Winter break offers you the chance to participate in academic enrichment programs that allow you to develop valuable technical skills and research experience as a high schooler. These programs provide a structured framework to explore specialized subjects such as mechanical engineering, data analytics, and collegiate-level humanities while maintaining your standard academic progress. They also support you in enhancing your college applications through verified certifications and professional networking opportunities, while also showcasing your ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Why should you choose Nevada as a high schooler?
Nevada presents a strategic opportunity for high school students, given the state’s ongoing development as a center for technology and aerospace industries, offering valuable access to industry leaders and Tier 1 research universities. As a resident, you can utilize the Nevada System of Higher Education’s robust dual-enrollment pathways, which allow you to earn transferable university credits at a significantly lower cost than out-of-state alternatives. The state’s focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) ensures that many local programs are directly aligned with high-demand professional certifications in fields like cybersecurity, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Choosing a program within the state allows you to build a professional network within the same geographic area where major global corporations are currently establishing new headquarters and innovation centers.
With that, here are 15 winter programs for high school students in Nevada that you should check out!
If you’re interested in other programs available at other times of the year, you could check out this article instead. Or, if you’d rather utilize your winter term in more competitive pursuits, this blog covers a list of science competitions for high schoolers.
15 Winter Programs for High School Students in Nevada
1. UNR Collegiate Academy
Location: Participating high schools throughout Nevada
Cost: $100 per course
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Classes follow the school district’s academic calendars and start on the first day of instruction
Application Deadline: Varies by semester and school
Eligibility: Nevada high school students with a minimum 2.5 GPA
This academic partnership allows you to undertake University of Nevada, Reno courses directly at your local high school campus. You will receive instruction from university-vetted teachers while utilizing the same academic materials and assessments as undergraduate students in Reno. The curriculum spans core disciplines such as advanced algebra, English composition, and history, with credits appearing on a permanent UNR transcript. You are granted remote access to university-level databases and UNR’s Knowledge Center library to support your scholarly work. This concurrent enrollment model is designed to facilitate a smooth transition into higher education by aligning your study habits with collegiate standards. Successful completion provides you with transferable credits that can significantly reduce your future university tuition costs.
2. CSN Dual Enrollment Program
Location: College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: $92 per course credit + additional technology fees; Reduced pricing available for Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Academic calendar
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who meet ACT / SAT / CSN Placement score criteria
During the CSN Dual Enrollment Program, you will register as a part-time student at the College of Southern Nevada to complete advanced coursework alongside matriculated college students. You can choose from a broad range of subjects, including cybersecurity, biomedical sciences, and hospitality management. The experience requires you to operate with the level of independence expected in a university setting, managing your own course schedule and academic deadlines.
3. Washoe County School District CTE Winter Internships
Location: Various organizations across Reno/Sparks, NV
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Internships start the second week of each semester and end the week before finals
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in WCSD
This work-based learning opportunity, part of Washoe County School District’s Career and Technical Education initiative, places you in a professional environment to gain workplace training and apply it to real-world projects. You will be matched with local industry partners, nonprofits, and government departments such as the City of Reno, PBS Reno, or Girls on the Run. You will be responsible for fulfilling specific job duties and learning objectives established by your site mentor. You will develop practical proficiency with specialized equipment and software tools used in the modern workplace.
4. UNLV Upward Bound Math & Science
Location: UNLV Campus, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (ages 13-19) with a stated desire to attend a college or university and an academic or personal need for the program; Must be first-generation college goers with a family income that meets U.S. DOE guidelines
UNLV Upward Bound Math & Science is an intensive academic program that requires you to participate in specialized STEM workshops held on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus every other Saturday. You will engage in laboratory-based research and an advanced mathematics curriculum designed to expand upon your standard high school education. You will receive mentorship from UNLV faculty and graduate students who assist you in navigating the complexities of scientific research and college applications. The curriculum also includes career exploration sessions that highlight high-demand professional paths in medicine, engineering, and technology.
5. UNR Upward Bound Math Science Programs
Location: UNR Campus, Reno, NV
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 246 students across all target schools and all programs
Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Income-qualified or first-generation students at target high schools (ages 13-19); The complete list of requirement criteria is available here
Similar to UNLV’s Upward Bound, the University of Nevada, Reno also offers the Upward Bound program to help you build STEM skills. The program utilizes a cohort model where you work alongside other high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds to solve complex scientific challenges. You will have access to university laboratories and research tools to conduct experiments and analyze results under the supervision of university researchers. Professional counselors are available to provide individualized support as you select college majors and research career opportunities.
6. Nevada INBRE Tribal Academy of Health and Science
Location: Nevada INBRE, Reno, NV
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: January – May (Academic year mentoring)
Application Deadline: Rolling throughout the year
Eligibility: Native American high school students who qualify for the Native American Fee Waiver
This program provides Native American youth with culturally relevant mentorship and academic support in the biomedical and health sciences. Available throughout the academic year, including the winter, it lets you participate in academic workshops and career exploration activities at the University of Nevada, Reno. You will work with faculty mentors to understand the research process and the academic requirements for medical and scientific careers. This initiative is designed to increase representation in the health professions while building your academic profile for university entry.
7. United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) – Nevada Delegation
Location: Students selected from local high schools in Nevada visit Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free; $10,000 college scholarship offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; 2 delegates chosen per state
Dates: March 7 – 14 for the summit in Washington (the selection period is in the winter)
Application Deadline: Nomination deadline: September 5; Application deadline: October 24
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors serving in an elected or appointed office
This highly prestigious program selects two Nevada student leaders to observe the federal government in action. While the actual program takes place in the spring in Washington, to even qualify for it, you must have served in a leadership role in a student government, civic, or educational organization for the full academic year leading up to the nomination period. The event itself is a week-long intensive study of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, including meetings with senators, cabinet members, and Supreme Court justices. To qualify, you must demonstrate high academic achievement and a clear understanding of American government and current events. The program concludes with the awarding of a significant undergraduate scholarship intended to support further studies in history or political science. This opportunity provides you with elite-level exposure to the inner workings of the United States government.
8. Johns Hopkins CTY Online Courses
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year, including winter
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders who meet JHU’s criteria
Johns Hopkins CTY Online Courses allows you to undertake specialized courses in disciplines such as astrophysics and computer science through a rigorous online platform. You will engage with an advanced curriculum specifically designed to challenge students who have exceeded the offerings of their local school systems. The courses are led by university-vetted instructors who provide intensive feedback on your analytical assignments and technical projects. Successful completion provides you with a formal academic record from one of the world’s leading research universities.
9. NYU Precollege
Location: Virtual (in-person options available at NYU)
Cost: $6,006 (3-credit courses); $8,008 (4-credit courses); $300 application fee and deposit
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: September 2 – December 11
Application Deadline: August 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The NYU Precollege program lets you enroll in credit-bearing undergraduate courses at New York University to experience collegiate-level academics from your home in Nevada. The program offers over 30 subject areas, including data science and business management, delivered via NYU’s digital learning management systems. You will participate in live lectures and collaborative seminars alongside a diverse group of international students and NYU faculty. Upon completion, you’ll earn transferable college credits.
10. Columbia University: Academic Year Weekend Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 per course
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: September 19 – December 7
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Current high school students
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend Program is an academic-year opportunity that lets you undertake undergraduate courses offered by Columbia University over the weekend. These classes are taught at the same level as experienced by Columbia students, with the same kind of grading scales and attendance policies applicable to college goers. Available subjects include advanced mathematics, economics, and environmental science. Successful completion results in an official Columbia University transcript, providing a significant credential for your college application portfolio.
11. MIT PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; Less than 50 students per batch
Dates: Phase 4: September 1 – December 31; Full program: January 1 – December 31
Application Deadline: Early December of the previous year
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors; USAMO or USAJMO qualifiers preferred; Must have received a grade A for a college-level proof-based math course or have participated in a summer math program
At MITES PRIMES-USA, you will conduct original research in theoretical mathematics or computer science under the guidance of MIT graduate students and faculty. During the winter, you will dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to an advanced research project, utilizing specialized mathematical software and academic archives. The program requires you to demonstrate an exceptional level of mathematical maturity and the ability to solve complex theoretical problems. You will engage in regular virtual consultations with your mentor to discuss your progress and refine your research methodology. The experience provides you with an elite credential for application to top-tier technical universities worldwide.
12. Virtual NSLI-Y (National Security Language Initiative for Youth)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 10 students per virtual classroom
Dates: 10 weeks during the academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18) residing in the U.S. who are beginner/novice-level learners in the selected target language
This U.S. State Department scholarship program provides you with intensive, no-cost instruction in a critical-need language such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. You will participate in live, interactive sessions led by native speakers and experienced educators to build foundational speaking, listening, and reading skills. The curriculum is designed to foster cultural diplomacy and global competency through real-world scenarios and peer collaboration. You will utilize specialized digital learning platforms to practice pronunciation and complete linguistic assignments. By participating, you’ll develop a technical skill set in a foreign language that is essential for future careers in international relations or national security.
13. Wolfram High School Winter Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: January 5 – 16
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students with strong math/coding skills
The Wolfram High School Winter Research Program is an intensive two-week program that focuses on the application of Wolfram Science and computational thinking to solve foundational scientific questions. You will attend technical lectures on the Wolfram Language and its use in modeling complex systems. The curriculum requires you to develop a “computational essay” based on original research you conduct during the program. You will receive guidance from expert mentors as you navigate large datasets and employ advanced algorithmic strategies. The program emphasizes technical precision, logical reasoning, and the ability to communicate scientific findings through code. If you’re interested in a career in computational science, this program is a solid pick.
14. The Stanford Daily High School Winter Workshops
Location: Virtual
Cost: $900 – $4,050
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: December 15 – January 9
Application Deadline: December 7
Eligibility: High school students interested in journalism and technology
The Stanford Daily High School Winter Workshops, led by editors and engineers from The Stanford Daily, provide you with a newsroom-integrated learning experience. You will choose from one of three tracks—Journalism, Tech Bootcamp, or Multimedia—to develop technical skills in news production and digital media. The curriculum focuses on investigative reporting techniques, data journalism, and the use of modern publishing software. You will participate in live workshops and collaborative projects that mirror a professional media environment. Upon completion, you’ll gain a portfolio of work and a professional evaluation from a top-tier collegiate publication.
15. Cornell University Summer/Winter Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,940 per credit
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: January 2 – 17 for the Winter cohort
Application Deadline: April 28 – June 2, depending on the batch
Eligibility: Rising and current high school juniors and seniors (ages 15-19), including international students
Cornell University allows you to take undergraduate courses in a variety of subjects, such as Marketing, Accounting, Art History, Biology, or Data Science, in a two-week intensive. You will be sorted into classes alongside current Cornell undergraduates and meet the same academic rigor and deadlines. You will also get the opportunity to earn 3-12 credits that can be applied to future degree requirements, as well as a Cornell transcript. Instructors provide virtual office hours and support to ensure your success in a fast-paced environment.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Cornell University