If you’re a high school student looking for an accessible and enriching summer experience, consider a free online summer program!
Free online summer programs can provide a unique opportunity to sharpen advanced skills and delve into specific fields of interest. These programs allow students to deepen their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in subjects like science, technology, or the arts. It’s an excellent way to challenge yourself and grow outside of the traditional school setting.
Here are 18 free online programs you can take up during the summer!
18 Free Online Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
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 Ph.D. 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 on college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
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.
If you’re a high school student passionate about advanced mathematics, Stanford University’s Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a top-tier, free summer program worth considering. Since 1994, SUMaC has brought together students from more than 50 countries to explore a challenging curriculum. Open to rising juniors and seniors, the program includes interactive lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and guided research projects. Joining SUMaC not only offers a deep dive into math but also adds valuable academic experience to your resume and future college applications.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Usually at the beginning of February. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Between June and July each year. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are in 10th or 11th grade at the time of application, and who demonstrate genuine interest in mathematics are encouraged to apply.
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is committed to supporting the academic development of high-achieving, low-income high school students. Through its comprehensive 1-on-1 research programs, the foundation offers you the opportunity to engage in independent research at no cost. At the heart of its mission is the Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program, an intensive 12-week online experience. In this flagship program, talented students are paired with experienced Ph.D. mentors and work on original research projects in their chosen fields.
Covering a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations, the program allows you to explore highly specialized topics and produce your own research paper. You can learn more about the Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program and the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Cost: Fully-funded
Application Deadline: There are 4 annual cohorts — summer, spring, winter, and fall (You can apply here!)
Program Dates: 12 weeks starting from when you and your mentor start the project
Eligibility:
- Must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2024.
- Students must have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.
- Past scholars have typically come from households earning less than $50,000 annually (for a typical household of 4) with minimum assets.
The MITES Semester Program offers a six-month hybrid experience for high school students focused on STEM education and college readiness. Running from June to December, this nationwide program blends challenging online courses with weekly virtual events, including social activities, workshops, and meetings aimed at building students’ skills and confidence.
You take two science and engineering courses covering topics like Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, and Astrophysics. In addition, you work on a project-based course and complete a core class in areas such as Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing and Communication. The goal of this well-rounded curriculum is to provide students with a strong foundation for future research and academic success.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost: Free of charge. Students may only pay for the transportation to and from MIT for the conference.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 MITES semester was February 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Six months from June to December
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Cost: There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: The 2024 edition of the program starts on June 5th and spans over 4 weeks.
Application Deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose between:
- Early Decision Deadline: March 17th, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline 1: April 14, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline 2: May 12th, 2024
You can access the application link here!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost: $2490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
With an acceptance rate below 5%, this highly selective program offers you a unique chance to participate in a year-long astrophysics research project alongside scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Each year, 10–16 students are carefully selected and grouped into 5–8 teams to pursue in-depth research.
Whether working in-person or remotely, participants engage in advanced scientific exploration under the guidance of experts in the field. They attend monthly workshops and lectures designed to deepen your understanding of astrophysics and refine your research skills. At the end of the program, you present their findings at a symposium, showcasing their research through posters and presentations, highlighting their contributions to the field
Subject Areas: Astrophysics
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. A stipend is provided courtesy of the City of Cambridge.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 SRMP Cohort are closed but expected to open in May 2024 for the 2025 SRMP Cohort.
Program Dates: September — May
Eligibility: Must be a Cambridge Rindge and Latin School student, but they are looking to broaden the scope of their program.
8. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs tailored for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
- Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Girls Who Code offers programs aimed at reducing the gender gap in technology by providing you with practical experience and opportunities for professional networking. This summer, you can choose between a 2-week immersion program and a 6-week self-paced program. The 2-week program is designed for beginners and intermediate learners, covering core computer science concepts, the iterative design process, and basic UX design, while also introducing you to the tech industry.
If you opt for the 6-week self-paced program, you’ll have the chance to focus on either web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or intermediate Python with applications in cybersecurity or data science. Both programs are free, and there’s a $300 need-based grant available for eligible U.S. students. Nearly half of the participants come from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, LatinX, and low-income students who identify as girls, women, or non-binary, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for you to thrive.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Applications open by mid-January 2024. Early acceptance is due by mid-February 2024. General application deadline in late March 2024.
Program Dates: 2 weeks, typically, in July but may vary depending on the program.
Eligibility: All female and non-binary high school students are eligible.
The JHIBS 5-week virtual research program is designed specifically for talented high school students from underrepresented communities, with the goal of promoting inclusivity in the neurological sciences. In this program, you will engage in research projects under the guidance of prominent researchers, gaining valuable hands-on experience through scientific seminars and personal development sessions.
Interacting with leading neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University will further enhance your experience. At the conclusion of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your research findings through oral or poster presentations, providing a platform to showcase your contributions to the field of neuroscience.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Program Dates: 5 weeks, July 2024 — August 2024 (virtual). TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
11. MIT’s PRIMES-USA
PRIMES-USA provides a prestigious year-long research program tailored for high school students across the country, with a strong emphasis on mathematics. You will work under the guidance of mentors from top universities like MIT, embarking on a rigorous, tuition-free experience divided into four distinct phases throughout the academic year.
In Phase 1, you will begin with intensive advanced readings to establish a solid foundation for deeper exploration. Phase 2 transitions you into active research, where you’ll collaborate with graduate students and faculty to tackle complex mathematical questions. During Phase 3, you’ll have the freedom to pursue independent study, allowing you to develop your research project autonomously.
The program culminates in Phase 4, where you will finalize your project with support from your mentors and prepare to present at the prestigious Fall-Term PRIMES conference in mid-October. In addition to your presentation, you’ll write a comprehensive final paper summarizing your research findings, which you can submit to professional research journals and competitions!
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Cost: None
Application Deadline: The deadline for receiving applications and letters of recommendation for the 2024 cycle was November 30, 2023! For the 2025 cycle, a new problem set will be posted and admissions will open on October 1, 2024.
Program Dates: Year-Round, from January 1 to December 31 of the calendar year.
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores (including home-schooled) residing in the United States are eligible if they live no closer than 50 miles from Boston (Students residing within driving distance from Boston should apply to the MIT section of PRIMES).
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a prestigious 2-week virtual internship designed to immerse you in the complex world of AI applications in healthcare. This intensive program includes a mix of lectures, mentoring sessions, social activities, collaborative research projects, and virtual Career Lunch and Learns featuring distinguished guest speakers.
Open to freshmen and other high school students, this competitive program accepts approximately 50 participants each year. Tailored for those passionate about health and technology, it seeks to advance the frontiers of AI research in medicine, ultimately benefiting society. As a participant, you can expect to gain valuable insights and hands-on experiences in this rapidly evolving field, preparing you for future opportunities at the intersection of AI and healthcare.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. This is an unpaid internship. Students will receive a certificate upon completion and the potential to extend their internship.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the 2024 internship was March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 17–28, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project.
If you have a research proposal ready and are looking for expert guidance to bring it to life, the MIT THINK Scholars program is an excellent opportunity for you. This unique competition invites submissions in the fields of science, technology, or engineering, ultimately selecting six finalists.
As a participant in this online program, you’ll benefit from weekly mentoring sessions, technical support, funding of up to $1,000, and an immersive four-day visit to MIT’s renowned campus in Cambridge, MA (with virtual participation options available). Although it overlaps with the school year, this program offers a rare chance to see your research project through from start to finish.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. A $1,000 budget will be awarded to 6 finalists with weekly mentoring, and a paid trip to MIT’s campus.
Application Deadline: January 1 of each year.
Program Dates: Finalists are announced in February and projects are completed by that year’s summer in June.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply as individuals or in teams of two.
Harvard University provides a variety of online programs for high school students that explore subjects like computer science, data science, mathematics, health and medicine, literature, and history. You can audit most of these programs for free, with the option to purchase a verified certificate.
These online courses are designed to be flexible, enabling you to study at your own pace after enrolling. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members at a reduced cost, making this a great way to enhance your knowledge and skills in your areas of interest.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
Cost: Free. However, for certification, the costs vary based on the courses selected.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Variable based on the course
SPINWIP is an engaging 3-week virtual summer outreach program designed to ignite your passion for physics. You’ll dive into cutting-edge research topics like quantum physics and astrophysics while also learning Python coding, with no prior experience required in either area. Through online lectures, collaborative group projects, and workshops focused on college planning and career development, you’ll gain valuable insights and skills.
Mentorship from Stanford students and professors will further enhance your experience, offering guidance and support throughout the program. SPINWIP aims to inspire you to explore the exciting world of physics and equip you with the essential knowledge for your future academic and professional journey.
Subject Areas: Physics
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Application for the 2024 program has closed. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: July 8 to July 26, 2024. TBD for 2025
Eligibility: Female and gender minority students in 9th to 11th grade are encouraged to apply, regardless of their country of residence. Preference will be given to first-generation students, those from underrepresented backgrounds in physics, and rising seniors.
SPARK SIP presents an exclusive internship opportunity tailored for students passionate about computer science and related fields, featuring an impressively low acceptance rate of less than 5%. This immersive summer program invites you to participate in cutting-edge research projects across a diverse range of topics. For the 2023 cohort, projects encompassed developing detection tools for tick-borne infections or breast cancer, classifying DNA sequences using electronic signatures, and investigating 2D materials as potential conductors and semiconductors.
While primarily offering in-person roles, some opportunities are available remotely! The program emphasizes applying concepts in machine learning, computer programming, computer vision, and neural networks to real-world challenges. You’ll have a unique chance to connect with and learn from industry leaders, university professors, and experienced mentors. In addition to gaining hands-on experience, SPARK SIP provides you with valuable resources to support your academic and professional development during and after the internship.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost/Stipend: A $500 stipend is offered. For in-person internships, students are expected to manage their own boarding, lodging, and local transportation.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May (tentatively based on previous years’ dates).
Program Dates: 6–12 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: All high school students (grades 9–12) who are US citizens or permanent residents, can apply.
In this research internship, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of fields, including information and communication science, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design. You’ll benefit from mentorship provided by students, faculty, and staff from the Stanford Compression Forum, as well as from affiliated organizations.
The program is designed to give high school and community college students early exposure to advanced research within an academic environment. It aims to nurture essential skills in research, analysis, and writing. A key focus of the program is to integrate the humanities with STEM research, emphasizing their interconnectedness and promoting a holistic approach to learning and exploration.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, or stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January and are closed for 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11–12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides high school students like you with the chance to engage in ongoing research through its internship program. You will work directly on current NASA projects under the mentorship of experienced professionals from the agency. Internship placements can be either in-person or virtual and cover a wide range of subjects, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and outreach and communications.
As an intern, you might find yourself designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies, gaining invaluable real-world experience and insights into NASA’s groundbreaking work. Furthermore, the program prioritizes your personal and professional growth, ensuring you develop academically and personally throughout your internship.
Note: These internships are offered across NASA facilities, along with several virtual options.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Application deadline: Varies from internship to internship. Internship applications are due in August for spring sessions, October for summer sessions, and January for fall sessions.
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.