10 Programs for High School Students in Alaska
Alaska offers many opportunities for high school students looking to explore their interests and develop new skills. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, scientific research, leadership development, or cultural immersion, there are programs designed to challenge and inspire students in Alaska.
In addition to helping you build skills, these programs can also be a valuable addition to your college admissions profile. Participating in a summer program can show admissions officers that you used your time off to deepen your knowledge beyond your school curriculum.
From hands-on internships to specialized academies, these 10 programs provide Alaskan high school students the chance to gain real-world experience, connect with peers, and explore potential career paths.
Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900). Financial aid available
Application Deadline: November 25, 2024 for the upcoming Winter Cohort
Program Dates: Individual Research (12 weeks) | Premium Research (16-20 weeks) | Research Fellowship (6-12 months) | Professor Premium (16-20 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school students anywhere in the world
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase: $5,400; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship): $6,900
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 for the upcoming Winter cohort. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple, year-round cohorts
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students and our programs are geared towards high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase Program, where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over a period of 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming Winter cohort
Internship Dates: December 16, 2024 onwards for the Winter cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: Virtual
Application Date: November 10, 2024, for the Winter cohort, and February 9, 2025 for the Spring cohort
Program Dates:
Winter seminar: December 2, 2024 onwards
Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Horizon is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: The total cost to attend the 3-week program is $2,900. There is need-based financial aid
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming Winter cohort. You can access the application link here!
Program Dates: December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025 for the Winter cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Troth Yeddha' Campus, Fairbanks, AK
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically in early March
Program Dates: May 27 – July 11, 2025
Eligibility: Students must:
Be an Alaska Native or a rural Alaskan resident
Be a high school junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Have the ability to read at or above grade level
Be committed to earning a college degree
The Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) is a competitive program specifically designed to empower rural and Alaska Native high school students. Since its inception in 1983 at the request of the Alaska Federation of Natives, RAHI has been dedicated to preparing students for academic success and college life. Over a six-week period, you earn an average of 9 college credits while living on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus.
The program offers three distinct tracks: RAHI Traditional, RAHI Research, and RAHI Teach, catering to various interests from general studies to research and education. The program not only emphasizes academic learning but also includes outdoor exploration and community service, fostering both personal and academic growth.
Location: Expeditions begin and end in Anchorage, AK, with various trips taking place across locations such as Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, and other parts of Alaska's wilderness
Cost: Free. Financial support for transportation, food, and lodging in Anchorage is also available for those coming from outside the area
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, but new students must have a nominator
Program Dates: Various trips between May and August
Eligibility: Open to Alaska teens aged 13-18. Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate high potential in leadership, science, or outdoor skills, lack similar opportunities, or represent Alaska’s diversity
Teen Expeditions with Alaska Geographic organize trips for students aged 13-18, offering hands-on learning experiences that don't require prior outdoor or camping experience. The program provides all necessary gear, ensuring that every participant has the opportunity to engage fully in the adventure. Each expedition is crafted to develop leadership, scientific curiosity, and outdoor skills, with a focus on fostering respect, responsibility, and resilience.
Whether you’re canoeing through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, kayaking in Prince William Sound, or backpacking along historic trails, you’ll be immersed in Alaska’s natural beauty while learning from guides and building new friendships. Students aged 17 and above can with leadership experience can apply for a paid leadership position.
Location: Alaska, including Anchorage and Peterson Bay Field Station near Homer
Cost: $6,958. Scholarships available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Application Deadline: May 10, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 14 – 27, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Open to students completing grades 10-12, ages 16-18 by June 16, 2025
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) in Alaska offers a two-week experience that combines environmental studies, ecology, and leadership development. Aimed at students who are passionate about environmental issues and leadership, BELL provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska’s ecosystems and cultural heritage, with a special focus on climate change. You will engage in hands-on learning, from exploring arctic and marine environments to visiting significant cultural sites such as the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Throughout the program, you will develop leadership skills while working on an Action Plan to address an environmental issue you care about. The experience is enriched by the opportunity to live in community with like-minded peers, all while surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Alaska.
Location: Creamer’s Field and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK
Cost: Free (Participants who complete a minimum of 85 hours will earn a $500 stipend)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, final deadline is May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: May 13 – July 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Students ages 14-18
The Alaska Songbird Institute's (ASI) high school internship program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to delve into research, wildlife, and conservation careers. Interns receive training in essential field research techniques, such as nest monitoring, bird banding, and data management.
Working closely with ASI biologists and fellow interns on the Swallow Ecology Project, you will monitor up to 70 active Tree Swallow nests throughout the season, from egg laying to chick fledging. You are expected to volunteer 8-10 hours per week, contributing to tasks such as checking nest boxes, recording data, and assisting with bird capture and banding. Those who volunteer at least 85 hours over the season will earn a $500 stipend.
Location: Port Alexander, AK
Cost: $850, which covers airfare from Sitka, Alaska, housing, meals, and all other program costs. Needs-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: April 20, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: August 23 – November 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from the United States, including public and home-schooled students, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This 10-week magnet program offers high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the environment of Port Alexander, Alaska. Students will explore the pristine ecosystems where the Tongass National Forest meets the Pacific Ocean, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research, historical inquiry, and artistic expression.
This program combines rigorous academic coursework with field-based learning, allowing you to delve into marine and rainforest ecosystems and study Alaska Native history. With a curriculum that integrates core subjects with outdoor and artistic electives, guest lectures, and survival skills training, the program helps you develop a deeper understanding of the natural world, cultural heritage, and environmental impact. The program culminates in a three-day symposium at Sitka WhaleFest, where you can earn dual high school and college biology credits through the University of Alaska Southeast.
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.
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