If you’re a high school student interested in understanding how the mind functions, consider a summer program in cognitive science!
A summer program in cognitive science offers a chance to explore how people think, learn, and interact with their environment before college. Cognitive science, as opposed to psychology as a general subject, specifically studies how the brain and mind process, represent, and utilize knowledge.
As a participant, you’ll explore topics like perception, memory, language, and artificial intelligence. Certain programs offer hands-on research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your understanding of how the brain functions while enhancing your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Getting an early start in cognitive science can help you build a strong academic foundation, especially if you’re attending summer programs that don’t clash with the school year and allow you to fully engage with the subject. To get you started, here are 15 cognitive science summer programs for high school students.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: The summer cohort usually lasts 12 weeks, running from June through August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary according to the cohort
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 3.3 unweighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full need-based financial aid is available for the AI Scholars program.
Dates: Several cohorts are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary according to the cohort; you can apply here
Eligibility: All high school students can apply to AI Scholars. Students who have either completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with Python can participate in the AI Fellowship program.
Veritas AI offers summer programs for students who want to learn more about artificial intelligence and its intersection with brain and behaviour, among its many tracks. Started by Harvard researchers, the programs are taught by instructors from schools like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly option with 10 sessions that cover machine learning, AI, and data science through hands-on projects using real-world examples. If you already have some programming experience, you might want to check out the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. It’s a more advanced program where you’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor to develop a research project and get support preparing it for publication. You can take a look at past student projects here.
3. Ohio State University’s Humanities & Cognitive Sciences Summer Institute
Location: Ohio State University, Main Campus, Columbus, OH
Cost: $425; financial aid opportunities are available
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12, along with those finishing 9th grade who live within driving distance of campus during the program
Ohio State University’s Humanities & Cognitive Sciences Summer Institute is a one-week program where high school students explore big questions linking the humanities and cognitive science. You will learn about how the mind and brain work, including how we think, learn, and process information. Topics covered include psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and artificial intelligence. You’ll also dive into the humanities through subjects like philosophy, literature, art, language, and history, which will help you understand people and their experiences. The program includes group discussions, lectures with OSU professors, and hands-on activities. You’ll also attend workshops, lab demos, and possibly hear from professionals, curators, or local artists.
4. Summer@Brown Pre-College Program — The Mind, Brain, and Behavior
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $2,960–$10,386; some courses may have extra fees. Scholarships are available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: Courses run between June 16 and July 25 and last 1–3 weeks on campus or 5 weeks in a hybrid format
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students finishing grades 9–12 who are 14–18 by June 15 can apply; please check each course page for any specific prerequisites
Brown University’s Pre-College Programs offer an opportunity to engage in college-level academics by choosing from approximately 230 non-credit courses spanning various subjects. Experienced instructors lead classes, and you’ll spend about three hours a day in class, five days a week, plus two to three hours of homework or group work daily. If you’re interested in cognitive science, the Mind, Brain, and Behavior course covers various psychology topics from multiple perspectives. You’ll examine biological factors like brain structures and molecules, along with cultural and social influences that affect behavior. Topics include memory, emotions, personality, language, and thought. The course also introduces psychological disorders like depression and schizophrenia and their treatments, along with research studies that show how psychology uses science to understand behavior.
5. Cornell SCE Pre-College Summer/Winter Online Program — Introduction to Cognitive Science
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition is $1,840 per credit; some courses may include additional fees
Cohort Size: Maximum 45 students per class
Dates:
- Summer session: Multiple 3-week sessions and one 6-week session run between June 2 and August 1
- Winter session: January 2 – January 18
Application Deadline:
- Summer session: Deadlines vary based on the course and session
- Winter session: December 2
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors and seniors, aged 15–19
Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) provides a chance to enroll in online pre-college courses that introduce college-level topics. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate courses covering subjects such as history, anthropology, psychology, engineering, and others. These courses are delivered via Cornell’s Canvas platform, allowing students to engage with instructors and peers through discussion boards, email, chat, and video conferencing. If cognitive science interests you, the “Introduction to Cognitive Science” course is a good place to start. It examines how the mind works, using ideas from psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. The course covers topics such as language, perception, attention, learning, memory, problem-solving, and consciousness, delving beyond everyday experience to understand how the brain gives rise to the mind.
6. Harvard University’s Secondary School Program (SSP) — Cognitive Neuroscience
Location: Virtual or in person at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $4,050 – $14,950 + $75 application fee; financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Maximum 100 students per class
Dates: July 13 – August 9 (4-week session) | June 21 – August 9 (7-week session)
Application Deadline: January 8 (early deadline) | February 12 (regular deadline) | April 9 (late deadline)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 can apply; please check each course page for any specific prerequisites
Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program offers 4- or 7-week options to earn college credit through a selection of over 200 courses in subjects such as physics, linguistics, computer science, biology, philosophy, economics, psychology, and more. Courses are taught by Harvard faculty and visiting instructors, and most require around 8–12 hours of homework per week, depending on the course. If you’re interested in cognitive science, this Cognitive Neuroscience course explores how the brain and mind collaborate to influence behavior. You’ll gain insights into brain anatomy, the functions of various brain regions, and the methods researchers use to investigate cognition.
7. Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs — Inside the Animal Mind: What Animals Think and Feel
Location: Online or in person at Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,764 (Residential) | $2,830 – $6,310 (Commuter) | $2,815 – $3,965 (Online) + $80 application fee + around $50 for textbooks and supplies + course-specific fees; scholarships are available for eligible NYC commuter students
Cohort Size: Maximum 24 students per class
Dates:
- Residential program: June 30 – July 18 | July 22 – August 8
- Commuter program: June 30 – July 18 | July 22 – August 8 | August 11 – 15
- Online: July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 11 – 15
Application Deadline: Early deadline: February 2 | General deadline: March 2 (residential) and April 2 (commuter and online)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students, including current seniors, can apply. Applicants must be 16 or older to participate in the residential program.
Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs offer an opportunity to explore college-level courses in areas such as linguistics, business, philosophy, psychology, art, neuroscience, creative writing, and law. Along with classes, you’ll participate in daily activities such as faculty lectures, college prep workshops, wellness sessions, and community events. If you’re interested in cognitive science, the “Inside the Animal Mind: What Animals Think and Feel” course explores cognitive ethology, the study of animal cognition and behavior. You’ll look at how animals think, feel, learn, use tools, show emotion, and communicate, using research from cognitive neuroscience, psychology, endocrinology, and ethology. You’ll also visit the Wolf Conservation Center to observe animal behavior, try out field research techniques, and talk to experts.
8. Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program: Psychology Institute
Location: Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,400 + $50 non-refundable application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Cohort Size: 25-30 students per week
Dates: June 1 – June 6 | June 8 – June 13
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Psychology Institute allows students to explore brain function through hands-on activities like dissecting a sheep brain, understanding illusions, sensation, perception, emotion, and bias, and examining how the brain helps us interpret the world. Participants will learn about psychological research design, hypothesis testing, and the psychology of marketing. Activities include a sensory perception lab, brain training, neuroplasticity exercises, and observational research. Students will work in teams to gather data, design research projects, and present their results. The program also features tours and trips, some supporting observational studies.
9. Penn Arts and Sciences Pre-College Residential Program — Introduction to Experimental Psychology
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $14,311 – $22,405 + $100 non-refundable application fee; Philadelphia public or charter high school students may be eligible for a Penn Summer Scholarship, which covers the full cost of the program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: July 1 – August 9
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Current 10th–11th graders with a minimum 3.5 GPA
The Penn Arts and Sciences Pre-College Residential Program allows students to take undergraduate courses for credit alongside Penn students. Taught by Penn faculty, visiting scholars, and staff, you’ll choose one of four academic tracks: one course (1 c.u.), Biology 101 with lab (1.5 c.u.), two courses (2 c.u.), or Biology 101 plus another course (2.5 c.u.). If you’re interested in cognitive science, the Introduction to Experimental Psychology course covers three key areas: the biological foundations of behavior, the cognitive aspects of behavior, and how individuals and groups behave. Topics include neuropsychology, cognitive processes, development, learning, personality, psychological disorders, and social psychology.
10. University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program — Developmental Psychology: Theories and Techniques
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,900 (Residential) | $5,850 (Commuter) + $50 application fee; need-based financial aid is available, ranging from $500 to $6,600
Cohort Size: Around 25 students per class
Dates: June 14 – July 4 | July 7 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 22 (priority deadline) | March 5 (regular deadline) | April 15 (extended deadline)
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors aged 14 or older
UChicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program provides a chance to study a college-level subject over three weeks. The courses are instructed by UChicago faculty, researchers, and professionals, and feature lectures, discussions, research projects, and practical activities. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, economics, law, biology, and data science. If you’re interested in cognitive science, the Developmental Psychology: Theories and Techniques course explores how the mind and brain evolve from infancy to adolescence. You will examine essential developmental psychology theories and review original research on the development and integration of perceptual, cognitive, and social skills. Class lectures and discussions will focus on how biological, psychological, and cultural factors influence areas such as language, emotion, morality, and intelligence
11. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University
Location: Virtual or in person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $2,895 (in-person) | $1,595 (virtual); scholarships and financial aid are available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 12%
Dates:
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors aged 14 to 18
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) offers students interested in neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry an opportunity to explore these fields. You’ll take part in classes and work on a group capstone project, while learning about current research from Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Faculty and researchers will lead sessions on topics like neuroscience, psychiatric epidemiology, clinical neuropsychiatry, behavioral and social sciences, and more. The theme for the most recent edition was “Clinical Neuroscience for the Whole Person,” focusing on innovative brain research and approaches to clinical care. You’ll also have conversations about careers in science and medicine, along with tips on self-care as you prepare for adult life. You’ll collaborate in groups of 8–10 students to explore real-world problems in neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, and present your project at the final capstone session.
12. Penn Arts and Sciences Neuroscience Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949 (program fees and housing) + $100 non-refundable application fee; Philadelphia public or charter high school students may be eligible for a Penn Summer Scholarship, which covers the full cost of the program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: July 5 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 with a 3.5 GPA or above who’ve completed one year each of high school biology and chemistry before the program starts
The Neuroscience Research Academy allows you to learn how the brain works, from neurons and sensory systems to complex functions like emotion, memory, and morality. The program offers an overview of how neuroscience contributes to research and medicine, especially in understanding the mind concerning health and illness. Participants attend two daily lectures or discussions led by Penn’s undergraduate neuroscience faculty. Additionally, you’ll participate in a journal club to read and present peer-reviewed neuroscience articles, and join a neuroethics club to discuss and debate ethical topics in the field. Hands-on lab activities will help you learn basic experimental techniques. Outside of class, you’ll explore neuroscience in a more relaxed setting through themed films, readings, and group discussions.
13. Barrow Neurological Institute’s Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: May 30 – July 3
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and up can apply.
Barrow Neurological Institute’s Summer High School Internship Program offers students the opportunity to explore research areas such as neurosurgery devices, neuropsychology, neuro-oncology, stroke, neuroimaging, neurodegenerative diseases, and spine biomechanics using advanced technology. If you’re interested in lab research, you can view the lab descriptions to find one that aligns with your interests. You’ll receive support and mentorship studying biology and disease, learning to read scientific papers, exploring questions, applying research methods, and developing communication skills. You’ll get to work on a research project that you might present at competitions or even publish. You’ll also see how non-lab teams, like Marketing, Neuroscience Publications, and the Barrow Neurological Foundation, support research.
14. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University’s Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC (commuter program)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend
Cohort Size: 6–7 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors at public or charter schools in Durham, NC, can apply if they’re U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or legal residents and at least 16 by the program start date
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) allows local high school students to participate in full-time research in a Duke neuroscience laboratory. You’ll get matched with a lab and mentor, help choose a research project, and spend most of your time working on it with one-on-one support. Along with lab work, you’ll attend workshops and sessions to deepen neuroscience knowledge, explore careers, improve science communication, and get college advice. You’ll wrap up by presenting your research at a poster session for your peers, family, and the DUNE team. You can read about past intern experiences here.
15. NSLC’s Psychology and Neuroscience High School Summer Program
Location: Multiple locations
Cost: $4,295 (Residential); scholarships are available
Dates: Several 9-day sessions run between June 12 and August 2
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school, including recent high school graduates
The NSLC Psychology and Neuroscience Summer Program offers an opportunity to understand the workings of the mind. Participants will study brain structure, analyze brain scans, and learn about the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. The program includes workshops, simulations, and practical labs that cover essential topics in psychology and neuroscience. You will cover topics such as cognitive, developmental, and abnormal psychology, while also delving into clinical diagnostics, imaging techniques, and patient care. In a multi-day activity, you’ll work with a team to interview, test, diagnose, and treat simulated patients. Additionally, you’ll dissect organs like eyes, brains, hearts, and spinal cords to understand their structure and function.
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 –