12 Best Online Extracurricular Activities + Programs for High School Students
Exploring extracurricular activities during the summer is a practical way to deepen your interests and build new skills outside of school. Whether it’s an online course, virtual internship, or remote research opportunity, these programs help you apply what you’ve learned in class to real-world situations.
Many respected colleges, nonprofits, and research institutions now offer online programs designed for high school students. These options are often free or low-cost and don’t require travel, making them more accessible than traditional in-person experiences.
Strong extracurriculars can also support your college applications by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and academic commitment. To help you get started, we’ve highlighted a few standout online programs worth considering—each offering a structured, meaningful way to explore your interests this summer.
12 Best Online Extracurricular Activities for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: July 28 – August 22
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall and living in Washington state
The Coding for Cancer program gives high school students the chance to explore the field of biomedical research and understand the important role of coding in cancer research. Even if you’ve never programmed before, you’ll learn the R language through interactive sessions led by computational biologists and science education staff. You'll explore cancer biology, build essential coding skills, and work independently on a research project. The course is split into two halves: skills and knowledge in the first, and application in the second. You’ll receive a Credly badge marking your successful participation and achievement.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a remote internship program built for ambitious high school students looking to work with real start-ups. The program partners with high-growth companies in industries like AI/ML, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. These start-ups have raised an average of over $1 million and are looking for driven interns. As an intern, you’ll be mentored by both a company manager and a Ladder Coach throughout the eight-week experience. You will work on real projects and present your results to your teams at the end. It’s a structured yet flexible way to gain real-world experience from home.
3. NASA’s OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on cohort
Dates: Various cohorts from mid-January to mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; Full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application; 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
If you’ve ever dreamed of working alongside rocket scientists, NASA’s OSTEM Internships bring you one step closer. These internships for high school and college students let you work directly with professionals in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You’ll gain hands-on experience through part-time or full-time placements at a NASA center or facility. Mentors include research scientists, engineers, and experts in various disciplines who help guide your growth. With three application cycles per year, there are multiple chances to join. Along the way, you’ll build your resume and develop critical career skills for the future.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program type; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement (at least an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); No previous experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a challenging academic experience designed specifically for high school students. In this program, you will have the opportunity to engage in individualized, 1-on-1 research in a variety of disciplines. Throughout the 12-week program, you’ll be guided by a Ph.D. mentor to conduct original research and create your own paper. You can choose to explore topics like psychology, computer science, international relations, chemistry, and more. See here to learn more about the application process and available research areas.
5. Stanford AIMI – Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program; Preference for students with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship introduces you to the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine through a two-week virtual experience. You’ll attend technical lectures on AI in healthcare, participate in group work sessions, and engage in research guided by Stanford mentors. The program also features guest speakers from academia, industry, government, and nonprofits during career-oriented Lunch and Learns. You may also be eligible for a longer independent research internship after the main program. A Certificate of Completion is awarded to students who successfully complete the program.
6. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual/ In-person/ Hybrid
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18 (remote internships)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University gives high school and college students the chance to work one-on-one with faculty mentors on real research. You'll explore fields like neuroscience, data science, nanoscience, and environmental policy using cutting-edge equipment. From writing scientific reports to attending career panels, this program helps you grow as a researcher. You’ll also participate in forums and meet STEM professionals to explore various careers. Past students have even published in journals and presented at conferences. If you're curious about the scientific process and want in-depth research exposure, ASSIP offers a rigorous, diverse summer experience.
7. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Dates: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: High school students; For students under the age of 18, an official District of Columbia Work Permit must be submitted with the application
This internship program from the American Psychological Association offers a practical pathway for students interested in applying psychological theory in non-clinical settings. You'll be placed in departments aligned with your interests, including research, education, operations, or communications. Throughout your time at APA, you'll receive daily mentorship, complete projects, and join optional programming that supports your career exploration. The APA Internship Program emphasizes experiential learning and fosters growth through real-world applications of psychology. Participating in this internship helps you build skills in teamwork, communication, and workplace problem-solving in an influential nonprofit environment.
8. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship
Location: Virtual or in-person (Philadelphia, PA)
Stipend: A Limited number of paid internship spots are available
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Dates:
Spring: February – May
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – December
Eligibility: High school students
The FPRI Internship is your chance to dive into global issues while working with top minds in foreign policy. Internships are available year-round and include roles in research, special events, communications, and operations. You’ll be paired with experienced professionals who’ll mentor you on both subject matter and career skills. From writing for Intern Corner to attending weekly guest lectures, this internship is immersive and rigorous. Whether you’re assisting with event logistics or conducting foreign policy research, you’ll develop essential skills for a future in international affairs and make lasting professional connections.
9. Camp Zon by Zon Lab
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid; the stipend amount is not specified
Application Deadline: April 27
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Eligibility: High school or rising college freshmen; 16+ and residing in Massachusetts
Camp Zon is a two-week, paid virtual program where high school students explore the world of scientific research through the lens of zebrafish biology. You’ll join a team, develop hypotheses, and analyze data from live lab experiments designed around anemia studies. The experience includes daily expert-led lectures and interactive sessions in coding and literature review. Zon Lab team members will review your group's findings towards the end of the camp. The program also features a mentoring session with Dr. Len Zon and a career-focused panel, helping you connect scientific learning with future opportunities.
10. Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Dates: 5 weeks from July to August
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in the U.S. or Canada
JHIBS is a five-week virtual summer internship from Johns Hopkins for high school juniors and seniors across the U.S. Through this experience, you’ll explore neuroscience via educational lectures, research technique lessons, and mentoring opportunities. You'll learn foundational lab procedures and work on activities aimed at preparing you for a career in scientific research. The internship also includes professional development and mentorship workshops to strengthen your academic goals. If you complete the course, you will receive a Johns Hopkins certificate of completion. JHIBS supports students interested in brain science by offering early exposure to the research process and building a supportive environment for long-term success.
11. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program
Location: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: Dates vary depending on the internship you apply for
Eligibility: Students under 18 must complete and upload a parental consent form
The Smithsonian Science Education Center invites high school students to join their paid internship program focused on STEM education. You'll have the chance to create learning content, build digital media strategies, and assist in highlighting stories that promote inclusivity in science. From supporting curriculum innovation to managing digital outreach, every project connects to real classrooms. These internships are available in flexible formats—remote, hybrid, or in-person—and are not tied to lab or museum settings. You'll gain professional skills while helping transform how science is taught across schools.
12. USC Center for the Political Future Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application Deadline: May 19
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students; Minimum GPA of 3.5
The USC Center for the Political Future (CPF) offers a fully online summer internship for high school students interested in politics and environmental policy. In collaboration with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, this internship guides you through two key projects: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis. You'll select a bill related to environmental policy or sustainability at any government level—passed, pending, or failed. The experience emphasizes political analysis, research, and writing, providing you with valuable exposure to legislative systems. This selective internship is a unique opportunity to explore real-world policy issues from a remote setting.