15 Free Programs for High School Students in Virginia

Key Takeaways

• These 15 free programs cover a wide range of STEM fields, from aerospace engineering through NASA-affiliated programs like VSCS and VASTS to marine science, physics, and college readiness, alongside Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a virtual trimester-long research track for students who want a fully remote research option across subjects like data science and political theory.
• Program formats vary considerably, from short three-day residential experiences like BLAST and the VALHEN STEM Academy to longer, multi-month commitments like VASTS and the MITES Semester, so you can choose based on how much time you want to dedicate.
• Several programs, including ASSIP, the JSA/Jefferson Lab Summer Honors Program, and the National Space Club and Foundation Scholars Program, are free to participate in and also provide a stipend, making them accessible regardless of financial background.
• Many programs prioritize students from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds, such as the Black College Institute at Virginia Tech and Pathways for Future Engineers, while others are open more broadly to any eligible Virginia student.
• Eligibility, location requirements, and program length vary enough across this list that it’s worth comparing a few options directly, whether your priority is NASA-affiliated research, marine science, or flexibility in scheduling and location.

15 Free Programs for High School Students in Virginia

If cost has been the reason you’ve held back from applying to a summer program, it’s worth knowing that plenty of strong options that don’t come with a price tag at all. A free program is a genuinely smart way to build real experience before college, without your family needing to factor in tuition on top of everything else.

These programs cover a wide range of interests, science, technology, writing, leadership, the arts, and often include the same kind of hands-on projects, mentorship, and access to instructors you’d find in a paid program. Many are run through universities, nonprofits, or state-funded initiatives, which is exactly what makes it possible to offer them at no cost in the first place.

Why should you choose a program in Virginia?

Virginia is home to a large number of universities, museums, research centers, and nonprofit organizations, creating more free opportunities for high school students than many people realize. If you know where to look, you can spend your time conducting research in a university lab, building a writing portfolio with experienced mentors, taking part in a leadership initiative, or working on STEM projects alongside faculty, researchers, and other motivated students.

Staying close to home also makes these opportunities much easier to access. You don’t have to worry about expensive flights, accommodation, or long-distance travel, so you can focus entirely on the experience itself. Along the way, you’ll meet professors, mentors, and students from across Virginia, building connections that can continue to open doors long after the program has ended.

Without further ado, here are 15 free programs for high school students in Virginia! You can also check out these free online programs for high school students here. 

1. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)

The Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) program introduces you to aerospace engineering through a free online course followed by a residential summer academy for top-performing participants. During the online phase, you’ll explore Earth observation, high-altitude balloon science, sounding rockets, orbital missions, and unmanned aerial systems while learning how engineers design space missions. If selected for the summer academy, you’ll work with other students to develop a mission design project, tour NASA facilities, and learn from aerospace professionals. The program offers a practical introduction to space science, engineering, and teamwork while giving you firsthand exposure to NASA’s research environment.

2.  Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!

3. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)

The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program lets you explore aerospace engineering through a semester-long online course and a residential academy at NASA Langley Research Center. You’ll study topics such as orbital mechanics, propulsion, life support systems, radiation, and mission planning while examining the challenges of sending humans to Mars. Students who qualify for the summer academy work in teams to design a crewed Mars mission and present their solutions to NASA scientists and engineers. You can also earn transferable dual-enrollment college credits while gaining experience with college-level engineering concepts and collaborative problem-solving.

4. National Space Club and Foundation Scholars Program 

The National Space Club and Foundation Scholars Program allows you to contribute to real NASA research alongside scientists and engineers. You may work on projects involving astrophysics, Earth science, satellite technology, engineering, or data analysis while building skills in coding, modeling, and scientific research. Throughout the internship, you’ll attend seminars, lab tours, and career sessions that introduce you to NASA’s research facilities and ongoing missions. The experience concludes with a presentation where you’ll share your project and research findings with mentors and fellow participants.

5. VSGC’s Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)

The VSGC’s Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) program introduces you to STEM through a three-day residential experience hosted at universities across Virginia. You’ll participate in lab tours, hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and faculty-led sessions covering subjects such as engineering, astronomy, physics, biology, and space science. The program also gives you the opportunity to explore college campuses, meet researchers, and learn about different STEM career paths. Designed to encourage students from underrepresented communities in STEM, BLAST offers an engaging introduction to university-level science and engineering in a collaborative setting.

6. Virtual Virginia Earth Science II: Astronomy

The Virtual Virginia: Earth Science II Astronomy course lets you study astronomy through a structured online curriculum that covers stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, and observational astronomy. You’ll learn how scientists use telescopes, satellites, and other instruments to investigate the universe while completing instructor-led lessons, simulations, assignments, and assessments. The course also introduces the scientific principles behind space exploration and astronomical research. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of astronomy while earning academic credit, this program provides a flexible, classroom-based learning experience.

7. VALHEN STEM Academy

The VALHEN STEM Academy is a three-day residential program that introduces you to STEM through hands-on activities at George Mason University. You’ll tour research laboratories, participate in faculty-led workshops, and explore subjects such as physics, astronomy, chemistry, and engineering. Team-based challenges and mentoring sessions with university students and faculty give you a closer look at college life and STEM careers. The program also helps you build problem-solving, collaboration, and research skills while connecting with a supportive academic community.

8. Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Summer Camp

The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Summer Camp introduces you to marine science through hands-on field and laboratory activities focused on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. You’ll explore topics such as wetlands, environmental stewardship, climate science, and coastal ecology while working with educators from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. If you’re a high school student, you can also apply to serve as a Junior Counselor, where you’ll help lead activities for younger campers while developing leadership and communication skills. The program offers a practical way to learn about marine ecosystems while gaining experience in environmental education.

9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University allows you to conduct research alongside faculty mentors across a wide range of STEM fields. Depending on your project, you could work in areas such as astronomy, neuroscience, robotics, renewable energy, engineering, molecular medicine, or computer science while using professional research tools and techniques. Throughout the internship, you’ll develop skills in scientific investigation, data analysis, and technical writing while contributing to an ongoing research project. Some participants also have the opportunity to present their findings at conferences or contribute to scientific publications, making ASSIP one of Virginia’s most research-intensive opportunities for high school students.

10. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars

The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars program introduces you to Earth science, climate research, and NASA mission planning through a combination of online coursework and a residential experience. During the online phase, you’ll explore topics related to climate change, Earth systems, and satellite technology while building a foundation in space science. Top-performing students are invited to NASA Langley Research Center, where they’ll work in teams to design a satellite mission with guidance from NASA scientists and engineers. The program gives you hands-on experience with scientific problem-solving while showing how NASA uses technology to study our planet.

11. Black College Institute at Virginia Tech

The Black College Institute at Virginia Tech is a residential academic enrichment program that introduces you to a variety of college majors through hands-on workshops and interactive learning experiences. You’ll explore fields such as engineering, business, architecture, environmental science, veterinary medicine, and the arts while learning from university faculty and staff. The program also includes college preparation sessions covering topics like application essays, financial aid, and the admissions process. Alongside academic exploration, you’ll experience campus life and gain a better understanding of the opportunities available at Virginia Tech.

12. JSA/Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program

The JSA/Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program allows you to contribute to real-world physics and engineering projects at a national research laboratory. During this six-week paid internship, you’ll be paired with a dedicated scientist or engineer mentor and placed in actual scientific or technical positions across the lab’s departments. You’ll work on hands-on tasks involving accelerator physics, experimental nuclear physics, computer programming, or mechanical engineering while learning standard laboratory protocols. The experience concludes with a formal research paper and poster presentation where you will share your project’s scientific findings with the lab community.  

13. Pathways for Future Engineers at Virginia Tech

The Pathways for Future Engineers program at Virginia Tech supports first-generation high school students on their journey toward earning a college engineering degree. Highlighted by a residential summer camp on campus, the program lets you experience campus life while participating in hands-on engineering design challenges and academic activities. You’ll work in collaborative teams under the guidance of Virginia Tech faculty and student mentors, exploring various engineering disciplines and learning how engineers solve real-world problems. The program also provides college preparation workshops covering financial aid, math readiness, and admissions essays, establishing a multi-year support system for your academic future.

14. MITES Semester

The MITES Semester is a six-month hybrid program that combines advanced STEM coursework with college preparation and professional development. You’ll take science, engineering, and mathematics courses in subjects such as machine learning, astrophysics, thermodynamics, calculus, physics, or computer science while completing a project-based course under the guidance of MIT instructors. Weekly webinars focus on college admissions, networking, and career exploration, helping you prepare for both higher education and future STEM opportunities. The flexible online format lets you build technical knowledge while connecting with a nationwide community of aspiring STEM students.

15. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship introduces you to how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare and medical research. Through lectures, mentorship, collaborative projects, and discussions with researchers, you’ll explore topics such as machine learning, medical imaging, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. You’ll also work with other participants on research activities while learning from faculty and professionals in the field. The internship provides a strong introduction to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, medicine, and data science.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of free programs are available to high school students in Virginia?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including NASA-affiliated aerospace programs like VSCS and VASTS, university research placements like ASSIP at George Mason and the Black College Institute at Virginia Tech, and specialized STEM programs like the JSA/Jefferson Lab Summer Honors Program and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Summer Camp. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across subjects like data science and political theory rather than joining a fixed in-person program.

Do you need prior research or coursework experience to apply?
It depends on the program. Some, like the Virtual Virginia Earth Science II: Astronomy course, expect strong academic performance in physics and mathematics, while others, like BLAST and the VALHEN STEM Academy, are designed as introductory experiences with no specific technical prerequisites. Research-intensive programs like ASSIP and the JSA/Jefferson Lab program don’t require prior lab experience but do set minimum GPA requirements.

Are these programs actually free, or do some have hidden costs?
Most of these programs are genuinely free, though a few have small associated fees. ASSIP requires a $25 application fee, though fee waivers are available, and Virtual Virginia’s Astronomy course is only free for Virginia public school students, with a paid option for others. The remaining programs on this list, including VSCS, BLAST, and the Chesapeake Bay Summer Camp, don’t charge any fee at all.

Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?
A few of these programs compensate participants. The JSA/Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program and the National Space Club and Foundation Scholars Program are both paid opportunities, giving you a stipend on top of being free to participate in. Most other programs on this list are unpaid, though they remain free to attend.

Which programs are designed for students from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds?
Several of these programs specifically prioritize underrepresented, first-generation, or underserved students. The Black College Institute at Virginia Tech, Pathways for Future Engineers, the VALHEN STEM Academy, and the MITES Semester all give preference or are specifically designed for these student populations. Others, like VSCS and ASSIP, are open more broadly to any eligible Virginia or U.S. student.

Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a structured Virginia-based program?
Yes. If you want a mentored research experience without needing to commute to a Virginia campus or NASA facility, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication, entirely online. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. Several early deadlines fall between October and February, including the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars program (October 26), MITES Semester and ASSIP (both February 1 or close to it), and BLAST (December 1 to February 1). Later deadlines include the JSA/Jefferson Lab program (April 30) and the National Space Club and Foundation Scholars Program (mid-April). Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.

Image source: George Mason University