15 Fall Programs for High School Students

Looking for a way to make your fall semester more purposeful? Fall programs for high school students are an excellent way to continue learning outside the classroom. These programs combine academics with practical experiences, giving you the opportunity to develop skills in areas such as research, technology, or the arts. Many fall programs focus on mentorship and collaboration, which can be especially valuable as you begin exploring career pathways.

Why should I participate in a fall program in high school?

Unlike summer-only offerings, fall programs allow you to balance school while participating in structured, skill-building activities. They are an especially good choice if you want to explore a potential college major, gain exposure to industry practices, or build a portfolio of meaningful projects. Participating in a selective fall program can also help you stand out in the college admissions process by showing admissions officers that you were one of the top applicants nationally. Universities, research institutes, and educational organizations host these programs during the school year, and many are available virtually, so you can join from anywhere in the U.S.

We’ve rounded up 15 of the best fall programs for high school students. Whether you’re looking for an internship, a research mentorship, or a specialized workshop, this guide highlights options that can make your fall semester meaningful.

1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; varies by site and role
Location: Across NASA facilities nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend depends on academic level and session length
Dates: Fall session – late August/early September to mid-December
Application Deadline: January for the Fall session
Eligibility: Full-time high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers one of the most prestigious fall programs for high school students. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with NASA mentors across fields such as engineering, aeronautics, astrophysics, ecology, and technology development. You might analyze mission data, design prototypes, or support outreach initiatives, all while gaining direct insight into NASA’s cutting-edge research. This program is about more than just technical expertise – you’ll receive personalized mentorship, career guidance, and an inside look into the workings of one of the world’s leading scientific organizations.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots per cohort
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Dates: Fall cohort – September to November
Application Deadline: September for the Fall cohort
Eligibility: Open to ambitious high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week

Ladder Internships connect high school students with fast-growing startups worldwide, giving you a front-row seat into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation. During the program, you’ll be matched with a company in industries such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, or consulting, where you’ll contribute to real-world projects. You’ll work closely with a company manager and receive additional support from a Ladder Coach, ensuring structured guidance throughout the experience. By the end of the program, you’ll have completed tangible deliverables – often presented directly to the company leaders – giving you a portfolio of work to showcase in future college applications. Due to its virtual format, the program is accessible from anywhere in the world and flexible enough to accommodate your school commitments. 

3. Project TRUE – Wildlife Conservation Society & Fordham University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small research teams with near-peer mentors
Location: Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Fall interns receive a stipend of $350
Dates: Fall program meets Saturdays, September – December (following summer fieldwork)
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the Bronx; good academic standing required

Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) is a research program that introduces high school students to ecology and conservation science in New York City. This program, run in collaboration with Fordham University and the Wildlife Conservation Society, helps students explore how wildlife and ecosystems thrive in an urban environment. During the fall, you’ll extend the summer fieldwork by meeting weekly with other students to analyze data, refine their research, and present findings to other students,  scientists, and the public. Projects focus on fascinating topics such as mammal distribution, bird communities, invasive species, and water quality, all conducted in local ecosystems. You’ll work in small teams alongside Fordham undergraduates and mentors, acquiring practical skills in research design, data collection, and science communication. By the end of the program, you’ll not only gain practical ecological research experience but also join a network of alumni through the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; individualized mentorship model
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based (financial aid available)
Dates: Fall cohort – September to December
Application Deadline: September for Fall cohort (other deadlines in January, May, and November for different cohorts)
Eligibility: Open to high school students with a minimum 3.3 GPA; no prior research experience required

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is meant for high school students who are passionate about and want to experience real research. This program pairs students with Ph.D. mentors from top universities, who will guide them through the process of designing and completing an independent research project. Over the course of the fall term, you’ll work 1-on-1 with your mentor to explore a field of your choice, from psychology, economics, and international relations, to computer science, engineering, and chemistry. By the end of the program, you will have completed a substantial research paper, showcasing your ability to think critically and work independently on advanced topics. 

5. Textron Aviation High School Internships

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; based on business needs and student schedules
Location: Wichita, KS
Cost/Stipend: Paid; part-time hourly wage
Dates: Fall session runs September – December
Application Deadline: April for Fall session (January for Summer; October for Spring)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older with availability during weekdays

Textron Aviation offers paid, part-time internships that give high school students an inside look into one of the most exciting industries in the world – aviation. During the fall program, you may be placed in departments such as aviation maintenance, engineering, customer experience, IT, business management, or interior design. You’ll work alongside industry professionals on real projects, gaining technical and workplace skills while exploring possible career pathways within aviation. The program is designed with high school schedules in mind, offering flexible part-time hours during weekdays so that you can balance school and work effectively. With its mix of hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to multiple departments, Textron Aviation’s internships will help the students gain early career experience in a fast-growing, high-demand industry.

6. U.S. Senate Page Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 30 page positions per session
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Pages are paid (annualized salary of $37,238, prorated by service length); housing at Daniel Webster Residence costs $1,200/month
Dates: Fall session – early September to mid-January
Application Deadline: Applications submitted through sponsoring senators; deadlines vary by office
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong academic records; must be sponsored by a U.S. senator

The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school juniors a rare opportunity to work on Capitol Hill – gaining a front row seat to the American government in action – while attending school in Washington, D.C. As a Senate Page,  you will assist the daily operations of the Senate by delivering correspondence, assisting during roll call votes, preparing the Chamber, and supporting senators working on the Senate floor. You will live in the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence, attend early morning classes at the Senate Page School, and follow a schedule tied to Senate sessions. In addition to work responsibilities, pages participate in educational trips and community activities. With only 30 slots available per session, the program is highly competitive and requires both strong academic performance and a senator’s sponsorship.

7. CondéFuture – Condé Nast & Educational Alliance

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts from underrepresented communities
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Two-year program with fall sessions beginning each September
Application Deadline: Spring; applications typically open in April
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented communities with an interest in media, design, or creative industries

CondéFuture is a long-term enrichment and mentorship program offered by Condé Nast in partnership with the Educational Alliance to support high school students interested in multimedia and creative careers. Over two years, you’ll learn from professionals from iconic brands such as Vogue, GQ, Teen Vogue, and Allure, through workshops, projects, and one-to-one mentorship. Sessions cover photography, video production, social media, digital design, fashion, and other creative fields, giving students a behind-the-scenes look into the media industry. What makes CondéFuture truly stand out is its strong emphasis on mentorship and career growth, offering students personalized guidance and potential pathways to internships and careers. 

8. Cascade – MIT

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; open only to local partner schools and community centers
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; lunch and transportation subsidies included
Dates: Saturdays, October 19 – November 16
Application Deadline: September 16
Eligibility: High school students from greater Boston area partner schools and community centers

Cascade is a five-week program hosted by MIT that introduces high school students to a wide range of subject areas, from science and engineering to arts and humanities. You’ll attend sessions every Saturday through the fall, taught by MIT undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and other educators from nearby universities. The program is especially created for underserved students in the Boston area, offering additional support through free meals and transportation subsidies. At its core, Cascade celebrates curiosity, creativity, and community engagement, offering a welcoming space to explore new ideas and experience the excitement of learning at MIT. 

9. CLARIFY – City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small fall cohorts admitted annually
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: Fall session – September to December
Application Deadline: Summer; dates vary by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students in NYC

The CLARIFY program, run by City Limits in New York City, is a paid journalism internship that introduces high school students to public service reporting. CLARIFY places a strong emphasis on civic engagement, encouraging participants to interact with public officials, government agencies, and community organizations. As an intern, you will develop skills in research, journalism writing, interviewing, and public speaking while covering local issues that matter. You will receive mentorship from professional journalists and learn to meet deadlines in a fast-paced media environment. Since its founding in 2014, CLARIFY has trained hundreds of aspiring reporters, many of whom have gone on to publish in outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, and Politico. 

10. EnergyMag Research Internship

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited placements
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Quarter-time internships (1–9 months; 8 hours/week) are available during the fall; half-time internships are summer only
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open year-round
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.25 GPA and at least one honors-level science or English course

The EnergyMag Research Internship allows students to dive into the world of renewable energy and energy storage through hands-on research and writing. During the fall quarter-time program, you will spend around 8 hours per week analyzing market trends, reviewing scientific advancements, and contributing to articles and reports. You will often work on reports and independent projects, many of which may lead to written publications or presentations. Because the internship is open to both high school and college students, the selection process is competitive. And as the program is virtual, it is well-suited for students balancing schoolwork while still wanting to gain exposure to the fast-growing renewable energy industry.

11. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internships

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements across departments
Location: Philadelphia, PA (in-person and remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (some need-based stipends available; work-study grants may apply)
Dates: Fall session – October to December
Application Deadline: Closed for Fall session; typically opens mid-year for each term
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students with strong writing, research, or communication skills

The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers fall internships that allow students to explore careers in international relations and foreign policy while gaining professional experience at a think tank. As an intern, you can be placed in regional research tracks, such as the Middle East, Eurasia, Africa, or Asia, or in functional areas including operations, communications, development, and editorial work. Depending on your placement, you might conduct data analysis, draft social media content, support events, or collaborate with senior fellows on policy research. You will also gain access to FPRI’s public events, seminars, and workshops, and may even publish your work through the “Intern Corner” platform. The program is competitive, with applicants required to submit a cover letter, résumé, and writing sample in a single PDF. These internships provide both in-person and virtual pathways, making them accessible to students everywhere. 

12. High Mountain Institute (HMI) Semester

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately half of applicants accepted
Location: Leadville, CO
Cost/Stipend: $38,800 tuition (financial aid available; student account fees apply)
Dates: Fall Semester – August 18 to December 17
Application Deadline: February 15 for the Fall cohort
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; no prior outdoor experience required

The High Mountain Institute Semester combines academics with extended wilderness expeditions and community living. Over the fall term, you will study a full high school curriculum while learning in outdoor settings such as the Rocky Mountains or Patagonia. The program focuses on leadership, collaboration, and resilience training through backcountry travel, environmental science, and field-based learning. You will live together in a small community, balancing classroom study with shared responsibilities and hands-on projects. At the end of the semester, you’ll have not only earned academic credit but also gained a new sense of independence and leadership, all in an environment that challenges both mind and body.

13. Research Scholars – UC San Diego

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited enrollment per track
Location: Online, hybrid, or in person at UC San Diego, CA
Cost: $1,500–$4,800, depending on program format
Dates: Fall session available September – December
Application Deadline: Rolling; admissions close once slots are filled
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, minimum age 15, and a GPA of at least 3.0

The UC San Diego Research Scholars program introduces high school students to research experiences across a variety of disciplines. In the fall, you can join specialized tracks in bioengineering, life sciences, medicine, marine science, or business research, each combining lectures, labs, and project work. Students in the business research track, for example, develop venture proposals and study financing models, while those in STEM fields analyze data, master lab techniques, and engage with current scientific questions. Each program concludes with a poster presentation, where you’ll share your findings with other students, scientists, and industry professionals. With flexible participation options – online, hybrid, or in-person – the Research Scholars Program is an accessible pathway for students looking to explore research at a major university during the school year.

14. Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort sizes
Location: Virtual
Cost: $8,008; earns 4 college credits
Dates: Fall session – October 13 to November 21
Application Deadline: September 9
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA

The Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop gives students an opportunity to study filmmaking at one of the world’s top arts schools. Through asynchronous modules and instructor-led meetings, you’ll learn to write, direct, shoot, and edit original films. Over the course of the program, you’ll complete multiple projects, including a crew-based documentary, a music video, three technical assignments, and a final narrative short film. You’ll work closely with classmates in a virtual film crew while receiving guidance from NYU faculty and industry professionals. To top it all, you will earn four NYU college credits upon completion of the program.

15. Cornell Fall & Spring Study – School of Continuing Education

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,940 per credit hour; no stipend
Dates: Fall session – August 25 to December 20
Application Deadline: Registration opens in advance of each term; approvals required before the course start
Eligibility: High school seniors (age 18+) and adult learners; not open to current Cornell degree candidates

Cornell’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) offers high school graduates and adult learners an opportunity to enroll in regular university courses during the fall and spring semesters. Through this program, you can enroll in nearly any Cornell course for credit, studying alongside undergraduate and graduate students and learning directly from faculty. Your work is recorded on an official Cornell transcript, with credits transferable to Cornell and other institutions. You will also gain access to Cornell’s libraries, labs, and campus resources, providing a full college-level academic experience without any commitments to a degree program. 

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