Camp · STEM · Ages 16–18
Directory · United States · Massachusetts · Cambridge
▌ STEM · Ages 16–18

Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT

Cambridge

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a tuition-free, intensive summer program for high school students to conduct scientific research at MIT and other top...

▌ Editor's read The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a highly selective, tuition-free summer program for academically talented high school students, focusing on advanced scientific research. The program, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), has been operating for 40 years, founded by Julian C. Stanley. Participants engage in college-level coursework, conduct individual research projects with faculty mentors, and present their findings. The program is described as an intensive, six-week residential experience. While the website does not explicitly mention staff-to-camper ratios or background check policies, it emphasizes the high academic standards and mentorship provided by university faculty. The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) is a nonprofit organization. Google reviews for the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) are limited, but the program itself is widely recognized for its prestige and academic rigor among STEM programs for high schoolers.
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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 16–18

Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT 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
1986 (40 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

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT

What ages does Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT accept?
Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT 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.
What are Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT's hours?
Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT 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) - MIT?
Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT 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) - MIT provide lunch?
Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT 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) - MIT compare to other stem camps in Cambridge?
Research Science Institute (RSI) - MIT 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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