15 College Summer Programs for High School Students
Why should you do a College Summer Program in High School?
If you’re a high school student eager to explore your interests and get a glimpse of college life, summer programs are the perfect place to start. These experiences go far beyond the classroom – giving high school students an exciting way to explore potential majors, experience campus life, and build the skills that prepare them for college.Through a mix of hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world projects, these programs open the doors to fields such as business, science, medicine, and the arts – helping you discover what truly inspires you even before you set your foot in college. Along the way, you’ll meet students from around the world, experience the excitement of college learning and build confidence for your future.
If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!
Here are 15 standout college summer programs for high school students that help you grow, learn, and get a head start on your college journey.
1. UWC Mahindra College Summer Programs
Location: UWC Mahindra College (Nanegaon, Maharashtra, India)
Fees: Rs 30,000 – Rs 1,90,000 (scholarships available)
Program Dates: June
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 (some courses may have specific requirements)
If you care about issues such as sustainability, social justice, or identity, the UWC Mahindra College Summer Programs for high school students offer a way to dive in. Each week-long course blends workshops, fieldwork, and discussions led by experts in topics such as environmental education, youth leadership, and modern slavery studies. You’ll collaborate with students from around the world, explore real-world challenges, and learn how to turn your ideas into action.
2. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program
Location: Virtual / Online
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Dates: 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students globally, with strong academic performance and financial need
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program gives high school students an opportunity to do real, independent research alongside top PhD mentors. Over 12 weeks, you’ll dive into a subject that you’re passionate about – whether it's biology, data science, economics, engineering, or any other field, and receive personalized guidance through mentorship and coaching programs. By the end of the program, you’ll learn how to design a research question, analyze data and write a research paper or project. Best of all, the program is free to selected participants through the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which covers the cost for talented students from under-resourced backgrounds.
3. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Program (Virtual Track)
Location: Online
Fees: Rs 1,44,400 ($1,738) approximately, plus registration and service fees; limited financial aid available
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: June 3
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 who have completed grades 10 or 11 with at least a B average (international students must meet English requirements)
This virtual summer program from UC Berkeley lets you experience the challenge and excitement of college learning, right from home. You’ll choose from a wide range of subjects — from mythology and literature to economics, design, and computer science — all taught by Berkeley’s world-class faculty. Along the way, you’ll even earn college credit, connect with other students and get a taste of what it is like to study at a top university. This is a good way to explore your academic interests and give your college applications a strong boost.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starting from $2,490; Financial aid available
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program that gives high school students an opportunity to work with fast-growing startups from around the world. Over the course of the eight-week virtual internship, you’ll join a real company – many of which have raised over a million dollars – and contribute to projects in fields such as tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You’ll work closely with your manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on real-world projects, gaining practical experience and professional mentorship. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work to the company and walk away with valuable skills, confidence and insights into the fast-paced world of startups.
5. Ashoka University Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Ashoka University, Haryana, India (residential program)
Fees: Rs 49,500 (YSP) | Rs 5,000 (YSP Advanced); financial aid available
Program Dates: Session 1: May 20–31 | Session 2: June 3–14
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 (as of May of the intake year)
The Young Scholars Program at Ashoka University is a college summer experience for high school students who want a real taste of university life and learning. Over one to two weeks, you’ll take part in lectures, workshops, projects, and discussions that explore diverse subjects, ranging from economics, liberal arts and data science to entrepreneurship and social impact. The Advanced track offers an expanded experience, allowing you to dive deeper into learning and connect ideas across multiple subjects. This is a good way to challenge yourself and discover new academic interests in a supportive, collaborative environment.
6. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual
Fees: Approx. Rs 2,95,000 ($3,550); financial aid available
Program Dates: Session 1: June 17–July 5 | Session 2: July 8–26
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11
SUMaC is a selective math program designed for students who love math and want to push their limits. Each summer, about 60 talented students come together to dive deep into advanced mathematics through interactive lectures, problem-solving sessions, and collaborative projects. You’ll work on fascinating mathematical concepts beyond what’s taught in school and experience what it’s like to think like a mathematician. Along the way, you’ll connect with a community of other students who share your passion for math.
7. Harvard University Secondary School Program (SSP)
Location: Online or in-person (commuter and residential options)
Fees: $3,700 (4 credits) or $7,400 (8 credits) + $75 application fee
Program Dates: June 24 – August 10
Application Deadlines: January 10 (Early) | February 14 (Regular) | April 10 (Late)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who are at least 16 years old by July
Harvard’s 7-week Secondary School Program (SSP) lets high school students experience college life firsthand by taking real Harvard college courses and earning official Harvard credits. You’ll choose from a variety of subjects, from the sciences and humanities to business, technology, and the arts—while learning alongside professors and students from around the world. Beyond academics, SSP offers social events and community activities that help you connect, collaborate and grow. Students leave the program with new friendships, valuable college experiences and a clearer sense of what they want to study in college — and where they want to go next.
8. Symbiosis Summer School
Location: Symbiosis Centre for International Education, Pune, Maharashtra
Fees: Rs 45,000 (50% discount for dependents of Symbiosis employees)
Program Dates: May 13–25
Application Deadline: Rolling (first-come, first-served)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12
If you’re still exploring your interests and unsure what to study in college, the Symbiosis Summer School is a great place to start. Over two weeks, you’ll get to explore a wide range of subjects such as law, management, architecture, journalism, medicine, and computer science through workshops, lectures, and seminars. The program also includes career talks and interactive sessions with industry experts, who’ll give you a real sense of what each field is like in practice. It’s a fun way to discover your goals and make more confident choices about your college path.
9. Health and Society Institute, Barnard College
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small group format
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Tuition-based
Program dates: Summer
Application deadline: Contact program for details
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This program invites high school students to explore how science, medicine, culture, and human experience intersect in shaping our understanding of health and care. You’ll dive into topics such as public health, healing traditions, and medical ethics through discussions, readings, and a small research project. Guided by scholars, doctors, and journalists, you’ll learn how different fields—from anthropology to biology—shape our understanding of health and care. It’s ideal if you’re interested in both science and the humanities, and want to explore healthcare from a broader perspective.
10. College Edge: Academic Year Columbia University
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, New York, NY
Cost: Tuition-based; college credits awarded
Program dates: Fall 2025: September 2 – December 19 Spring 2026: January 20 – May 15
Application deadline: Rolling (apply before term start)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The College Edge Program at Columbia University lets high school students experience real Ivy League academics before college. You’ll take actual Columbia University classes alongside undergraduate students, earn official college credit, and receive personalized academic advising to guide your journey. It’s a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, explore subjects that spark your curiosity and explore what life is at Columbia University, all while building the confidence and skills you need to excel in college.
11. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free (fully funded for all accepted students)
Program Dates: Summer (6 weeks, June–August)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in fall and closes in December
Eligibility: High school juniors; seniors are not eligible
Research Science Institute (RSI) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology gives high school students a taste of what it’s like to be a scientist. The summer program combines advanced STEM coursework with a five-week mentored research internship. You’ll design and carry out your own research project, read scientific papers, and present your findings in a conference-style setting – just like real scientists do. Recognized as one of the most competitive summer research programs in the world — RSI is ideal for students who are deeply passionate about science, technology, and the thrill of discovery.
12. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Around $6,500 (financial aid available; scholarships offered for select students)
Program Dates: Session I: June 21–July 3 | Session II: July 5–17 | Session III: July 19–31
Application Deadline: Opens in fall; exact 2026 deadline TBA
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 who are current high school sophomores or juniors
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a two-week academic and cultural experience that brings together bright students from over 150 countries. You’ll join one of three tracks — Innovations in Science & Technology, Politics of Law & Economics, or Solving Global Challenges. You’ll dive into lectures, discussions, and workshops led by Yale faculty and researchers. Beyond academics, you’ll collaborate with other students from around the world, exchange ideas and explore diverse perspectives on leadership, innovation and problem-solving.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Stanford University, California (Residential & Online options)
Cost: Approximately $3,500–$5,000 per session (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Session I: June 16–27 | Session II: July 7–18
Application Deadline: Opens in winter; deadline typically in February
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
Stanford’s Summer Institutes gives high school students an opportunity to experience college-level learning in an inspiring environment. Over two weeks, you’ll dive deep into a subject you love — from engineering and computer science to philosophy and creative writing. The courses are academically challenging but designed to encourage curiosity and collaboration. Classes are small, interactive and led by Stanford instructors who encourage curiosity and critical thinking. Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll experience the academic standards and excitement of Stanford’s learning environment – while connecting with other students from around the world.
14. NYU Tisch Summer High School Program
Location: New York University (NYU), New York City, NY
Cost: Tuition-based (includes 4–6 college credits); housing required for all participants
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors
This four-week residential program at New York University (NYU) is a dream come true for aspiring artists and creators in high school. You’ll get to choose from exciting tracks such as filmmaking, drama, game design, dance, and photography — each modeled after Tisch’s undergraduate courses. During your time on campus, you’ll work with NYU faculty, collaborate with other students and bring your artistic vision to life through professional-level projects. The program wraps up with showcases and presentations where you get to share your work with family and friends.
15. Harvard Pre-College Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (Residential only)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Session I: June 21–July 2 | Session II: July 5–17 | Session III: July 19–31
Application Deadlines: Early: January 7 | Regular: February 11 | Late: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 16–18 (not older than 19 by July 31)
Harvard’s Pre-College Program gives high school students a taste of college life through a two-week residential experience. You’ll live on campus, take a college-level course, and engage in lively discussions with classmates from around the world. Beyond academics, you’ll join workshops and social activities that help you grow as a thinker and communicator. This is an inspiring way to experience Harvard’s academic culture and explore potential majors before heading to college.
Image source - UWC Mahindra College logo