10 Free Summer Residential Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 56 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Residential summer programs are a great way to experience college-level academics while building practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable connections. For high school students interested in a subject, these programs offer a chance to explore it in depth while living on campus and engaging with like-minded peers. Many of the best programs are fully funded, making them an affordable way to gain hands-on learning experience without the high costs of private summer courses.
To help you find the best options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 free residential summer programs. These programs are highly selective, often with low acceptance rates, and are hosted by prestigious institutions. Each one provides a unique opportunity to work with experts in the field, take on challenging projects, and prepare for future academic and career paths.
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a free residential program for high school sophomores and juniors focused on critical thinking and leadership. You will take college-level humanities and social science courses exploring topics like power, privilege, and societal change. The program includes small-group discussions, lectures, and collaborative projects led by experienced faculty.
Beyond academics, you will engage in democratic decision-making, plan group activities, and participate in community initiatives. The program also includes field trips and workshops on transformative justice. All costs, including travel, are covered, with additional financial support available for students who typically work during the summer.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: Typically open from October to December.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–18), with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and underrepresented communities. Both U.S. and international students may apply.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a free residential summer program at MIT for high-achieving high school juniors. It combines coursework in scientific theory with hands-on research, offering a full-cycle research experience. Over six weeks, you will review literature, conduct experiments, and present your findings in professional-style reports and presentations.
The program begins with an intensive week of STEM classes taught by expert professors, followed by a five-week research internship under the guidance of experienced mentors. The final week focuses on preparing and delivering research presentations.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Dates: Six weeks in the summer (specific dates vary annually).
Application Deadline: Typically closes in January.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors worldwide; seniors are not eligible.
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is a free hybrid program for high school juniors interested in journalism and storytelling. Participants complete weekly assignments, write articles, and receive one-on-one college counseling. The program culminates in a 10-day residential intensive at Princeton University. During their stay there, students will attend workshops, collaborate with peers, and stay in dorms.
During the residential portion, you will cover local news events, visit news organizations like The New York Times and Bloomberg, and produce investigative reports. The program concludes with the publication of The Princeton Summer Journal. All expenses, including housing, meals, and transportation, are fully covered.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Princeton University, New Jersey (residential component)
Dates: Hybrid program begins in mid-July; residential portion from late-July to early-August.
Application Deadline: Typically in February.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with an interest in journalism and specific academic and income criteria.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week residential summer research program for high school juniors and seniors, hosted by Texas Tech University. You will work closely with faculty mentors on research projects across disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The program provides hands-on research experience, opportunities to present findings, and skill-building for academic and career growth.
Beyond research, the program includes seminars, field trips, and workshops on college preparation and career exploration. Living on campus allows you to collaborate with peers and engage in a supportive academic environment. All program costs, including housing, meals, and a stipend, are fully covered.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Dates: June 22 – August 7 (seven weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically in February.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors with exceptional academic ability and a strong interest in research.
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a fully funded, six-week residential program at Carnegie Mellon University for high school juniors from underrepresented communities interested in STEM. The program begins with a virtual Jumpstart to build foundational skills before transitioning to on-campus coursework in biology, chemistry, and modern research techniques. You will learn from faculty and graduate student mentors while engaging in rigorous STEM exploration.
Through hands-on projects, such as polymer chemistry applications or studying gene expression rhythms, you will gain practical research experience. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you will present your findings to peers and mentors. Housing, meals, and tuition are fully covered, making it accessible to students with financial need.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Dates: In-person program runs June 21 – August 2 (6 weeks); virtual Jumpstart on June 16-17.
Application Deadline: Preferred Deadline: February 1; Final Deadline: March 1.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors (11th-12th grade). Students must be 16 by June 21, with priority given to those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The USC Bovard Scholars Program is a free, three-week residential summer program at the University of Southern California. It is designed to help high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds navigate the college admissions process. You will receive personalized guidance on college applications, financial aid, and career exploration while staying in USC’s residential housing, providing firsthand exposure to campus life.
The program includes one-on-one admissions counseling, personalized test preparation, and workshops on time management and study strategies. You will also explore potential career paths through immersive experiences, including site visits to leading companies such as Disney, Hulu, and the Jet Propulsion Lab.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Dates: Three weeks in the summer (exact dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Typically in January-February (exact dates vary)
Eligibility: Open to high-achieving high school juniors (rising seniors) from low-income backgrounds.
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is a free, 10-week summer program that introduces high school students to STEM research. The first four weeks consist of remote evening workshops covering topics like bioengineering, robotics, and AI. The remaining six weeks take place in person, where you will work in research labs under faculty and graduate student mentorship. Participants develop technical skills in areas such as Python coding, machine learning, and genetic engineering while engaging in hands-on research projects. The program includes lab tours, career exploration events, and networking opportunities with NYU faculty. It concludes with a final project presentation showcasing your research findings.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (4 weeks remote + 6 weeks in person)
Application Deadline: February 21 (recommendation letters due February 28)
Eligibility: NYC high school students completing 10th or 11th grade in June.
The MITES Summer Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a six-week, fully residential STEM experience for high school juniors. You will take five intensive courses in math, science, humanities, and project-based subjects like genomics, engineering design, and machine learning. The program includes hands-on lab work, workshops, and access to MIT’s research facilities. Beyond academics, you will participate in career and college preparation activities such as admissions counseling, a college fair, and seminars with STEM professionals. The program concludes with detailed instructor evaluations, which can be useful for college applications.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Dates: Late June – Early August (six weeks)
Application Deadline: Fall of junior year (specific deadlines announced annually)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, high school juniors
The New Jersey Scholars Program is a competitive, five-week residential program at The Lawrenceville School. You will participate in interdisciplinary seminars, exploring a central theme through history, literature, philosophy, and the arts. The program focuses on critical thinking, writing, and discussion, with a final research paper. In addition to academics, NJSP offers extracurricular activities like field trips, arts festivals, and recreational events to build a strong community. All costs, including room, board, and materials, are fully covered.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ
Dates: Late June – July (five weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically in early January
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors residing in New Jersey
The New Jersey Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology is a selective, free, four-week residential program at Rutgers University. You will take intensive engineering courses, collaborate on a research project, and gain practical experience through site visits to major corporations. The program concludes with a symposium, where you will present your research alongside fellow participants. Mentorship from Rutgers faculty, industry professionals, and researchers enhances the collaborative learning environment. The program is free from grades and official credit. All costs, including tuition, room, and board, are fully covered by sponsors.
Cost: Fully funded
Location: Rutgers University, School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJDates: July (four weeks)
Application Deadline: Early January (requires high school nomination)
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors attending a New Jersey high school; nomination by the school is required.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.