15 Academic Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student, academic programs can be a worthwhile way to explore new subjects, experience college-style learning, and figure out your interest areas. Rather than just focusing on a textbook study, you’ll explore topics through projects, discussions, experiments, or workshops. These programs are available in different formats, ranging from weekend sessions to short research experiences to multi-week classes, allowing you to choose an option that fits your schedule and interests. Academic programs for high school students are available across STEM, humanities, business, social sciences, and the arts, making it easier to decide on a potential area of study later. You’ll also learn from qualified instructors, interact with students who share similar interests, and gain exposure to college life.
If you want to look at other programs available, check out a list of free leadership programs here, or if you want to explore the coding route, find a list of programs here!
Why should I do an academic program in high school?
These programs offer useful skills, industry exposure, and helpful connections, without being a costly option. Many top universities offer these programs for high school students to explore college-level coursework, work on group projects, and, in some cases, earn college credit. Even if you are undecided about your future, academic programs offer an accessible way to explore new fields and learn more about yourself. They can also strengthen your academic portfolio, which can help with college applications and future opportunities.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 20 academic programs for high school students.
Quick Look
20 academic programs total spanning credit-bearing university coursework, independent research, and state-sponsored governor's schools, hosted by institutions including Columbia, Brown, MIT, and the University of Chicago
New Jersey's two Governor's Schools (Sciences at Drew University and Engineering at Rutgers) are the only fully free, state-nominated programs on this list, both requiring nomination by your school during junior year
Columbia University appears three times through distinct programs: College Edge and SHAPE both offer credit-bearing coursework during the summer, while Academic Year Weekend runs virtually during the fall and spring semesters
Costs vary enormously, from fully free options like MITES Summer and USC Bovard Scholars to premium residential programs like Brown's Pre-Baccalaureate Program (up to $17,935) and Columbia's SHAPE (up to $10,705)
The earliest deadlines are the two NJ Governor's Schools (January 8), followed by USC Bovard Scholars (January 16) and Georgetown's College Prep Program (January 31), so students targeting these should begin preparing materials well before the new year
1. Georgetown University's College Prep Program
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $7,113 tuition per class plus $2,542 (housing) plus $2,506 (additional fees) plus $50 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 5 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 31 (early deadline) | April 30 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Current 9th - 12th grade students with at least a GPA of 3.0
Georgetown University's College Prep Program allows high school students to earn college credit by enrolling in a university course alongside Georgetown undergraduates. You’ll choose one 3- or 4-credit course from a set list, which runs from Monday through Thursday for two hours each day. You can expect a typical college workload, including readings, group projects, quizzes, essays, midterms, and final exams. In addition to your course, you’ll take part in college prep seminars covering diagnostic testing, academic and test preparation, and the college search process. You’ll complete three diagnostic SAT and ACT tests, learn strategies to improve your scores, and receive guidance on building a strong college list. You can also have access to the university writing center and the college admissions workshop. After completing all your requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of participation.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program; complete financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10 - 25%
Dates: Several cohorts run in fall, summer, winter, and spring; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous 12-week research program for high school students. You’ll work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to design and complete an independent research project. You can choose a topic in STEM, the humanities, or social sciences, and you receive guidance from research method workshops and writing support. A writing coach helps you develop an academic paper. You can select research topics from subjects such as psychology, data science, physics, economics, computer science, chemistry, engineering, international relations, linguistics, and more. If your exact interest isn’t listed, you can work with your mentor to create a custom topic. While the program isn’t affiliated with a specific university, it may help participants earn UCSD credit. You can find more details about the application here.
3. The Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in the Sciences (GSNJS)
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 85 - 100 students
Dates: July 12 - August 1
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: New Jersey high school juniors must be nominated by their schools before applying; applications must be submitted in the fall of junior year, and the program runs the following summer
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in the Sciences (GSNJS) is a residential program hosted at Drew University that will allow students to explore college-level science. You’ll learn from Drew faculty, high school teachers, local college professors, and professionals from government and industry labs. You’ll enroll in three core courses offered four times a week in subjects such as biology, psychology, math, anthropology, chemistry, and physics, covering material not usually offered in high school. You’ll also choose one lab course such as Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or Forensic Anthropology. Three afternoons a week are dedicated to team research projects, where you’ll work in small groups with faculty mentors and present your results at a final conference. Research options include archaeology, psychology, chemistry, environmental biology, and mathematical physics. GSNJS also features a career day, guest speakers, a talent show, and a closing banquet for students, guests, and staff.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 26%; horizon seminar classes typically include 3 - 6 students, while horizon labs offers one-on-one mentorship
Dates: Winter, spring, and fall cohorts run for 15 weeks, and the summer cohort runs for 10 weeks from June to September
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the winter, spring, summer, and fall cohorts; the deadline for the winter cohort is November 23
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher can apply; most participants are in 10th or 11th grade, though some tracks have extra requirements that you can check out here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in fields such as physics, neuroscience, engineering, data science, economics, biotechnology, and more. Once you select a particular subject track, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. You can choose either a qualitative or quantitative research approach to solve a research question. You’ll work one-on-one with your mentor, who’ll guide you and provide feedback on your project. You’ll also complete a 20-page research paper as a high school student that you can submit to prestigious journals for publication. You’ll receive a recommendation letter to support future research or college applications. Application details are available here.
5. Brown University’s Pre-Baccalaureate Program
Location: Online via Canvas, Brown’s Learning Management System
Cost/Stipend: $8,973 (one course) | $17,935 (two courses) plus $10 academic records fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 - July 31
Application Deadline: January 14 - May 8
Eligibility: Rising or recently graduated high school seniors who are at least 17 years old by June 14
The Brown University Pre-Baccalaureate Program is a selective, credit-bearing option for students who are interested in completing college work. You’ll take brown summer session courses alongside undergraduates, choosing from subjects open to first- and second-year students in the sciences, math, social sciences, and humanities. Course offerings include linguistics, economics, math, German, psychology, Greek mythology, literature, and more. These courses follow a seven-week schedule, with six weeks of instruction followed by a final week for exams, papers, or presentations. They are semester-long courses condensed into a fast-paced summer format. You can take up to two online courses, and each course earns brown academic credit that may count toward advanced standing in college. Throughout the program, you’ll work with scholars, strengthen key academic skills, and get early exposure to brown’s student-centered learning approach.
6. Rowan University's STEAM Academy — Navigators & Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 - $3,900 (Navigators) | $4,200 (Pathfinders)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 - 120 students
Dates: July 5 - 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can apply to the Navigators program, and students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can apply to the Pathfinders program
Rowan University's STEAM Academy offers college-level summer courses taught by Rowan faculty in both STEM and the arts. You can join a program based on your grade and experience. Navigators give you an early college experience where you’ll take an accredited Rowan course each day and spend your afternoon in workshops on test preparation, conflict resolution, career planning, and leadership. Weekend activities are optional and can include field trips to places like the Edelman Fossil Museum, local theaters, and community events. Pathfinders is a two-week program for high-achieving students interested in research. You’ll take a Rowan course in the morning and spend the afternoons on scholar-leader development with faculty support. Course options include Leading Among Diverse Perspectives, Java Development, and Engineers of the Future.
7. USC Bovard Scholars
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; student-to-staff ratio is 3:1
Dates: July 13 - August 1
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors with a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher, who are currently taking Algebra II or Trigonometry, and can demonstrate financial need
The USC Bovard Scholars Program is a fully funded three-week experience for high-achieving high school students. You’ll develop skills in critical thinking, SAT and ACT preparation, college applications, research, and career planning. You’ll be paired with a coach who will continue to stay with you after the summer to support your test preparation and provide guidance on college and scholarship applications. The program includes group activities, scholarship searches, goal-setting sessions, workplace visits in L.A., and conversations with current college students and recent grads. You’ll also take full-length practice exams in a real testing environment. The support will continue into your senior year, with your coach helping you through applications in the fall and offering guidance in the spring as you make your final college decision.
8. NJ GEAR UP/College Bound Program
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 20 weeks after school and Saturdays (academic-year program) | 4 - 6 weeks (summer program)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; you can find the application here
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 - 12 who live in the city of Newark, meet family income requirements, and attend one of the target schools
NJ GEAR UP/College Bound is a pre-college program for Newark public school students. You’ll spend time on a college campus while getting tutoring, mentoring, and culturally enriching experiences. The program will help you strengthen your maths, science, and communication skills and offer guidance through counseling and career exploration. You’ll build leadership skills through activities, mediation training, cultural events, and academic competitions. Mentoring and special lectures will introduce you to minority role models. There are parent workshops that cover topics such as computer literacy, motivation, teen well-being, parenting, and strategies to support good learning habits at home. The program will also provide early exposure to academic content that helps to make the college transition easier.
9. Columbia University's Pre-College Program — College Edge: Summer
Location: Columbia University campus, New York, NY (Commuter Program)
Cost/Stipend: $2,574 per point plus $80 non-refundable application fee plus at least $50 for course materials
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 25 - July 3 (Session A) | July 6 - August 14 (Session B)
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
Columbia University’s College Edge program allows high school students to take university courses for credit alongside undergraduate students. You’ll experience college academics while exploring your interests, strengths, and future goals. You’ll choose from a wide range of courses, such as physics, math, psychology, history, germanic languages, and statistics. You can take up to 6 points (two courses) during the summer session. Before registering, you’ll meet with your academic advisor, who will help you choose appropriate classes and guide you through the process. All courses meet on campus, and you should plan for two to three hours of studying for every hour spent in class. In addition to coursework, you’ll also attend workshops, seminars, and lectures that focus on college and career preparation, leadership development, and connecting with students from diverse backgrounds.
10. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at CMU
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 7%
Dates: June 15 and 16 (virtual jumpstart) | June 20 - August 1 (in-person session)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years of age by June 20
Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science offers high school students hands-on STEM research experience. You start with virtual training to build core skills, then transition to on-campus for classes with CMU faculty, lab sessions, seminars, and a research project supported by faculty or graduate student mentors. You’ll also take quantitative and computational skill seminars in maths and science. The program includes a credit-bearing course, Student to Scholar, that will help you prepare for college-level work. You’ll attend workshops on research, careers, admissions, and financial aid led by professionals, alumni, and staff. You’ll also have access to tutoring, mentoring, and coaching. You’ll present your work at a full-day symposium. You can also join ongoing virtual sessions on topics such as FAFSA, budgeting, college prep, and other college enrichment opportunities.
11. The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 100 students each year, usually between 62 and 90
Dates: July 6 - 31
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: New Jersey high school juniors must be nominated by their schools before applying; applications must be submitted in the fall of junior year, and the program runs the following summer
The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering and Technology at Rutgers is a residential program for top high school students in the state. It is hosted by the Rutgers School of Engineering campus and does not include grades or college credit. You’ll take four courses, including core classes like physics and robotics, along with two electives. Past electives have included topics such as materials science, earthquake-resistant structures, micro- and nanofabrication, RC flight, game design, medical advancements, introductory electronics for robotics, and virtual research. You’ll also work in small teams of three or four on a hands-on research and design project. Each group takes up an original problem, writes a research paper, and presents at a symposium attended by professionals, professors, and guests. You’ll also visit local companies, attend workshops, and participate in activities with faculty and other students from across New Jersey. You’ll develop your skills, explore engineering fields, and learn about potential careers.
12. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free, but students must cover their transportation costs to and from MIT
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 3%
Dates: Six weeks from late June to early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MITES Summer is a six-week residential program at MIT for high school juniors interested in STEM. You’ll take up to five college-level courses across science, maths, and the humanities. During orientation, you’ll complete a placement test that decides your classes in math, physics, life sciences, and humanities. You can choose a project-based elective in STEM fields such as genomics, engineering design, architecture, electronics, and machine learning. You’ll get one-on-one mentoring from STEM professionals, join group discussions, tour MIT labs, and visit companies that employ MIT graduates. The program also offers STEM seminars and helps with college admissions support. Instructors give you a detailed end-of-course report with notes describing your growth, strengths, and contributions. You’ll also develop your critical thinking, academic, and research skills.
13. Columbia University's Academic Year Weekend
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,810 per session for a single course ($2,700 for each additional course) plus at least $50 for course materials plus $80 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 22 students per class
Dates: September 19 - December 7 (fall session) | January 23 - March 29 (spring session)
Application Deadline: August 27 (fall session) | December 15 (spring session)
Eligibility: Domestic and international students enrolled in grades 9 - 12
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend is a 10-week online learning program where high school students take interactive virtual courses and participate in student life activities. You can sign up for up to four two-hour courses taught on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Instructors teach subjects such as social psychology, economics, marketing, academic research, political science, law, finance, and STEM, with most classes led by one instructor and a few classes taught by teams. Outside of class, you can join virtual clubs, participate in digital community groups with support from student life interns, and attend workshops, lectures, and seminars focused on college preparation and academic skills. Before and between classes, you can work on assignments, relax, or join enrichment activities such as leadership sessions or career workshops. After completing the program, you’ll receive a certification of participation and an evaluation letter that outlines your performance.
14. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) Summer Program
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, Los Angeles County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students are accepted each year, with a total of up to 90 students enrolled at a time
Dates: June 21 - July 17
Application Deadline: November 10 - February 23
Eligibility: Current 9th graders who live in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, or Ventura Counties can apply if they come from low-income families, are first-generation college-bound, and have opted for Geometry or Integrated Maths II
PAYS is a four-week residential program at Pomona College that offers high school students to take up college-level classes, work on projects, join workshops and cultural activities, and go on field trips. Once you’re admitted, you’ll remain connected with PAYS throughout your academic year for the next three years. In the summer, you’ll study a liberal arts curriculum taught by Pomona faculty, including math and critical inquiry seminars. You’ll also take electives led by Pomona students or PAYS alumni on topics such as the college survival guide or moments of management. Rising seniors can participate in research with Pomona faculty, with past projects in math, chemistry, sociology, and theater. You might even have the opportunity to publish your work. Juniors also get access to a 10-week SAT preparation program. Outside academics, you’ll participate in social events such as sports, pool parties, karaoke, and a talent show.
15. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $10,705 (residential) | $5,880 (commuter) | need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: With 18 classes of about 25 students each, the program admits around 450 students in total
Application Deadline: November 25 - March 2
Dates: July 6 - 24 | July 27 - August 14
Eligibility: High school students, including recent graduates, can apply, and anyone aged 16 years or above can choose the residential option
Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE program allows high school students to explore STEM through a project-based, college-level engineering course taught by Columbia faculty. Course options range from multiple disciplines, including mathematics, robotics, sustainable engineering, product design, biomedical engineering, solar energy, data science, chemical engineering, AI and machine learning, operations research, and cybersecurity. In addition to your main class, you’ll select an elective, a seminar run by Columbia students and staff where you’ll build skills and work on group projects. You’ll have access to the makerspace, which includes tools such as CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters, and several courses use it for hands-on prototyping. You’ll also attend workshops on public speaking and online presentation skills, participate in general college prep, and receive support from Columbia students.
16. NJIT’s Academy College Credit Courses for High School Students
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $660 per credit plus $60 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class sizes
Dates: July 8 - August 11 (summer; tentative) | September 6 - December 13 (fall) | January 24 - May 9 (spring)
Application Deadline: May 28 (summer) | September 3 (fall) | December 15 (spring)
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12
New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Academy College Credit Courses allow high school students to earn college credit before graduation. Classes are small and are taught by NJIT faculty. They run on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday in the summer session. You’ll receive your final grades on an official NJIT transcript that you can submit to NJIT or other universities. Course options include business, engineering, math, forensic science, computer science, and English. You might study topics such as business fundamentals, computer systems and programming, trigonometric functions and polar coordinates, engineering tools for design and simulation, or academic writing in English composition.
17. University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $8,900 (residential) | $5,850 (commuter) plus $50 application fee | need-based financial aid is available, ranging from $500 to $6,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 25 students per class
Dates: June 14 - July 4 | July 7 - 26
Application Deadline: January 22 (priority deadline) | March 5 (regular deadline) | April 15 (extended deadline)
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors aged 14 years or above
The University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program is a 3-week experience in which high school students take an undergraduate-level course. Each course is graded and worth 100 units of credit, which is the same as a full quarter-long course at UChicago. You’ll study one subject in depth and work closely with faculty, researchers, and other professionals through research projects, workshop discussions, and hands-on activities. Course options include creative writing, biotechnology, film and media, economics, neuroscience, developmental psychology, physics, philosophy, math, law, data science, public policy, molecular engineering, and more. Classes run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
18. Rutgers University's Pre-College Summer Scholars Program
Location: Virtual or in person at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $482 - $1,338 per credit plus $162 student fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session I begins on May 26, and Session II begins on July 6
Application Deadline: May 17 (session I) | June 28 (session II)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 16 - 18 years who have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
Rutgers University’s Pre-College Summer Scholars Program allows you to experience college learning at a major research institution. You can take up to two for-credit Rutgers – New Brunswick courses, offered either online or in-person. You’ll learn directly from university instructors alongside undergraduate students. With more than 60 options, you can explore subjects such as art history, digital filmmaking, biochemistry, environmental studies, kinesiology, theater, politics, philosophy, psychology, public speaking, US history, earth systems, math, international relations, and more. Online courses come in two formats: Synchronous classes meet on set days and times, and you’ll join remotely through web conferencing. Asynchronous classes don’t have live sessions, but you’ll follow weekly assignments, readings, videos, lectures, and exams at your own pace within the timelines set by your instructor. A few classes also require previous coursework or special permissions, so review the descriptions carefully before registering.
19. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: San Diego, Irvine, Davis, Santa Cruz, Merced, or Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,518 plus $46 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Each campus accepts 160 - 200 students
Dates: July 5 - 31 (UCI, UCSD) | July 5 - August 1 (UCD, UCLA, UCM, UCSC)
Application Deadline: January 7 - February 6
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9 - 12 with a GPA of 3.5 or above
COSMOS is a four-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll explore topics that go beyond the high school curriculum, work in advanced labs, and build skills useful for future STEM classes or careers. Each UC campus runs its own version of the program, called a cluster. Clusters cover fields such as computer science, engineering, robotics, ecology, math, biomedical sciences, materials science, physics, game theory, marine science, and astronomy. Depending on your selection, you might explore subjects such as quantum mechanics, climate science, nanotech, sustainable aviation, mathematical modeling in biology, chemical principles in everyday life, linear algebra, discrete math, or video game design. Each campus uses strong STEM teaching practices, but each program designs its curriculum around its own faculty and the campus's strengths in teaching and research.
20. Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $1,300 tuition plus $1,100 housing plus $100 non-refundable application fee; limited need-based financial aid is available; additional fees can be found here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 50% of applicants are accepted into the program; 15 students per class
Dates: June 21 - July 3 | July 5 - 17 | July 19 - 31
Application Deadline: Applications open in mid-January; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students who’ve finished at least one year of high school but haven’t graduated yet, including rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Michigan Math and Science Scholars program offers two-week courses focused on a single math or science topic. You can choose from subjects such as math, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, physics, psychology, biology, or even art and music. Course themes range from brain and behavior to graph theory, forensic physics, number theory, calculus, the Gale-Shapley algorithm, and introduction to quantum computing. You’ll have access to the labs, classrooms, and technology at the University of Michigan, as well as learn from its faculty, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates. During evenings, you’ll participate in group dinners and optional academic, social, or recreational activities. You’ll also have time for projects or computer lab work. On weekends, you can relax or join optional trips to spots like the U-M botanical garden, Cedar Point, or a baseball game.
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Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. Several programs, like Columbia's College Edge and SHAPE, and Brown's Pre-Baccalaureate Program, let you earn actual college credit. How does that differ from a program like Lumiere or MITES that doesn't offer institutional credit?
Credit-bearing programs like Columbia's College Edge, Brown's Pre-Baccalaureate Program, and NJIT's Academy College Credit Courses place you directly in coursework that appears on an official university transcript, which can sometimes transfer toward your future degree. Programs like Lumiere and MITES focus instead on independent research or intensive skill-building without offering transferable credit, but they often provide deeper mentorship or research experience that a standard course wouldn't include. If transferable credit matters to you specifically, prioritize the credit-bearing options; if you're more interested in research depth or specialized STEM training, the non-credit programs can offer more flexibility.
2. I'm a New Jersey resident. How do the two Governor's Schools compare, and can I apply to both?
The Governor's School of New Jersey in the Sciences at Drew University focuses on science, math, and interdisciplinary research across fields like biology, chemistry, and anthropology. The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering and Technology at Rutgers is more narrowly focused on engineering and technical design projects. Both require nomination by your school during junior year and are free, so if your school nominates you for both, you could technically apply to either, though most students choose the one that aligns with their stronger academic interest.
3. I'm not sure I want a full academic course. Are there shorter, less intensive options on this list?
Yes, several programs run for just one to two weeks. Rowan's STEAM Academy Pathfinders track and Michigan Math and Science Scholars both offer focused two-week sessions on a single subject rather than a full course load. Columbia's Academic Year Weekend is even lighter, running as a series of weekend classes during the school year rather than a summer immersion, making it a good option if you want to explore a subject without committing to a multi-week program.