Competitive humanities summer programs for high schoolers offer a solid opportunity to delve deeply into specialized subjects and hone advanced skills.
These programs immerse you in rigorous coursework and discussions, encouraging critical thinking, sophisticated analysis, and creative expression. By engaging with expert faculty and peers, you will be able to refine your abilities in writing, argumentation, and historical or literary interpretation.
This skill set can come in handy while applying for research programs or internships, or even while drafting your college application to your dream school.
Here are the top 12 humanities programs for high school students. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Humanities track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! Horizon offers multiple compelling research programs in the Humanities track.
“The Philosophy of the Mind” explores how consciousness and cognition intersect with our understanding of the physical world, blending philosophy with cognitive science. You can engage with both scientific experiments and philosophical debates, drawing on insights from a course originally taught by Dr. Craig at Oxford University. Meanwhile, “Critical History” delves into the foundational concepts shaping historical analysis, examining theoretical ideas such as objectivity and causality alongside empirical notions like nation, empire, and identity.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21 for the summer cohort, and September 25 for the fall cohort
Program Dates: Summer seminar — June 24 — September 2 | Fall seminar — October 23 — February 19 | Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers a transformative experience for high school sophomores and juniors with a passion for the humanities. This prestigious, fully funded six-week program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, focusing on critical thinking and the development of a democratic community. TASS covers all expenses, including tuition, books, room and board, field trips, and facilities fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from participating.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage in rigorous academic work, attending a three-hour college-level class each weekday. The curriculum includes stimulating discussions, small-group activities, and lectures by expert faculty, challenging you to explore diverse materials such as books, articles, films, and art. You’ll also refine your writing skills through essay composition and receive feedback from instructors. Beyond academics, you’ll work with fellow participants to make democratic decisions about community life, including planning activities, organizing service projects, managing a program budget, and fostering an inclusive environment.
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 23 — August 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors. Participants must be at least age 15 and no older than age 18 at the start of the program (June 23). Black and Indigenous students, other students of color, and/or students who have experienced economic hardship are strongly encouraged to apply.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
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.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
4. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program offers an exceptional opportunity for high school juniors to explore journalism through a hybrid format that combines online and in-person experiences. This free, multi-week program begins with online workshops in July, where you will engage with distinguished journalists and cover essential skills and current events. The experience culminates in a 10-day residential session on Princeton’s campus in early August, providing an immersive environment in University dorms and participation in workshops and lectures by renowned educators and journalists.
The program takes a broad liberal arts approach, integrating discussions on humanities, arts, culture, social issues, and history to enrich your understanding of journalism. You’ll also collaborate with college counselors to enhance your college applications. Hands-on activities include visits to major news organizations like The New York Times and Bloomberg, covering local news, producing digital content, and even investigative reporting. The program concludes with the creation of The Princeton Summer Journal, a student-produced newspaper that showcases your skills in reporting, writing, editing, and design.
Location: Online and in-person at Princeton University, NJ.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: A multi-week, hybrid summer intensive beginning with online workshops in July and culminating in a 10-day residential experience on Princeton’s campus in early August
Eligibility: Be a junior in high school at the time of application, live in the United States and intend to attend college here, have a minimum unweighted grade point average equivalent to a 3.5 out of 4.0, have an interest in journalism, and meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed here.
5. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program offers a highly selective and immersive experience for students with a strong interest in the humanities. Over seven weeks, this intensive summer research program admits just twelve students, providing an opportunity to delve deeply into advanced research topics, particularly in history and economics. Under the mentorship of expert scholars, you’ll conduct independent research, exploring how historical events influence economic systems and vice versa.
As a participant, you’ll engage in rigorous academic inquiry, gaining hands-on experience with research methodologies and access to professional resources. You’ll collaborate with a small, passionate cohort of peers, enhancing your understanding of the interconnectedness between historical and economic contexts. The skills and insights gained through this program will not only enrich your academic journey but also offer a substantial foundation for future scholarly endeavors and college applications.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
Cost: Free
Application deadline: February 15
Program dates: June 16 to August 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in this or next year. International students are eligible to apply.
6. University of Southern California’s Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA) for Media and Civic Engagement
The University of Southern California’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA) offers a transformative four-week summer intensive designed for students with a keen interest in sociology and a passion for exploring media, communication, and civic engagement. This program selects 26 talented students from the USC University Park and Health Science Campus communities, providing an immersive experience akin to first-year college courses. AYA emphasizes the crucial role of media and journalism in shaping thoughtful, innovative leaders.
The curriculum is meticulously designed to enhance skills in writing, critical thinking, public speaking, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography. You’ll gain insight into USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and explore potential careers in media and journalism. Additionally, you’ll interact with USC Annenberg’s leading scholars, tackling critical issues related to race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. AYA will equip you to become a media-savvy, civic-minded individual ready to contribute to your community and address pressing social issues through effective communication.
Location: University of Southern California Campus, CA.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 17 — July 19
Eligibility: Students must reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County to be eligible to apply
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about the humanities and community service. This program combines a practical, hands-on approach with an educational experience, offering an eight-week paid internship with prominent nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. This internship allows you to contribute to impactful community projects while gaining valuable insights into nonprofit operations.
Additionally, the program includes participation in the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. This summit provides a unique chance to explore how nonprofits, governments, and businesses work together to address local challenges. You will engage with peers from across the nation, participate in workshops, and hear from speakers across various sectors. The summit offers a comprehensive perspective on community service and leadership, including the complexities of policy-making, community engagement, and the importance of collaboration in tackling societal issues.
Location: Washington DC
Cost: Free, Paid hourly stipend
Program dates: Typically 8 weeks from June — August.
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and senior
8. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)
PAYS is an intensive four-week residential program that immerses students in a challenging liberal arts curriculum and extends support throughout the academic year for three consecutive years. During the summer session, participants engage in a rigorous program that includes Critical Inquiry seminars led by Pomona College professors, requiring active participation and the completion of at least three analytical papers. Each week features hands-on exercises involving data collection and Excel modeling, with guidance from trained college teaching assistants.
In addition to classroom instruction, the program fosters a strong sense of community through residential living, close mentoring, and ongoing networking opportunities. This combination of academic rigor and collaborative support helps you enhance your quantitative, analytical, and writing skills, preparing them for future academic and professional success!
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: Typically 4 weeks from June to July. The program will run from June 23 to July 19.
Eligibility: Applicants must be: Currently a 9th-grade student | A resident of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties
9. Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program
This intensive two-week pre-college program, held exclusively on campus, provides a rigorous academic experience for students interested in the humanities. With course options spanning Speech, Writing, Literature, Law, Politics, Philosophy, Race, Gender, and Ethics, you have the opportunity to explore diverse fields.
Under the guidance of Harvard faculty, participants will face academic challenges that help them develop their skills and establish a strong foundation in their chosen area of study. This prestigious program offers a valuable glimpse into college life and serves as an excellent opportunity for anyone eager to explore their potential major.
Location: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee. Some financial aid is offered.
Application Deadline: April 10
Program Dates: Multiple two-week sessions spanning June 23 to August 3
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors. Those applying must not be turning 19 years old before the start of the program. Additionally, eligible applicants will graduate from high school and enter college in this or next year.
10. Yale Young Global Scholars: Politics, Law, and Economics
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session offers high school students an in-depth exploration of economics, government, and law. Designed for those interested in economic theories, governmental practices, and legal frameworks, this program covers topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, and international relations.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, participants develop essential critical thinking and analytical skills for tackling contemporary global issues. The program encourages you to use economic, legal, and political theories to analyze current challenges, including political change and the regulation of cross-border economic activities. YYGS PLE provides valuable insights that are crucial for future studies or careers in these fields.
Location: Yale Campus, CT
Cost: $6500
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout June to August.
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old, a current sophomore or junior (or any international equivalent), and a first-time participant.
11. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute offers a unique opportunity for students passionate about sociology to explore humanities disciplines beyond the standard high school curriculum. You will work closely with Stanford professors and mentors to develop and execute their research projects, facilitating a deeper engagement with sociological topics.
One notable course, “Racial Identity in the American Imagination,” examines the development of racial identity in the U.S. through historical, legal, and literary texts and films. By exploring significant historical changes, the program can help you hone your research skills and gain valuable insights into complex societal issues, setting a solid foundation for future studies and careers in sociology and related fields.
Location: Stanford Campus, CA
Cost: $8,250 (Financial aid is available).
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: 3 weeks, typically between June and August.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
12. Penn Arts and Sciences Social Justice Research Academy
The Social Justice Research Academy is designed to cultivate critical thinking about the sociological, historical, and political aspects of inequality and resistance. Participants engage in a liberal arts-style curriculum that includes lectures and workshops, aimed at developing leadership, research, and analytical skills.
You can undertake a capstone project, crafting a research question based on the themes explored during the program. These projects can range from traditional academic papers to more innovative approaches. Previous projects have investigated topics such as AAPI representation in Hollywood, redlining, gun violence among Black men, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minority communities.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost: $9,700 program fee + $75 application fee
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: 3 weeks between June and July.
Eligibility: Current 9th — 11th grade students are eligible to apply!
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