Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs
Summit Education organizes virtual summer programs empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM. In 2026, students have the opportunity to apply to the Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF) and Summit Research Scholars (SRS).
Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF): SSF aims to empower the next generation of leaders in STEM. Students explore diverse STEM fields and career pathways, learning from 50+ mentors from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. The program is structured as a flexible 10-15 hour weekly commitment, allowing students to join alongside other summer activities.
Summit Research Scholars (SRS): SRS helps students build the skills necessary for original research. Students learn how to conduct literature reviews, develop research questions, and use Python, statistics, and data science to solve real-world problems. At the end of the program, students work on a Research Capstone and original research proposal.
Applications for Summer 2026 programs are now open! Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of acceptance. To apply please visit www.summiteducation.org.
The Mayo Clinic High School Volunteers Program is a year-round volunteer program in Rochester, Minnesota, with service opportunities in both outpatient and inpatient settings. The High School Volunteer Program is in the midst of planning for our summer volunteer session (Session 2 of 2026). The program is open to high school students who are currently age 14 or older.
Mayo Clinic High School Volunteer Program Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/volunteers/minnesota/how-to-apply/high-school-volunteers
Application: https://volunteer.mayoclinic.org/custom/527/volunteer_home
The BioDiscovery Internship program at The Hormel Institute is designed for high school students who will be entering 10th, 11th or 12th in the fall of 2026 and have a passion for biomedical research. The program aims to inspire students’ interest in cancer biology, career development, and research opportunities. Interns will gain valuable experience by exploring, building relationships, and engaging in both observational and hands-on learning. This unique opportunity allows students to explore different areas of biomedical research science, providing insights that foster growth, curiosity, and practical knowledge in the field.
Applications Due by May 1, 2026
Selections will be completed early May and applicants who are selected will be notified by email. Selected participants are required to confirm their acceptance by June 1.
We will be offering 2 sessions for BioDiscovery this year.
Session 1 July 7, 8 & 9 (9:00-2:30)
Session 2 July 14, 15 & 16 (9:00-2:30)
***High School Summer Research Scholars
The goal of the High School Summer Research Scholars is for accelerated students who have a curiosity to advance and immerse in research experiences designed for high school students (rising Juniors, Seniors or recent High School graduates May of 2026). This initiative is distinct from the BioDiscovery High School Program, offering advanced
Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
All application materials, including the letter of recommendation must be received by this date. Please ensure you are planning ahead and giving your recommender plenty of time to write the letter.
These are wonderful chances for students to immerse themselves in a hands-on learning environment and explore the exciting world of biomedical research. We encourage you to share this opportunity with students who may benefit from it. Attached are fliers of information you can share with your students.
Applications can be found on our website at hi.umn.edu under the training tab and then select high school training.
Rochester Community and Technical College’s Upcoming Summer Camp Programs
Our camps offer a wide range of engaging, hands-on experiences. Each program is designed to provide students with an enriching and supportive environment where they can explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with peers. RCTC is offering our most popular camps and a few new camps this summer including:
Grades 9 – 12+
Aviation
Healthcare Explorers
How to Write a Novel
All camps are led by experienced RCTC instructors and take place on our college campuses, giving students a chance to experience a collegiate setting.
You can find more details about camp offerings, dates, and registration at www.rctc.edu/camps.
The Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology (HERO) program is a two‑week, virtual summer program funded by the American Cancer Society and led by the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in collaboration with leading Midwest cancer centers.
HERO is open to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors (rising sophomores–seniors). Students will collaborate on a genetics‑based research project and patient case study, participate in faculty lectures and workshops, and receive mentorship from cancer researchers. Participants also receive lab kits and a $500 taxable stipend.
Program Details:
Dates: July 20–31, 2026 (weekdays)
Time: ~4 hours/day (full attendance required)
Format: Virtual
Eligibility: Minnesota residents
Deadline: April 24, 2026
America's Cutting Edge Composites Summer Bootcamp at Winona State University
Participants in this free summer bootcamp will explore advanced manufacturing through hands-on work with composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass. The experience includes building, customizing, and racing a composite car, earning an ACE Composites credential, and staying on campus with free housing and meals included. This is a strong fit for anyone curious about engineering, manufacturing, materials science, or technical careers.
Learn more on FutureForward