If you’re a high school student wanting to explore your academic interests and develop specialized skills, summer programs are a solid option for you. In Philadelphia, many universities, institutes, and organizations offer summer experiences that allow you to take advanced courses, launch a start-up, and even conduct independent research.
These summer programs provide access to innovative technologies and professional mentors, allowing you to acquire skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. They are an excellent way to start building expertise in your area of interest. Whether you want to write original poetry or learn how to navigate the research process, there’s a summer program that suits your interests.
Explore our list of 11 summer programs for high school students in Philadelphia!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
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 in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
2. Bloomberg Arts Internship Summer (BAI)
Location: Various locations in Philadelphia, PA
Program Duration: June 19 – August 16
Cost: Interns receive a stipend
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Philadelphia
Application Deadline: March 30
Subject Area: Arts, Nonprofit
Bloomberg Philanthropies has partnered with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to offer a paid internship program focused on the arts. This initiative places rising high school seniors in various arts and culture organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, including museums, historical sites, performing arts organizations, and more. In addition to building skills in arts administration, you will attend professional development sessions and participate in cultural activities.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
4. Temple University’s Pre-College Programs
Location: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Program Dates: Various dates in July – August
Cost: Varies according to program
Eligibility: Most programs are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; the Summer Academy is limited to rising juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: Deadlines differ according to programs
Subject Area: Ecology, Biodiversity, Law, Arts and more
Temple University offers high school students the chance to explore their interests through a variety of summer programs. The Pre-College Workshops have nearly thirty options—from Ecology and Biodiversity to Creative Writing. For those who want a more focused experience, the Summer Academy offers four week intensive studies in subjects like Sports Reporting and Robotics. The academy allows you to earn credit by selecting a course along with two workshops.
5. Drexel University’s Summer Programs
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Program Duration: Multiple programs offered during the summer
Cost: $450 – $3,475, based on the format
Eligibility: Varies by program; some are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while others accept only rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: Varies; some programs have early April deadlines, while others accept applications on a rolling basis
Subject Areas: Arts and Science, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, Engineering, Design, Business, Public Health, and more
Drexel University offers an array of summer programs in Philadelphia, ranging from one to two weeks across seven fields, including Arts and Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Medicine, and Public Health. Options include Camp Business, which teaches high school students the basics of accounting, marketing, finance, and management while enhancing leadership skills—ideal for future business majors.
6. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed their freshman year (9th grade) and be at least 15 years old by the program’s start and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Deadlines: April 5
Program Dates: July 6 – 26
Cost: $85 application fee + $8,500 program fee
Subject Area: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Computer Graphics, Nanotechnology, Networks, and Robotics
The Engineering Summer Academy at Penn offers high school students a college-level engineering experience. Over three weeks, you will take rigorous courses and complete projects in one of six courses: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Complex Networks, Computer Graphics, Nanotechnology, or Computer Science. In the Artificial Intelligence course, you’ll learn about generative AI and neural networks. Through ESAP, you will work closely with Penn’s faculty, live on campus, and earn college credit.
7. Biomedical Engineering STEM Summer Academy at Drexel University
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have completed at least one year of biology
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, applications open on January 1
Program Dates:
- Session I: July 7 – 11
- Session II: July 14 – 18
- Session III: July 21 – 25
- Session IV: July 28 – August 1
Cost: $1,200; need-based scholarships available.
Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering, STEM
The BIOMED Summer Academy at Drexel University offers a one-week STEM program for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. In this program, you will engage in interactive, hands-on activities that introduce essential laboratory and research skills, such as creating nanoparticles and measuring brain waves. The program features seminars, site visits, and presentations from industry experts, providing insights into both the academic and professional facets of the field.
8. MathILy at Bryn Mawr College
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
Application Deadline: April 30; late applications may be considered if spots are available
Program Dates: June 30 – August 3
Cost: $5,300; financial aid options are available
Subject Area: Mathematics
MathILy is an intensive 5-week residential summer program designed for mathematically talented high school students. It emphasizes advanced discrete mathematics through interactive classes, personalized instruction, and collaborative problem-solving. The program also features a “Week of Chaos,” a variety of short classes on diverse mathematical topics. This experience fosters mathematical learning in a supportive, inquiry-based environment. Through this program, you can try your hand at undergraduate and graduate-level problems while still in high school.
9. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ who are eligible to work in the U.S.
Application Deadline: November 10
Program Dates: June 18 – August 16
Cost: Paid internship
Subject Area: Biomedical Science, Medicine
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program aims to increase student interest in biomedical science and medicine careers, particularly within groups typically underrepresented in science. You will work 35 hours a week doing structured research under the guidance of Monell scientists. The program culminates in a conference where you will present your research to the scientific community, family, and friends. The program also includes an enrichment component through which you will attend lectures on topics ranging from the ethics of scientific research to effective communication.
10. Thomas Jefferson University Nursing Summer Training and Enrichment Program (STEP-UP)
Location: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA and online
Eligibility: High school students who will be in grade 11-12
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: July 1 – 26
Cost: No information available
Subject Area: Nursing
Nursing STEP-UP offers rising high school juniors and seniors an introduction to the nursing profession and its various disciplines. It offers a hybrid format that combines in-person experiences at Jefferson College of Nursing and field trips with online activities. In this program, you will receive college application preparation, including personal statement writing, resume writing, and SAT workshops. The program also features classroom learning and simulations, training in time management and study skills, and student mentoring.
11. The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age and have successfully completed one high school science course
Application Deadline: Information regarding applications for the program will be available in January
Program Dates: July – August
Cost: Students will receive a stipend of $1,000
Subject Area: Medicine, Biology, Biomedicine
The Wistar Institute’s High School Program in Biomedical Research offers students the opportunity to learn best practices in biomedical research, explore various career paths, and contribute to scientific projects. Spanning four weeks, the program teaches you how to read scientific literature. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research findings, refining your scientific communication skills. No previous research experience is required, and students from underrepresented backgrounds are specifically encouraged to apply.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
