Charlotte, NC, offers diverse programs for high school students that can help you build advanced skills across various fields. From internships to pre-college programs at leading universities, these opportunities can help you delve into subjects like STEM, arts, business, and social sciences. By participating in these programs, you will not only explore potential career paths but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Internships and research immersions provide practical experience, allowing you to work on real-world projects under expert guidance. Meanwhile, pre-college and specialized summer courses offer a taste of college academics, building a strong foundation for higher education. Whether you're interested in AI, healthcare, or creative writing, these programs are a chance to challenge yourself, gain industry insights, and prepare for future academic and professional success.
Here is a curated list of 12 programs for high school students in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Winter Seminar: December 16, 2024 onwards
- Spring Seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. December 1, 2024 for the winter cohort, and February 16, 2025 for the spring cohort
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.
2. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Finance, Medicine, Gaming, Environment, and more
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The program runs multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
- Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Ladder Internships is a selective program for high school students to intern with high-growth startups across various industries, including health tech, AI, and marketing. These startups have raised over a million dollars, with founders being YCombinator alumni or former employees of companies like Microsoft and Google. During the 8-week virtual internship, you'll work closely with managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, presenting your work to the company. The program also includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, plus group sessions with other interns.
Subject Areas: Technology, Business, Finance, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Medicine, Software Engineering, and more
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 8-weeks with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: All high school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks are eligible to apply. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
The Young Founder's Lab is a start-up boot camp led by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this three-week program, you'll build a revenue-generating start-up that tackles a real-world problem with guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from companies like Google and Microsoft.
Alongside developing your start-up, you'll participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. This program is a great chance to explore the business world in high school, offering a space to learn both theoretical and practical approaches to creating a successful business. Check out the program’s brochure for more details.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: $2,900. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches.
You can choose subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The summer cohort typically runs from June to August. Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. December 29, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA are eligible
Niner Academy offers a series of specialized summer programs, both in-person and virtual, for high school students entering grades 9–12 who are interested in exploring potential college and career pathways. These week-long academies focus on specific subjects, such as coding, financial literacy, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and more. Through interactive exercises, group discussions, and presentations, you will engage in a fast-paced learning experience. The program emphasizes practical application and collaborative learning, providing opportunities for in-depth exploration without the pressure of exams.
Subject Areas: Robotics and Electronics, AI, Machine Learning, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Financial Literacy
Location: University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC or virtual
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week between June and August. The schedule for Summer 2025 will be available on the website on December 9, 2024
Cost: The cost ranges from $145 to $995, depending on the program. Some need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students are eligible
The Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) is a 6-week summer career-focused internship program that offers Charlotte youth opportunities for career development. This program allows you to explore various industries and build professional networks. As a participant, you will gain exposure to diverse career paths, refine key skills, and engage with professional role models. The program aims to strengthen the community by fostering individual growth and achievement. MYEP collaborates with host employers across Charlotte’s private, public, and nonprofit sectors to provide career experiences for students. Past sponsors include Accenture, Atrium Health, and Microsoft.
Subject Areas: Finance, Business, Social Sciences, STEM, Medicine, Ballet, Theatre, and more
Location: Host employers’ offices in Charlotte or virtual
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 6 weeks in the summer
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Students receive a stipend of $1,950
Application Deadline: To be announced for the 2025 program
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old and enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or reside in the City of Charlotte
Charlotte Ballet Summer Intensive offers rigorous training and diverse classes for dancers aged 11–22. The program focuses on refining classical ballet techniques while encouraging exploration of contemporary movement. You will train six days a week under the guidance of resident and guest instructors, fostering artistic growth. The Summer Intensive also serves as an audition for the Academy’s year-round Pre-Professional Division, with Trainee positions available for dancers who attend the program. The intensive concludes with Summer Repertory Performances at Charlotte Ballet’s Center for Dance. Admission requires at least one year of prior pointe training.
Subject Areas: Ballet, Jazz, Yoga, Conditioning, Contemporary Ballet, Musical Theatre, and more
Location: Charlotte Ballet, Charlotte, NC
Program Dates:
- 5-week session: June 23 – July 26, 2025
- 4-week session: June 30 – July 26, 2025
Cost:
- The tuition cost ranges from $2,650 to $2,850
- There is a registration fee of $200
- Housing is provided at an additional cost
- Merit and need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: To be announced for the 2025 program
Eligibility: High school students are eligible
In this program, students are paired with UNC Charlotte faculty mentors for a six- to eight-week research experience. This program aims to engage and support high school students from underserved communities, fostering their interest in STEM education and careers. Key objectives include enhancing students’ STEM skills through collaborative teamwork, data analysis, independent research design, problem-solving, and interaction with STEM professionals. You will also gain hands-on experience in laboratory procedures and tools, culminating in the presentation of your research to a panel of experts.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 6-8 weeks in the summer
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications for the Summer 2025 program will open in early 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. permanent residents and meet the AEOP definition of underserved
Theatre Charlotte's Student Theatre Guild offers high school students an opportunity to participate in a professional-level theater experience after being selected through an audition process. This two-week summer intensive simulates a summer stock environment, allowing you to collaborate with professional directors, designers, and choreographers. Throughout the program, you will gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of theatre production as you rehearse and perform a full-scale musical on the Theatre Charlotte stage.
Subject Areas: Theatre
Location: Theatre Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Program Dates:
- June 17 – 21, 2025
- June 24 – 28, 2025
Cost: $450
Application Deadline: April 13, 2025 for in-person auditions and April 10, 2025 for online auditions
Eligibility: High school students
The PATCH CLT Program aims to provide high school students from underserved urban communities with equitable access to healthcare education and career exploration. Offered over 16 weeks, the program includes interactive sessions led by healthcare professionals, where you will engage in both personal and professional development. Additionally, you will conduct and present scientific research under the guidance of medical students, faculty from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Atrium Health resident physicians. Sessions are held biweekly on Saturdays from January to April, with opportunities for mentorship from healthcare professionals.
Subject Areas: Medicine and Healthcare
Location: Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC and virtual
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 16 weeks from January through April
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: November 22, 2025 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools high school sophomores and juniors
This camp is tailored for aspiring chefs and future food industry professionals, offering an in-depth exploration of various aspects of the culinary field. You will work alongside expert chefs to specialize in either international cuisines or baking and pastry, enhancing your technical skills and understanding of the craft. The program also covers the science behind culinary techniques, the significance of nutrition, and the role of agriculture and sustainability, along with insights into emerging innovations and technologies in the food industry. Class sizes are capped at 10 students per instructor to ensure personalized guidance and support.
Subject Areas: Culinary Skills, Nutritional Science, Baking, and Pastry Arts
Location: JWU College of Food Innovation & Technology, Charlotte, NC
Program Dates: June 10 – 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: $895 per week
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February and are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th-12th grades
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.