If you’re a high school student interested in a career in technology, programs with a technology focus offer the unique opportunity to explore your areas of interest while gaining practical skills that strengthen your college applications. These programs are often offered in the fall, meaning you can participate from September to December.
Why should I apply for a fall program in high school?
Fall programs often have smaller cohorts and more personalized guidance from faculty, creating an environment where you can focus on learning, experiment with hands-on projects, and develop technical expertise in fields such as coding, AI, robotics, and web development. They also provide opportunities to work closely with expert instructors, collaborate with peers on real-world projects, and showcase your work, helping you build both your knowledge and your portfolio while preparing for the next step in your journey.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 11 fall technology programs for high school students that you can check out.
11 Fall Technology Programs for High School Students
1. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: November – February 1
Dates: June – December
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors from underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation backgrounds
MITES Semester is a rigorous fall technology and STEM program designed to deepen your understanding of advanced scientific and engineering concepts. During the program, you will learn to apply analytical and computational skills through two intensive online courses: one project-based and another focused on a core subject such as computer science, calculus, physics, or science writing. The program emphasizes hands-on exploration and allows you to work collaboratively on complex team projects. Guidance from MIT faculty and professionals helps you refine research and presentation skills. The program ends with the MITES Semester Conference, where you’ll present your final work.
2. Columbia University: College Edge Academic Year
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $2,474 per credit; Non-refundable $80 application fee
Application Deadline: June 27
Dates: September 2 – December 19
Eligibility: 11th and 12th graders
The College Edge Academic Year Program allows you to take college-level courses alongside undergraduates and earn academic credit while exploring rigorous subjects in technology and related fields. You will learn core analytical and technical skills through courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, and General Physics, which build a strong foundation for advanced study in computer science, data analysis, or engineering. Beyond classroom learning, the program provides academic advice and professional development workshops that focus on research preparation, college readiness, and leadership development.
3. Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 per session for a single course + $80 application fee
Application Deadline: Applications for fall will open in April
Dates: September 19 – December 7 (fall)
Eligibility: Domestic and international students enrolled in grades 9-12
During the Columbia University Academic Year Weekend Program, you will get to explore advanced concepts in technology, business, mathematics, neuroscience, and other disciplines through interactive classes over ten weekends. You’ll also get hands-on experiences like project-based assignments, collaborative problem-solving, and other opportunities to apply technical skills in real-world scenarios. Beyond coursework, the program fosters professional collaboration and networking through virtual clubs, Digital Community Groups, and lectures, giving you a comprehensive view of both academic and career pathways in technology and related fields.
4. NYU Pre-College
Location: New York University, New York City, NY; Virtual options are also offered
Cost: Varies; Details here
Application Deadline: August 15
Dates: September 2 – December 19
Eligibility: Rising or current 11th-12th graders with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The NYU Precollege Program runs in the fall and offers the opportunity to earn college credits while exploring advanced coursework in technology and related disciplines. As a participant, you will learn foundational and emerging concepts in fields such as computer science, data analytics, and digital media through rigorous undergraduate-level classes taught by NYU faculty. The program emphasizes both academic and practical learning, allowing you to engage in coding projects, data-driven research, and exercises that mirror real-world applications. You’ll also work alongside peers and professionals to solve problems and present your work in an academic setting.
5. UPenn’s Young Scholars High School Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $4,382; Tuition-free for Philadelphia public or charter high school students
Application Deadline: August 1
Dates: September – December
Eligibility: Students in grades 11-12 for the current academic year
The Young Scholars High School Program at the University of Pennsylvania offers you the opportunity to engage in college-level courses, including technology-focused subjects, during the fall semester. You will learn to navigate a university classroom environment, develop analytical and technical skills, and explore new academic interests beyond the high school curriculum. You will also gain hands-on experience applying concepts to real-world projects, collaborate with peers and professionals, and have the chance to present your work in a collegiate setting, building both academic confidence and practical skills for future pursuits.
6. Stanford Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions from September – December
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending Andrew P. Hill High School and James Lick High School
The Stanford FAST Program offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Andrew P. Hill and James Lick High Schools a hands-on research and tech experience under the mentorship of Stanford University graduate students. You will learn to design experiments, develop prototypes, and apply scientific and technical concepts through collaborative brainstorming and project development. The program culminates in opportunities to present your work at local and state science fairs and at a Symposium hosted at Stanford.
7. Research Scholars at UC San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA (virtual options available too)
Cost: $1,500 – $4,800, depending on the program and format; Scholarships available for select programs
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Dates: Programs are available year-round, including fall
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The UC San Diego Research Scholars Program offers an in-depth opportunity to engage in university-level research across diverse fields such as engineering in medicine, bioengineering, and computer science. Through close collaboration with faculty and researchers, you will learn how to conduct experiments, analyze data, and apply research methodologies in real laboratory settings. You can explore the cutting edge of molecular biology, environmental science, and technology with the UC San Diego Life Sciences Research Scholars program. The program emphasizes experiential learning through project work, culminating in a professional poster session where you present your findings to scientists, industry experts, and academic mentors.
8. IBM: Information Technology (IT) & Cloud Fundamentals Specialization
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (paid certificate)
Application Deadline: Not applicable; Rolling
Dates: Self-paced; Approximately 2 months
Eligibility: Anyone with basic computer literacy
The IT & Cloud Fundamentals Specialization provides a practical introduction to key IT domains and cloud computing. Across six courses, you’ll explore topics such as computer hardware, operating systems, databases, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. The program includes hands-on exercises simulating real IT environments like troubleshooting systems, managing databases, and configuring secure networks. In the cloud module, you’ll study service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment types (public, private, hybrid), and trends like microservices and serverless computing. You’ll develop skills applicable to IT support and entry-level cloud roles, including implementing security measures and managing virtual resources.
9. Girls Who Code: Fall Pathways Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: August – September 10
Dates: October 27 – December 5
Eligibility: Select students who have participated in the Summer Programs; International and U.S. 10th-12th graders (14-18)
Girls Who Code is a global nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by helping students who identify as girls or non-binary gain the computing skills needed for modern careers. Through its free virtual Fall Pathways Program, you can explore key areas of computer science while developing confidence and technical fluency. Over six weeks, you’ll take beginner, intermediate, or advanced courses in Data Science + AI, Cybersecurity, or Web Development, all designed to fit your schedule. The program combines flexible self-paced learning with optional live sessions and mentorship from professionals in tech. You can follow a structured track or mix and match courses depending on your interests.
10. UC San Diego FUTURES Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $350 per course
Application Deadline: August – September (tentative)
Dates: September – June; Courses can extend from up to 3 months to 9 months
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
The Futures Program provides high school students with self-paced, online courses in technology and related fields, including computer science, business management, design, and life sciences. You will learn to develop practical technical skills, such as Android and iOS app development, front-end web design, digital circuit design, advanced machine learning, and AutoCAD drafting, while gaining hands-on experience through capstone projects and real-world exercises. Each course culminates in an Award of Completion from UC San Diego, supporting college applications and future career exploration.
11. Emerging Technology, Disruption, and AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies (subscription-based); Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Not applicable; Rolling
Dates: Self-paced; Approximately 2 weeks
Eligibility: Anyone, including high school students
Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, this course introduces you to how emerging technologies are transforming industries and driving innovation. Over four modules, you’ll study the fundamentals of technological disruption, strategic decision-making, and scenario planning in uncertain environments. The program encourages you to think critically about innovation and assess credible sources when analyzing tech trends. The final module explores artificial intelligence, including its real-world applications and the ethical implications of autonomous systems. You’ll complete short assignments and peer-reviewed projects to apply these concepts to practical scenarios.
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 – UC San Diego