Want to make the most of your summer? Summer programs for high school students in Nashville, Tennessee, offer a fantastic opportunity to explore new fields, build essential skills, and connect with industry experts. Whether you’re interested in STEM, arts, business, or humanities, these programs combine practical learning, teamwork, and access to advanced resources.
Whether you're interested in STEM, arts, business, or humanities, these programs help you gain technical expertise and critical thinking skills. By the end of the program, you'll have a deeper understanding of your chosen field, a portfolio to showcase your work, and a competitive edge for college applications and future research projects!
11 Great Nashville Summer Programs for High School Students
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher, typically in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks may have specific prerequisites.
Program Dates:
- Vary from cohort to cohort
- Lab dates are flexible; applications should be submitted at least four weeks in advance.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies from cohort to cohort
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct advanced research under the guidance of Ph.D. scholars from top global universities. Over a 12-week period, you work closely with your mentors to explore a topic of your choice, formulate research questions, and produce a high-quality academic paper. With a focus on critical thinking, independent inquiry, and academic writing, this program allows you to develop college-level research skills that will boost your academic profile and prepare you for further academic challenges.
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record and a keen interest in medicine.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Medicine and related fields such as biology, neuroscience, and public health.
Cost: $2,800; financial aid available.
Application Deadlines:
- Winter Cohort: November 24
- Spring Cohort: February 9
The High School Intern Summer Program by the Nashville Bar Association offers a paid internship opportunity for high school students interested in legal careers. You’ll work in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices across Metro Nashville, gaining real-world experience in the legal profession. Tasks include attending court hearings, assisting with legal research, and exploring the daily operations of legal practices.
Alongside work experience, you’ll participate in workshops and networking events to build communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Attorneys and legal professionals mentor you, providing guidance and inspiration for pursuing higher education and a career in law.
Eligibility: Open to diverse students who will graduate in 2024 and rising seniors graduating in 2025. Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in the legal field.
Program Dates: June 7 – July 26, 2024.
Application Deadline: March 29, 2024.
Location: Various legal offices throughout Metro Nashville.
Subject Areas: Law, legal studies, and professional development.
Cost: This is a paid internship; participants will receive compensation ranging from $10 to $15 per hour.
The Aspirnaut™ Summer Research Internship program, hosted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, offers high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research. This six-week program is tailored to inspire students, particularly those from rural areas or underrepresented groups in STEM, to pursue careers in science and technology. You work full-time in state-of-the-art laboratories, focusing on research topics such as renal biology, diabetes, cancer, and regenerative medicine.
You are paired with mentors who guide your research projects, fostering skill development in laboratory techniques, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Beyond lab work, you also participate in weekly seminars and lab meetings.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15 and above
Program Dates: June 1 – July 12, 2024.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024.
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
Subject Areas: Biomedical research, including genetics, molecular biology, and engineering.
Cost: Participants receive a stipend of $2,000 for the six-week session; room and board are provided.
Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA) is designed for high-achieving students in grades 7–12, offering an opportunity to explore advanced subjects and expand intellectual horizons. Hosted by Vanderbilt University's Programs for Talented Youth, it allows you to learn about topics that match your academic interests and career goals.
You’ll choose courses across fields like science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences, taught by Vanderbilt faculty and graduate students. The program helps you build foundational knowledge, sharpen problem-solving and analytical skills, and develop effective communication and prepare you for college and future career paths.
Eligibility: Rising 7th–12th graders
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July 2024, varying by grade level.
Application Deadline: January 7, 2024.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Subject Areas: Various subjects, including science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences.
Cost: Tuition varies by course length; financial aid is available.
The Discover Biomedical Research Program, hosted by Vanderbilt University, offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to biomedical research. This two-week program is designed to engage you in foundational scientific concepts and laboratory techniques, providing a platform for you if you are interested in pursuing careers in medical research.You receive hands-on training in basic lab skills and engage in stimulating discussions on STEM topics, including evidence-based decision-making, the impact of social media on science, community awareness, and academic science culture. The program is led by Vanderbilt biomedical graduate students who offer one-on-one mentoring, share their experiences in graduate school, and promote cultural awareness and inclusion in medical science.
Eligibility: 10th–12th graders aged 16 or older
Program Dates: June 10 – June 21, 2024
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Subject Areas: Biomedical research and laboratory skills.
Cost: Free
The Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS) program at Vanderbilt University offers rising seniors an intensive, six-week scientific research internship. You will work in a Vanderbilt University or Vanderbilt University Medical Center research lab, conducting independent research under the guidance of faculty mentors.
You will gain firsthand experience in scientific research, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to STEM careers. Working alongside researchers, you will contribute to ongoing projects and understand the workings of a research lab.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending Stratford STEM, John Overton, or Hillsboro High School, participating in the Interdisciplinary Science and Research Program, and at least 16 years old at the program's start.
Program Dates: May 28 – July 3, 2024.
Application Deadline: Interested students should consult their ISR scientist for application details.
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Subject Areas: Various STEM disciplines, including biology, chemistry, engineering, and more.
Cost: Free
The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts is a three-week residential program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro. It focuses on enhancing high school students' skills in music, visual art, theater, dance, and filmmaking.
You will receive instruction from experienced artists and faculty, attend daily classes and workshops, and engage in rehearsals and exhibitions. The program concludes with performances or displays of your work. You also earn college credit, gaining academic and artistic preparation for future opportunities.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students residing in Tennessee
Program Dates: Typically held in June
Application Deadline: Applications are usually due in early January
Location: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.
Subject Areas: Music, visual art, theater, dance, and filmmaking.
Cost: The program is tuition-free
The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Sciences and Engineering (GSSE) is a four-week residential program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM fields. You take core courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry in the mornings, followed by elective classes like robotics, environmental science, or engineering in the afternoons. The program includes hands-on labs, collaborative projects, and problem-solving activities, helping you apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges while building critical thinking and technical skills.
In addition to the coursework, you also benefit from guest lectures by leading researchers and industry professionals.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending high school in Tennessee.
Program Dates: June 1–28, 2024.
Application Deadline: December 6, 2023.
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Subject Areas: Advanced studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Cost: The program offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships; students awarded partial scholarships will incur a participation fee.
Belmont University's Summer Science and Math Camps provide high school students with an immersive introduction to STEM through hands-on exploration and interactive learning. Each week-long program focuses on a specific scientific or mathematical discipline, such as data science, game design, applied physics, or neuroscience. Guided by Belmont’s faculty, you engage in college-level coursework that includes laboratory experiments, collaborative projects, and interactive lectures. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 and above with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Program Dates: Various sessions offered between June and July
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Location: Belmont University, Nashville, TN.
Subject Areas: Data science, game design, physics, neuroscience, and more.
Cost: Approximately $425 per week, including lunch; financial assistance may be available.
The Nissan AERO (Accelerated Engineering Readiness Opportunity) Summer Program at Lipscomb University is a one-week program for students preparing for college-level engineering. You receive math instruction tailored to Calculus I readiness and apply mathematical concepts to solve engineering problems. Guided by Lipscomb faculty and industry experts, you build problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
The program also includes interactions with Nissan Automotive professionals and a tour of their manufacturing facility, offering insights into real-world engineering in the automotive sector.
Eligibility: High school seniors and rising seniors
Program Dates: Two sessions offered: July 22-27, 2024, and July 29-August 3, 2024.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged due to limited spots.
Location: Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN.
Subject Areas: Mathematics and engineering fundamentals.
Cost: $150, covering breakfast and lunch daily.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.