If you’re a high school student looking to develop practical skills in a specific field without paying a fee, a free university summer program can be a solid option. These programs offer hands-on experience in engineering, computer science, medicine, and humanities. You’ll get the chance to work on real projects, learn industry-specific tools, and apply concepts beyond the classroom.
University programs, specifically, allow you to experience college-level academics and campus life before you apply for an undergraduate degree. You can also interact with university faculty and build a strong network, right before you write your college application or send out requests for your letters of recommendation.
Whether it’s coding in Python, using CAD software for design, or analyzing policy documents, these programs help you build skills that are useful for both academic and professional growth. Beyond technical training, these programs help you develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Here’s a list of 12 free university summer programs you can take up during the summer!
12 Free University Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Harvard-MIT’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Harvard or MIT, Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: September – May (year-long)
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Applicants must be local high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Subject Area: Astrophysics
This program runs through the school year and gives high school students such as yourself the opportunity to work alongside astrophysicists and climate scientists on the Harvard and MIT campuses. It includes monthly workshops with the director and guest lecturers and an end-of-the-year symposium where you will present your research in talks at Harvard.
2. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December 2 (tentative, based on previous year dates)
Program Dates: June–August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors
Subject Areas: STEM
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a competitive summer research program hosted by CEE at MIT, where high school students work on real scientific projects from start to finish. Over five weeks, you will attend lectures by leading scientists, including past Nobel Prize winners, before starting your research under expert mentorship.
You will explore advanced academic literature, learn lab techniques, and analyze data using research tools. The program also helps you develop scientific writing and public speaking skills as you present your findings through research papers and oral presentations.
3. Northeastern University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Application Deadline: February 20
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors who are permanent residents of Massachusetts
Subject Areas: STEM
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University gives high school students hands-on research experience in engineering, science, and health sciences labs. You will work on real projects, learning lab techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving skills used in scientific research.
Beyond lab work, you will attend seminars on advanced STEM topics and gain insights into engineering and scientific fields through presentations from faculty and researchers. The program also introduces tools like coding for data analysis, experimental design software, and scientific modeling techniques.
4. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: Late June – Early August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are high school juniors
Subject Areas: STEM
MITES Summer is a six-week residential program at MIT for high school juniors interested in STEM. You will take advanced courses in math, life sciences, physics, and electives that focus on problem-solving and real-world applications. The curriculum is intensive, giving you experience with college-level coursework and analytical thinking.
Beyond academics, you will participate in workshops, campus tours, and hands-on projects. The program also includes technical training, such as coding for simulations, data analysis, and lab-based experimentation. You will develop problem-solving, collaboration, and research skills that are useful in STEM fields.
5. UMass High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP)
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates: June 29 – July 25
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors from Massachusetts who are at least 16 years old
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Biotechnology
The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at UMass Chan Medical School is a four-week residential program that introduces you to careers in biomedical research, biotechnology, and healthcare. You will take courses in biology, mathematics, information technology, and contemporary health issues, gaining a broad foundation in medical and scientific fields.
Beyond coursework, you will interact with physicians and healthcare professionals to learn about different medical careers and industry challenges. A key part of the program is the Health Disparities Research Project, where you will research and present on a cultural group in Massachusetts, developing skills in data analysis, public health research, and scientific communication.
6. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University (Fully Remote, Hybrid, or In-Person—varies by faculty mentor)
Application Deadline: January 27 (tentative, based on last year’s dates)
Program Dates: June 18-August 8
Eligibility: Open to high school and university students. Applicants must be at least 15 years old for remote or hybrid programs and 16+ for in-person “wet-lab” research.
Subject Areas: Science
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers hands-on research experience across fields like nanoscience, oceanic science, astronomy, and mathematical modeling. The program follows a 1:1 mentorship model, where you will work closely with faculty on specialized research projects.
You will learn to use advanced lab equipment, develop scientific writing skills, and analyze complex data. The program also includes forums and mentorship meetings, helping you understand real-world research challenges. Many participants go on to publish their research in scientific journals or present at academic conferences, gaining professional exposure in their field.
7. UMass Turing Summer Program
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 7 – July 25
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores and juniors with a strong mathematics background. Prior programming experience is helpful but not required.
Subject Areas: Computer Science
The UMass Turing Summer Program is a three-week introduction to computer science and its real-world applications. You will explore coding, data analysis, and visualization, learning how computer science connects with fields like healthcare, energy, and artificial intelligence.
Each day includes two classroom sessions and a hands-on lab, helping you develop problem-solving, computational thinking, and programming skills. The program focuses on Python, making it a solid choice if you want to build a strong foundation in programming and data science.
8. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February 15 (tentative, based on previous year dates)
Program Dates: June 22-August 7
Eligibility: Open to students who are 17 years old by the program’s start date and who will participate the summer before or after their senior year
Subject Areas: STEM
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week research experience where you will work with Texas Tech faculty on advanced projects. While the program is STEM-focused, research areas sometimes include humanities and social sciences, giving you exposure to different fields.
You will take part in faculty-led research, weekly seminars, and discussions, gaining experience in academic writing, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. The program also includes field trips and weekend activities, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers and faculty outside the lab. The program covers room, board, and meals, but students must cover travel and personal expenses.
9. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University, San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: June 23-July 25
Eligibility: Open to low-income, first-generation high school juniors living in Northern California
Subject Areas: Medicine
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is an on-campus summer program for students interested in health sciences and medicine. You will receive mentorship from medical professionals, attend networking events at Stanford Medicine, and take part in professional development workshops to explore careers in healthcare.
A key part of the program is its hospital internship, where you will apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory work and patient interaction. You will also conduct public health research projects focused on healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
10. University of Washington Engineering Academy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative, based on last year’s dates)
Program Dates: June 30 – July 5 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors in the greater Seattle area.
Subject Areas: Engineering
The University of Washington Engineering Academy is a week-long program that introduces high school students to different engineering fields. You will engage in hands-on design challenges, work with university engineering students and faculty, and learn how engineering helps solve real-world problems.
Though shorter and less competitive than other programs, this academy offers a solid foundation in engineering principles and gives you early exposure to college-level concepts. It’s also a great opportunity to build connections at UW and gain insight into the engineering profession.
11. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative, based on previous cycles)
Program Dates: July 1 – August 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students from select towns of Massachusetts who are at least 16 years old.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Engineering
The Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program is a six-week summer research experience focused on biomedical engineering. You will gain hands-on experience in Tufts’ Biomedical Engineering Labs, learning essential research techniques, experimental design, and hypothesis testing.
The program also encourages you to extend your research by participating in local and national science competitions, such as the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair, the Siemens Competition, and the Regeneron Science Talent Search. This provides a chance to showcase your work and gain recognition in the field of biomedical engineering.
12. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland
Application Deadline: January 5 (tentative, based on last year’s dates)
Program Dates: 6 weeks, June 22-July 26
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on students of color and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Subject Areas: Writing, History, Political Science
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a fully funded, six-week program for high school students interested in leadership, democracy, and social change. It offers two specialized tracks: TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies), which focuses on the history, literature, politics, and art of people of African descent, and TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies), which examines systems of power, oppression, and social justice.
You’ll take part in discussions, lectures, and research projects, building critical thinking skills while engaging with complex social issues. The program also fosters a strong sense of community and activism, helping you connect with like-minded peers.
If you’re looking for a virtual 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.
