If you are a high school student looking to explore a subject outside of school before summer, sign up for a fall program! These programs let you test out a field before committing to it, add real experience to your portfolio, and figure out if a career path makes sense for you.
Whether you’re interested in STEM, IT, Humanities, or other fields, these programs offer structured learning and hands-on projects. These programs run during the school year, so they’re usually shorter than summer programs and have smaller groups. This means more one-on-one time with instructors, more flexibility, and a chance to work on projects that fit your schedule.
Why should I do an online fall program for high school students? How is it different from a summer program?
Fall programs are shorter, often just a few weeks or weekends, so you can try out a subject without a huge time commitment. They’re great for testing the waters before jumping into a longer summer program.
With smaller class sizes, fall programs often provide more opportunities to interact with instructors and peers. You’ll have a better chance of asking questions, getting feedback, and working on projects that require collaboration. If you’re unsure about what to study in college or choose as a career, a fall program can help you explore different subjects without making a long-term commitment.
To get started, take a look at our list of 15 online fall programs for high school students!
15 Online Fall Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I application deadline is April 13!
Dates: September-December (fall). Summer, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Subject Areas: Engineering, Physics, History, Data Science, Sociology, and more.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to complete an independent research project in a field of their choice with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. During the program, you will collaborate with your mentor and a writing coach to select and refine your research topic while attending workshops on research methods.
The program includes various fields such as history, data science, engineering, physics, sociology, chemistry, anthropology, economics, and gender studies. You can customize your research focus if none of the available topics align with your interests. For details on the application process, you can check here.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490; Financial aid is available.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The Summer Cohort priority application deadline is March 9!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year!
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 5–15 hours per week for 8–16 weeks
Subject Areas: Technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Environmental Science, Media, and Journalism.
Ladder Internships is a selective program founded by Harvard alumni that connects high school students with virtual internships at startups and nonprofits worldwide. You can work in various fields, including technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, nonprofit work, health tech, software engineering, consulting, environmental science, media, and journalism.
As an intern, you will contribute to projects that align with your assigned organization’s mission and present your results at the end of the program. The internship includes personalized training in essential skills such as communication and time management, along with group training sessions. You will also receive support from a manager at your internship site and mentorship from a Ladder coach throughout the program. To explore available internship opportunities, you can review the application form.
3. Research Scholars at UC San Diego
Location: Available online, hybrid, or in person at the University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: The cost varies from $1,500 to $4,800, depending on the chosen program and format.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the slots are filled.
Dates: Programs are available year-round, including summer, fall, and winter sessions.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Subject Areas: Engineering, Bioengineering, Life Sciences, Business Research, Medicine, and Marine Science
UC San Diego’s Research Scholars program lets you try real research. You can explore tracks like Engineering in Medicine, Bioengineering, Life Sciences, Business Research, Medicine, and Marine Science. You’ll work in labs, look at data, and do projects to learn how it all works on the ground.
If you choose the Business Research track, you’ll learn about business innovation, design, venture financing, and growth strategy. You’ll also work on creating a business proposal and developing economic insights. The program wraps up with a poster session where you’ll present your research to industry professionals and local scientists.
4. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Location: Available remotely or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers, depending on the project.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free; interns may receive a stipend based on their academic level and session length.
Application Deadline: Vary by cohorts. Fall: May 16.
Dates: Vary by cohort. Fall: 16-week program from September to December.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Subject Areas: Engineering, Space Science, Technology, Space Microbiology, Aeronautics, Astronomy, Robotics, Ecology.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students, giving you the chance to work with professionals in science, engineering, finance, IT, and business. You can explore fields like space science, technology, microbiology, aeronautics, astronomy, robotics, ecology, and outreach and communications while gaining hands-on experience.
As an intern, you might design experiments, analyze mission data, or help develop new technologies. You could work closely with a researcher or in a small team on a NASA project. Your tasks might include recording and analyzing data, tracking celestial bodies with advanced telescopes, or assisting with mission preparations. The internship also includes virtual lectures from astronauts and experts in astronomy and related fields.
To explore available internships, you can use the ‘Filter’ option to find those open to high school students.
5. Internship Opportunities at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Available remotely or in person at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: There is no application fee. A limited number of paid internships are available, with stipends awarded based on financial need after selection. Part-time unpaid internships are also offered.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the session.
Dates: Fall session: September – December; Spring session: February – May; Summer session: June – August
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
Subject Areas: Foreign Policy, Career Development, Research, Communications, Operations
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers internships for high school students interested in international relations. You’ll get to work at a respected think tank, connect with professionals in foreign policy, and gain hands-on experience in the field. A mentor, either a professional or scholar, will guide you in developing skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management.
Throughout the program, you’ll attend weekly seminars on foreign policy and career development, featuring guest speakers from the field. You’ll also have access to FPRI’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid events and may work on a research paper for potential publication in FPRI’s Intern Corner. You can choose from roles such as research intern, communications intern, special events/development intern, or operations intern, depending on your interests. More details on available internships can be found here.
6. Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop
Location: Virtual
Cost: $7,664 + a $75 non-refundable application fee
Application Deadline: September 10 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: October – December (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Subject Areas: Filmmaking, Writing, Editing, Directing, Digital Film Production, Screenwriting
The Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop, offered by NYU Tisch School of the Arts, teaches you the fundamentals of writing, directing, shooting, and editing through hands-on projects. You’ll work on a crew-based documentary, a music video, three technical assignments, and a final narrative film. The program is asynchronous, so you can access pre-recorded lectures and modules at your own pace.
This six-week fall workshop awards four college credits and covers digital film production across documentary, experimental, and narrative styles. You’ll refine your directing, shooting, and editing skills by creating short films (three to five minutes) and music videos, focusing on visual storytelling.
7. Cornell SCE Pre-College Studies: Fall & Spring Study
Location: Available online or in person at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Tuition is $1,840 per credit, and students are responsible for additional costs such as textbooks and nonrefundable fees for required materials or course supplies.
Application Deadline: Fall session: August 26 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: Fall session: August 26 – December 21 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 and older can enroll in fall or spring courses at Cornell, but Cornell degree candidates are not eligible for part-time study during these terms.
Subject Areas: Architecture, Arts, Hospitality, Health, Engineering, Business, and more.
Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) offers pre-college commuter and online courses where you can earn college credits and explore university-level subjects during the fall and spring semesters. You’ll take regular Cornell courses alongside undergraduate and graduate students, gaining access to university libraries and campus resources.
With over 100 undergraduate courses to choose from, you can study fields like engineering, business, architecture, arts, hospitality, health, science, technology, international relations, and veterinary medicine. Online courses are delivered through Canvas, where you’ll interact with instructors and peers via discussion boards, chat rooms, video conferences, and email. You’ll also have opportunities to engage directly with Cornell faculty through class discussions and coursework. Upon completion, you’ll earn an official Cornell transcript, and your credits may be transferable to Cornell or other universities.
8. Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend
Location: Virtual
Cost: The cost is $2,810 per session for a single course, with each additional course costing $2,700, plus an $80 application fee, and students should budget at least $50 for course materials like textbooks and supplies.
Application Deadline: Applications for Fall will open in April.
Dates: September 19 – December 7 (Fall session)
Eligibility: Domestic and international students enrolled in grades 9–12
Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Law & Conflict Resolution, Mathematics, Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences & Psychology, Neuroscience, Science & Medicine, and Technology.
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend offers high school students an immersive online learning experience, combining academic instruction with student life activities. Over ten weekends, you can choose from more than 20 courses, enrolling in up to four courses that each last two hours.
These courses, scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, cover a range of subjects, including Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Creative Writing, Law & Conflict Resolution, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Science & Medicine, Social Sciences & Psychology, and Technology. In addition to coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in virtual clubs, join Digital Community Groups for mentoring by Student Life Interns, and participate in seminars, workshops, and lectures.
9. Ecampus at Oregon State University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $366 per credit + a $30 nonrefundable application fee
Application Deadline: September 10
Dates: September 24 – December 12
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Botany & Plant Pathology, Communication, Anthropology, Animal Sciences, Business Administration, and more.
Oregon State University’s Ecampus offers high school students the opportunity to earn university credit online, giving them a head start on their college journey. To get started, you’ll need to apply as a nondegree-seeking student at Oregon State University until you’re ready to pursue a degree. This allows you to take courses not available at your high school and gain university-level experience.
You can choose from over 100 college courses in a wide range of subjects, including Anthropology, Animal Sciences, Business Administration, Biology, Chemistry, Botany & Plant Pathology, Communication, Computer Science, Crop Science, English, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Ethnic Studies, Hospitality Management, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, and Statistics.
10. Tisch Online High School Screenwriters Workshop
Location: Virtual
Cost: $7,664 + a $75 non-refundable application fee
Application Deadline: September 10 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: October – December (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Subject Areas: Scriptwriting, Script Analysis, Character Development
The Tisch Online High School Screenwriters Workshop, offered by NYU Tisch School of the Arts, teaches scriptwriting for film and television. Over six weeks, you’ll develop storytelling skills through writing exercises, film analysis, and assignments. You’ll focus on creating story ideas, developing characters, and understanding film language and script structure.
The course follows an asynchronous format, with pre-recorded lectures available weekly. You’ll complete daily assignments on the Smash Cut platform and engage in live online discussions with faculty and peers. Throughout the workshop, you’ll present your work, refine scripts through feedback, and complete a short screenplay and a synopsis for a feature film and TV series. The program awards four college credits.
11. Stanford Online High School
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition ranges from $6,195 for one course to $30,970 for four or more courses. Need-based financial aid options are available.
Application Deadline: January 9
Dates: The program typically runs from August to June, but you can apply for fall semester courses.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
Subject Areas: Philosophy, Literature, Microeconomic Theory, Astrophysics, Screenwriting, Portrait Drawing, and Wellness
The Stanford Online High School (OHS) Program offers interactive online learning for students in grades 7-12. The program follows a two-semester system (Fall and Spring), with most courses spanning the entire academic year. You will participate in live online discussions, engaging with peers and instructors from around the world. The curriculum includes advanced middle-school courses and 32 post-AP and university-level courses, taught by expert instructors, 65% of whom hold PhDs.
The program also provides academic advising, college counseling, and wellness support. Fall semester courses are available in Philosophy, Literature, Screenwriting, Portrait Drawing, Microeconomic Theory, Astrophysics, and Wellness.
12. UPenn’s Wharton Global Youth Program: Understanding Your Money
Location: Virtual
Cost: $329
Application Deadline: Enrollment for this program is offered on a rolling basis.
Dates: The program is self-paced, with an estimated completion time of 13–15 hours.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, including international applicants
Subject Areas: Economics, Investments, Money Management, Financial Literacy
UPenn’s Understanding Your Money is a self-paced online program for high school students, covering key economic concepts like investing and basic money management. The program includes video lessons by Wharton faculty, along with readings, activities, glossary terms, and quizzes to help you develop practical financial skills.
Available on the Wharton Online Learning platform, the program consists of four modules, covering 16 topics and 55 lecture videos, with an estimated completion time of 13-15 hours. You will explore financial decision-making, budgeting, the impact of financial challenges on well-being, and investing strategies.
13. Dartmouth Pre College Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Multi-length courses are available throughout the year.
Eligibility: Students aged 13–19
Subject Areas: Psychology, Regenerative Medicine, Finance, and Biology
The Dartmouth Pre-College Online Program offers students aged 13 and older the chance to explore college-level courses from home. The courses, designed by top-rated instructors, include subjects like Psychology, Regenerative Medicine, Finance, and Biology, with mentor support provided throughout.
Available year-round, these flexible courses allow you to learn at your own pace. Each course consists of 20 to 30 hours of instruction, including multimedia content, simulations, and curated assignments. You’ll complete a final capstone project, receiving feedback from mentors. After finishing the program, you’ll also earn a Dartmouth Certificate of Completion.
14. Interlochen’s Acting Techniques Certificate Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $799
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: Multiple four-week sessions are available. Fall I: September 15 – October 12; Fall II: October 27 – November 23
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
Subject Areas: Acting, Monologues, Scene Study, Improvisation, Script Analysis
The Acting Techniques Certificate Program is a set of three four-week courses designed for both teens and adults. You’ll be placed in a group based on age, with separate sections for those under 18 and those 18 and older. You can take the three courses in any order.
In the Monologues course, you’ll build a strong foundation in acting, analyze scripts, and develop compelling characters for stage and screen. You’ll also explore the acting history and different methods used worldwide to enhance storytelling. In Scene Study, you’ll dive into script analysis to understand scenes, relationships, and character intentions. You’ll also practice delivering dialogue, using movement effectively, and staying engaged in your performance.
The Improvisation course will help you learn the fundamentals of improv and apply them to scripted scenes. You’ll use improvisation to develop characters, explore motivations, and refine your approach to performance. When you finish the program, you’ll earn a credential from Interlochen, which can be a strong addition to your resume, college applications, or LinkedIn profile.
15. CLARIFY (The City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, and students receive a $500 stipend.
Application Deadline: September 9 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: 8-week program starting on October 15 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school sophomores juniors and seniors who reside in New York City
Subject Areas: Journalism, Public Service, Writing, Research, and Photojournalism
CLARIFY is an internship program by City Limits, New York City’s oldest nonprofit investigative news agency, designed for high school students interested in journalism, writing, and current events. The program focuses on public service journalism, helping you develop skills in civic engagement, media literacy, research, writing, interviewing, and photography.
You will receive training in public service reporting and news writing, working in teams under an instructor’s guidance to report on a public service story. Some of your work may even be published in City Limits. You’ll also engage in research, media ethics, interviewing, and photojournalism while working both independently and collaboratively on local issues. Some reporting may require local travel.
Image source: Cornell University
