Looking to make the most of your summer? Summer programs offer you the chance to explore your interests while gaining skills that will set you apart in academics and beyond. These programs provide hands-on learning, exposure to specialized topics, and mentorship from professionals. Unlike programs focused only on research or college applications, the ones listed here are designed to equip you with practical knowledge, technical tools, and the opportunity to produce real results in various fields.
In Fresno, you can choose from workshops, pre-college courses, internships, and mentorship opportunities in STEM, humanities, business, and more.
Here’s a look at 9 summer programs for high school students in Fresno.
Cost: $2,750 per trimester. Financial aid available.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Winter seminar: December 2, 2024 onwards; Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadlines: Varies according to cohort. December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort, and February 9, 2025 for the spring cohort.
Subject Areas: Data science, political theory, neuroscience, business research
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA >3.67
Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) provides high school students a unique opportunity to work with professors or Ph.D. mentors on university-level research projects. The program offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research across subjects like machine learning, neuroscience, psychology, and entrepreneurship.
After selecting a subject track, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a top university, who will mentor you throughout your research journey. The goal is to produce a 20-page, university-level research paper that can be submitted to prestigious journals for publication. This program also helps participants hone their critical thinking and presentation skills for future projects or professional pathways.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) and $5,900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Winter cohort starting from December 16, 2024 and Spring cohort from March 3, 2025
Application Deadlines: Varies by cohort. Upcoming winter cohort deadline on November 24, 2024 and Spring cohort on February 9, 2025.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in research
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, developed by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. With expert guidance, you’ll work toward producing a college-level research paper, supported by writing coaches to refine your work. You can choose from a wide range of topics, including mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more.
The program concludes with a research symposium, providing you the chance to present your findings. Outstanding work has the potential for publication, making this an excellent choice for students passionate about academic research.
Cost: Free
Location: Fresno, CA
Program Dates: September 2024 - May 2025
Application Deadlines: Rolling; space is limited, so early registration is recommended.
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from public, private, or home schools.
Fresno Math Circle is an engaging enrichment program designed for students who have a passion for mathematics. The program introduces you to the mathematical concepts that are often not covered in traditional school curricula. Through interactive sessions, you will explore challenging problems, delve into critical mathematical ideas, and enhance your logical reasoning skills.
You will have the opportunity to connect with peers who share their enthusiasm for mathematics, fostering friendships and a supportive learning community. This free program welcomes students from various educational backgrounds, including public, private, and homeschool settings.
Cost: $250
Location: Lyles College of Engineering, Fresno, CA
Program Dates: June 24, 2025 to June 28, 2025
Application Deadlines: Rolling; early registration is recommended due to limited spots.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management
Eligibility: High school students
The Lyles College of Engineering offers a 5-day summer camp experience designed to introduce high school students to a variety of engineering disciplines, architectural studies, and construction management. Through hands-on activities, you will explore the practical applications of engineering concepts while engaging in interactive learning.
This experience provides a great opportunity to dive into the world of engineering, helping you gain insight into different fields within this dynamic profession. Apply early as space is limited!
Cost: Free
Location: UCSF Fresno, CA
Program Dates: Internships begin in mid June 2025 and end at the beginning of August 2025 for a period of 6-7 weeks.
Application Deadlines: Typically in early spring (dates may vary)
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Medicine, Healthcare
Eligibility: High school students with GPA 3 or higher entering their senior year, from Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings counties
The UCSF Fresno Summer Biomedical Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in a hands-on biomedical research experience. This program pairs you with faculty mentors working on ongoing or developing research projects in the biomedical field.The program is open to students entering their senior year of high school and is limited to applicants from six counties in California.
Each year, students are selected based on their academic performance, with the number of accepted applicants aligned with the number of available faculty mentors. In addition to conducting research, you will have the chance to visit local hospitals and medical facilities, attend talks from professionals, and take part in field trips and discussions with medical residents. You will also be able to present your research at academic conferences, with recent participants showcasing their work at the Mycosis Study Group conference in Colorado Springs.
Cost: Depends on course selected
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Session A and D: May, 2024, Session B: June, 2024, Session C: June, 2024
Application Deadlines: Session A and D: May 6, 2024, Session B: June 3, 2024, Session C: June 17, 2024
Subject Areas: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Science, Humanities and Arts
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
UC Merced’s Summer Session program introduces high schoolers to college-level coursework in subjects like public health, data science, and environmental studies. Taught by university instructors, the program includes projects and lectures that develop critical thinking and academic writing skills.
To apply, you must submit an application along with a letter of recommendation from your principal or counselor. If you wish to take courses that have prerequisites, you should email the summer session office before registration to request prerequisite overrides.
Cost: Free
Location: Fresno, CA
Program Dates: June 17–29, 2024
Application Deadlines: May 31, 2024
Subject Areas: Theatre, Dance, Mariachi, Photography, Music, Visual Arts
Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors (grades 9–11)
The Fresno County Summer Arts Academy (FCSAA) is a two-week where high school students can explore various artistic disciplines. In the Actor’s Workshop, led by Kelsey Deroian, you will learn the fundamentals of acting to build confidence and versatility as a performer. Under Vanessa Gonzalez’s guidance in Dance Performance & Choreography, you will focus on core strength, technique, and choreography. Mariachi Performance & Composition, taught by Omar Naré and Pamela Galicia, introduces you to the history and cultural significance of Mariachi music while helping you refine your skills. More details here.
Cost: To be determined
Location: Fresno, CA
Program Dates: Summer 2025
Deadlines: To be determined
Subject Areas: Critical Thinking, Physical Activity, Team Collaboration
Eligibility: High school students
Summer Enrichment Camps offer an exciting opportunity for students to engage in hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, teamwork, and physical activity. The program is designed to challenge you with dynamic experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. You will be encouraged to explore new ideas and engage with peers in a fun and active environment, building both intellectual and social skills.
Details about the 2025 program, including dates and registration, will be shared here soon.
Cost: $1990 per course, in addition to a $35 application fee.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Varies by course. Usually between June to July.
Application Deadlines: Varies by course
Subject Areas: Business, Digital marketing, Directing, Entrepreneurship, Environmental studies, Finance, Cybersecurity, Political Science, and Screenwriting
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
USC Online Exploration Programs invites high school students to experience college life while earning college credit. The courses are taught by USC faculty and industry professionals, providing you with an engaging academic environment that includes lectures, hands-on workshops, labs, and guest speakers. If you complete at least 70% of the coursework, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion from USC and a transcript from the USC Pre-College Programs office.
These courses are more interactive and challenging than typical high school classes, giving you a deeper understanding of the subject and a real introduction to the college experience. Coursework includes video content, assignments, and discussion boards, with 20–25 hours of material that you’ll complete independently.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.