Camp · Academic · Ages 16–17
Directory · United States · Massachusetts · Cambridge
▌ Academic · Ages 16–17

Research Science Institute (RSI)

Cambridge

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a free, intensive summer research program for high school students held at...

▌ Editor's read The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious, tuition-free summer program for high school students, hosted at MIT. The program, which has been operating for 40 years, focuses on advanced STEM research, combining classroom instruction with hands-on research experience. It is run by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a non-profit organization. The program is highly selective, accepting only about 80 students globally each year. While not a traditional 'camp,' it offers an intensive overnight academic experience. Google reviews for the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) show a rating of 4.8 stars from 10 reviews, with participants praising the rigorous academics and networking opportunities. The program's website highlights its focus on scientific research, mentorship, and college-level coursework. Social media handles for CEE, the parent organization, are @cee_stem on Instagram and CEE.org on Facebook.
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Since 198640+ years operating
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University programRun by an academic institution
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 16–17

Research Science Institute (RSI) serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in academic, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
1986 (40 years)
Operator
University program
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Academic
  • Ages: 16–17
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
  • Phone: (703) 448-9062
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Free program.

↗ What parents like

  • Prestigious, held at MIT
  • Free of charge to attend
  • Hands-on research experience

↘ Watch for

  • Extremely selective admissions
  • Requires high standardized test scores

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: indoor

Frequently asked about Research Science Institute (RSI)

What ages does Research Science Institute (RSI) accept?
Research Science Institute (RSI) is open to children ages 16–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Research Science Institute (RSI) cost?
Research Science Institute (RSI) doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Free program. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
What are Research Science Institute (RSI)'s hours?
Research Science Institute (RSI) runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs Research Science Institute (RSI)?
Research Science Institute (RSI) is operated by a university program, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Research Science Institute (RSI) provide lunch?
Yes — Research Science Institute (RSI) includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
How does Research Science Institute (RSI) compare to other academic camps in Cambridge?
Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of 9 academic camps in Cambridge that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

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