If you’re a high school student, summer can be a great time to explore new interests and build skills without the pressure of grades. If you’re based in Connecticut, you’re in luck! The state offers a range of free programs through top universities like Yale and UConn, as well as nonprofits and community organizations, giving you the chance to dive into areas like engineering, public health, AI, or environmental science.
These programs are hands-on, so instead of just reading about a subject, you’ll be able to experiment, solve problems, and see how what you’re learning connects to the practical side of things. Along the way, you’ll also get a feel for what college-level study looks like and whether a particular field might be a good fit for you.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up 13 free summer programs for high school students in Connecticut worth checking out.
1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) ,and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students or incoming college freshmen from low-income backgrounds with strong academic records
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
2. Veritas AI Scholars Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free for students receiving full financial aid; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Hon. Warren W. Eginton Justice Institute – Federal Court Summer Camp
Location: Ribicoff Federal Building, Hartford, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to about 24 students statewide
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Not listed publicly; check the court’s Outreach page or email [email protected]
Eligibility: Incoming 10th and 11th graders from across Connecticut
The Hon. Warren W. Eginton Justice Institute is a free, five-day summer camp at the Ribicoff Courthouse in Hartford, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the U.S. District Court. Participants will observe real criminal and civil proceedings and engage with federal judges, attorneys, U.S. Marshals, and specialized units, including police K-9 teams and bomb squads. The program features panels on courtroom etiquette, litigation strategies, and public speaking skills. Participants then engage in mock trials, guided by law students, to apply what they’ve learned. The week ends with a final mock trial competition held in a real courtroom. This experience offers direct, practical exposure to legal procedures and courtroom behavior in a professional environment.
4. Yale Pathways to Science Summer Scholars Program
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to ~100 Pathways scholars
Dates: July 7–18
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders enrolled in Yale Pathways to Science via New Haven, West Haven, or Orange public schools
This program offers a two-week, hands-on STEM experience guided by Yale faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. Participants can explore over 24 workshop tracks, including activities like dissecting worms, constructing robotic claws, or simulating particle collisions. These sessions take place in Yale’s labs and classrooms, promoting critical thinking and practical lab skills. Rising seniors may also opt for a residential track, living in dorms while participating in college-readiness sessions, such as essay writing and campus navigation. With around 100 fellow Pathways scholars, you’ll engage in structured labs, enrichment lectures, and daily feedback.
5. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: Need-based financial aid — available equally to domestic and international students — can cover up to 100% of tuition; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~200 students per session, ~12:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Dates: June 22 – July 4 (Session I) | July 6 – July 18 (Session II) | July 20 – August 1 (Session III)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors (16–18 years old), U.S. or international
YYGS is a two-week, residential academic enrichment program that gathers high school students worldwide. Participants select from four challenging tracks: Science & Technology, Literature/Philosophy/Culture, Politics/Law/Economics, or Solving Global Challenges. They participate in daily lectures, small-group seminars, and a final collaborative project. The program helps you improve your academic writing, public speaking, and research presentation skills. It focuses on peer learning, international dialogue, and mentorship from Yale faculty and experts. With generous need-based financial aid available, YYGS opens the door to a Yale-caliber pre-college experience regardless of your financial background.
6. UConn Health High School Student Research Apprentice Program
Location: UConn Health, Farmington, CT and Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort from underrepresented backgrounds
Dates: June 16 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Connecticut high school juniors (Grade 11) with a B average or higher, age 16+, from groups underrepresented in health professions
The UConn Health High School Student Research Apprentice Program offers a five-week summer opportunity to work with biomedical researchers at UConn Health and CCSU. Participants gain practical experience in research techniques, scientific communication, and laboratory tools. The program features enrichment seminars, mentorship sessions, and supervised lab activities. It is tailored for students interested in medicine, public health, or biomedical science, and provides a stipend to help reduce access barriers. As part of UConn’s Health Career Opportunity Programs, it aims to diversify the future health workforce.
7. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; $7,000 stipend + room, board, travel, and materials provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~11 high school students per summer
Dates: May 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+) and undergraduates from across the U.S.
The Jackson Laboratory is a fully funded 10-week program that provides an in-depth look into genetics and biomedical research. Participants are paired with a scientist at Jackson Lab and work on an independent project, which may include DNA sequencing, cancer research, or computational biology. You’ll attend scientific seminars, write a final research abstract, and present your findings at a symposium. With full financial support, dedicated mentorship, and access to world-class lab facilities, this is one of the most competitive high school research programs in the country.
8. Wesleyan University Upward Bound Math–Science (UBMS)
Location: Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; serves students from low-income or first-generation college backgrounds in Middletown
Dates: Mid-June to late July (six-week summer program) + monthly Saturday sessions during the school year
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 from Middletown who are low-income or first-generation college-bound
This six-week summer program at Wesleyan University concentrates on math, science, writing, and language skills. Throughout the school year, participants attend monthly Saturday sessions, in addition to tutoring and college counseling. The program features STEM-oriented field trips, cultural activities, and community service opportunities. UBMS fosters academic development and college readiness through hands-on learning, mentorship, and ongoing support.
9. Connecticut Insurance & Financial Services (CT IFS) Actuarial Boot Camp
Location: Nassau Financial Group office, Hartford, CT
Cost/Stipend: $250 tuition; fee waiver available upon request. Accepted applicants must pay tuition (or request financial assistance) by June 26.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Lottery-based (self‑motivated high school seniors/college freshmen; limited spots)
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: May 23 (application, transcript, and teacher submission required by this date)
Eligibility: High school seniors (or incoming college freshmen), U.S. citizens/permanent residents, who have taken Honors Calculus, Calculus AB, or Calculus BC
This one-week, immersive boot camp gives you an inside look at actuarial science and its application in insurance and finance. You’ll engage in workshops on probability, statistics, ethics, and professional negotiation, led by working actuaries from companies like Aetna, The Hartford, Travelers, and UnitedHealthcare. You’ll prepare for the Probability actuarial exam, use industry-standard tools, network with professionals, and even have the chance to sit the exam for free. Meals and exam resources are provided, and you can request a tuition waiver if needed. Accepted participants are selected via a lottery, with final offers communicated by June. It’s a rare, fully supported pathway into a technical finance career all while still in high school.
10. Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative – High School Student Research Apprentice Program
Location: UConn Health and Central Connecticut State University, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 students per cohort
Dates: June 16 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and strong interest in medicine, dental medicine, or biomedical research
This five-week, full-time summer program provides hands-on experience in biomedical research and healthcare careers. Organized by UConn Health’s Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP), it targets high school juniors entering their senior year from underrepresented groups in health professions. Participants will engage in daily seminars, academic enrichment activities, and supervised research projects at UConn Health or CCSU. The curriculum includes anatomy labs, public speaking workshops, and discussions on health disparities, while also providing guidance on preparing for college and careers in health sciences. The program supports your long-term goals in medicine, dentistry, or biomedical science by pairing real-world exposure with academic mentoring.
11. Sacred Heart University Horizons STEM Enrichment
Location: Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT (serving Bridgeport public schools)
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Girls from eligible Bridgeport K–8 schools (including those from Bridgeport public schools)
Dates: June 24 – August 2 (six weeks spanning late June through early August, typically including July sessions)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Female students in K–8 from partner Bridgeport schools who qualify for free or reduced lunch and reside in Bridgeport
This STEM-focused summer enrichment program is designed to build confidence in young girls through hands-on exploration in coding (Scratch, Python), robotics, engineering challenges, and logical puzzles. Students collaborate in small teams while developing skills in structured problem-solving and technical communication. The program also provides academic support and enrichment to help students succeed in school and beyond. Weekly themes and project showcases help students stay engaged and share their progress with peers and families.
12. New HYTEs Summer Tennis & Enrichment Program
Location: New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes optional breakfast and lunch
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited availability; waitlist in some grades
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: Early spring recommended
Eligibility: Students entering grades 2–8 in fall 2025 from the New Haven area
New HYTE offers a comprehensive summer program combining top-tier tennis coaching with academic support and enrichment activities. Participants receive daily on-court training and engaging sessions in reading, math, STEM, and the arts. The program aims to boost confidence, develop life skills, and foster connections with mentors within a supportive and organized setting. If you enjoy staying active, trying new ideas, and developing your leadership skills, this program can be a good option for you. It also offers a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and join a welcoming community that values your potential.
13. Kode With Klossy Summer Coding Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; highly competitive due to popularity
Dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens aged 13–18 at any coding level
Kode With Klossy enables you to start coding from home. During two focused weeks, you’ll explore web development, mobile app building, AI/machine learning, or data science through practical virtual lessons. You’ll work on real projects within teams, gaining valuable experience and confidence. Throughout the program, you’ll also engage with a lively, supportive community of mentors and peers. The curriculum moves quickly but is structured to accommodate all skill levels — whether you’re a beginner or expanding your existing knowledge. By the end, you’ll have a polished project, a network of like-minded peers, and a solid foundation in technology.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Kode With Klossy