Physics is one of the few high school subjects where depth matters more than speed. If you are interested in areas such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, materials science, or computational modelling, short programs often do not provide enough time to internalise the math, tools, and problem-solving frameworks involved. Year-long physics programs for high school students allow you to engage with concepts iteratively, revisiting equations, debugging simulations, refining experimental design, and developing intuition for physical systems. Over time, this leads to stronger technical fluency and a clearer understanding of how physics is practised beyond the classroom.
Many year-long physics programs for high school students are hosted by universities, research institutes, or academic nonprofits and emphasize sustained mentorship, structured coursework, or long-term projects. Compared to short programs as discussed in our Horizon blog, year-long formats allow you to balance physics study alongside school while steadily building skills in areas like Python, data analysis, lab measurements, and theoretical reasoning. These programs are well-suited if you want continuity, depth, and realistic exposure to advanced physics learning.
Why choose a year-long program?
A year-long physics program gives you the time needed to move from learning formulas to applying them correctly. Instead of rushing through topics, you practice modelling systems, analysing uncertainty, writing code to simulate physical processes, and interpreting results. Longer programs also allow you to work with more complex datasets, revisit mistakes, and develop stronger problem-solving habits. If you are considering physics, engineering, or applied math in college, year-long programs more closely resemble how learning and research actually happen.
11 Year-long Physics Programs for High School Students
1. Science Honours Program (SHP)
Location: Columbia University Morningside Campus, New York, NY
Cost: $700 per academic year, need-based fee waivers available
Stipend: None
Program Dates: September – May (Saturday mornings)
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 who live within a 75-mile radius of Columbia University
The Science Honours Program (SHP) is a highly selective, year-long academic program that offers college-level instruction in physics and related STEM disciplines. You attend weekly Saturday classes taught by Columbia faculty and researchers actively engaged in scientific research. Physics-focused course offerings regularly include topics such as quantum physics, relativity, astrophysics, fusion energy, materials science, and classical and quantum computing devices. The program emphasises conceptual rigor, mathematical reasoning, and analytical thinking rather than laboratory experimentation. You work through advanced problem sets and engage with theoretical frameworks that mirror undergraduate-level coursework.
2. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Host institutions across New York State
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: Summer session (July, weekdays) + academic year session (October–May, Saturdays)
Application Deadline: Varies by host site
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 interested in STEM or health-related fields
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a multi-component academic program designed to build long-term readiness for college-level STEM coursework. You take structured classes in subjects such as physics, chemistry, calculus, statistics, and biology, with placement based on grade level and prior preparation. The summer session emphasises daily instruction and foundational skill-building, while the academic-year component reinforces concepts through weekly Saturday classes. Coursework focuses on quantitative reasoning, scientific literacy, and problem-solving rather than research output. You also receive PSAT and SAT preparation alongside college-readiness workshops and academic advising.
3. STEM Research Academy (STEM RA)
Location: CUNY campuses across New York City; summer exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History
Cost: Free
Stipend: Competitive stipend and MTA MetroCard provided upon completion
Program Dates: Spring semester (research skills course) + six-week summer research experience
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: NYC Public School students in grades 10–11; highly motivated 9th graders considered on a case-by-case basis
The STEM Research Academy (STEM RA) is a two-semester program designed to introduce you to academic research through structured coursework and mentored lab experience. During the spring, you complete a pre-college course that covers research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation methods. You then transition into a six-week summer placement in a CUNY research laboratory, where you assist with ongoing projects and learn lab or computational workflows relevant to the discipline. The program emphasises scientific literacy, quantitative reasoning, and communication rather than competition-based outcomes. You apply these skills by contributing to a research project and preparing a formal presentation.
4. Physics Concepts Outreach Program
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: Offered year-round; scheduled on a rolling basis with participating schools
Application Deadline: school-based participation
Eligibility: Middle and high school students from the Pittsburgh area
The Physics Concepts Outreach Program introduces you to core physics ideas through structured, concept-focused engagement rather than formal coursework. You participate in lab tours, demonstrations, and faculty-led sessions that cover topics such as mechanics, optics, astronomy, and applied physics. Activities emphasise qualitative reasoning, experimental observation, and physical intuition over mathematical derivation. You observe active research environments and learn how instruments and experimental setups are used to investigate physical systems. Interaction with CMU faculty and researchers provides insight into how physics principles translate into modern technology and research questions. This program is best suited if you are looking for ongoing, low-barrier exposure to physics concepts and university research settings during the academic year.
5. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Cambridge, MA, and virtual
Cost: Free
Stipend: Stipend provided (courtesy of the City of Cambridge)
Program Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: Summer
Eligibility: Students enrolled at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) only
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) is a year-long research experience focused on independent astrophysics projects. You work in small teams of two to three students and meet weekly to develop, test, and refine a research question under the guidance of professional astrophysicists from the Centre for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The program emphasises core research skills such as literature review, data analysis, computational modelling, and scientific reasoning. Mentorship is provided through regular team meetings, with additional monthly advisory sessions to support project progress and methodology. You also build experience in scientific communication by preparing and presenting your findings at a formal end-of-year symposium. SRMP is best suited if you want sustained exposure to astrophysics research with close mentorship and a clearly defined research output over the academic year.
6. Research Internships and Observation for High School Students
Location: Penn State College of Medicine laboratories, Hershey, PA
Cost: Free
Stipend: Varies by placement (paid and unpaid options available)
Program Dates: Flexible; short-term (1–2 days) observations or extended internships lasting weeks to months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students living in the United States with a faculty sponsor at Penn State College of Medicine
This program provides supervised exposure to biomedical and laboratory-based research through either short-term shadowing or extended research internships. You must first identify a Penn State College of Medicine faculty member willing to sponsor and supervise your placement, after which the host lab’s research focus defines your activities. Depending on the arrangement, you may observe experimental workflows, assist with data organisation, or support non-hazardous components of ongoing research projects. The program places a strong emphasis on laboratory safety, compliance training, and structured supervision, meaning you learn how research environments operate within strict regulatory frameworks. Direct hands-on work with hazardous materials is restricted unless appropriate prior training is completed.
7. High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Location: Virtual (online coursework); Johnson Space Centre, Houston, TX (residential experience for selected students)
Cost: Free
Stipend: None (residential experience fully funded, including travel and housing)
Program Dates: Online course (October–March); Virtual Moonshot (June); Residential experience (July)
Application Deadline: September 27
Eligibility: Texas high school juniors who are U.S. citizens
High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a year-long NASA program that combines online learning with competitive, project-based aerospace challenges. You begin with a multi-month online course focused on space science, Earth systems, and engineering fundamentals, building skills in coding, data analysis, and computer-aided design (CAD). Based on performance, you may advance to the Virtual Moonshot experience, where you work in teams to solve NASA-inspired mission design problems under the guidance of scientists and engineers. Top-performing teams are invited to a fully funded residential experience at Johnson Space Centre, where you collaborate on aerospace mission simulations in a professional research environment. The program emphasises systems thinking, technical communication, and applied problem-solving.
8. Junior Academy – New York Academy of Sciences
Location: Virtual (Launchpad online platform)
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: Year-long participation with 10-week challenge cycles (fall and spring cohorts)
Application Deadline: Spring cycle: January 6; Fall cycle: typically July (varies by year)
Eligibility: Students ages 13–17 with strong English proficiency; applicants must reside in eligible countries during the application cycle
The Junior Academy is a global, project-based STEM program where you collaborate with international peers to solve real-world problems through structured innovation challenges. You work in interdisciplinary teams over approximately 10 weeks, applying research methods, design thinking, data analysis, and systems-level reasoning to develop viable solutions. Each challenge is supported by STEM professionals and industry experts who act as mentors, providing feedback on problem framing, technical approach, and feasibility. You interact entirely through the Academy’s custom-built Launchpad platform, which hosts discussions, expert talks, milestone submissions, and team collaboration. The programemphasisess applied problem-solving, communication, and teamwork rather than formal coursework or exams.
9. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: Textron Aviation facilities (primarily Kansas-based sites; varies by role)
Cost: Free
Stipend: Paid, part-time internship
Program Dates: Year-round options; Summer session runs June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling; summer applications typically open in January
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ with schedules permitting weekday work hours
The Textron Aviation High School Internship Program offers paid, part-time internships that provide direct exposure to careers in the aviation industry. You work alongside professionals in areas such as engineering, aviation maintenance, manufacturing, information technology, finance, and business operations, depending on placement and business needs. Internships emphasise applied workplace skills, including technical problem-solving, process optimisation, and professional communication, rather than purely academic research. During the summer program, work is scheduled on weekday mornings, allowing for consistent engagement without a full-time commitment. Fall and spring internships require availability during standard business hours, offering deeper integration into ongoing projects.
10. Sandia National Laboratories Student Internship Program
Location: Sandia National Laboratories sites (New Mexico, California, and select remote options depending on role)
Cost: Free
Stipend: Paid internship (competitive hourly pay based on classification and credit level)
Program Dates: Year-round and co-op options available, Summer (May – August, ~10–12 weeks);
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by specific internship posting.
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ who are U.S. citizens and enrolled full-time at an accredited school
Sandia National Laboratories offers paid internships that allow you to apply STEM and business concepts to real-world problems tied to national security, energy, and advanced technology. As a high school intern, you may work in areas such as engineering design, cybersecurity, software development, energy systems, or technical operations, depending on available roles and qualifications. Internships emphasise hands-on project work using professional tools, laboratory equipment, and industry-standard workflows rather than classroom-style instruction. You receive structured mentorship from scientists, engineers, or technical staff and may participate in professional development activities alongside your project work. Summer internships are typically full-time, while year-round roles allow part-time participation during the academic year.
11. MITES Saturdays
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA (serving students from Boston, Cambridge, and Lawrence, MA)
Cost: Free (all program costs covered; transportation provided for Lawrence students)
Stipend: None
Program Dates: Academic year; Saturdays during fall and spring semesters (multi-year participation available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle
Eligibility: Public school students in grades 7–10 who live in Boston, Cambridge, or Lawrence, MA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MITES Saturdays is a multi-year, academic-year STEM enrichment program designed to build strong foundational skills in science, engineering, and technology over time. You attend hands-on classes on Saturdays, where coursework rotates by semester and may include topics such as biological engineering, robotics, urban planning, architecture, and applied mathematics. Instruction emphasises problem-solving, collaborative projects, and real-world applications of STEM concepts rather than competition-based outcomes. In parallel, you participate in academic mentoring seminars focused on study skills, communication, and long-term college preparation. Each semester concludes with a written instructor evaluation that documents technical growth, collaboration, and classroom contributions.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like theoretical physics, astrophysics, quantum mechanics, or computational modeling, 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!