14 Free College Summer Programs for High School Students
Free college summer programs for high school students are an excellent way to gain exposure to college-level academics and campus life. These programs offer a unique opportunity to take advanced coursework, develop practical skills, and gain industry exposure. For students interested in a specific subject, they can provide access to cutting-edge facilities and connections with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you're interested in STEM, humanities, or social science, free college summer programs for high school students allow you to explore potential career paths and develop a deeper understanding of your interests. We've carefully curated this list of 14 exceptional college summer programs for high schoolers that offer these opportunities at no cost.
If you're looking for college research programs or online college programs specifically, check out our blogs on college research programs and online college programs for additional options.
RSI at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a prestigious opportunity for high school students to engage with science and engineering research. One of the most competitive free college summer programs for high school students, RSI begins with a week of STEM classes taught by professors. During the internship, you will read current academic literature, formulate a detailed research plan, and execute experiments or data analyses. The program culminates in the final week, where you’ll present your findings in written and conference-style oral presentations. For tips on how to get into this program, check out our guide here.
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Program dates: June 22 - August 2
Application deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. students or Permanent Residents or international applicants from a participating country.
NYU's Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) program introduces high school students to the core principles of cybersecurity and computer science. You’ll explore ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, and steganography. Lessons also cover essential topics like data privacy and cybersecurity threats. You’ll use software tools to detect and investigate cyber threats while developing coding skills and studying how ciphers secure computer networks. A unique feature of CS4CS is its collaboration with Irondale, where theater artists guide you through improvisation exercises to improve communication and public speaking skills. To learn more, read our complete guide here.
Location: New York University campus, Manhattan, NY
Program dates: July 15 - August 8
Application deadline: January 1 - April 15
Eligibility: Students entering or in high school as of September and living in one of the 5 New York City boroughs or smaller neighboring cities such as Jersey City, Newark, or Hempstead can apply.
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers high school juniors an introduction to journalism while guiding them through the college application process. This year-long initiative begins with a hybrid summer intensive, culminating in a 10-day experience on Princeton University's campus. You’ll participate in online workshops and lectures with experienced journalists. During the residential component, you’ll tour major news organizations like The New York Times and Bloomberg and attend cultural performances. You’ll engage in investigative reporting, contribute to a group blog, and co-author a student newspaper, The Princeton Summer Journal. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Hybrid; online and at Princeton University campus, New Jersey
Program dates: TBA
Application deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High-achieving high school juniors who have a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5 out of 4.0 and meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions on the website can apply.
SAMS is an intensive experience designed to deepen your understanding of STEM. The program begins with a virtual Jumpstart session, where you’ll build foundational skills in preparation for the 6-week residential component. During the residential phase, you’ll engage in a rigorous curriculum led by faculty, exploring advanced topics in math and science through coursework, projects, and workshops. You’ll also participate in mentoring sessions and a final symposium, where you’ll showcase your projects and research. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Program dates: June 21 - August 2
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents, at least 16 years old by the program's start date, and from underrepresented communities can apply.
SIMR provides a solid opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to explore biomedical research. This 8-week program pairs you with a mentor for a 1-on-1 research experience in a lab at Stanford University. You’ll select 1 of 8 specialized research areas ranging from immunology, neurobiology, and cancer biology to bioengineering, stem cell research, and cardiovascular biology. Depending on your chosen institute, you’ll analyze genetic data, design bioengineering models, or investigate cellular mechanisms in disease. The program concludes with a presentation where you’ll share your findings with peers, mentors, and faculty. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Stanford University campus, Stanford, CA
Program dates: June 9 - July 31
Application deadline: December 15 - February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old when the program begins, living in the U.S., and are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents with a green card can apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a highly prestigious summer research program that offers high school students a chance to participate in research. Over 7 weeks, you’ll work with a faculty mentor in your chosen area of interest, ranging from biochemistry and engineering to history or economics. You’ll have access to Texas Tech’s cutting-edge facilities. Beyond the lab or library, the program includes seminars on research ethics and career development, helping you prepare for future academic and professional success. To learn more about this program, check out our review here.
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Program dates: June 22 - August 7
Application deadline: January 2 - February 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the start of the program and should graduate in 2025 or 2026.
The USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a 4-week summer program for high school students from the communities near USC’s University Park and Health Science campuses. The program offers college-level coursework and emphasizes the critical role of media, communication, and journalism in shaping civic-minded leaders. You’ll explore public speaking, multimedia production, ethnographic research, and critical analysis. You’ll also have opportunities to network with professionals and learn about career paths in communication and journalism. By participating in workshops, debates, and media projects, you’ll refine your writing and presentation skills and develop a deeper understanding of how media shapes public opinion and policy. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Location: University of Southern California campus, LA
Program dates: May 31 – August 8
Application deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least the 9th grade by June, should be pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum, and must reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County.
The USC Bovard Scholars Program gives high school juniors the tools and knowledge to navigate college admissions and succeed in higher education. Over 3 weeks, you’ll receive help with college applications, financial aid processes, and career exploration. The program emphasizes personalized support, guiding you through writing compelling applications, understanding admissions strategies, and accessing scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Beyond academics, the Bovard Scholars Program allows you to explore potential career paths through visits to Disney, the Jet Propulsion Lab, and the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: USC campus, Los Angeles, CA
Program dates: July 15 - August 2
Application deadline: January 17
Eligibility: High school juniors who currently hold a 4.0 weighted GPA or above, are enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry or above, demonstrate financial need, have taken Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate courses, if offered, and are actively enrolled in a high school curriculum within the U.S. or U.S. territories can apply.
NYU’s Democracy Scholars program is a solid opportunity for high school students in New York City to explore political philosophy and social justice. Over 3 weeks in the summer, you’ll participate in small seminars with NYU professors, engaging with classic texts that have shaped modern democracy. The program aims to develop your reading, writing, and critical thinking while preparing you for college-level coursework. Beyond the summer program, Democracy Scholars continues throughout your senior year of high school with a civic engagement leadership project. You’ll work on social issues that matter to you, gaining leadership experience and contributing to your community.
Location: New York University campus, Manhattan, NY
Program dates: Three weeks in July
Application deadline: Early 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors currently enrolled in a New York City high school can apply.
TASS engages participants in college-level learning experiences centered around critical thinking and community building. You’ll attend a 3-hour seminar each weekday, exploring history, politics, literature, and art. The format encourages active participation in discussions and lectures. You’ll write essays and receive constructive feedback from instructors. Beyond academics, TASS emphasizes community living and democratic decision-making. You and your fellow participants will work together to plan activities, manage a program budget, and engage in community service projects. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Cornell University and University of Maryland
Program dates: June 22 – July 26
Application deadline: October 15 - December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are at least age 15 and no older than 18 at the start of the program are eligible. Both US and international students are welcome to apply.
The Simons Summer Research Program is a solid chance for high school students to gain experience in scientific research. As a Simons Fellow, you will be paired with a faculty mentor and become part of a research team. You'll work on a real research project, learning essential laboratory techniques and tools. Throughout the program, you will develop valuable skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and research methodology. You’ll present your findings in a written research abstract and a research poster at the closing symposium. You’ll also attend weekly faculty research talks, participate in workshops, and explore the university through tours and events. After the program, you will receive a stipend for your work. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Stony Brook University campus, NY
Program dates: June 30 - August 8
Application deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are US citizens or Permanent Residents and are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program can apply.
ARISE offers high school students an opportunity to explore cutting-edge topics in STEM. The program allows you to work in research labs in fields like Bio- and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. You’ll work with faculty from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Science on research projects alongside graduate students. For tips on getting into this competitive program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: New York University campus, Manhattan, NY
Program dates: June 2 – August 8 (preceded by 4 weeks of remote evening workshops)
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Students who are completing 10th or 11th grade in June and living in New York City can apply.
ASSIP offers high school students an opportunity to conduct scientific research. You’ll work with faculty researchers, gaining experience with state-of-the-art technology across various STEM fields. Whether your interests lie in environmental science, neuroscience, astronomy, or bioengineering, you’ll work on real-world research projects. This experience will allow you to develop skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and communication. Through meetings with role models and participation in discussion forums, you’ll learn about various professions. Many participants have their work published in scientific journals or presented at conferences, making ASSIP a great stepping stone for those interested in a career in science. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Remote
Program dates: June 18 - August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be 15 years of age or older by the program's start to apply for remote internships and 16 years or older for in-person or hybrid internships.
If you’re interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI), this is a good option. This program invites high school students to explore AI guided by UC Berkeley researchers. You’ll learn about key concepts like machine learning, computer vision, and robotics and get a firsthand look at ongoing research. You’ll participate in guest lectures, activities, and tours of research labs. You’ll also experience life on a college campus, with the chance to interact with students and researchers at UC Berkeley. This program is designed for students with limited access to STEM opportunities.
Location: UC Berkeley campus, CA
Program dates: July 8-12
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students from the Bay Area entering grades 10–12 who have limited access to STEM opportunities beyond the classroom, are potentially the first in their family to pursue a college education, and demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply.
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!
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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