Camp · STEM · Ages 16–18
▌ STEM · Ages 16–18

Research Science Institute (RSI)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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'.
Since 198541+ years operating
Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt

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

How we verify these →

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.

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