STEM Programs to look into:

 

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)

https://mites.mit.edu/discover-mites/mites-summer/ 

• This is a great program to sign up for later in high school, during your sophomore or junior years, providing great experiences and training in STEM fields.  

 

• NationalSociety of Black Engineers (NSBE) Boston Chapter / Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE): Connect with these professional chapters. They often run "Summer Engineering Experience" or pipeline programs for middle/high school students.

  • https://nsbe.org/programs/ - NSBE programs

 

MassBioEd - Internships

https://www.massbioed.org/students-career-seekers/internships/

• Tons of programs around STEM internships. 

• REVISIT THIS ONE FREQUENTLY!  Programs change, begin, and end.  It's changing!

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City Sprouts - Green Team 

https://www.citysprouts.org/afterschool-green-team-copy 

• STEM enrichment and mentoring programs focused on agriculture and botany, growing plants in your community.

 

Dive In Commonwealth - from the Commonwealth School

https://www.commschool.org/academics/dive-in-commonwealth

• They offer a number of free programs during the school year and summer focused on STEM enrichment, skill-building, and high school / college readiness.

 

Broader Summer STEM Program Aggregators

 

These organizations provide lists of programs and opportunities provided by other programs for students like you to look through. Use these sites to search by age, location, and interest.  

• Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership

  • https://www.massafterschool.org/stem-library 

  • BIG database of programs and opportunities to explore!

• 11 Programs for Middle School Students in Massachusetts

  • https://www.veritasai.com/veritasaiblog/programs-for-middle-school-students-in-massachusetts 

 

High School and Beyond

These are resources that may focus on high school-age, so keep your eyes and mind on these over the next couple years.  These are more about your near future, instead of just the here-and-now!

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• Northeastern University's Center for STEM Education: Look for their "Young Scholar's Program" (grades 7-8) and "College Bound" (grades 9-12). They are free and target Boston Public School students.

  • https://stem.northeastern.edu/summer/ysp/

  • Programs starting in 9th grade, up through High School

• MassHire Greater Boston & Regional Workforce Boards: The primary source for state-funded career pathway programs. Search for "Learn to Earn", "YouthWorks" summer jobs, and sector-specific training in Biomanufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing. These are income-eligible and target underserved youth.

• Bristol Community College's Biomanufacturing Center (Fall River): While further south, they are a leader and may have summer bridge programs for high school students.

• Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Internship Challenge: CRITICAL FOR AGES 16+. This is a state-funded program that places students in paid internships at life sciences companies. Companies are incentivized to host. Applications typically open in early winter for the following summer. It is competitive but a premier opportunity.

 

Important actions to prepare for Summer 2026:

• Bookmark Key Pages AND RETURN TO THEM FREQUENTLY!  Even CLOSED programs may open back up each year, don't let the next run pass you by!

• Set Calendar Reminders

• Reach out to contacts, program coordinators, and any other people you see affiliated with the programs on their pages, they're here to help you!

• October 2025 - January 2026: Start checking daily/weekly for summer program announcements. This is when most applications open for competitive, free programs.

• January - March 2026: This is PRIME APPLICATION SEASON for most need-based and selective summer STEM programs.

  • DON’T WAIT!  Many organizations and programs begin registration in January, closing registration often in February and March.  

• Direct Outreach (Starting Jan 2026): Email or call the education/outreach coordinators at the organizations listed above. Be specific: *"I am looking for free summer 2026 programs for a 12/13/14-year-old interested in biotech..."*

• Leverage YOUR Local Networks: Contact the STEM Coordinator or Family Liaison at your local school district, Boston Public Schools Office of College and Career Readiness, or community centers. They often have direct pipelines to these opportunities.

• DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK PEOPLE QUESTIONS!  Most of the people running these organizations and communities are doing this TO HELP KIDS LIKE YOU, and they want to see you get the resources you need.