Pre-college programs are educational opportunities offered by universities designed to give high school students a taste of college academics and campus life. These programs allow you to explore subjects in-depth which helps you gain hands-on experience and work on advanced skills. By participating, you can work on college-level coursework and get a feel for campus life, all before attending college.
Through these programs, you can explore areas of interest — whether it’s science, technology, humanities, or the arts — and build a stronger academic foundation. This experience can enhance your knowledge and give you a clearer idea of what fields you might want to pursue in the future. Additionally, many programs offer opportunities for networking with peers, professors, and professionals in your field, helping you make valuable connections.
Here are 10 free pre-college programs for high school students:
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 — July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors aged 16 or older with U.S. citizenship or a green card.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) program offers high school students the opportunity to participate in biomedical research, focusing on fields such as immunology and bioengineering. As a participant, you’ll join research labs at Stanford, where you can learn lab techniques and work alongside faculty researchers.
This program provides practical experience in areas like molecular biology and data analysis, which are helpful in biomedical research. You can also take part in the bioengineering boot camp, where you’ll explore the field through interactive activities rather than traditional lab work.
2. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 — August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors, certain standardized test scores are recommended.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a research program for high school students focused on areas like molecular biology and computational genetics. The program begins with a week of classes led by STEM professors, followed by five weeks of hands-on research where you’ll work on a project of your own.
Under the guidance of mentors, you’ll develop and conduct an independent research project, culminating in an oral and written presentation of your findings. This experience provides an opportunity to develop research skills that can help prepare you for future academic work in STEM fields.
3. CMU CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 21 — July 19
Eligibility: Should be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or registered with DACA. Applicants need to be a sophomore in high school while applying and 16 years old by the start date.
The Carnegie Mellon University CS Scholars (CSS) program is a merit-based, fully funded four-week opportunity for high school students to learn the fundamentals of computer science. During the program, you’ll focus on key areas like programming and problem-solving using Python, and apply your skills in a group project.
The program is designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and you are required to submit essays as part of the application process. Throughout the program, you’ll work on research projects alongside CMU faculty, staff, or graduate students. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project findings, summarizing what you’ve learned.
4. Telluride Association Summer Seminar
Location: Cornell University, and University of Maryland
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: No deadline has been specified. You can apply here.
Program dates: June 22 — July 26
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders, usually for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
TASS’s Critical Black Studies program offers an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the experiences and cultures of people of African descent. The program combines historical analysis with topics like literature, politics, and art to examine the shared experiences of African diasporic communities.
Through research and discussions, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the historical narratives that shape art, society, and cultural identity. If you are interested in studying the social issues and experiences of people of African descent from a broader cultural and historical perspective, you can consider applying for this program.
5. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Online + residential component and Princeton University, NJ
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: Will begin with online classes in mid-July and culminate in a residential experience at Princeton from late July through early August.
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in the United States and intend to attend college here from low-income backgrounds and a minimum unweighted GPA equivalent to a 3.5 out of 4.0.
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers a free opportunity for high school students interested in journalism. During the program, you’ll participate in weekly lectures and workshops led by professional journalists from organizations like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, as well as program alumni. You’ll work on reading assignments to stay informed on current events, write articles, and receive support with your college applications from counsellors.
The program includes a residential component, where you’ll stay in undergraduate dormitories at Princeton University. You’ll also engage in discussion groups on various topics and attend seminars about the college admissions process. PSJP provides practical journalism experience and resources to help you with your academic and career goals, making it an option to consider if you are interested in pursuing this field. Each year, about 40 students are accepted into the program.
6. UCLA Brain Research Institute NeuroCamp
Location: UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: April 27
Program dates: 7-day period within 2 weeks — June 16–18, 23–24, and 26–27.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply, with preference given to Los Angeles residents.
NeuroCamp, hosted by the UCLA Brain Research Institute, is a free summer program for 15–20 high school students each year, focused on neuroscience. Throughout the program, you’ll learn key concepts in areas like molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy, while also gaining experience with basic lab techniques.
The program aims to engage students from the Los Angeles area, encouraging interest in science careers through hands-on research and interactive learning. It’s an opportunity to explore neuroscience in a practical setting and gain insight into the field.
7. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded and a $750 stipend upon successful completion of the program
Application deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 to August 18
Eligibility: Should be completing 10th or 11th grade in June and open to New York City residents only.
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers high school students a seven-week research experience in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The program is split into two parts: five weeks of hands-on research under the guidance of graduate or postdoctoral students, followed by two weeks of workshops.
You can choose from eight different research areas, including computer science and aerospace engineering. Additionally, NYU offers a three-week program called Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS), which is open to 8th through 11th-grade students living in New York City or nearby areas like Jersey City, Newark, or Hempstead.
8. Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab at the University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $4,800 provided
Application Deadline: January 12
Program Dates: June 16 — August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students based in the Chicago area. International students can apply but must provide documentation for work authorization in the U.S.
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab program at the University of Chicago offers an 8-week, paid research opportunity for high school students. Working with a mentor, you will explore how data science techniques can be applied to fields like public policy, computational modelling, and scientific research.
As a research assistant, you’ll gain experience using data science methods to analyze patterns, build models, and interpret results. The program includes a weekly speaker series featuring experts discussing how data science addresses real-world issues. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings through a final video at the summer symposium.
9. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: February 24
Program dates: June 22 — August 7
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date. International students are eligible to apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is an immersive summer research opportunity for students interested in either STEM or the humanities. This highly selective program spans seven weeks and admits only twelve students, providing a chance to explore advanced research topics in depth. With guidance from expert mentors, you’ll conduct independent research on a topic of your choice.
During the program, you’ll work on your research skills, gain hands-on experience with various methodologies, and have access to professional resources. The program provides research experience that can support your academic growth and strengthen your college applications.
10. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 21 — August 2
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the program start date, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be in 11th grade of high school at the time of application submission.
SAMS is a six-week, fully funded program at Carnegie Mellon University designed for high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds. The program offers an opportunity to advance in math and science while earning college credits. You’ll engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes classroom learning, research projects, and courses aimed at supporting your academic and professional development.
Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with university faculty and conclude with a Symposium, where you will present your STEM research. You are expected to have a genuine interest in math, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and commit to promoting diversity and inclusion in education. If you come from low-income backgrounds, underrepresented groups, or schools with limited access to top-tier institutions you are especially encouraged to apply.
Please note that SAMS requires full dedication, meaning you cannot participate in other conflicting programs during the summer.
Bonus —
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid is available
Application Date: Feb 16 (spring cohort)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in summer, spring, fall and winter!
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 in fields such as data science, machine learning, biology, chemistry, psychology, and more. You can choose from both quantitative and qualitative research options, allowing you to explore topics across STEM, social sciences, or the humanities. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and feedback on your project, which can be helpful for future college applications.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available
Application deadline: Applications open throughout the year for the four cohorts — they are due in February, May, September, and December, you can apply here.
Program Dates: 4 cohorts run throughout the year, namely the spring, summer, winter, and fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program tailored for high school students. In this program, you’ll work closely with a PhD mentor to produce a university-level research paper. The program is fully online, and its length can vary based on your research goals and the scope of the project.
You can choose from research opportunities across subject areas like engineering, economics, history, or sociology. Lumiere also runs the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit program aimed at providing research opportunities for talented, low-income students.
Image source: Carnegie Mellon University
