For high school students with a passion for literature, free summer programs offer a unique opportunity to engage with texts at a college level, refining analytical, interpretive, and writing skills in a rigorous environment. These programs will introduce you to diverse literary traditions, critical theories, and historical contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of how literature functions as both an artistic and cultural artifact.
Our list of 10 free literature summer programs for high school students highlights opportunities that challenge you to think deeply about texts while also preparing you for the expectations of university-level coursework.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Literature Track
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts throughout the year.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of 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 literature, data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who mentors you 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.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Literature Track
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3; no prior field experience required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. You can choose research topics from subjects such as literature, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. 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 Ph.D. 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 find more details about the application here.
3. Great Books Summer Program for High School Students | St. John’s College
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200 per week; full financial aid is available.
Program Dates: June 16 – June 19 | June 23 – June 27
Deadlines: Applications are currently open
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15 and 18 are eligible to apply for online sessions
St. John’s Online College Summer Academy offers a rigorous introduction to interdisciplinary learning through live, discussion-based seminars on great books. You engage in close readings of texts such as The Odyssey, Shakespearean plays, selections by James Baldwin, and Darwin’s The Voyage of the Beagle, developing skills in critical thinking, textual analysis, and philosophical inquiry. The online program, conducted via Zoom, fosters intellectual engagement through small, interactive classes led by full-time faculty and supported by current St. John’s students. You will also gain experience in scholarly discourse and argumentation, preparing them for college-level discussions. Financial aid is available for all students who qualify.
4. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Cornell University, NY and University of Maryland, MD
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors. Participants must be at least age 15 and no older than age 18 at the start of the program
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers high school sophomores and juniors a fully-funded, six-week educational experience that blends academic rigor with community building. You can choose between two areas of study: Critical Black Studies (TASS-CBS) or Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS), diving into different historical literature pieces, and systems of power.
Through daily college-level seminars, you will sharpen your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, supported by essays, group discussions, and instructor feedback. Outside the classroom, you can engage in democratic decision-making, transformative justice practices, and public speaking, fostering an inclusive and collaborative community.
5. Princeton’s Summer Journalism Program
Location: Online and in-person options, concluding with a 10-day residential program at Princeton University in late July
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically late February
Program Dates: July – August
Eligibility: Open to 11th-grade students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who meet specific socioeconomic criteria
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is a year-long initiative designed for high school juniors eager to explore journalism and nonfiction writing. As a participant, you will begin with virtual workshops covering investigative reporting, research techniques, and multimedia storytelling before attending an immersive residential experience at Princeton. With guidance from experienced journalists, participants refine their writing, produce real-world assignments, and develop a strong portfolio. The program also provides mentorship in college applications, equipping you with the skills and experience to pursue careers in journalism and media.
6. NYU Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop
Location: In-person, NYU campus in New York City
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: Closed for 2025
Program Dates: February 1 – May 10
Eligibility: Open to current 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students
The NYU Tisch Future Dramatic Writers Workshop is an intensive program designed for students passionate about storytelling, drama, and literature. Through a structured curriculum, you will explore narrative techniques, character development, and dramatic structure while working alongside experienced instructors.
The program not only enhances creative writing skills but also provides valuable insights into how literature is transformed into performance art. This workshop is particularly beneficial for students interested in literature, as it strengthens analytical thinking, deepens appreciation for storytelling, and builds a strong foundation for further academic study in literary fields.
7. JCamp
Location: Seattle, WA
Fee: Free
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: July 26 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
JCamp is a six-day intensive journalism program designed to empower high school students from diverse backgrounds. Hosted by the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), the camp offers hands-on training under the mentorship of seasoned journalists and media executives.
JCamp is a valuable experience for students interested in literature, as it sharpens critical reading, writing, and storytelling skills. Journalism, like literature, relies on strong narratives, compelling characters, and precise language. Through investigative reporting, feature writing, and editorial workshops, you learn how to craft engaging stories, analyze texts, and communicate ideas effectively — skills that are essential for studying literature and creative writing.
8. New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP)
Location: The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ
Cost: Free (fully funded)
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Program Dates: July 29 – August 1
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors from New Jersey
The New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP) is an intensive, interdisciplinary summer program designed for intellectually curious high school students. Over five weeks, You will engage in a deep exploration of a central theme that spans multiple disciplines, including history, philosophy, literature, social sciences, and the arts. The curriculum is discussion-based and encourages students to think critically, analyze complex issues, and develop strong research and writing skills.
Participants work closely with expert faculty members and collaborate with a diverse group of peers, fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and debate. The program culminates in a capstone research project where students present their findings in a scholarly setting. Additionally, the program nurtures strong writing and argumentation abilities, making it an excellent preparation for humanities-focused college programs.
9. Columbia University’s Summer Immersion: New York City
Location: Columbia Morningside Campus, NY
Cost: Varies based on course selection, program length, and housing status. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 2
Program Dates: Courses typically run between July and August
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 8–12; residential options available for students aged 16 and older.
Columbia University’s pre-college programs offer a variety of literature-focused courses designed to refine your writing, analytical, and storytelling skills. The Creative Writing course allows students to experiment with different genres while honing their narrative techniques and style.
The Storytelling course explores the craft of building engaging narratives, focusing on plot structure, character development, and thematic depth. For those interested in literary analysis, Introduction to Literature provides a broad study of different genres and historical periods, strengthening critical reading and interpretation skills.
10. YAWP Summer Weeklong Writing Classes
Location: In-person (Boston, MA) or Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: Between July – August
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13–18
The YAWP Summer Weeklong Writing Classes, offered by GrubStreet, provide young writers with the opportunity to experiment with different genres, refine their storytelling skills, and engage in a vibrant community of peers who share a passion for creative expression. Whether you’re interested in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, or personal essays, these workshops encourage exploration and growth in a supportive, dynamic environment.
Led by award-winning authors and experienced instructors, the program offers mentorship and hands-on guidance to help students sharpen their writing voice. Throughout the summer, you can choose to enroll in a single session or multiple courses, tailoring your experience to your interests.
Bonus literature summer programs for high school students –
1. Masterpieces of World Literature | Harvard University
Cost: Free, but $299 if you want a certificate
Program Dates: Self-paced, over a year
Deadlines: Open enrollment
This free literature summer program offered by edX and Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences introduces high school students to world literature and its role in shaping and reflecting global cultures. You will develop critical analysis skills, learning how literary works evolve through cultural transmission and historical context.
The course covers major texts, from The Epic of Gilgamesh to works by Salman Rushdie and Jhumpa Lahiri, offering insights into different literary traditions and artistic expressions. To enhance your understanding of texts, you will also engage with subject-specific tools, such as annotation techniques and digital humanities resources.
2. Shakespeare’s Life and Work | Harvard University
Cost: Free, but $149 if you want a verified certificate
Program Dates: Self-paced, over a year
Deadlines: Open enrollment
“Shakespeare’s Life and Work,” offered by Harvard University through edX, is a free literature summer program for high school students that explores Shakespeare’s plays through historical context, cultural significance, and modern performance. You will develop skills in literary analysis, textual interpretation, and performance critique, gaining tools to assess Shakespeare’s works both on the page and in production.
The course covers biographical and historical approaches, as well as present-day perspectives on Shakespeare’s influence. You will engage with subject-specific resources, such as archival texts and digital annotation tools.
Image source – St. John’s College logo
