15 Free Pre-College Programs for High School Students
Pre-college programs are an excellent way for high school students to gain early exposure to college-level academics and professional skills. These programs allow you to explore potential majors, build connections with peers and mentors, and develop practical skills that prepare you for both higher education and future careers. Many universities and organizations offer free pre-college programs for high school students, making these opportunities accessible to a wide range of learners.
Typically offered during summer or school breaks, these programs provide a chance to experience life on a university campus or join virtual classrooms, while sometimes even earning college credit. Through structured coursework, mentorship, and projects, you’ll get a sense of what college academics and campus life are like. Participating in a pre-college program can also strengthen your college applications by showing initiative and the ability to thrive in a demanding environment. These programs help develop college readiness skills such as critical thinking and time management.
To help you explore, we’ve compiled a list of 15 free pre-college programs for high school students.
15 Free Pre-College Programs for High School Students
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 80 students
Dates: June 22 – August 2 (six weeks)
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are US residents
At RSI, your experience starts with a week of rigorous classes across fields like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, math, and even the humanities. Afterward, you’ll move into a mentored research placement, where you’ll spend several weeks in labs and research centers designing and carrying out your own project. You’ll also learn how to write research papers, use advanced resources, and present your findings in a professional, conference-style setting. Throughout the program, you’ll attend evening lectures by leading scientists, take part in academic field trips, and connect with other motivated students. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll present your work to experts and peers, with standout projects receiving special recognition.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%
Dates: Multiple sessions in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 –12 weeks
Ladder Internships match you with fast-growing start-ups where you work directly on real projects over 8–12 weeks. You’ll commit 10–20 hours a week, collaborating with your start-up manager while also receiving one-on-one guidance from a Ladder Coach. This structure gives you independence while ensuring you have support throughout the experience. The start-ups you can work with cover diverse fields such as technology, health tech, AI/ML, journalism, marketing, and consulting. Over the course of your internship, you’ll develop valuable skills in project management, research, and communication, while learning how to adapt in a professional team setting. At the end, you’ll present your work to your start-up team, gaining feedback and practical exposure to real-world workflows.
3. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Hybrid (virtual + Princeton University campus)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 40 students per year
Dates: July 24 – August 3
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: Current high school juniors | Living in the U.S. who plan to attend college there | Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA | Meet one or more socioeconomic criteria listed here
If you’re passionate about journalism and current events, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers you the chance to explore these interests while preparing for college. As a participant, you’ll begin with virtual workshops and lectures led by Princeton faculty, professional journalists, and alumni, where you’ll dive into world affairs and critical social issues. The program then transitions to a 10-day residential experience on Princeton’s campus, where you’ll work with peers to produce the Princeton Summer Journal, a student-run publication. Alongside your journalism training, you’ll be paired with a dedicated college adviser who will support you throughout your senior year.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote (available worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited; highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadlines: Varies by cohort; January, May, September, November
Eligibility: High school seniors who are typically from low-income families
Through the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, you’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project. Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore a subject of your choice, ranging from economics, psychology, and international relations to physics, data science, and engineering, while developing critical research and writing skills. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a full-length research paper that reflects your findings. Since the program is fully funded, students from low-income backgrounds can access the world-class research as the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, and the opportunity to publish original academic work at no cost.
5. Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)
Location: Cornell University and the University of Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Free (all expenses covered)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–18)
At the Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP), you’ll spend six weeks studying themes of power, privilege, and social structures through the humanities and social sciences. You can choose between two tracks - Critical Black Studies, which highlights the history and culture of people of African descent, or Anti-Oppressive Studies, which examines systems like patriarchy, classism, and white supremacy. Your days will include college-level seminars with faculty-led lectures, small group discussions, and essay writing. Beyond academics, you’ll engage in community decision-making, service projects, and workshops in public speaking and transformative justice. The program offers both rigorous intellectual growth and opportunities to build leadership and collaboration skills.
6. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA)
Location: University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 26 students
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students living and attending school in Los Angeles County
At the Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA), you’ll take part in a three-week program that mirrors the intensity of a first-year college course. You’ll build skills in writing, public speaking, multimedia production, interviewing, and debate while also exploring media and communication through workshops with USC faculty and guest speakers. The program combines academic learning with hands-on practice, giving you a clear view of potential careers in journalism and civic engagement. In addition, AYA provides college advising and essay preparation to help you plan for your next steps after high school.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost except for a $25 application fee / $750 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 12 students
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be 17+ by start date); international students welcome | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Graduating this year or next
As an Anson L. Clark Scholar, you’ll spend seven weeks conducting original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor at Texas Tech University. During the program, most of your time is spent conducting original research, analyzing data, and preparing a final presentation that reflects your findings. You’ll collaborate closely with professors, develop advanced research skills, and explore complex topics in your chosen field. The program combines hands-on learning with academic rigor, culminating in a research report that demonstrates your findings. Beyond research, you’ll gain insight into college-level study and experience living on campus alongside other motivated students.
8. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Virtual and in-person at Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid for participating in the BRAINYAC program, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort size
Dates: Summer: July (Monday–Friday); Academic Year: Saturdays
Application Deadlines: Summer: April 15; Academic Year: November 1
Eligibility: New York-based 7th–12th grade students who are economically disadvantaged
Through S-PREP, you’ll participate in enrichment courses designed to prepare you for success in math, science, and health-related fields. You’ll explore subjects like Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physics, Calculus, Psychology, and Pre-Med topics, while also receiving PSAT/SAT preparation and college/career guidance. The program offers hands-on learning, field trips, and opportunities to join summer research experiences, including neuroscience apprenticeships or internships at cancer research centers. By participating, you’ll strengthen your academic foundation, gain exposure to STEM careers, and receive mentorship that supports both college preparation and professional development.
9. USC Bovard Scholars
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes transportation for students from outside Southern California)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited; highly selective
Dates: July 13 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school juniors | Hold a 4.0 weighted GPA | Enrolled in Algebra, Trigonometry or above | Demonstrate financial need
As a USC Bovard Scholar, you’ll spend three weeks immersed in college life while participating in a rigorous summer program. You’ll engage in workshops, panel discussions, career explorations, and hands-on exercises like essay writing, time management, and test prep, all designed to strengthen your academic and personal growth. You’ll live on campus with a roommate and receive support from resident advisors, building lasting connections with peers and mentors. After the intensive, you’ll continue working with an admissions coach through your senior year to refine college applications, essays, and scholarship submissions. This program offers a first-hand experience of college while providing long-term guidance and mentorship.
10. Carnegie Mellon University – AI Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors | U.S. citizens or registered with DACA | 16+ by program start
As a CMU AI Scholar, you’ll spend four weeks exploring artificial intelligence through hands-on projects and collaborative research. You’ll attend lectures from faculty and graduate students, apply AI techniques to real-world problems with peers, and develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and research. The program also includes workshops on college preparation and career development, along with field trips to leading AI organizations. You’ll present your work in a final symposium, gaining experience in both professional communication and applied AI research in a supportive, immersive environment.
11. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (residential)
Cost/Stipend: 100% of tuition covered as part of financial aid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; large cohort
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3; Session II: July 5 – 17; Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadlines: Typically, early January
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are between 16 – 18 years by July 19 | First-time participant
At YYGS, you’ll participate in a two-week, academically intensive program alongside students from over 150 countries. You can choose a track in STEM, social sciences, humanities, or interdisciplinary studies, engaging in collaborative projects, lectures, and discussions shaped by international perspectives. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and global awareness while providing a residential college experience. Need-based financial aid is available for both domestic and international students, covering up to 100% of tuition, ensuring that all qualified students can participate regardless of financial background. You can expect to gain exposure to rigorous academics, cross-cultural collaboration, and mentorship from Yale faculty and staff.
12. Simons Summer Research Program — Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No tuition fees (meal costs may apply) / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 5%; 30 – 40 students
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors, at least 16 years old at program start | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
As a Simons Fellow, you’ll spend seven weeks conducting hands-on research under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. You’ll join a research group, take ownership of a project, and learn advanced lab techniques while experiencing life at a major research university. The program also includes weekly talks, workshops, and special events to broaden your scientific perspective. Your experience culminates in a research abstract, poster presentation, and stipend award. You can expect to gain practical skills in scientific inquiry, collaboration, and professional communication.
13. NYU Urban Journalism Workshop
Location: New York University, New York, NY (Residential)
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students (16+) residing in the New York City tri-state area
In the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop, you’ll gain hands-on experience in reporting, news writing, and multimedia journalism under the guidance of NYU faculty and visiting professionals. You’ll work on producing articles and an online multimedia news site, visit major newsrooms like CNN, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and ABC News, and attend lectures from experienced journalists. The program also provides opportunities to develop professional skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management. You’ll live in NYU residential dorms, engaging with peers through both academic and social activities, giving you a practical taste of college life while building confidence as a young journalist.
14. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1000 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 60 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21 (recommendations due February 27)
Eligibility: New York City high school students in 10th or 11th grade
In ARISE, you’ll spend six weeks conducting hands-on research in computer science, engineering, or data-focused labs. Before starting lab work, you’ll complete four weeks of evening virtual workshops to prepare for your placement. You’ll explore topics like machine learning for social impact, privacy and security, smart energy, nanoelectronics, and urban mobility. Mentored by NYU faculty and graduate students, you’ll strengthen your technical, analytical, and communication skills. The program concludes with a colloquium where you present your research to faculty, peers, and invited guests.
15. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) – Rockefeller University
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipends may be awarded to students experiencing financial hardship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 32 students divided into 4 teams
Dates: June 23 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, age 16+ by the program’s start
As an SSRP scholar, you’ll join a small team of students working under scientists from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, or Weill Cornell. Your team will operate like a research lab; you’ll learn lab techniques, select a research question, conduct experiments, analyze data, and create a poster to present your findings at the closing symposium. Along the way, you’ll attend elective courses, guest lectures, and professional workshops, gaining insight into various aspects of scientific research. The program also includes social activities and networking opportunities with mentors and peers.
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