Looking to explore a subject before your high school summer break begins? Enter spring break programs.
What are spring break programs? Why should I apply as a high school student?
Spring break programs are short-term courses, internships, research programs, or workshops you can join in the months of March, April, and May. They’re offered by universities, organizations, or companies, and cover a wide range of topics — and allow to you explore subjects like coding, creative writing, environmental science and business. Online spring break programs, specifically, are super accessible and include live sessions, group projects, and hands-on activities in a subject of your choice..
A spring break program is a much shorter commitment than a summer one, and can give you a focused experience without being too logistically demanding.
To get you started, here are 15 online spring break programs for high school students!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an online opportunity where you can work on a research project during high school. You’ll choose a topic in an area that interests you — such as science, social sciences, or the humanities — and be paired with a PhD mentor who will help guide you through the research process.
Over several weeks, you’ll meet regularly with your mentor, explore your topic in depth, and write a research paper based on your findings. You’ll also get feedback on your writing from program staff, and at the end, there’s a chance to share your work in a symposium. In some cases, students also submit their research for publication.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary according to cohort
Program Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students from all over the world with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA can apply.
2. Veritas AI
If you’re curious about artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science, Veritas AI offers two online programs for high school students that focus on these areas. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session course where you’ll learn the basics of AI and data science. It includes guided lessons and hands-on projects, so you can apply what you’re learning as you go.
If you already have some background in the subject and want to go further, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase might be a better fit. In this program, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor on a research or applied project that connects AI with another area you’re interested in — such as healthcare, finance, sports, or the environment. The program also includes support with writing and editing, and many students choose to submit their work to student research journals or showcase it in other ways.
You can find examples of past projects here on their website if you’d like to get a sense of what students have done before.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts from $2,290 (need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Various deadlines throughout the year.
Program Dates: Spring cohort starts in March; more info here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students. Applicants to the AI Fellowship program should have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python.
3. Harvard Business School Online Business in Society Courses
Harvard Business School Online offers several short business courses that typically take 3 to 6 weeks to complete. These courses, led by Harvard faculty, are open to a broad audience and can be a good fit if you’re in high school and looking to explore business topics at a higher level.
In the Business in Society module, the Sustainable Business Strategy course looks at the role businesses can play in addressing social and environmental issues. Another course, Global Business, focuses on how companies operate across international markets and the challenges of making decisions in different economic and cultural contexts. Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability explores the ethical responsibilities of business leaders and how to approach decision-making with fairness and accountability.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,850 per course, certificate of completion provided
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced; 3–6 weeks, depending on the course selected.
Eligibility: Students from any academic background can apply
4. Georgetown University’s Law Pre-College Online Program
Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Law Program gives you an introduction to the legal field. It covers topics that are foundational for studying law or working in related roles, such as a lawyer, judge, or paralegal. As you go through the course, you’ll work on developing fact-based arguments, examining evidence, and telling the difference between facts and opinions.
You’ll also have the chance to think through the ethical aspects of legal decisions and strengthen your reasoning skills. The program includes case studies that encourage you to look at how crime is defined, what contributes to it, and how individual and societal values play a role.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Application Deadline: Variable deadlines based on multiple upcoming course dates. See more here
Program Dates: Multiple 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
5. NYU Precollege Program for High School Students
Spring in New York gives you the option to take courses at NYU, either to build on your current studies or explore a new subject. You’ll have access to campus resources like libraries, academic support, and student activities. Courses are available in person or virtually, and you can enroll part-time or full-time, taking one class or up to 18 credits. You’ll study alongside NYU undergraduates and be considered an NYU student during the semester.
NYU Precollege also offers rising 11th and 12th graders the chance to earn college credit in subjects like Art and Media, Humanities, STEM, and Business. Course options range from Revolutionary Movements of the 20th Century to Introduction to Engineering and Design.
Location: In person at New York University, NY, or Virtual
Cost: $5,748 for a 3-credit course | $7,664 for a 4-credit course. Here is a complete cost breakdown.
Application Deadline: January 1
Program Dates: January 21 – May 14
Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be rising 11th or 12th-grade high school students in the summer or current 11th or 12th-grade students in the spring semester. Students must have strong academic records (minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale).
6. UC San Diego FUTURES Program
The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Futures programs offer a spring option for students in grades 9–12 to explore subjects they’re interested in through structured, self-paced online courses. Taught by professionals in their fields, the courses focus on areas relevant to a wide range of careers.
You can choose from topics in Computer Science, Business Management, Design, and Life Sciences. Some course options include Android Programming, Digital Circuit Design, Front End Development, Machine Learning, iOS Programming, and Robotics with JavaScript. Each course ends with an Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. The flexible format allows you to work on your own schedule while building practical skills and knowledge in a specific subject area.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on course
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced, typically 3 months for the Spring quarter.
Eligibility: 9–12 grade high school students can apply!
7. Georgetown University’s Pre-College Course in Medical Research
This pre-college program is designed for students who want to explore medicine and medical research. It offers several scheduling options, including 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week sessions, to fit different availability. During the program, you’ll study topics like clinical research, medical ethics, and cancer research. You’ll also work on writing a scientific article based on your own project.
With guidance from researchers, you’ll build skills in research methods, critical thinking, and scientific writing. As part of the program, you’ll complete a capstone project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned and demonstrate your interest in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795, scholarships available
Application Deadlines: Rolling deadlines based on the session selected.
Program Dates: Multiple session options to choose from.
Eligibility: Open to all high-school students.
8. University of Michigan’s Spring & Summer Pre-College Programs
Offered by the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, this pre-college program provides spring and summer studio sessions for high school students interested in building their creative skills and developing a portfolio. You’ll have access to your own individual studio space and work closely with Stamps faculty through hands-on instruction.
Courses cover areas like watercolor painting, drawing fundamentals, 3D exploration, and relief printmaking. While there are lectures and demonstrations to support your learning, the main focus is on studio work, giving you the chance to apply concepts through practice.
Location: Virtual and in-person (at the University of Michigan, MI) options are available.
Cost: Starting from $250, limited full and partial awards are available based on merit and need. Check individual prices here.
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: Most spring studios run from early May to early June, with one or two sessions per week
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible.
9. Columbia College Edge Academic Year Weekend Programs
The Columbia College Edge Academic Year Weekend program allows high school students to take part in Columbia University courses through virtual sessions held during the spring semester, from January to May. You can earn college credit while studying subjects such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations, General Physics, and Statistical Reasoning.
The program also offers language courses in a wide range of options, including German, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, Finnish, French, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Tibetan. Columbia’s online interactive platform brings together students from around the world to take part in challenging coursework while also connecting through group activities and sessions focused on academic exploration and planning for what comes next.
Location: Columbia University, NY, or virtual
Cost: $2,810 per session (single course registration). Each additional course is $2,700. Students must also pay a nonrefundable deposit of $500. Learn more about additional fees here.
Application Deadline: Typically in December. More information here.
Program Dates: January 18 – March 23
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students can apply!
10. Rice University’s Law: Shaping a Just and Equitable World
Rice University’s Pre-College program offers virtual courses across various subjects. In this course, you will study the basic principles of law and its role in society, with a focus on how legal systems influence fairness and access to opportunities.
You’ll look at legal topics such as property rights, employment laws, and education, as well as consider the ethical implications of these issues. The course wraps up with a Capstone Project, where you’ll work as part of a legal team to identify three related societal issues and propose legal solutions. After completing the project, you will receive a certificate of completion from Rice University.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,495
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on the session. Deadlines are usually one week before the start date
Program Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up can apply.
11. William & Mary’s Pre-college Online Program — Cognitive Psychology: How the Brain Works
William & Mary’s Pre-College Online Program offers a Cognitive Psychology course that examines how the brain processes information, from perception to decision-making. You will explore the field’s history, starting with its philosophical roots and moving into its modern applications, including robotics and artificial intelligence.
Throughout the course, you will study topics such as the impact of positive thinking on performance and the brain regions involved in speech, attention, perception, and facial recognition. The course includes 20–30 hours of instruction, multimedia resources, and guided assignments. You’ll engage in simulations, receive mentorship, and complete a final project. Upon finishing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from William & Mary.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,495
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Multi-length courses are available throughout the year.
Eligibility: Students aged 13 years and above can apply.
12. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth – AP Biology Virtual Course
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers an online AP Biology course designed for academically advanced high school students. This course is meant to deepen your understanding of biology, covering concepts typically found in a first-year university biology course. It also includes a laboratory component that aligns with College Board standards to help prepare for the AP Biology exam.
The course combines online lectures, readings, lab exercises, homework assignments, and assessments that reflect the AP exam format. Topics covered include biochemistry, energy transfer, cellular structure and specialization, mitosis and meiosis, genetics, and ecology. You can also schedule one-on-one virtual sessions with your instructor for additional support and to clarify any course material.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,864. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: January 5
Program Dates: January 21 – April 13
Eligibility: Students in grade 9 and above who have completed Algebra I can apply.
13. The New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy Innovation Challenges
The Junior Academy is a virtual program that connects students with mentors and invites them to take part in a challenge focused on solving real-world problems related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The challenges run for ten weeks and are preceded by a boot camp that covers topics such as research, design thinking, and data analysis.
You’ll work in international teams of up to six people and receive guidance from a STEM professional throughout the project. At the end, judges will evaluate the projects, and the winning team will receive a prize and be featured in the online Global STEM Alliance Summit. While this program is structured as a competition, it also provides a valuable educational experience and international exposure. Being part of an initiative from the New York Academy of Sciences adds recognition to your participation.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Typically in January for the spring challenges. More information here.
Program dates: Challenges occur twice a year. Once in the fall (September to December) and once in the spring (January to May).
Eligibility: High school students aged 13–17 can apply.
14. Northwestern Pre-College Online Program: Engineering
Northwestern University’s pre-college online engineering course offers high school students a chance to explore core engineering concepts during spring break. You’ll learn how engineers across different fields approach problem-solving through the design process, using both creative and analytical thinking.
The course introduces several engineering disciplines, including civil, environmental, materials, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. You’ll study real-world examples, explore tools and methods used in each field, and consider ethical and practical challenges engineers face. The course ends with a capstone project, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned by solving a problem within one of the specialties. It’s a structured way to get an overview of engineering and see how different areas connect.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions available, including spring break.
Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
15. UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program: Understanding Your Money
Understanding Your Money is a self-paced online course designed for high school students to build a foundation in personal finance and economics. Developed by Wharton faculty, the course covers key topics like investing, earning, and budgeting through video lessons, readings, interactive exercises, and quizzes.
You’ll explore basic economic principles and learn how they apply to everyday financial decisions. The course also looks at how money functions in different contexts and examines the effects financial challenges can have on individual well-being. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to make informed choices about managing money.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $329 (2–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: 2 weeks or 4 weeks from when you choose to start the course.
Eligibility: 16–18-year-old high school sophomores or juniors can apply.
Image source – University of Pennsylvania, Wharton