15 Free Winter Programs for High School Students

If your winter break usually turns into weeks of doing nothing, a program is a better way to spend it. And if cost has kept you from applying to one before, it’s worth knowing plenty of solid options come completely free. A free winter program lets you dig into a subject properly, build real skills, and get access to instructors and mentors, without your family needing to worry about the price tag.

What do free winter programs for high schoolers include?

These programs squeeze a lot of value into a short break. You might spend your time on a coding project, a debate workshop, a science experiment, or a leadership-focused activity, depending on what you’re interested in. Many are backed by universities, nonprofits, or grant-funded organizations, which is what makes offering them at no cost actually possible.

You’ll also get real guidance along the way, not just a recording to watch on your own. Mentors walk you through actual projects, give you honest feedback, and help you figure out if it’s a subject worth chasing further.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 free winter programs for high school students! If you’re interested in research experiences you can complete remotely, check out our guide on online winter research opportunities for high school students. 

Key Takeaways

• These 15 winter programs span STEM research, government internships, and career exploration, from mathematics research through MIT PRIMES-USA to legislative work through the U.S. Senate Page Program.
• Nearly all of these programs are genuinely free to participate in, and several, including the AFRL Scholars Program, the U.S. Senate Page Program, and the Met High School Internship, also provide a stipend or salary.
• Program length varies considerably, from short multi-day experiences like Discover Architecture and LAUSD’s Winter Academy to longer multi-month commitments like PSI and the New York Historical’s Student Historian Internship.
• Several programs are restricted by geography or school district, such as LAUSD’s Winter Academy and PSI’s Oregon/Portland metro requirement, so it’s worth checking these details closely before applying.
• Many programs pair you directly with a mentor or professional, whether a researcher, museum curator, or government staffer, giving you hands-on guidance rather than a self-paced or purely instructional experience.

15 Free Winter Programs for High School Students

1. Discover Architecture

Discover Architecture is a career exploration program for NYC high school students. This free winter program features a three-day externship at a local architecture office where you’ll gain first-hand experience with the daily work of practicing architects. You’ll visit local architecture firms, explore professional workplace settings, and learn about the real-world responsibilities involved in architectural design and planning. The experience concludes with a group event at the Center for Architecture, where you share your learning experiences and present insights gathered throughout the week.

2. LAUSD Winter Academy

Winter Academy is a free winter program designed to boost student achievement during school break. It provides targeted instruction and learning opportunities for students across multiple discipline areas. You’ll engage in hands-on activities centered on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) as well as Visual and Performing Arts. Additional focus areas include movement, social-emotional learning, and financial literacy. All participating students receive structured instruction alongside free healthy meals throughout the program session.

3. Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)

The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) introduces high school students to the research process through mentorship, seminars, and project-based scientific learning. You’ll receive instruction in research methods, scientific literature analysis, experimental design, and science communication while working with mentors throughout the program. Students may also choose to participate in an optional in-person research internship at OHSU to gain additional laboratory experience alongside researchers. You’ll conclude the experience with a stronger understanding of scientific inquiry and how research projects are developed and communicated. 

4. MIT THINK Scholars Program

MIT THINK is a research mentorship program that supports high school students who have developed an original STEM research idea but need guidance to carry it out. Finalists are paired with undergraduate mentors who help them refine their research methods, troubleshoot challenges, and communicate their findings effectively. You’ll receive funding for materials and regularly meet with mentors throughout the project. The program emphasizes research design, scientific communication, literature review, and analytical thinking rather than requiring applicants to have completed a research project beforehand. You’ll gain experience presenting your work and navigating the research process from proposal to completion.

5. ED Student Volunteer Unpaid Internship Program

The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Volunteer Internship Program allows students to gain experience supporting the work of a federal agency through unpaid volunteer placements. You’ll assist with office projects such as research, communications, data organization, administrative support, and policy-related activities. You’ll also learn about the Department’s programs while strengthening professional communication, organization, and workplace collaboration skills. The internship also provides exposure to careers in public service through interactions with Department staff.

6. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program

The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program provides students with experience working in federal government offices that support the Department’s mission. Depending on the office, you may assist with research, data collection, administrative projects, communications, or policy-related assignments under staff supervision. You’ll develop professional communication, organizational, and analytical skills while learning about public service and government operations. The internship also includes opportunities to interact with Treasury professionals and gain insight into federal career pathways. 

7. MITES Semester

MITES Semester is a rigorous online STEM enrichment program that combines advanced coursework, project-based learning, college readiness programming, and mentorship. You complete challenging classes in mathematics, science, and engineering while developing analytical and technical skills beyond the high school curriculum. The program also includes collaborative assignments, academic advising, and exposure to STEM careers. You’ll strengthen your problem-solving abilities while learning from MIT instructors and mentors in a supportive academic environment.

8. Fox Chase Cancer Center Immersion Science Research

The Fox Chase Cancer Center Immersion Science Research Program introduces high school students to biomedical research through laboratory experiences and mentorship from cancer researchers. You’ll explore scientific concepts related to cancer biology while learning laboratory techniques, experimental design, and research ethics. Students engage with scientific literature, collect and interpret experimental data, and discuss current topics in biomedical research with mentors. The program also includes opportunities to develop scientific communication skills through presentations and discussions. 

9. Girls Garage Construction + Community Program

Girls Garage’s Construction + Community Program teaches students practical construction and design skills through collaborative, community-focused building projects. You learn to safely use hand and power tools while gaining experience with woodworking, metalworking, drafting, and construction techniques. Projects encourage students to apply engineering concepts, creative problem-solving, and teamwork to build structures that benefit local communities. Alongside technical instruction, the program emphasizes design thinking, project planning, and leadership development. 

10. Met High School Internship Program

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s High School Internship Program introduces students to careers in museums while providing hands-on experience with museum operations, collections, and public programming. You’ll work with museum staff on projects that may involve visitor engagement, research, education, conservation, or curatorial departments. You’ll also attend professional development workshops that strengthen communication, collaboration, and workplace readiness skills alongside your project work. The internship also exposes students to museum careers through discussions with professionals across different departments. 

11. New York Historical Student Historian Internship Program

The Student Historian Internship Program at the New York Historical provides paid opportunities for students to explore museum education, public history, and historical research. Interns examine primary sources, participate in seminars with museum professionals, and complete collaborative research projects related to history and civic engagement. You’ll also develop public speaking and communication skills by creating presentations and educational materials based on historical collections. The program concludes with students presenting their work to peers, staff, and community members.

12. MIT PRIMES-USA

MIT PRIMES-USA is a free mathematics research program that pairs high school students with mentors to work on original research projects over several months. You study advanced mathematical topics independently before applying them to open-ended research problems under mentor guidance. Regular meetings help students refine proofs, strengthen mathematical reasoning, and communicate complex ideas effectively. Throughout the program, you’ll develop experience reading mathematical literature, writing formal proofs, and conducting independent research. Many students conclude the program by producing a research paper or presenting their findings.

13. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

The AFRL Scholars Program places students in research laboratories where they work with Air Force scientists and engineers on ongoing STEM projects. High school participants contribute to research in disciplines such as aerospace engineering, computer science, materials science, physics, and mathematics while receiving mentorship from laboratory professionals. You’ll gain practical experience with research methods, laboratory procedures, and technical problem-solving through project-based work. The program also emphasizes scientific communication, teamwork, and professional development through seminars and networking opportunities.

14. U.S. Senate Page Program

The U.S. Senate Page Program allows high school juniors to work directly in the Senate while continuing their education. You assist senators and Senate staff by delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate chamber, and supporting daily legislative operations. Alongside their work responsibilities, pages attend classes taught through the Senate Page School. The program helps students develop civic knowledge, professional communication, responsibility, and time-management skills in a government setting. You’ll also gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process and public service.

15. Sandia National Laboratories High School Internships

Sandia National Laboratories offers internship opportunities that allow high school students to contribute to research and engineering projects alongside scientists, engineers, and technical professionals. You may assist with laboratory research, data analysis, software development, engineering design, or technical documentation. You’ll gain experience using professional tools, following research protocols, and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. Throughout the internship, you’ll strengthen technical, analytical, and workplace communication skills while learning about careers in national security, science, and engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of free winter programs are available to high school students?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including research-focused programs like MIT PRIMES-USA and PSI, government internships like the U.S. Senate Page Program and the Treasury Department’s Student Internship Program, and career exploration experiences like Discover Architecture and the Met High School Internship. There are also hands-on STEM and construction programs, like Girls Garage’s Construction + Community Program, if you’re interested in a more practical, skills-based experience.

Do you need prior research or coursework experience to apply?

It depends on the program. Some, like the Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Research Program, require you to have already completed biology and chemistry coursework, while others, like MIT THINK, are designed for students who have an original research idea but need mentorship to carry it out rather than requiring prior experience.

Are these programs actually completely free?

Yes, all of the programs on this list are free to participate in, and several go further by providing a stipend or salary on top of being free. The AFRL Scholars Program pays $506.80 per week, the Met High School Internship offers $1,100, and the U.S. Senate Page Program provides a prorated annual salary, though a residence fee is deducted from that pay.

Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?

Several of these programs compensate participants. The U.S. Senate Page Program offers the highest compensation with its prorated annual salary, while the New York Historical’s Student Historian Internship pays $1,200 and the Met High School Internship pays $1,100. The AFRL Scholars Program and Sandia National Laboratories’ internships also provide stipends, though exact amounts vary by project for Sandia.

Which programs are restricted to specific cities or regions?

Several of these programs have geographic requirements. Discover Architecture is limited to NYC students within the five boroughs, LAUSD’s Winter Academy is limited to Los Angeles Unified School District students, and PSI is limited to students in Oregon and the Portland metro area. Others, like MIT PRIMES-USA and MITES Semester, are open to U.S. students more broadly, though PRIMES-USA specifically excludes students in the Greater Boston area.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the fall and winter, so it helps to plan ahead. The New York Historical’s Student Historian Internship has one of the earliest deadlines at August 23, followed by the ED Student Volunteer Internship (November 30), PSI and MIT PRIMES-USA (both December 1), and MIT THINK (January 1). LAUSD’s Winter Academy has a later deadline of December 2, while Discover Architecture closes in early January.

Image source: Sandia National Laboratories