15 Free Academic Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student curious about new disciplines or potential careers, consider joining an academic program. These programs provide more than just classroom instruction; you might do lab work, collaborate on projects, and receive mentorship from professionals. Free programs tend to be more selective, which means they can enhance your college applications by demonstrating your academic ability.
Many universities and research institutes offer free or subsidized academic programs for high schoolers. You can develop new skills and connect with university faculty, which might even lead to a letter of recommendation for your future applications. To simplify your search, we’ve rounded up 15 free academic programs for high school students, including both in-person and virtual options. Each program is free or offers full financial aid.
1. Girls Who Code Pathways Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 16
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders, including graduating seniors
The Girls Who Code Pathways program is a six-week tech experience designed to introduce students to artificial intelligence, web development, and cybersecurity. Throughout the program, you’ll work on independent projects while building coding proficiency in Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It blends self-paced modules with live sessions led by industry professionals from top technology companies. Participants also engage in virtual meetups and networking events to collaborate and share ideas.
2. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
3. Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences is a five-week online program designed for high school juniors and seniors passionate about neuroscience. Through interactive virtual sessions, you’ll explore core concepts in brain science and related disciplines. The program also includes professional development workshops that highlight various STEM career opportunities. Participants receive training in essential lab techniques and gain insight into how research is conducted in neurological studies. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a certificate recognizing your achievement.
4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (can be waived) | Minimum $500 stipend
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week research opportunity for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical science. Under the mentorship of experienced researchers, you’ll work on projects spanning areas like bioengineering, bioinformatics, and the use of AI in medicine. Participants conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to ongoing research efforts. The program also includes lectures and workshops to deepen your understanding of scientific inquiry and medical research. It concludes with a symposium where you present your findings and build communication skills.
5. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free | Stipend is provided
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Students in their junior year of high school at the time of applying; at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program invites high school students to participate in immersive, hands-on research guided by Stony Brook University faculty. Working alongside a lab team, you’ll contribute to active research projects, develop technical skills, and strengthen your analytical thinking. Weekly lectures from leading scientists and collaborative group activities enrich your academic exposure. During the eight-week program, you’ll write a research abstract and showcase your findings at a concluding poster symposium. All participants receive a stipend for their research contributions.
6. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
NYU’s ARISE Program is a 10-week summer experience that combines research training with real-world lab work. In the first four weeks, you’ll develop foundational skills in lab safety, research design, and academic writing. The remaining six weeks immerse you in an NYU research lab, where you’ll gain around 120 hours of hands-on experience in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your public speaking, critical thinking, and networking abilities. The experience culminates with a research presentation at NYU and a poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History.
7. The Immersive Summer Program for Education, Enrichment, and Distinction (ISPEED) in Biomedical Engineering
Location: Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors (10th or 11th grade). Applicants must be at least 15 years of age on move-in day and not yet 18 years of age on the last day of the program.
The ISPEED program at Johns Hopkins University is a four-week, project-based summer experience that immerses students in biomedical engineering. You’ll live on campus, earn college credit, and explore advanced areas such as cell and tissue engineering, healthcare innovation, and machine learning. Through lab work, research projects, and presentations, you’ll gain practical skills while collaborating with motivated peers from across the country. The program also features career exploration sessions, lab tours, and college readiness workshops. Faculty and industry experts lead seminars, offering insights into cutting-edge biomedical research and career opportunities.
8. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years of age, residing in one of the following cities or towns in MA: Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, and Quincy
TUBERS is a six-week summer research program at Tufts University that offers students the opportunity to pursue original projects in biomedical engineering. Under the guidance of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates, you’ll learn to design experiments, test hypotheses, and use advanced lab techniques to address real-world challenges. The program emphasizes independent inquiry and hands-on learning in a university research environment. It concludes with a formal presentation to peers, parents, and educators, showcasing your findings. Participants are also encouraged to submit their research to regional and national science fairs and competitions for broader recognition.
9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA; Remote & hybrid options available
Cost: $25 application fee; waivers are available
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students at least 15 years old for remote internships and at least 16 years old for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program at George Mason University offers students the chance to conduct advanced research alongside experienced faculty mentors. You’ll gain practical experience with state-of-the-art technologies while exploring diverse fields such as neuroscience, bioengineering, nanoscience, cybersecurity, and climate science. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen skills in research writing, communication, and critical thinking, and network with professionals across STEM disciplines. Participants may have opportunities to publish their findings or present at academic conferences. Past projects have spanned topics including renewable energy, robotics, infectious diseases, and the discovery of exoplanets.
10. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 11
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors
MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious six-week program that immerses students in advanced STEM research. It begins with an intensive week of lectures delivered by renowned faculty, followed by a five-week research internship guided by active lab mentors. During the program, you’ll review scientific literature, conduct original investigations, and produce professional research papers and presentations. Evening seminars with leading scientists expose you to groundbreaking discoveries and help refine your communication skills. Highly selective, RSI admits only about 100 exceptional students from around the world each year.
11. ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders with a minimum 3.2 GPA and no Cs in math and science courses
The ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program is a competitive four-week engineering research experience supported by the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering. You’ll participate in hands-on projects, draft research proposals, and conduct literature reviews to deepen your understanding of core engineering concepts. Mentorship from undergraduate and graduate students helps you strengthen your research skills and develop your project ideas. The program also includes college readiness sessions covering financial aid, admissions, and career pathways in STEM.
12. NYU Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders residing in NYC and Nassau County; aged 15+
NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) is a dynamic summer program that introduces high school students to the technologies shaping tomorrow’s urban environments. Combining coding, microcontroller programming, and sensor integration, the course emphasizes both technical learning and creative problem-solving. You’ll gain experience designing and prototyping smart city solutions while exploring key concepts in economics, product development, and intellectual property. Entrepreneurial modules teach you how to turn innovative ideas into viable ventures. Theater-based workshops further strengthen your communication, storytelling, and pitching skills.
13. MEDscienceLAB Forensics
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,800 (A limited number of scholarships for Boston area students)
Application Deadline: March 25
Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – July
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application; At least 16 years old at the start of the program
MEDscienceLAB Forensics is a one-week immersive program at Harvard Medical School that introduces high school students to the world of crime scene investigation. You’ll work in teams to analyze evidence, conduct lab tests, and solve a simulated forensic case. Using advanced facilities, you’ll receive hands-on training in techniques like PCR, ELISA, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis. Interactive MEDchats with research professionals offer insights into careers in biomedical and forensic sciences. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you showcase your investigative findings just as professionals do in real-world cases.
14. Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,880 (Commuter); $10,705 (Residential) | Need-based scholarships available
Application Deadline: Applications open in November and close in March
Dates: July 6 – July 24 | July 27 – August 14
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates
Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE program is a three-week pre-college experience that immerses you in college-level engineering. You will choose one specialized course from options such as robotics, biomedical engineering, product design, machine learning, chemical engineering, and sustainable engineering. Students gain hands-on exposure at the Columbia Makerspace, where they complete safety training before using tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. The program also features workshops by Columbia faculty on leadership, communication, and building your online presence, along with college preparation sessions led by Columbia’s admissions team.
15. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee (full financial aid available for both application and program fees)
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to the role of artificial intelligence in shaping modern healthcare. Through technical lectures, you’ll explore core AI concepts and their applications in medical research and clinical practice. Daily mentorship and collaborative projects allow you to apply your learning to real-world challenges. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government share perspectives on emerging medical technologies, while career-oriented “Lunch and Learn” sessions highlight pathways at the intersection of AI and healthcare. Participants may extend their research afterward and receive a Certificate of Completion.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Apply now!
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