Gold SignalSelective
MIT: Beaver Works Summer Institute
Overview
A highly selective four-week immersive STEM summer program offering hands-on, project-based courses in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductor design, quantum computing, and related fields. Students choose between virtual or in-person formats and must complete prerequisite online courses to apply.
At a glance
Deadline
Mar 31140 days
Sessions
Jul4 wk sessions
Formats
Commuter / Online
Location
Cambridge, MA
Cost
Freefrom $0
Entering grades
9th, 10th, 11th
Acceptance
Highly selective and competitive; limited spots available. Acceptance based on completion and grades in prerequisite online courses, demonstrated technical ability, essays, teacher recommendation, GPA, test scores, and extracurricular learning participation.
Application requirements
Grade Level
Currently in grades 9–11; must be finishing junior year or rising senior
Residency
Must be residing in the United States and attending high school physically in the US
Online Prerequisites
Must complete course-specific online prerequisite courses (open February 3, 2025 for 2026 program); many require Python Core and Computer Science & Systems (CSS)
Summer Application
Three short essays (500 words or fewer each), teacher/mentor recommendation (due April 3), GPA and honors/awards (max 200 characters), parent information and electronic signature, course preferences (1st, 2nd, 3rd choice)
Financial Verification
Families with income under $200,000 must complete Clarity income verification
Adult Supervision
For in-person students, an adult guardian (age 18+) must stay with student during the program month
Payment Deadline
June 6, 2026 for families with income over $200,001
Cost & sessions
Free for families with household income under $200,000; $2,400 for families with income $200,001 and above. Housing not included; families must arrange supervision and accommodation for in-person students. Prerequisite online courses are free for all students.
Financial aid
Need-based financial aid available. Families with household income under $200,000 receive free admission (tuition waived). Families with income $200,001 and above pay $2,400. Financial aid review considers income, assets, and available liquidity; certain assets are excluded.
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