High school is the perfect time to explore your passions, but sometimes, the classroom isn’t enough. Academic programs offer a chance to work on real-world projects and learn alongside professors, PhD mentors, or industry professionals. From AI and robotics to creative writing and social sciences, there’s something to challenge every curiosity.
Why try an academic program now?
Think of these programs as a sneak peek into the future. You’ll gain skills that go beyond homework and tests, and learn how to think like a researcher or innovator. Plus, you’ll meet peers who are just as curious as you are, which can make learning exciting and inspiring. Virtual options make it easy to join from anywhere, while in-person experiences give you a preview of college life early.
So if you’re looking to strengthen your portfolio, experiment with a potential career path, or just explore a subject you love in depth, the programs below are designed to push your boundaries and give you an edge.
Below is a curated list of 13 academic programs for high school students.
13 Academic Programs for High School Students
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Subject areas: STEM
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $500 (application fee $75, need-based waiver available)
Application deadline: December 10
Program dates: June 28 – August 8
Program selectivity: Extremely high (<5%)
Eligibility: High school juniors (U.S. and International)
RSI is one of the most competitive research programs in the world, admitting fewer than 5% of applicants. Hosted at MIT, it combines on-campus lectures with independent research guided by top scientists. Students design original projects and present findings to a professional audience at the program’s end. Prior research experience can help you stand out in this rigorous, high-level program.
2. NYU’s Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Subject areas: Cyber Security
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: No cost
Application deadline: April 13 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program dates: 3 weeks, July 11 – 29 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program selectivity: Medium
Eligibility: Open to NYC-area high school students; historically prioritizes female-identifying applicants
CS4CS introduces students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity through hands-on labs, guest speakers, and teamwork challenges. You’ll explore topics like ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cryptography in a college setting. The program aims to make cybersecurity more accessible to underrepresented groups in tech. It’s a great fit if you’re curious about computer science and problem-solving in the digital world.
3. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
Subject areas: Pure Mathematics and Number Theory
Location: Boston University, Massachusetts (residential)
Cost: Up to $7,000; free for U.S. students with family income under $80,000; need-based aid and scholarships available (international aid considered case-by-case)
Application deadline: Early March (TBD)
Program dates: June 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who have completed 9th grade and are not yet enrolled in college
PROMYS is a six-week intensive mathematics program with a deep passion for problem-solving and theoretical reasoning. The program focuses on number theory and advanced mathematical proofs rather than rote learning or competition-style problems. Beyond classes, you attend lectures, collaborate in small groups, and participate in community activities that encourage both mathematical and personal growth.
4. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Subject areas: Humanities and Social Sciences
Location: On-campus at partner universities in the U.S. (e.g., Cornell University and others)
Cost: Free (includes tuition, books, room and board, field trips, and travel assistance if needed)
Application deadline: December 3
Program dates: June 21 – July 25
Program selectivity: Very high
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors), ages 15–17; open to U.S. and international students
TASS is a fully funded, five-week academic program that invites intellectually curious high school students to explore themes of power, privilege, and social structures through the humanities and social sciences. Students attend daily college-level seminars led by university faculty, participate in writing workshops, and engage in democratic community living with peers. The program encourages open dialogue, critical thinking, and public speaking—without grades. Beyond academics, students take part in collaborative decision-making, guest lectures, and community projects.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Subject areas: Biology, Chemistry, Medicine
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stipend: $500 (application fee $40, need-based waiver available)
Application deadline: February 21
Program dates: 8 weeks, June 8 – July 30
Program selectivity: High
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, U.S. citizens or permanent residents (16+); more info here
SIMR allows you to conduct biomedical research alongside Stanford faculty and graduate students. You’ll select one of eight research areas and spend eight weeks in a lab developing technical and analytical skills. Students gain a fundamental understanding of how science is applied to solving medical problems. The program is well-suited for those curious about healthcare, life sciences, and medical innovation.
6. Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Subject areas: STEM
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application deadline: March 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program dates: 5 weeks, July 1 – August 5 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program selectivity: High
Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors from underrepresented communities
SAMS is a free academic program for students from underrepresented backgrounds who want to earn college credit while strengthening their foundation in STEM. You’ll attend classroom sessions, work on research projects, and take part in workshops on academic and professional growth. The program helps you build college-level readiness and confidence in advanced math and science.
7. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Subject areas: Journalism
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application deadline: February 23 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program dates: 6 weeks, June 26 – August 4 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program selectivity: High
Eligibility: High-achieving juniors from low-income backgrounds with an unweighted GPA of 3.5; more info here
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program offers high school students a front-row look at the world of media and storytelling. You’ll attend workshops led by journalists from outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Participants learn to report, write, and edit while exploring social issues through journalism.
8. Texas Tech University Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 upon completion of a successful research project report
Application deadline: February 16; The 2026 Application will open on January 2
Program dates: 6 weeks, June 22 – August 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program selectivity: High
Eligibility: Students aged 17+ graduating this or next year (U.S. and International)
The Clark Scholars Program offers a six-week, full-time research experience across disciplines such as biology, engineering, and humanities. You’ll work one-on-one with faculty mentors, attend seminars, and participate in field visits. With only 12 students selected each year, this is one of the most competitive undergraduate-style research opportunities available to high schoolers.
9. Seattle Children’s Research Institute Virtual Research Training Program
Subject areas: Global Health
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive $2,000 stipend to offset transportation and meal costs.
Application deadline: April
Program dates: 1–3 weeks in July (varies)
Program selectivity: High
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (U.S. and International)
Seattle Children’s Research Institute offers a short, high-impact research experience for students interested in global health and medical science. You’ll attend virtual workshops, collaborate with mentors, and learn how research contributes to real-world health solutions. The program also includes sessions on college readiness and career exploration in medicine and public health.
10. USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Subject areas: Media and Communication
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application deadline: November 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program dates: 4 weeks, June 16 – July 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program selectivity: Medium
Eligibility: Students living and studying in Los Angeles County
This program gives students a preview of college-level courses in media, communication, and journalism. It combines academic learning with civic engagement, encouraging students to explore how stories can shape communities. Participants also receive guidance on college admissions and essay writing from USC mentors.
11. NYU High School Program
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: New York University, NYC campus, NY, and virtual options
Cost: Free and tuition-based options available
Application deadline: April
Program dates: Typically in July (varies by course)
Program selectivity: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
NYU’s High School Program gives students a preview of university life through a variety of academic and creative courses. You can choose from dozens of subjects—ranging from arts and humanities to business and science. The program helps you build academic rigor while exploring fields you might pursue in college. Depending on your chosen course, you’ll learn from NYU faculty either on campus or online.
12. USC Bovard Scholar Program
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Application deadline: January 16
Program dates: 3 weeks, July 13 – August 1
Program selectivity: Medium
Eligibility: High-achieving juniors; more info here
The USC Bovard Scholars Program is designed to help students bridge the gap between high school and college. You’ll take part in workshops, coaching sessions, and mentorship that focus on college admissions and career readiness. Students receive personalized guidance to identify their goals and build strong college applications. It’s ideal for those seeking structure, motivation, and access to university-level preparation resources.
13. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Subject areas: STEM (Computer Science and Coding)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free, $300 needs-based grant for eligible students in the United States
Application deadline: April
Program dates: 2 weeks in July (varies)
Program selectivity: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to female and non-binary high school students
Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program focuses on building confidence and community in technology. Over two weeks, you’ll learn coding basics, complete hands-on projects, and connect with mentors from leading tech companies. The program aims to close the gender gap in computer science by empowering students through real-world applications. It’s free, accessible online, and open to participants from all backgrounds.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Boston University