Research
SSP (Summer Science Program)
SSP is a 5-week residential program run by Summer Science Program International. Open to: high school juniors (rising seniors).
- Application deadline
- Anticipated January 2027 f
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 5 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students spend five weeks on a college campus working in teams on a research project in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics or cell biology. They spend about 60 hours a week on research with faculty and teaching assistants.
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Bacterial genomics
- Cell biology
Key facts
- Run by
- Summer Science Program International
- Where
- Multiple locations (residential)
- Who can apply
- High school juniors (rising seniors)For the 2027 program, applicants should be graduating in 2028; the site says families with income under about $140,000 often qualify for full or partial aid.
- Dates
- Programs begin mid-June 2027
- Cost
- $11,800 in 2026, covering tuition, room, board, supplies, and local field trips and transportation; 2027 fee to be announced December 2026Stipend: Limited number of $3,000 stipends in addition to free admission
- Deadline
- Anticipated January 2027 for international applicants and February 2027 for domestic applicantsApplication opens December 2026 (exact date not posted).
- Selectivity
- In 2026, we admitted around 700 participants.
How a mentor helps with your SSP application
- Decide whether SSP fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the SSP deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEOPArmy Educational Outreach Program | Multiple locationsCommuter | Current high school students (also open to undergraduates) | Free with stipend | Varies by position; applications are always openLast cycle’s date |
| Clark ScholarsTexas Tech University | Lubbock, TXResidential | Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates | Free with stipend | February 15, 2027, 11:59 pm CT |
| GarciaGarcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NYResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid | Not posted |
| LLPPrinceton University Science Outreach | Princeton, NJCommuter | Local New Jersey high school students age 16 or older | Free | March 15, 2026, 11:59 pm ESTLast cycle’s date |
| REACHScripps Research | La Jolla, CACommuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Free with stipend | March 22, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| RIBSUniversity of Chicago Summer Session | Chicago, ILResidential | 10th and 11th grade students | Paid, aid available | Priority February 11, 2026; regular March 12, 2026Last cycle’s date |
Frequently asked questions
When is the SSP application deadline?
The deadline is Anticipated January 2027 for international applicants and February 2027 for domestic applicants. The application opens December 2026 (exact date not posted).
How much does SSP cost?
$11,800 in 2026, covering tuition, room, board, supplies, and local field trips and transportation; 2027 fee to be announced December 2026. Stipend: Limited number of $3,000 stipends in addition to free admission. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to SSP?
High school juniors (rising seniors). For the 2027 program, applicants should be graduating in 2028; the site says families with income under about $140,000 often qualify for full or partial aid.
How hard is it to get into SSP?
In 2026, we admitted around 700 participants.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
