Top 10 Math Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student interested in mathematics and considering pursuing a numbers related career, you came to the right place. It is never too early to start thinking about college, and high school summer programs are a great place to start. At Scholarships360, we have compiled a list of top summer math programs so you don’t have to do all the research. Let’s get started!

What is a math camp?

Summer programs offer high schoolers the opportunity to hone in on their craft or maybe even decide what their craft is. These programs sometimes help students decide if a certain career path is right or wrong for them as they consider what to major in at college. A math camp is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a degree in some sort of mathematical field. 

Why we chose these programs

There are many worthwhile math summer programs for high school students available, so think of this list as a starting point. We cannot compile every summer math program into one list, but we chose the following programs  because they have a positive history and offer students a range of financial options. Sometimes the best math program for students takes place at their local high school, so make sure to check out all options!

Note about application deadlines and camp open and close dates

If available, we included the deadlines for applying and the opening and closing dates for the following summer art programs. If the application deadlines and camp dates are not available right now, make sure to check the website for updates. 

Summer math camps

1. Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University

The Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University is a summer program for high school students with the goal of developing skills for future degrees and careers in math, science, engineering, and many other fields. The camp encourages students to develop as a problem solver and researcher, and become an integral part of the Mathworks community.

• Eligibility: All high school students
• Cost: $6,000 (Scholarships available)
• Application deadline: Rolling admission until April 16, 2024
• Camp dates: June 16 – July 27, 2024
• Location: San Marcos, Texas

2. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists, or PROMYS, is a six-week intensive mathematics program for highly motivated high school students. Attendees are chosen from across the U.S. and around the world. The program is held on Boston University’s campus, and offers students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in solving mathematical problems with others who share the same passion for math.  

• Eligibility: Students must be at least 14 years old and have completed 9th grade
• Cost: $6,000 (financial aid and scholarships are available)
• Application deadline: March 1, 2024 at 11:59 EST
• Camp dates: June 30 – August 10, 2024
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

3. U.S Naval Academy Summer STEM Program

The Summer STEM Program at the U.S Naval Academy is a great opportunity for students who not only want to go into STEM fields, but also have an interest in pursuing a career in the Navy. This one-week program focuses on enhancing skills such as problem solving, creativity, and collaboration. The price is all inclusive, including tuition, learning materials, lodging, food, USNA apparel, transportation, and extra treats!

• Eligibility: Rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
• Cost: $900 (scholarships for financial need are available)
• Application deadline: April 15, 2024
• Camp dates: 
  • Rising 9th Graders: June 3 – 8, 2024
  • Rising 10th Graders: June 10 – 15, 2024
  • Rising 11th Graders: June 17 – 21, 2024
• Location: Annapolis, Maryland

4. Honors Summer Math Camp

Honors Summer Math Camp, or HSMC, is a residential five-week summer program offered to high schoolers at Texas State University. This is an in-person summer math camp where students have the opportunity to work with professors to develop important skills.  Students leave the camp with a better sense of what a career in mathematics might look like. 

• Eligibility: Program is open to all high school students
• Cost: $6,000 (financial aid is available to students who need it)
• Application deadline: Rolling admission until April 16th, 2024
• Camp dates: June 16 – July 27, 2024
• Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas

5. IDEA MATH Summer Program

The IDEA MATH Summer Program is a program that offers students around the country the opportunity to immerse themselves in the field of mathematics. These programs are offered online, as well as in a variety of places across the United States, such as Dallas/Plano, Texas, and Boson, Massachusetts. These locations change from year to year, so if you don’t see a location near you, there may be one next summer! The program allows students to choose from a variety of courses that are of interest to them. 

• Eligibility: Open to high school students
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the program, see website for details
• Application deadline: TBD
• Camp dates: Camp dates vary depending on the program, but they are typically between June and July
• Location: Online, Dallas/Plano, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts

6. The Ross Mathematics Program

The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week highly competitive summer math program for high school students. Students have the opportunity to participate in lecture style and small group discussions, and the courses are on a variety of high level topics. Students will have the opportunity to take classes such as the Geometry of Numbers, Finite Fields, Arithmetic Functions, Quadratic Reciprocity, and much more. 

• Eligibility: Ages 15-18
• Cost: $7,000 (financial aid is available)
• Application deadline: March 15th, 2024
• Camp dates: 
  • Otterbein University in Columbus, OH: June 9 – July 19, 2024
  • Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana: June 16 – July 26, 2024.
• Location: Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana

7. AGAM: Nebraska

The AGAM Cryptography Camp takes place at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It is a program designed solely for women in STEM with hopes that they will pursue careers in mathematics. This program offers female students the opportunity to work in a hands-on environment with people who are already in the mathematics field. This is a competitive program, as only 15 students are selected each summer. 

• Eligibility: Grades 10-12
• Cost: 
  • Early Tuition: $575
  • Regular Tuition: $625
• Application deadline:
  • Early Bird – April 5, 2024
  • Regular – May 3, 2024
• Camp dates: June 9, 2024 – June 14, 2024
• Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

8. HOFSTRA STEM Summer Camp

The HOFSTRA STEM Summer Camp is a space for students who want to gain the necessary skills for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Although offered for many different age groups, this particular session is offered for high-school students. The curriculum involves hands-on learning, with a goal to create the next generation of young leaders in STEM fields.

• Eligibility: Students up to 10th grade can apply
• Cost: $2,250
• Application deadline: 
• Camp dates: July 29 – August 9, 2024
• Location: Hempstead, New York

9. MathILy

MathILy is a residential math program for high school students. In this program, students participate in five weeks of math intensive instruction. Students will develop problem solving skills and increase their knowledge of advanced math concepts. This program takes on about 45 students each summer, so it is based on individualized instruction. 

• Eligibility: Primarily for high school students, but if you are not in high school, your application will still be considered
• Cost: $5,300 (financial aid is available for those who need it)
• Application deadline: April 30th, 2024
• Camp dates: June 30 – August 3, 2024
• Location: Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

10. Michigan Math and Science Scholars

Michigan Math and Science Scholars is an academic enrichment program created for students who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM. There are three sessions that students can choose from. There is a variety of topics and courses offered at each, so there is something for everyone. Each class session is small, with only about 15 students per teacher, so it is an individualized learning experience. 

• Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Cost: Tuition is $1,300, with a non-refundable application fee of $100, and residential fees are $1,000 (financial aid is available for students who qualify)
• Application deadline: Rolling admissions (no official deadline, application will close when all classes are full)
• Camp dates:
  • Session 1: June 23 – July 5, 2024
  • Session 2: July 7 – July 19, 2024
  • Session 3: July 21 – August 2, 2024
• Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Next Steps

• Math programs for high school students can be a great way to complement your classroom education, but you need to think ahead about applications
• Start reaching out to teachers and mentors for recommendation letters
• Look through each application essay and start to formulate a list of ideas
• Begin looking at financial aid options if necessary
• Submit your applications to each of the mathematics summer camps that interest you and have a great summer!
• Check back with us for more resources to help you continue your education, including our high school checklist, our guide on when to start applying to colleges, and how to improve your SAT score