If you’re a ninth grader (freshman in high school) interested beyond the typical school curriculum, summer programs are one of the best ways to gain early exposure to advanced academics and professional skills. Summer programs for freshmen high school students allow you to explore challenging subject areas, work with university faculty, and build practical experience that offers you a head start in both college and career planning. These programs often integrate research mentorship, pre-college coursework, and hands-on immersions, helping you strengthen critical thinking, technical expertise, and collaborative skills.
Participating in these programs can also connect you to some of the city’s leading hospitals and universities, giving you access to advanced labs and professional mentorship early in your academic journey.
Here’s a list of 15 summer programs for freshmen high school students, including immersions, pre-college courses, internships, and research mentorships, that can help you develop deeper academic and professional skillsets.
P.S. – If you’re looking for more such summer programs for freshmen high school students, you can also check out other blogs on Horizon’s blog page!
15 Summer Programs for Freshmen High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Stipend: None
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. 12 weeks to 1 year. September 14 – November for the upcoming Fall Cohort
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. August 24 for the Fall Cohort
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school, with a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic opportunity that allows high school students to engage in individual research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work closely with your assigned mentor to explore a topic of your choice and develop a fully independent research paper. This online summer enrichment program for high school students supports a wide variety of disciplines, including psychology, international relations, economics, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science. This structure allows you to dive deep into a subject that aligns with your academic interests while gaining valuable experience in scholarly research and critical thinking. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
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.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas 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 that you can use to work on future projects.
3. UCLA Summer Sessions (Residential)
Stipend: None
Dates: Session dates vary; options include June – August (4–10 week sessions aligned with UCLA Summer Sessions calendar)
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 15; deadlines vary by session
Cost: Approximately $4,000–$8,000, depending on course units and housing; financial aid is available for California residents. Learn more
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Open to high school students, including rising freshmen and current 9th graders; no transcripts, SAT scores, or recommendations required
Through UCLA Summer Sessions, you can enroll in 1–2 approved college courses and earn transferable UCLA credit while living on campus. You’ll study alongside UCLA undergraduates, engaging with faculty in disciplines such as biology, computer science, economics, and the humanities. The residential component offers a full campus experience, combining academics with structured activities and independence-building. Course options include lecture, discussion, and lab formats, with exposure to university-level pacing and workload. Registration is streamlined with no standardized test scores or recommendations required, making it a direct path to experiencing college academics early in your high school career.
4. UCLA Summer Intensives
Stipend: None
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 23 to August 22.
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 15; varies by session
Cost: Based on per-unit tuition; approximately $3,000–$6,000 depending on course load and residency status
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Open to high school students, including rising freshmen and current 9th graders; no transcript, SAT, or recommendations required
UCLA Summer Intensives condense a full 10-week course or three-quarter sequence into an accelerated 3-week format, giving you an immersive academic experience in a short window. Courses span introductory and intermediate language studies (Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Chinese), film and television production, entertainment economics, and research methodology. The accelerated pace simulates the rigor of a college term compressed into weeks, sharpening your focus, time management, and study discipline. You’ll engage in intensive lectures, labs, or writing workshops while earning UCLA credit alongside university students. This program is particularly suited if you want to dive deeply into a single subject area while experiencing a high-intensity academic schedule early in your high school career.
5. UCLA Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE)
Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15 – April 15 (decisions announced May 15)
Cost: Free; full scholarship program, includes tuition for one UCLA course and all co-curricular programming
Location: Online (hosted by UCLA Summer Sessions)
Eligibility: High-achieving California high school students from economically under-resourced communities; open to freshmen and other high school grade levels unless otherwise specified
BASE combines a six-week online UCLA course for college credit with structured mentorship and co-curricular programming to prepare you for higher education. You’ll enroll in an approved course and earn an official UCLA transcript while developing the ability to handle rigorous college-level work. Weekly mentorship sessions with UCLA undergraduates build academic and social confidence, while workshops cover financial literacy, academic planning, and social-emotional skills for college success. Designed as a fully-funded experience, BASE offers both technical and personal growth, helping you balance coursework, time management, and self-advocacy early in your high school career.
6. Boston University Summer Preview
Stipend: None
Dates: June 15 – 20 (Residential), June 16 – 20 (Commuter)
Application Deadline:
- International Students: March 15
- Residential U.S. Students: May 15
- Commuter U.S. Students: June 13
Cost: Tuition and program fees vary by seminar; additional housing and dining costs for residential students
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Eligibility: Rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders; students must be at least 14 years old to participate in the residential program (all rising 8th graders must commute)
Boston University Summer Preview is a one-week, noncredit program designed to give you an early taste of college academics and campus life. You’ll choose from three different seminars and spend the week diving into focused lectures, discussions, and small-group projects. Alongside the academic component, the program integrates a college admissions workshop to help you align your high school coursework with future application goals. Outside of class, social activities introduce you to BU’s campus and Boston’s cultural hubs, offering an immersive yet approachable first step into pre-college learning. The mix of commuter and residential options makes it accessible while maintaining a structured, university-level experience.
7. USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA)
Stipend: None; free program with meals provided and transportation scholarship available upon request
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Application Deadline: March 3 – April 14
Cost: Free
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school students residing and attending school in Los Angeles County; open to freshmen and other high school grade levels unless otherwise specified
AYA is a three-week intensive that introduces you to college-level concepts in media, communications, and civic engagement through coursework and hands-on projects. You’ll develop core skills in multimedia production, public speaking, critical analysis, and ethnographic interviewing, all grounded in the context of journalism and civic-minded leadership. The curriculum is modeled after first-year college courses, giving you an early foundation in the theory and practice of media’s role in society. Daily sessions with USC faculty and practitioners are complemented by college advising and essay workshops, while collaborative projects strengthen your technical and communication skill set.
8. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP)
Stipend: None; eligible U.S. students can apply for a $300 needs-based SIP Student Grant
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – 18
- Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline:
- Early decision: February 26
- Regular application: April 11
Cost: Free; laptops and hotspots available for qualifying students
Location: Virtual (live online classes)
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade girls and non-binary students (includes rising and current freshmen)
This two-week live virtual program introduces you to core programming concepts and web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, alongside modules in game design and user experience. You’ll collaborate in teams, attend industry partner sessions, and receive mentorship from tech professionals while completing real-world coding projects. The program is designed to simulate an accelerated computer science bootcamp, emphasizing problem-solving, iterative design, and exposure to emerging tech careers. No prior experience is required, making it accessible while still academically rigorous.
9. Girls Who Code Pathways Program (Self-Paced)
Stipend: None
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline:
- Early decision: February 26
- Regular application: April 11
Cost: Free; optional $300 grant available to eligible U.S. students
Location: Virtual, self-paced with live community events
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade girls and non-binary students (includes freshmen and graduating seniors)
Pathways offers a flexible, project-based approach where you can choose focus areas like AI, data science, cybersecurity, or web development. Over six weeks, you’ll complete hands-on builds, such as websites, games, or analytic tools, while accessing live advisor check-ins and partner talks. The curriculum emphasizes independent problem-solving, technical proficiency, and portfolio development, making it ideal for students exploring tech at their own pace. This structure allows you to gain industry-relevant coding experience without fixed class times, accommodating diverse summer schedules.
10. Columbia University NYC Commuter Summer Program
Stipend: None
Dates:
- Session A (3 Weeks): June 30 – July 18
- Session B (3 Weeks): July 22 – August 8
- Session C (1 Week): August 11 – August 15
- Session AB (6 Weeks): June 30 – August 8
- Session ABC (7 Weeks): June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: 2025 dates not yet announced; in previous years, applications closed between late March and early April.
Cost:
- 1-Week Commuter: $2,830 per session
- 3-Week Commuter: $6,310 per session
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12 and incoming college freshmen
This commuter program gives you access to Columbia University’s pre-college courses while living off-campus, making it a strong option for local NYC students. You can select from over 70 intensive courses spanning mathematics, data science, neuroscience, literature, and more, with about four hours of daily classroom engagement designed to replicate a rigorous Ivy League academic environment. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and academic writing at a level comparable to undergraduate coursework. Upon completion, you earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an instructor evaluation letter.
11. Columbia University Online Summer Program
Stipend: None
Dates:
- Session A (2 Weeks): July 7 – July 18
- Session B (2 Weeks): July 21 – August 1
- Session C (1 Week): August 11 – August 15
Application Deadline: Applications closed in late March – early April
Cost:
- 1-Week Program: $2,815 per session
- 2-Week Program: $3,965 per session (single course); $3,850 per additional 2-week course
- $80 application fee; $1,000 non-refundable deposit applied toward tuition
Location: Online (Live virtual classes)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 and incoming college freshmen
This online pre-college program offers a Columbia-level academic experience accessible from anywhere in the world. You can choose from over 40 courses in areas such as economics, neuroscience, computer science, creative writing, and global affairs, taught by Columbia faculty and expert instructors. Coursework integrates lectures, debates, simulations, and group projects to develop advanced analytical and communication skills. The two-week sessions also feature the Columbia Writers Academy, an intensive workshop to craft and refine college application essays. Alongside academics, you will participate in virtual student life activities and college prep seminars covering admissions strategies and study skills. Upon successful completion, you will earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and a detailed evaluation letter.
12. Summer@Brown (Brown University)
Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (multiple 1-, 2-, and 3-week sessions; hybrid 5-week sessions available)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in January; rolling admissions until classes fill
Cost: Varies by course; average tuition for a 2-week course is approximately $4,300, with additional fees for housing and activities
Location: Brown University campus, Providence, Rhode Island
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12; ages 14–18 by June 15
Summer@Brown offers over 230 non-credit courses mirroring the university’s Open Curriculum, allowing you to explore diverse academic fields in 1-, 2-, or 3-week on-campus sessions, or a 5-week hybrid option that combines online and in-person study. Courses span disciplines from biological sciences and medical studies to engineering, political science, and creative arts, with a focus on independent inquiry and collaborative learning. You will engage in three hours of daily classwork plus additional independent or group study, developing college-level research, writing, and discussion skills.
13. Brown Leadership Institute
Stipend: None
Dates:
- On-Campus Session 1: June 29 – July 11
- On-Campus Session 2: July 13 – July 25
- Online Session: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: Not specified for 2025 (applications typically open in winter and close in spring; waitlist currently available)
Cost:
- Residential On-Campus (2 weeks): $5,788 total (including all fees)
- Commuter On-Campus (2 weeks): $4,540
- Online Session (4 weeks): $5,528
Location:
- On-Campus: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Online: Delivered via Canvas, Brown’s Learning Management System
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12, ages 14–18 by June 15
This program focuses on building socially responsible leadership with a strong emphasis on social justice issues. You’ll engage in two weeks of interdisciplinary coursework on campus or a four-week online program, selecting from courses such as Leadership and Social Justice, Women and Leadership, and Leadership, Law and Social Movements. You’ll develop practical skills in public speaking, teamwork, intercultural communication, and problem-solving while working on a personalized Action Plan to implement in your school or community. Daily leadership workshops are integrated with course content to strengthen collaborative approaches to complex societal challenges. You will receive a Digital Certificate of Completion and a Course Performance Report for programs two weeks or longer.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28 (Financial Aid: February 21)
Cost: $850 (Application Fee: $40; full fee waivers available for eligible students)
Location: Online (U.S.-based students only)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 in Fall; must be at least 14 by the start of the program; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students with valid U.S. visas
In this two-week virtual program from Stanford’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging, you will explore the fundamentals of machine learning applied to healthcare. Daily sessions combine online learning modules, breakout group discussions, and mentorship from Stanford researchers, with topics including model evaluation, generative AI in healthcare, and ethical challenges in medical AI deployment. You’ll gain early exposure to coding applications in medicine, understand dataset preparation and validation, and engage in career talks with experts from academia, industry, and government.
15. Stanford EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research
Stipend: None
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: Registration opens March 1; rolling until filled (single-week enrollment opens May 1 if slots remain)
Cost: $2,400 (in-person); $1,800 (online)
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA / Online
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently in grades 9–12; recommended to have As/Bs in science courses and at least one year of high school biology
This three-week program offers a college-style introduction to biomedical research through daily lectures led by Stanford graduate students, postdocs, and faculty. You’ll explore key domains including immunology, neuroscience, regenerative and stem cell medicine, cancer biology, bioengineering, and bioinformatics. In-person students also participate in on-campus site visits, while online students join via a structured webinar format. The program emphasizes understanding current research methods and applications, and includes guidance from current med and grad students on pathways into biomedical fields.
Image source – Girls Who Code