15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Boston
High school is a great time to explore new interests, build practical skills, and gain early exposure to fields you might want to pursue in college. One of the best ways to do that is through structured summer programs, especially those that offer you practical experience in a field you like. Summer programs for high schoolers, typically offered by universities and organizations, allow you to learn beyond the classroom and connect with professors and professionals. Free programs are typically competitive, making them valuable additions to your college applications.
Boston is home to many universities, labs, and organizations that offer high-quality opportunities that help you develop academic, research, and professional skills. These programs often include workshops, fieldwork, team projects, and presentations that help you gain industry insights. Whether you are interested in STEM, the arts, or healthcare, the city has plenty of programs to offer. To help you get started, we have put together 15 free summer programs for high school students in Boston.
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (Greater Boston), MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 100 students/year
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the RSI academic prerequisites
At RSI, you will first participate in week-long seminars covering topics in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, math, and the humanities. During the next five weeks, you will engage in research, working with a mentor to design and complete an independent project. Most of your time is spent in a lab or research environment, using advanced equipment and resources to advance your research. The program also features evening talks by scientists and industry professionals, along with instruction on writing research papers and preparing conference-style presentations. You will showcase your final project to peers and experts, standing a chance to receive special recognition for your work. Beyond research, the program includes group outings and community activities around Boston.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program; 100% financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates vary
Application deadline: May deadlines for summer cohorts
Eligibility: Students, from high school to undergraduate level, who can work for 10 to 20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that offers high school students internships at rapidly growing start-ups. Many of these start-ups are expanding quickly, with several having secured over a million dollars in funding. During your internship, you will work directly with an emerging organization in areas like technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and related fields. You will collaborate with a manager on substantive, real-world projects and later present your work to the team. You will also have access to the guidance of a Ladder Coach throughout the program, helping you build workplace skills.
3. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center CURE
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: 7–11 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are at least 16 years old and reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts within the program site’s commuting distance
This summer program allows you to spend 7–11 weeks engaging in a mentored cancer research project at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. You will support biomedical studies and build technical skills through lab work, journal clubs, and research seminars. The program also includes structured professional development, offering training in scientific techniques and career-oriented workshops. Throughout the summer, you will participate in networking opportunities, such as career roundtables, informational interviews, and community events, alongside peers. By the end of the program, you will write an abstract, present your research findings, and potentially get to attend scientific conferences.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation’s Breakthrough Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None. The program is fully funded!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including in the summer
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and financial hardship
This free program, offered by the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, allows you to work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor who guides you through an independent research project. Over 12 weeks, you will work toward producing a full research paper based on your chosen topic. You can choose a research focus from subject areas like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations, among others. You will also work with a writing coach to understand how to present your research findings. You will leave the program with a completed research paper!
5. Tufts University’s Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)
Location: Tufts University, Medford (Greater Boston area), MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Application deadline: Not specified; application opens in February.
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 when the program starts and live in Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy, MA
The TUBERS program is an opportunity to spend six weeks conducting research in Tufts University’s biomedical engineering labs, where you will learn techniques used to investigate cells, tissues, and organs. You follow a mentor-guided daily schedule and engage in every step of the research process, from developing questions to performing experiments and analyzing results. Throughout the summer, you will focus on one specific topic within biomedical engineering and later present your work to peers, families, and teachers. You will work directly with professional researchers and receive support from undergraduate and graduate student mentors. You can also submit your research to local or national science fairs.
6. √mathroots @ MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated
Dates: July 1 – 15
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 – 18, who are U.S. citizens or attend high school in the U.S.
MIT’s √mathroots is a two-week program that allows you to explore mathematical ideas that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. You will participate in classes, group activities, and lectures led by instructors experienced in both competition math and research-level problem solving. You will gain exposure to mathematical proofs, creative strategies, and concepts that help you build your analytical thinking. Throughout the experience, you will connect with a community of peers who share your curiosity about mathematics. You will also work on challenging problems and games that help you understand how to think strategically and reason abstractly.
7. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $3,600 + partial transportation reimbursement available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending Massachusetts schools and residing within commuting distance to the Broad; applicants should have a B or higher in math and science, and hold U.S. citizenship
BSSP is a six-week research program where you will work with Broad Institute scientists on original projects in fields such as cancer biology, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and psychiatric research. You will gain experience in using experimental and computational methods while learning how large-scale biomedical research is conducted. Throughout the program, you will attend scientific talks, explore STEM careers, and participate in structured training sessions on poster creation and scientific communication. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at a scientific poster session attended by members of the Broad community. Alongside research, you will also participate in social events and connect with peers who share your interest in science.
8. Brigham and Women’s Hospital Youth Summer Program (YSP)
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) campus, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: Six weeks in the summer (dates vary); commitment of 30 hours/week required
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in February
Eligibility: High school students who are Boston residents and at least 16 years old by June 1
This free program allows you to contribute to operations on the Brigham and Women’s Hospital campus in departments such as radiology, transport, materials management, and research labs. You will take on real responsibilities while gaining exposure to a broad range of healthcare careers. Over six weeks, you will work for 30 hours each week within the assigned department and participate in professional development activities designed to help you understand workplace expectations and patient-centered care. The program also includes learning experiences focused on community health and the hospital’s approach to delivering care. As an intern, you will get to connect with healthcare professionals and observe how different teams contribute to hospital operations.
9. Young Scholars Program (YSP) @ Northeastern University
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend availability varies by year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are Massachusetts residents
In the Young Scholars Program, you will spend six weeks working in research labs within Northeastern’s Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences and connecting with college students. You will contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as agent-based modeling, battery chemistry, biotechnology, and model compression, based on your faculty assignment. Along with your lab work, you will attend an engineering seminar series in which faculty and graduate students introduce topics such as superconductivity, environmental challenges, robotics, and chemical analysis. The program also offers career exploration sessions led by Northeastern professors and co-op staff to help you explore engineering fields. Field visits to industry and government organizations and opportunities to connect with professionals in STEM are also part of the experience.
10. Tech Apprentice (Boston Private Industry Council)
Location: Various organizations in Boston, MA
Stipend: Minimum of $15/hour paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated
Dates: July – August (commitment of six to seven weeks)
Application deadline: Typically April
Eligibility: Boston Public Schools students who are at least 16 years old
Tech Apprentice, part of the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, allows you to gain hands-on experience by working at companies across Boston that need support with real tech projects. As a paid summer intern, you will work for six to seven weeks in a tech-focused role, building workplace skills and exploring what IT or computer science careers can look like. You will also get to experience professional settings firsthand and learn how technology functions within different industries. You might assist with helpdesk tasks, troubleshoot technical issues, or contribute to web design and programming assignments. Some placements involve quality control, social media work, or video production, offering you exposure to multiple areas within the tech industry.
11. Minds Matter Boston College Access Program
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a laptop or $1,000 stipend available upon program completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: Two summers (at partner universities) + weekly year-round engagement from September to May
Application deadline: Varies; applications open in Winter
Eligibility: Boston-area high school sophomores from low-income backgrounds with strong academic performance
Minds Matter Boston is a nonprofit that offers free college-focused support and guidance programs to high schoolers. As a participant, you will engage in weekly academic and college-prep sessions designed to guide you through the process of identifying and applying to your best-fit colleges. You will receive professional ACT instruction, undergo writing and critical thinking training, and access dedicated mentorship from two volunteer mentors. Additionally, you will get to attend two fully funded summer academic programs at top universities to explore college environments firsthand. The program curriculum covers topics like financial aid, personal essays, time management, and communication skills. After high school, the program will continue to support you through college with check-ins, resources, networking events, and career development opportunities, offering over 1,200 hours of support.
12. Mass General Brigham JLAb High School Program
Location: Mass General Brigham (Boston, MA)
Cost: Free; daily $10 lunch vouchers offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 21 – 24 | August 4 – 7; other four-day sessions during spring are also available
Application deadline: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older, have completed the 10th grade, and have passed a Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, or Medical Terminology course
In the JLAb program, you will spend four days learning about key areas of pathology and laboratory medicine through sessions with medical lab professionals. You will rotate through departments such as hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and the blood bank, where you will practice foundational techniques like pipetting, using microscopes, and preparing specimens. The program also features career panels and guided tours of labs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, offering you insights into how diagnostic testing contributes to patient care. Throughout the experience, you will observe real clinical processes and see how test results shape medical decisions.
13. LEAH Knox Scholars Program
Location: Sites in Cambridge and Boston, MA, including MIT and other university labs
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: First summer: July – August (five-week MIT lab experience); Second summer: Six weeks starting in the last week of June + school-year engagement in STEM events, teaching internship, and college prep support
Application deadline: Typically January – March
Eligibility: High school students attend schools in Boston, Cambridge, and Everett; applicants must be at least 16 years old.
The LEAH Knox Scholars Program offers a free two-summer opportunity to develop research skills through lab work, mentorship, and academic support. You will spend your first summer at MIT, where you will learn core lab techniques and strengthen your scientific communication abilities. In the following school year, you will work with a dedicated STEM mentor, attend monthly STEM-focused events, and receive an opportunity to participate in LEAH’s paid STEM teaching internship. In your second summer, the program will help you pursue placements in university or industry labs to add to your research experience. You will also engage in college preparation activities aimed at supporting your long-term academic and scientific goals. All parts of the program come with stipends.
14. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program @ Massachusetts General Hospital
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, recent high school graduates, and rising college first-years
This is a paid summer internship where you will spend 40 hours each week conducting mentored research in an MGH Neurology laboratory. The program begins with a multi-day bootcamp that offers training sessions, outlines lab expectations, and helps you develop key professional skills. Then, you get to collaborate closely with a faculty mentor and lab team on ongoing research projects and attend weekly educational sessions led by neurologists and neuroscientists. You may also join field trips, networking lunches, or other enrichment activities. At the end of the program, you will deliver a final presentation summarizing your research experience to mentors, peers, and families. Following the summer session, you will continue to receive program support through advising, networking opportunities, application assistance, and additional professional resources.
15. Boston Medical Center’s Junior Summer Volunteer Program (JSVP)
Location: Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: 70 students
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application deadline: April 3 or when the program receives 100 applications
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
JSVP allows you to spend eight weeks at the Boston Medical Center, assisting the staff within outpatient departments while gaining exposure to different areas of healthcare. You will complete a weekly three-hour volunteer shift, which might involve supporting the ambassador team, helping in the food pantry, or assisting in pediatric outpatient units. Each week also features a lecture from a healthcare professional, offering you structured insight into various hospital roles and career pathways. The program begins with an orientation and concludes with a recognition event. When you complete the program, you will receive official documentation of your volunteer hours along with a certificate you can use for college or job applications.
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