Free Winter Programs for High School Students (2026-27)

TL;DR: You’ll find 13 free winter programs below, each with its location, cost or stipend, cohort size, dates, deadline and eligibility. They fall into three groups: research programs like MIT PRIMES-USA, PSI and Fox Chase; government and lab placements like the Department of Education, AFRL and Sandia; and hands-on options like Girls Garage, El Camino College’s Winter Session and Discover Architecture. Several deadlines are close: MIT PRIMES-USA closes November 2, Fox Chase usually closes in early November, and the Department of Education takes applications until November 30. Want a winter research project with a university mentor and a paper at the end, but worried about cost? Apply to the Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) Winter cohort by November 22; need-based aid is available.

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 13 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. 

Looking for more? See our guides to competitive winter programs, winter internships and medicine winter programs.

Which free winter programs look strongest on a college application?

The programs that stand out are the selective ones where you produce something: research, a lab project or real professional work. Admissions officers can see that you were chosen and what you did, not just that you attended.

If you’d rather spend winter break on lighter enrichment, LAUSD’s Winter Academy and Girls Garage are lower-pressure options that still build real skills.

13 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. El Camino College Dual Enrollment: Winter Session

El Camino College’s Dual Enrollment program lets you take real college courses during its five-week Winter Session while you’re still in high school. Enrollment fees are waived for high school students, so your main costs are books and materials. It’s a practical way to try a college-level subject over winter break and earn credit that can count toward a degree later.

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. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

Closed for this year: apply next fall

• Met High School Internship Program: a spring internship for NYC 10th and 11th graders with a $1,100 stipend. The 2026 deadline was October 16.
• New York Historical Student Historian Internship: a school-year internship (October 28, 2026 to June 16, 2027) with a $1,200 stipend. Applications for 2026-27 are closed.

Not free, but worth knowing: Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) isn’t free, but it’s one of the few research programs that starts over winter break. You work 1:1 with a PhD or postdoctoral scholar on a question you choose and finish with a college-level research paper of about 5,000 words. If cost is the barrier, need-based aid can bring it down substantially. You can apply here.

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, career exploration like Discover Architecture, and college courses through El Camino College’s Winter Session. 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?

Almost. Every program on this list is free to join, except that El Camino College waives enrollment fees but books and materials may cost extra. Several also pay you: AFRL Scholars and Sandia’s internships provide stipends, and Senate Pages are paid on an annual salary basis of $38,547, though a $1,380 monthly residence fee covers housing and meals. The Treasury and Department of Education internships are unpaid.

Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?

The U.S. Senate Page Program pays the most, on an annual salary basis of $38,547 (minus a $1,380 monthly residence fee). AFRL Scholars and Sandia National Laboratories’ internships also pay stipends, with amounts that vary by project or role. The Met and New York Historical internships listed under “Closed for this year” pay $1,100 and $1,200.

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, PSI is limited to students in Oregon and the Portland metro area, and El Camino’s Winter Session is on campus in Torrance, CA. Others, like MIT PRIMES-USA and the Department of Education internship, are open to U.S. students more broadly, though PRIMES-USA specifically excludes students in the Greater Boston area.

When should you apply?

Most deadlines fall between now and mid-January, so plan ahead. MIT PRIMES-USA closes November 2, Fox Chase usually closes in early November, and the Department of Education takes applications until November 30. Girls Garage registration opens December 1, Discover Architecture closes December 15, and AFRL Scholars lists January 10. MIT THINK’s deadline was January 1 last cycle, and LAUSD’s Winter Academy hasn’t posted 2026-27 dates yet (last year, enrollment closed December 2).

Are there selective research programs that run over winter?

Yes. MIT PRIMES-USA and Fox Chase’s Immersion Science Program are free, selective and put you in real research with a mentor. If you want to choose your own research question and finish with a paper, the Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) Winter cohort starts December 14 (paid, with need-based aid available).

Image source: Sandia National Laboratories