. Limited need-based scholarships are available to cover tuition, housing, and program fees.

If you want a closer look at the mentorship and research projects, explore our complete guide to UCSB RMP.

10. Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)

• Dates: June 17 – July 24, 2026
• Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
• Cost: $7,500; financial aid may cover up to 95%

The Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) is a five-and-a-half-week in-person program for high school students in grades 10 and 11. You will conduct a research project under the guidance of University of Iowa faculty. Each day is devoted to hands-on lab work, classes, and mentorship.

You will create and present a research poster at the conclusion of the program and earn three undergraduate credits from the University of Iowa. The program fee includes housing, meals, materials, and credit.

Applications require essays about your research interests and career goals, an academic transcript, test scores, and two recommendation letters. Academic record, essays, and alignment with available faculty mentors determine acceptance.

If you want a closer look at the research projects and faculty mentorship, explore our complete guide to Iowa SSTP.

11. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Applied Science & Engineering

• Dates: June 2026 (exact dates to be announced)
• Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
• Cost: $7,000; need-based financial aid available

YYGS Applied Science & Engineering is a two-week residential program for high school sophomores and juniors aged 16–18 who want hands-on experience in the physical sciences. You will study physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science while exploring real-world applications of these disciplines.

The program includes lectures by Yale faculty, small seminars, and breakout discussions where you solve scientific problems with peers. You will complete a capstone project under the mentorship of YYGS staff.

Eligibility requires that you are a first-time participant in YYGS, fluent in English, and able to commit to the full two-week program. Applications include essays, school transcripts, and recommendations. Need-based aid is available for domestic and international students.

Interested? Check out our complete guide to YYGS.

12. COSMOS

• Dates: July 5 to July 31 or August 1, 2026, depending on campus
• Location: University of California campuses in California
• Cost: $5,518 program fee; $46 nonrefundable application fee

COSMOS is a four-week, fully residential, in-person summer program for California high school students in grades 9 through 12. You are placed in a single academic cluster that includes two STEM courses and one skills course. Physics-related clusters vary by campus and may consist of physics, materials science, robotics, and computational science.

You choose one of the following COSMOS host campuses when applying:

• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UCLA
• UC Merced
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Cruz

Required materials include an online application, one personal statement, at least one teacher recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and an application fee. Students in grades 8 and 9 also submit prior-year report cards. Each campus admits approximately 160 to 200 students. The program fee covers housing, meals, orientation, field trips, activities, and on-site support for the full four weeks.

If you want a closer look at the clusters and campuses, explore our complete guide to COSMOS.

13. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs

• Dates: June 20 – August 1, 2025
• Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
• Cost: No program fees; housing, meals, and monetary award provided

The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs welcome rising 10th–12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. You will dedicate 30–35 hours per week to hands-on research in physics, quantum mechanics, electrical engineering, bioengineering, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and other STEMM fields.

You join a research group based on your coursework and personal statement:

• Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS). Work on projects in computer science, mechanical engineering, nuclear/quantum physics, aerospace, materials science, electrical/civil engineering, or bioengineering.
• SpHERES Young Scholars. Conduct interdisciplinary research in molecular physiology, neuroscience, chemical/biomolecular engineering, bioengineering, human development, kinesiology, or micro/nanotechnology.
• Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). Focus on research into lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. This group is open only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising 11th or 12th-graders in the Champaign-Urbana area.

You collaborate directly with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduates, and high school teachers. Weekly seminars guide you through research techniques, scientific communication, and poster preparation.

14. Princeton University Physics Department Summer Internship Program

• Dates: June 2026, last 8 weeks or longer
• Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
• Cost: Funded through department fellowships and summer salary

The Princeton University Physics Department Summer Internship Program allows students to work with faculty on research projects during the summer. You approach faculty members directly to arrange a position, usually starting in June, and conduct research for eight weeks or longer while earning a summer salary.

Funding for research is available through named fellowships, including Treiman, Leach, Frederick Osborn, Bell Burnell, and Joseph Henry fellowships. These awards are made based on available funds, and you do not need to apply separately. 

Students can also use the Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) to explore additional funding opportunities, and those interested in international research can check the Princeton International Internship Program (IIP). If you are interested in summer research, email the Undergraduate Administrator early in the spring term to learn about available positions and funding.

15. UPenn Summer Research Academy in Experimental Physics

• Dates: July 11 – August 1, 2026
• Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $10,050

The UPenn Summer Research Academy in Experimental Physics lets you explore core areas of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics, through hands-on projects, lectures, and discussions. You will move beyond memorized equations to understand cause and effect, develop experimental design skills, and engage with the philosophy and ethics of science.

This fully residential, in-person program lasts three weeks and is open to current 9th–11th graders, including international students who hold a tourist or B-2 visa. Each week, Penn faculty give research talks, answer your questions, and share insights from their active projects. You must bring a laptop or tablet to complete in-class work and software tasks.

The program is directed by Peter Harnish, the Undergraduate Lab Manager for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, who brings experience in theoretical graphene research, experimental quantum optics, and hands-on teaching. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can find many strong options, but some of the top choices include RSI, SSP, ISSYP, and programs at Yale, Princeton, and UPenn. You get hands-on research, mentorship from scientists, and an authentic experience that helps you explore physics more deeply. You also gain access to labs, faculty, and real research opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.

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

You can join several fully funded options, such as RSI and SSP, which remove financial stress and let you focus on learning. You also find others that offer substantial financial aid or full scholarships if cost is a concern. Many programs are designed to be accessible so you can participate regardless of your financial situation.

3. What subjects do physics summer programs typically cover?

You usually study topics like mechanics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and data analysis, depending on the program you choose. You also get the chance to work on experiments, code simulations, or contribute to real research projects.

4. How can physics summer programs help with college admissions?

You demonstrate that you challenge yourself academically by attending physics summer programs for high school students. You also gain research experience, recommendation letters, and stronger essays because you get real stories to write about. You stand out in a competitive applicant pool when you can explain how the program you joined shaped your goals and skills.

5. When should I apply for physics summer programs?

You should start preparing applications in the fall and submit them between December and February because most programs fill early. You need time to request recommendations, write essays, and gather transcripts so you avoid rushing anything.

Takeaways

• By joining physics summer programs for high school students, you get hands-on experience working on physics experiments and research projects that go way beyond your classroom labs.
• Top programs such as RSI, SSP, ISSYP, Yale, and UPenn provide access to expert mentors, lectures, and workshops that sharpen your problem-solving and technical skills.
• Collaborating with other passionate students helps you build teamwork, communication, and networking skills while exploring advanced physics topics.
• Attending these programs gives you amazing stories, projects, and accomplishments to highlight in college applications and essays.
• Exploring these programs with a college admissions expert helps you build real research experience, get advice on standing out, and strengthen your chances for top STEM colleges.