15 Free Programs for High School Students
As a high school student, participating in programs and internships can be one of the best ways to gain practical experience, develop new skills, and learn about potential career paths. Many colleges, organizations, and companies offer free or fully-funded programs that allow you to work on projects, conduct research, or meet mentors. Such programs often include workshops, campus experiences, and collaborative projects that can enhance your confidence and leadership abilities.
Whether you’re interested in science, technology, the arts, or business, there are a variety of virtual and in-person options to explore. To help you navigate the many choices available, we’ve curated a list of 15 of the best free programs for high school students. We’ve included internships and specialized camps that provide meaningful learning experiences.
15 Free Programs for High School Students
1. University of Houston – Mohan Lab Summer Internship (MLSI)
Location: University of Houston, TX (on-site)
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15 – 20 students each year
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (completed Grade 11) interested in STEM; prior experience with Python or MATLAB is useful but not mandatory
The Mohan Lab Summer Internship begins with one to two weeks of training in fundamental laboratory skills, followed by an eight-week research project. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with graduate students and researchers in areas such as neuroscience, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, and big data analytics. Projects may involve applying machine learning to biomedical imaging, analyzing genomic datasets, or building Arduino-based biomedical sensors. The program concludes with an oral presentation of your research, and in some cases, your work may contribute to ongoing publications or extend beyond the summer through continued data analysis or manuscript development.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple sessions offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by session; Winter Cohort: November 16
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; requires a 10 – 20 hour weekly commitment for 8 – 12 weeks
Ladder Internships pair you with fast-growing start-ups and work on real projects over an 8–12 week period. You’ll dedicate 10–20 hours per week, collaborating with your start-up manager. This structure balances independence with guidance, allowing you to gain meaningful experience while having mentorship along the way. Start-ups span various industries, including technology, AI/ML, health tech, journalism, marketing, and consulting. Throughout the internship, you’ll develop skills in project management, research, and professional communication, while learning to navigate a collaborative team environment. The program concludes with a final presentation to your start-up team, providing feedback and firsthand exposure to real-world workflows.
3. Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)
Location: Cornell University and the University of Maryland
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically around 120 – 150 students
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–18)
The Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) is a six-week academic program where students explore themes of power, privilege, and social structures through the humanities and social sciences. You can choose between two tracks: Critical Black Studies, focusing on the history and culture of African-descended communities, or Anti-Oppressive Studies, which examines systems such as patriarchy, classism, and white supremacy. Each day includes college-level seminars, faculty lectures, small group discussions, and essay writing. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in community decision-making, service projects, and workshops on public speaking and transformative justice. The program combines rigorous intellectual engagement with opportunities to develop leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote (available globally)
Cost: Fully funded; no cost to participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohorts for personalized attention
Dates: Multiple 12-week sessions in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadlines: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school seniors who are typically from low-income families
Through the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, you’ll work closely with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project. Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore a topic in areas such as economics, psychology, international relations, physics, data science, or engineering, while honing research, analysis, and writing skills. By the program’s conclusion, you’ll produce a comprehensive research paper showcasing your findings. Being fully funded, the program ensures that students from all backgrounds can access high-quality mentorship and the opportunity to create original academic work without any financial barriers.
5. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta office, Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Paid internship, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150 students selected each year
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores residing in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City | GPA ≥ 2.0
Meta Summer Academy is a six-week summer program where you’ll explore how a top tech company operates. You’ll spend roughly 30 hours per week on coding exercises, career development workshops, and soft-skill training, with no prior experience required. The program features sessions on programming, networking, and financial literacy, and you’ll have opportunities to connect with Meta professionals and guest speakers. Alongside learning technical and professional skills, you’ll develop teamwork and communication abilities, culminating in a final project presentation that showcases your growth over the summer. The program emphasizes mentorship and access for underrepresented students, helping them build real-world experience in the tech space.
6. Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) High School Summer Program
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited cohort size
Dates: July 8 – 12 (tentative)
Application Deadline: April 30 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12, particularly those with limited access to STEM mentorship | First-generation college students, or those who demonstrate financial need | Preference given to students from underrepresented groups in AI
The Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) High School Summer Program introduces students to the world of artificial intelligence through interactive lectures, hands-on projects, and mentorship. Over the course of a week, you’ll learn AI fundamentals, Python programming, and machine learning techniques while tackling real-world problems. Activities include participatory workshops led by UC Berkeley researchers, lab visits, and group projects guided by graduate student mentors. You also participate in daily guest lectures and activities guided by BAIR Lab researchers, and visit research labs. By the end, you’ll have developed technical skills, gained exposure to AI ethics, and experienced collaborative research in a university setting.
7. SEES High School Summer Internship – NASA & UT Austin
Location: Virtual & in-person (Austin, TX)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 6 – 7 students per cohort
Dates: May to August; on-site experience is from July 6 – 19; distance learning module runs from May 19 – July 1
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are US citizens and aged 16 years or older
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship allows high school students to work on research projects with NASA scientists and UT Austin faculty. You may join teams focusing on Earth System Explorers, Air Quality, Urban Heat Islands, or Exoplanet Transits, utilizing satellite data, fieldwork, and research software. The program emphasizes Python programming, data analysis, and visualization. Both virtual and in-person interns collaborate with peers and mentors to complete research projects, culminating in the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, where you present your findings to experts and students across the country.
8. Student Historian Internship Program
Location: On-site at The New York Historical Society, New York, NY
Stipend: $700 upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; About 25 students per cohort
Dates: October 29 – June 24
Application Deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 who live and attend school in the NYC metro area (five boroughs of New York City, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey)
The Student Historian Internship Program is a prestigious, competitive internship for high school students (grades 10-12) primarily based in the New York City metropolitan area, organized by the New York Historical Society. In this internship, you’ll serve as a Student Historian, conducting research using museum and library resources on American history topics. You’ll work closely with professional staff to learn about digital humanities, history, and museum operations while collaborating with other students on creative projects. The program encourages hands-on learning through digital outputs that serve as public educational resources. Interns will engage with themes like Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America, deepening historical understanding while strengthening research, writing, and communication skills.
9. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $3,600 stipend and partial travel reimbursement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 – 40 students each year
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a high school in MA within commuting distance to the Broad | Have earned a B or higher in science and math classes | US citizens, Permanent Residents, or non-US citizens with employment authorization (i.e. DACA)
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a prestigious, highly selective six-week summer research internship for high school juniors and rising seniors, hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. In this program, you’ll collaborate with Broad Institute scientists on original research projects in fields such as cancer biology, infectious disease, computational biology, or chemical biology. You’ll gain hands-on experience using lab and computational techniques, while learning research design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program includes scientific talks, poster sessions, team-building activities, and tutoring support to help understand complex concepts. You’ll also develop your presentation skills, culminating in a research showcase alongside peers who share your interests.
10. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None except $75 application fee (waivers are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 80 students
Dates: June 22 – August 2 (six weeks)
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who are 16 years of age by July 1 of the program year
The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious six-week program combining classroom learning and mentored research. You’ll start with an intensive week of courses in subjects like biology, physics, chemistry, math, and engineering, followed by several weeks conducting your own research project in a lab setting. The program emphasizes research writing, professional presentations, and advanced scientific methods. Evening lectures, academic field trips, and collaborative projects allow you to engage with leading researchers and other motivated students. The program concludes with a professional presentation of your findings.
11. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Hybrid – virtual and Princeton University campus
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 40 students annually
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
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is designed for students interested in journalism and current events. You’ll start with virtual workshops led by Princeton faculty and professional journalists, exploring world affairs and social issues. The program then moves to a 10-day residential experience on campus, where students collaborate to produce the Princeton Summer Journal. You’ll receive guidance from a dedicated college adviser throughout your senior year, helping with college applications, essays, and planning. PSJP combines skill-building, mentorship, and real-world journalism experience in a supportive setting.
12. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (residential)
Cost/Stipend: Need-based aid available; can cover 100% of tuition
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
YYGS is a two-week, intensive summer program where you’ll engage with peers from over 150 countries. You can select a track in STEM, social sciences, humanities, or interdisciplinary studies, participating in collaborative projects, lectures, and discussions with a global perspective. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration. Need-based aid ensures students from any background can attend. By the end, you’ll gain exposure to rigorous academics, mentorship from Yale faculty, and a residential college experience that broadens your worldview. The program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and global awareness while providing a college experience.
13. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / $300 needs-based grant paid to eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; 8 – 10 students per cohort
Dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 7 – 18 or July 28 – August 8; Pathways Program: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: SIP: Girls and nonbinary students in grades 9–11; Pathways: Girls and nonbinary students in grades 9–12
Girls Who Code offers two free virtual summer programs for high school students interested in technology and coding. The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week intensive experience where you’ll learn game development with p5.js, solve coding challenges, and collaborate on team projects. The six-week Pathways Program provides a self-paced curriculum, allowing you to explore topics such as web development, cybersecurity, data science, and AI. Both programs include mentorship opportunities, community events hosted by industry partners, and a final showcase where you present the projects you’ve completed.
14. Kode With Klossy Virtual Camps
Location: Virtual (with select in-person camps in U.S. cities)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; over 3,000 scholars
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions during summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students aged 13–18; no prior coding experience needed
Kode With Klossy offers a free, beginner-friendly coding camp aimed at empowering girls and non-binary students to explore technology. During two weeks, you’ll learn to create projects in areas such as web development, mobile apps, data science, and machine learning. The virtual program includes live lessons, mentorship from industry professionals, and collaborative workshops with peers from across the country. The curriculum focuses on building both technical skills and creativity, allowing you to solve real-world problems through coding. By the end of the camp, you’ll have completed your own website, app, or data science project while gaining teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership experience in tech.
15. Washington State Legislature Page Program
Location: Olympia, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $65/day stipend available with a Social Security card
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited spots
Dates: Weekly sessions occur throughout the legislative session
Application Deadline: At least five weeks before the desired paging week; depends on applicant availability
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–16
The Washington State Legislature Page Program is a week-long educational opportunity for high school students aged 14 to 16, held during the state legislative session in Olympia. In this program, you will spend a week serving as a Senate or House page in Olympia during the legislative session. Pages assist with tasks such as delivering documents, supporting legislative offices, presenting the flag during daily session openings, and working on the chamber floor. Alongside these duties, you’ll attend daily “Page School” to learn about state government operations. This immersive, week-long experience gives you firsthand insight into legislative procedures and the workings of state government.
Image Source - University of Houston, Texas