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

Research Science Institute (RSI)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

An intensive summer program for high school students to conduct original research in STEM fields at MIT.

▌ Editor's read The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly selective, tuition-free summer program for high school students, established in 1984 by Julian C. Stanley. It is operated by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a non-profit organization. The program focuses on advanced STEM research, with participants engaging in college-level coursework and scientific research. RSI is held at MIT for US and international students, and has expanded to include international sites. The program is known for its rigorous academic demands and has a strong alumni network, including Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows. The website indicates a long history of operation, with the 2024 program marking its 40th year.
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Since 198640+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
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 stem, 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 accredited or not found
Established
1986 (40 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: STEM
  • Ages: 16–17
  • Hours: Full-time residential program
  • Address: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Phone: 703-448-0870
  • Email: [email protected]

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.
What are Research Science Institute (RSI)'s hours?
Research Science Institute (RSI) runs Full-time residential program. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Research Science Institute (RSI) accredited?
Research Science Institute (RSI) is not currently ACA-accredited, but has been operating for 40 years. Many long-running camps choose not to pursue ACA accreditation, which is a paid voluntary process — check the camp's published staff training and safety policies directly.
Who runs Research Science Institute (RSI)?
Research Science Institute (RSI) is operated by a nonprofit organization, 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 stem camps in Cambridge?
Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of 33 stem 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.

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