8 College Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you’re a high school student, participating in a college summer program can be a great experience opportunity to explore academic interests, gain hands-on experience, and experience college life. These programs can enhance your college application, demonstrating a commitment to learning while helping you explore potential career paths.
For students in Massachusetts, there are a variety of options available that provide specialized knowledge and college-level coursework. In this blog, we’ll explore 8 summer programs hosted by universities that can help high school students get a head start on their academic journey.
Harvard’s Secondary School Program offers high school students a 4 or 7-week college experience. With access to over 200 Harvard courses, you can study subjects like economics, medicine, neuroscience, computer science, and more. This program offers the chance to earn college credit while (optionally) living on campus and participating in social and extracurricular activities. The 4-week program is fully residential, while the 7-week program has both residential and virtual options.
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by July 21, 2025 and under 19 years old before July 31, 2025
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA or virtual
Cost: Varies by program ($4,050 – $14,950, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early application); February 12, 2025 (regular application); April 9, 2025 (late application)
Program Dates: June 21 – August 9, 2025
MIT's MITES Summer Program is a six-week experience for rising high school seniors passionate about STEM. Held on MIT’s campus, the program offers intensive coursework in subjects like calculus, physics, and life sciences, alongside hands-on projects and professional development. MITES aims to empower students from underrepresented backgrounds by fostering a deep engagement with science and engineering, preparing them for college-level STEM education, and encouraging them to pursue careers in these fields.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; the program is intended for students from underrepresented backgrounds
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (see here for other important application information)
Program Dates: Late June – early August (exact dates have not been released)
MIT’s Mathroots program is a 14-day summer experience for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who are passionate about mathematics. Mathroots combines rigorous problem-solving sessions, creative math exploration, and collaboration with peers who share a love for math. You will explore advanced mathematical concepts, develop your critical thinking skills, and build confidence in tackling challenging problems. The program also offers mentorship by MIT students and faculty.
Eligibility: Students between 14 and 18 years of age
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 28 – July 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM) offers an enriching experience for high school students passionate about mathematics. This six-week program goes beyond standard math courses, encouraging you to think creatively and independently as you tackle challenging problems and explore new mathematical concepts. HCSSiM stands out for its collaborative environment, where students are encouraged to innovate, cultivating a sense of curiosity about how they approach math.
Eligibility: High school students
Location: Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Cost: $5,882 (financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: April 17, 2025 (based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 30 – August 10, 2025 (based on the 2024 program)
Tufts University offers a variety of pre-college summer programs that allow high school students to experience college-level academics while exploring their interests. Whether you’re drawn to engineering, medicine, arts, leadership, or research, these programs provide hands-on learning, collaboration, and mentorship from Tufts’ faculty. You can experience college life firsthand by participating in a residential program while building skills for future academic success. See the full list of course offerings here!
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 or graduating seniors. Students living on campus must be at least 15 years old and no older than 19
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA or online, depending on program
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Program Dates: Varies by program
The Boston Architectural College (BAC) offers a Summer Academy for high school students interested in architecture and design. This four-week program introduces you to the fundamentals of design, drawing, and model-making through hands-on studio work, field trips, and presentations. Guided by BAC faculty and professionals, you will create unique projects while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program is ideal for students curious about a career in architecture or design and offers the chance to experience a college-level studio environment.
Eligibility: High school freshman through seniors
Location: Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA or online
Cost: $1,800 (non-credit) or $2,000 (credit)
Application Deadline: June 21, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 1 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
UMass Amherst’s Pre-College Residential Drawing and Portfolio course is a two-week deep dive into the world of art, designed for high school students who want to improve their drawing skills. You'll spend your days in a professional studio environment, honing your techniques and exploring new approaches to drawing. With personalized guidance from expert faculty and collaborative critiques from peers, you’ll push the boundaries of your artistic style while building a standout portfolio that reflects your unique vision. Useful for aspiring artists, this course helps you explore your passion and prepares you for future art and design studies.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores to seniors
Location: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Cost: $2,167 (commuter) or $3,636 (residential)
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: June 30 – July 13, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Genesis Program offers a summer experience for high school students who want to explore Jewish life, leadership, and global issues in a collaborative environment. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and projects, you will explore subjects such as social justice, innovation, and ethics while connecting with peers who want to make a difference. You will take college-level classes and participate in Shabbat celebrations, building community with your peers. Led by Brandeis faculty and staff, Genesis aims to help you become thoughtful leaders and thinkers, fostering personal growth and community.
Eligibility: Jewish students between 15 and 18 years old
Location: Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Cost: $5,535, scholarships available
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 29 – July 20, 2025
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also 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!
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.