15 Programs for High School Students in Philadelphia

Key Takeaways

• These 15 programs span a wide range of fields across Philadelphia, from biomedical research at the Wistar Institute to arts programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and career readiness training through PYNtern, alongside Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, which offer a virtual research track for students who want a fully remote option.
• Costs vary enormously, from fully free programs like PYNtern and Heights Philadelphia to premium university offerings like UPenn’s Summer Discovery Academies, which run into the thousands of dollars, though several offer scholarships or tuition grants.
• Several programs, including the Wistar Institute Fellowship and both PYNtern tracks, provide a stipend on top of being free, making them accessible regardless of financial background.
• Program formats range widely, from short workshops and after-school enrichment to multi-week residential experiences and multi-year pathway programs like the UPenn Physician Track and Heights Philadelphia’s College and Career Pathways.
• Many of these programs are specifically designed to build professional or academic skills, like financial literacy through PYNtern or investment analysis through the Wharton Global Investment Competition, rather than focusing purely on subject-matter content.

If you are a student interested in learning outside the classroom to further your career prospects early, structured academic programs can be a worthwhile way to explore the field in great detail. Enrolling in these programs lets you build technical knowledge, participate in hands-on projects, and gain professional tools like public speaking, time management, and even financial literacy. Whether your interest lies in the sciences, business, coding, medicine, or the fine arts, you can explore them in-depth with peers who share your drive. Participating in these experiences allows you to test your interests, narrow down potential majors, and build a competitive portfolio of achievements that will set you apart on your college applications.

Why should you choose a program in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is an exceptionally advantageous location for these programs because of its high concentration of world-class universities, major healthcare systems, historic museums, and active community organizations. Many of Philadelphia’s top-tier institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple, Drexel, CHOP, and the Franklin Institute, intentionally open their doors to local high schoolers. Additionally, many programs are free or offer generous stipends and monetary incentives to support your participation, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent you from pursuing your goals.

To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 programs for high school students in Philadelphia.

You can also check out these guides on STEM programs, environmental science programs, or free summer programs for high school students in Philadelphia!

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art Teen Summer Programs

This program offers you a vibrant, creative space to grow as an artist and art enthusiast inside a world-class art museum. You will participate in specialized, hands-on classes led by teaching artists, focusing on mediums like illustration, fashion design, character animation, or painting. Through these courses, you will learn to refine your technical skills, experiment with new materials, and create a strong portfolio of work. You will explore the museum’s galleries, drawing inspiration from historic and contemporary masterpieces to inform your own artistic voice. The program places a heavy emphasis on critique, helping you learn to discuss your creative process and receive feedback constructively. You will also collaborate with other art-focused teens from across Philadelphia, building a supportive community of young creators. Many programs culminate in exhibitions of teen artwork, giving you the chance to see your pieces displayed in a professional museum setting. 

2. Temple University Summer Academy

This rigorous, four-week program allows you to earn actual college credit from Temple University while experiencing authentic campus life. You will enroll in a credit-bearing course taught by Temple faculty, attending daily classes alongside other high school scholars. In addition to your main course, you will choose two hands-on, non-credit workshops to explore potential majors without the stress of grading. Supportive Temple student mentors will guide you throughout the experience, helping you adapt to the workload and build close friendships. If you work hard and earn a B or higher in your course, you can secure a valuable multi-year tuition grant to attend Temple after graduation. The comprehensive application process helps you practice applying to selective programs, requiring you to submit transcripts, recommendations, and essays. 

3. 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!

4. The Wistar Institute’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research

The Wistar Institute’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research accepts only 15 highly motivated students each year. During the program, you will be placed directly into a functioning research lab and the institute’s state-of-the-art Training Lab, where you’ll contribute to real-world biomedical projects. Along with mastering lab techniques and analyzing scientific literature, you will explore research ethics and career paths through specialized seminars. The program culminates in a final project presentation to Wistar scientists and your peers.

5. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

This global competition challenges you and your peers to become investment managers by handling a simulated portfolio of $100,000. Working in a small team of four to six students, you will collaborate to design a comprehensive investment strategy for a unique, fictional client. You will learn how to research public companies, analyze industries, and evaluate financial metrics to make strategic stock trades. This hands-on experience teaches you critical financial concepts such as stock diversification, long-term asset allocation, and risk management. You must write detailed project briefs explaining your investment thesis, the logic behind your trades, and your portfolio’s performance. If your team is selected as a top performer, you will pitch your final investment plan to a panel of expert judges. 

6. MathILy at Bryn Mawr College

If you want to look past standard high school math, MathILy offers a five-week summer experience focused on proof-based learning and active problem-solving. Rather than just giving you answers, instructors provide the framework for you to build your own mathematical arguments, develop conjectures, and test them out. You’ll join a diverse, collaborative community of passionate students from around the world, diving into advanced concepts through a process that values both rigorous critical thinking and creative enjoyment.

7. PYNtern Program: Junior PYNtern 

Designed for early high school students, this program focuses on helping you explore different careers and build essential skills in a classroom setting. Over six to eight weeks, you will learn about diverse industries, attend informative career panels, and participate in guided worksite tours. You will build foundational professional skills, including the proper use of spreadsheets, presentation software, and professional email writing. A significant portion of the curriculum teaches you financial literacy, ensuring you understand how to budget, save, and manage your future earnings. You will practice public speaking and presentation skills by sharing your projects with supportive instructors and peers. While you are not placed directly into a job, you will earn monetary compensation based on your attendance and milestone completions. 

8. PYNtern Program: Senior PYNtern 

This highly structured, paid program is designed to give older high school students deep, real-world internship experience combined with professional training. You will spend about 100 hours working directly at a professional host site in Philadelphia under the supervision of a supportive mentor. At the same time, you will attend weekly classroom sessions where you will study advanced workplace communication, project management, and goal setting. You will receive personalized career coaching to help you navigate your internship challenges, celebrate your successes, and plan your college or career paths. The program emphasizes financial literacy, helping you strategically plan how to save and invest the money you earn. You will have numerous opportunities to network with professionals across your host organization, gaining connections that can help you secure future jobs. By the end of the session, you will leave with a polished resume, a strong professional reference, and real confidence in your career-ready skills.

9. Drexel CCI Digital Development Camp (VirtuaQuest)

During this program, you will spend your summer at Drexel University attending daily interactive workshops and lectures led by computing faculty. You will learn about cutting-edge topics such as gaming, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Working in small, collaborative teams, you will apply these tech concepts to build a functioning, real-world digital project. You will use Drexel’s official online learning systems, giving you authentic experience with college-level tools and academic workloads. Current Drexel students will work alongside you as peer mentors, sharing valuable insights about computing majors and campus life. At the end of the camp, you will present your group’s creation during an exciting showcase for family and friends. 

10. Drexel University Pre-College Programs: Summer Institutes

You will study on Drexel’s vibrant University City campus, taking courses led by world-class university faculty in fields like engineering, design, and business. You will utilize the university’s advanced labs, studios, and libraries to complete projects that mirror real undergraduate coursework. Living and studying alongside other motivated students from across the country, you will learn to manage your schedule, collaborate on group assignments, and advocate for yourself. The program also features specialized workshops that guide you through college admissions, financial aid planning, and writing personal statements. You will interact with current Drexel students, learning firsthand about their majors, co-op experiences, and career transitions. 

11. Summer Discovery: UPenn Arts & Sciences Summer Academies

This summer academy allows you to explore complex subjects like neuroscience, physics, or social justice at an Ivy League university. You will study on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, learning from distinguished Penn faculty who are leaders in their respective fields. The program combines intensive theoretical lectures with active discussions, hands-on lab experiments, and collaborative group research projects. You will learn to analyze scholarly articles, run scientific simulations, and construct sophisticated academic arguments with your peers. You will also participate in specialized tours of Penn’s advanced research laboratories and meet with university admissions experts. By the end of this program, you will have completed a major project, such as a lab report or research presentation, to showcase in your college applications.

12. Penn Arts & Sciences Online Summer Seminars

During this program, you will participate in live virtual seminars, engaging in real-time discussions with peers from diverse geographical backgrounds. The curriculum blends scientific and social theories, encouraging you to examine complex global problems from multiple perspectives. Some of the available courses include American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, Writing for Researchers, Genomics and Bioinformatics, and more. You will complete independent readings, research assignments, and digital group projects that mirror the standards of Ivy League introductory courses. This format is ideal if you want to balance your summer academic development with other local commitments like jobs or family. 

13. UPenn High School Pre-Medical Programs: Physician Track Program

This multi-year program offers a highly structured pathway that gives you direct exposure to the medical profession through academic workshops, laboratory tours, and clinical observations. You will study advanced biological sciences, medical ethics, and social healthcare disparities under the guidance of Penn Medicine faculty and physicians. The program provides vital resources to help you select high school courses, study for standardized tests, and prepare your college applications. You will have opportunities to participate in medical projects, such as community wellness campaigns and research assistance, that build your pre-medical resume. 

14. GPCA OST at Nita Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center

This supportive out-of-school-time program is designed to help you stay on track academically while exploring exciting enrichment activities after school. You will receive personalized tutoring and academic support to help you understand difficult homework concepts and meet state standards in your core classes. In addition to academic help, you will get the chance to explore your interests in art, music, physical fitness, and career training. The program focuses on your overall youth development, helping you build leadership, decision-making, and teamwork skills in a safe environment. During the summer, you can join special sessions that maintain your learning routines and prevent summer slide while keeping you connected to your peers. 

15. Heights Philadelphia College and Career Pathways

This program provides a powerful, multi-year support system designed to help you navigate high school, enter college, and launch a successful career. You will work one-on-one with dedicated advisors who will help you choose rigorous courses and apply for competitive summer programs. You will participate in academic enrichment classes, standardized test preparation, and college essay writing workshops to strengthen your academic profile. The program also connects you directly to paid professional internships, giving you early, hands-on experience in fields like business, technology, and health. You will receive extensive guidance on navigating financial aid systems and securing college scholarships, making higher education highly affordable. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of programs are available to high school students in Philadelphia?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including biomedical research placements like the Wistar Institute’s High School Fellowship, university coursework like Temple’s Summer Academy and Drexel’s Pre-College Programs, and career readiness programs like PYNtern and Heights Philadelphia’s College and Career Pathways. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across a wide range of subjects rather than joining a fixed in-person program.

Do you need prior coursework or experience to apply?

It depends on the program. Some, like the Wistar Institute’s Fellowship, require you to have completed at least one high school science course, while others, like PYNtern’s Junior track, are designed as an early introduction to careers and don’t require specific prerequisites. University coursework programs like Temple’s Summer Academy and UPenn’s Summer Discovery Academies generally expect strong academic preparation, with grade-level and GPA requirements varying by program.

Are there free options available?

Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge a fee. The Wistar Institute’s Fellowship, the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, both PYNtern tracks, GPCA OST, and Heights Philadelphia’s College and Career Pathways are all free to participate in. Several of these, including the Wistar Fellowship and PYNtern, also provide a stipend on top of being free.

Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?

A few of these programs compensate participants. The Wistar Institute’s Fellowship offers a $1,500 stipend, and both the Junior and Senior PYNtern tracks provide up to approximately $1,500 based on attendance and milestone completion. Heights Philadelphia also connects students to paid professional internships as part of its broader college and career support.

Which programs are structured as multi-year commitments rather than a single summer?

If you’re looking for longer-term support, UPenn’s High School Pre-Medical Programs Physician Track and Heights Philadelphia’s College and Career Pathways are both multi-year programs that follow you through high school with ongoing mentorship, coursework, and career guidance. These differ from most other programs on this list, which run as single summer or seasonal sessions.

Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a structured Philadelphia program?

Yes. If you want a mentored research experience without needing to secure a spot in a specific Philadelphia-based lab or program, 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. Temple University’s Summer Academy has an application window running from December 1 to May 1, while the Wistar Institute’s Fellowship closes March 31 and MathILy’s rolling deadline runs through April 28. UPenn’s Summer Discovery Academies and Penn Arts & Sciences Online Summer Seminars have deadlines in May and June depending on the session. 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: Temple University