Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly selective, free-of-charge summer program for high school students to conduct scientific research at MIT.
▌ Editor's read The Research Science Institute (RSI) is an intensive, free-of-charge summer research program for high school students, hosted at MIT. The program, which has been operating for 41 years, is run by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a non-profit organization. RSI is an overnight program, providing students with college-level research experience, including a six-week research project and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. While the website does not explicitly mention staff-to-student ratios or background check policies, the program's highly selective nature and affiliation with MIT suggest a high standard of operation. Google reviews for the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) show a rating of 4.8 stars from 10 reviews, with participants praising the program's academic rigor and opportunities. Social media presence includes an Instagram handle @cee_stem and a Facebook page 'CEE.org'.
Who thrives here Ages 16–18
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 verified
- Established
- 1985 (41 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: STEM
- Ages: 16–18
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Cost notes: Free program.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Research Science Institute (RSI)
- What ages does Research Science Institute (RSI) accept?
- Research Science Institute (RSI) is open to children ages 16–18. 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 nonprofit organization, with 41 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?
- Research Science Institute (RSI) does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
- 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.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Research Science Institute (RSI) with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- STEM summer camps guide · Compare projects, staff fit, and age-readiness signals.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
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