If you are a high school student looking for free summer programs in Virginia, look no further! Whether you’re aiming to build advanced skills or explore a specialized field, Virginia offers a range of opportunities across multiple subjects. From pre-college research programs to internships and mentorships, these programs allow you to explore STEM, healthcare, business, and more.
Designed to help high schoolers sharpen their skills, these opportunities provide hands-on experience and insights from professionals. Participating in a summer program not only strengthens your academic profile but also enhances your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities—key skills for future success in college and beyond. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Check out our list of 10 summer programs for high school students in Virginia. These programs are all free or offer full financial aid.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
2. Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Summer Camp
The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science offer free, multi-day summer camps for students. These programs provide an opportunity to explore the Chesapeake Bay and are tailored to different age groups. Camp themes include wetlands, environmental stewardship, and Chesapeake Bay exploration, allowing you to explore marine science and learn through field and lab activities. High school students can apply for a Junior Counselor position, where you’ll help lead activities and inspire younger campers to become environmental stewards. As a Junior Counselor, you’ll volunteer during one of the week-long camps, gaining leadership experience while deepening your knowledge of marine science.
Subject Areas: Marine Science, Environmental Stewardship, Climate, Wetlands
Location: Gloucester Point, VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: Camps typically runs for a week in June or August
Eligibility: High school students
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
4. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) gives rising 9th and 10th graders the chance to experience college life through a free, three-day summer program. Held at one of five partner universities—Old Dominion, Radford, UVA, Virginia Tech, or William & Mary—this program offers a great introduction to the world of STEM. BLAST includes interactive activities, demonstrations, and guest lectures by university faculty. You’ll explore potential STEM careers and gain insight into potential college majors.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: One of the five partner universities in VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates:
- William & Mary: June 22 – 25
- Virginia Tech: July 20 – 23
- Radford University: July 20 – 23
- Old Dominion University: July 27 – 30
- University of Virginia: August 3 – 6
Eligibility: 8th and 9th grade Virginia residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum 2.7 GPA
5. JumpStart Program at Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine offers the JumpStart Program for 11th and 12th graders passionate about science and health careers. This selective annual outreach initiative accepts 40 students and is hosted in two locations—Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke for the Southwest region and SOVAH Health in Danville for Southside students. JumpStart gives you a glimpse into the life of a pre-med and medical student as well as the healthcare profession. The program includes two Saturday sessions where you’ll engage in hands-on learning, teamwork, conflict resolution, and problem-solving activities. As a capstone, you will attend a four-day residential program at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, gaining insights into STEM-H fields and health career opportunities.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare, STEM
Location: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA; SOVAH Health, Danville, VA; Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications will open in the fall
Program Dates: The program typically runs in June
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students
6. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program gives high school students a unique opportunity to explore NASA-related research. Organized by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium in collaboration with NASA Langley Research Center and other partners, the program offers an introduction to aerospace, engineering, and technology. Throughout the school year, you’ll take a challenging online curriculum, working on real-world aerospace problems such as coming up with upgrades for the International Space Station.
If you do well in the online course, you will attend a week-long summer academy at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Here, you will work on a team project to design a human mission to Mars. You’ll also get an insider’s view of NASA Langley facilities through exclusive tours and have the chance to be mentored by NASA engineers, scientists, and astronauts. Throughout the week, you’ll also attend briefings and seminars led by astronauts and other NASA experts.
Subject Areas: Aerospace, Engineering
Location: Virtual and NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: October 26
Program Dates: The program runs online courses from December to May, followed by an in-person week-long summer residency at the NASA Langley Research Center. Residency dates were:
- June 21 – 27
- July 12 – 18
- July 26 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Virginia residents, United States citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
7. Pathways for Future Engineers at Virginia Tech
This two-week residential summer camp at Virginia Tech offers you hands-on training in engineering and technology through interactive design projects and lab activities. To participate in these summer camps, you first have to apply to become a Pathway Scholar at Virginia Tech. This multi-year program aims to support students who would be the first in their family to attend college. In addition to the engineering camp, you will also receive guidance with your college applications, helping to simplify the admissions process and boost your chances of getting into competitive engineering programs. Additionally, campus visits will give you an inside look at college life and what to expect from the engineering courses at Virginia Tech.
Subject Areas: Engineering
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: April 19
Program Dates: TBA. Two sessions were held:
- Rising seniors: June 16 – 29
- Rising sophomores and juniors: June 23 – 29
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10th, 11th, or 12th who are Virginia residents and whose parents have not graduated from a four-year college
8. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University gives you the chance to conduct high-level research alongside expert mentors. With access to advanced technology and equipment, you’ll work in a professional setting that sharpens your technical skills and deepens your understanding of scientific processes. The program also focuses on developing your scientific writing, a key skill for any researcher. You’ll explore areas like human-computer interaction, robotics, bioelectronics, and computer simulations, with the possibility of having your work published in scientific journals or presented at national conferences. Additionally, ASSIP introduces you to various STEM careers.
Subject Areas: Biochemistry, Astronomy, Molecular Medicine, Nanoscience, Renewable Energy, Civil Engineering, Neuroscience, Robotics, Psychology, and more STEM fields
Location: Remote, hybrid or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free! $25 application fee which can be waived depending on need
Application Deadline: February 2
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 15 are eligible to apply for remote and computer lab in-person internships and those over the age of 16 for “wet-lab” in-person or hybrid internships
9. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium offers a dynamicprogram for high school students interested in climate change and technology. This program allows you to explore NASA’s cutting-edge research. Combining online learning with a hands-on summer residency, this program provides a comprehensive introduction to Earth System Science. You’ll start by taking online courses in December, and students who excel in the courses will be invited to the summer residency at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Working in teams, you’ll design a satellite mission to explore Earth’s systems with guidance from NASA engineers and scientists.
Subject Areas: Climate Change, Earth Science
Location: Virtual and in-person at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: October 26
Program Dates: Online courses from December to April, followed by a week-long summer residency at the NASA Langley Research Center. Residency dates were:
- July 5 – 11
- July 19 – 25
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Virginia residents, United States citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
10. Black College Institute at Virginia Tech
The Black College Institute at Virginia Tech is a three-day academic enrichment program designed to expand opportunities for underrepresented and minority high school students, especially African American students. You will participate in a mix of academic and practical experiences through workshops and hands-on activities across various disciplines such as engineering, business, and architecture. You will also attend workshops on writing college essays and applying for financial aid.
Subject Areas: STEM, Architecture, Business, Liberal Arts, Environmental Science, Art, Design, Veterinary Medicine
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications for the program will open in December
Program Dates:
- Session 1 for Seniors: June 16 – 19
- Session 2 for Seniors: June 23 – 26
- Session for Juniors: June 30 – July 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, with preference given to underrepresented and/or first-generation students
Image Source – Horizon Logo
