‼️FREE summer programs for HS students! Summer Science Program (SSP) Host: SSP International (independent nonprofit) Deadline: February 19, 2026 (domestic), January 29, 2026 (international) Four tracks: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Bacterial Genomics, and Cell Biology. The program is free for families earning $75,000 or less, with sliding-scale discounts up to $140,000 and additional $3,000 stipends for select participants. * Eligibility: Current juniors (graduating 2027), prerequisite coursework varies by track * Duration: 5 weeks (mid-late June 2026) * Website: ssp.org/application/ Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech Host: Texas Tech University Deadline: February 16, 2026 One of the most selective programs in the country, Clark Scholars admits only 12 students annually for one-on-one faculty mentorship. Scholars design and execute original research projects across STEM and humanities, receiving a $750 stipend upon completion with room, board, and activities fully covered. * Eligibility: Rising seniors or graduating seniors; 17+ years old. US citizens/permanent residents * Duration: 7 weeks (late June–early August) * Website: depts.ttu.edu/clarkscholars/ Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook Host: Stony Brook University/Simons Foundation Deadline: February 5, 2026 (nomination deadline January 30) Simons Fellows join active research teams with Stony Brook faculty mentors across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. The program requires school nomination before individual application. Students produce research abstracts and posters, attend weekly faculty talks, and receive a stipend at the closing symposium. * Eligibility: Current juniors; US citizens/permanent residents; 16+ by program start * Duration: ~6 weeks (June 29–August 7, 2026) * Acceptance rate: <5% * Website: stonybrook.edu/simons/ Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program Host: The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME) Deadline: January 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET JAX SSP offers one of the most generous funding packages: a $7,000 stipend plus room, board, and round-trip travel. The 10-week program focuses on genetics and genomics research, with students gaining increasing independence under experienced mentors. Professional development sessions cover genetic testing, data visualization, and science communication. * Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors or undergraduates * Duration: 10 weeks (May 30–August 7, 2026) * Website: jax.org/education-and-learning/high-school-students-and-undergraduates Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Deadline: February 1, 2026 SAMS provides a fully-funded 6-week residential experience for 86-110 students annually (~6.8% acceptance rate). The program emphasizes computer science, mathematics, and research skills, including a credit-bearing "Student to Scholar" course. Students must demonstrate financial need through tax documents or NACAC fee waiver. * Eligibility: 11th graders; US citizens/permanent residents; 16+ by June 20, 2026; must demonstrate financial need * What's covered: Tuition, housing, meals, activities (students pay travel only) * Duration: 6 weeks (June 20–August 1, 2026) * Website: cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/sams.html Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) Deadline: Late February 2026 (estimated) Application fee: $40 (waivers available) SIMR places students in Stanford Medicine labs for hands-on research in immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, and genetics. Students work one-on-one with graduate student or postdoc mentors. No tuition is charged, and participants receive $500-$1,500 stipends (higher amounts for underrepresented students). * Eligibility: Juniors/seniors; 16+ years old; US citizens/permanent residents. Bay Area students strongly preferred * Duration: 8 weeks (early June–late July) * Website: med.stanford.edu/simr.html #research #highschool #junioryear #juniors #sophomore