15 Free Psychology Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in psychology, a program is an excellent way to build foundational skills in the field, gain exposure to a research environment, and connect with professionals in the field. Free psychology programs for high school students offer access to projects, mentorship, and guided learning in areas such as cognitive science, mental health, neuroscience, and behavioral research. These opportunities help you understand what academic and applied psychology look like in practice, allowing you to explore your interests before committing to college-level study.
Since fully funded programs are competitive, participating in a free psychology program can also improve your college admissions chances. For students interested in fields such as clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, neuroscience, or counseling, participating in these programs can help you understand whether you want to pursue these career paths.
To help you get started, we’ve put together the top 15 free psychology programs for high school students, focusing on opportunities that are fully funded or offer 100% financial aid.
1. University of Texas Southwestern – Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort
Dates: June (2-week program)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th graders and rising college first-years
This two-week virtual internship introduces students to a wide range of mental health professions through structured sessions with UT Southwestern clinicians and researchers. You will attend presentations from psychiatrists, social workers, neuropsychologists, and physician assistants to understand the clinical and scientific aspects of mental health careers. Sessions cover areas such as psychotherapy, neuroscience, interventional psychiatry, and diagnostic assessment, showing how multidisciplinary teams support patients. The program also highlights community-based mental health work and the role of neuropsychological testing in diagnosis and care. You will participate in Q&A sessions, career discussions, and informational workshops designed to build early professional awareness. The focus on mentorship and direct interaction with specialists makes this a strong introductory experience for students exploring psychological and clinical sciences.
2. Ladder Internships
Cost: Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
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 start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. University of Michigan – Wolverine Pathways Psychology Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes a student stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to eligible districts
Dates: June 17 - July 28
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 - 12 who live in Detroit, Southfield Public Schools, Ypsilanti Community Schools, or partner schools in Grand Rapids
The Wolverine Pathways Psychology Program offers a fully funded summer experience that introduces students to foundational and applied areas of psychology. You will participate in coursework, faculty-led seminars, and guided workshops covering topics such as cognitive processes, mental health, behavioral science, and social psychology. The program includes structured assignments and collaborative projects, giving you opportunities to practice college-level academic and analytical skills. Faculty and graduate student mentors support your learning and expose you to research-based thinking through discussions, activities, and presentations. You will also engage in college-readiness programming that builds writing, communication, and study skills. Because Wolverine Pathways is only open to specific Michigan districts, it provides a highly focused and selective learning environment for eligible students.
4. 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).
Program 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!
5. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid and unpaid internship options are also available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the department; selective
Dates: Offered year-round; schedules vary depending on the position
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the role
Eligibility: Must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution, eligible to work in the U.S., and reside in an APA-registered state
The American Psychological Association offers remote internships that introduce students to applied psychology through work across departments such as research, policy, communications, member services, and IT. You will contribute to tasks such as data collection, writing projects, administrative work, and digital initiatives that support APA’s operations. You will also gain complimentary access to APA’s professional platforms – including PsycINFO, PsycNET, and PsycARTICLES – along with a one-year student affiliate membership. The program includes virtual workshops, group discussions, and collaborative assignments that help you build professional skills and understand how psychology organizations operate. Depending on your position, you may work with researchers, policy analysts, communications teams, or senior psychologists who provide guidance throughout the internship. This opportunity offers a broad introduction to careers in psychology and insight into one of the field’s most influential organizations.
6. Barrow Neurological Institute – Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Phoenix, AZ (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: May 30 - July 3
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the start date
The Barrow Neurological Institute offers a competitive summer internship for students interested in neuroscience and related behavioral sciences. You will work with scientists and clinicians on research projects in areas such as neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular disorders, neuropsychology, and spine biomechanics. The program introduces you to laboratory procedures, scientific literature review, and research methodologies commonly used in neurological and psychological studies. Interns assist with ongoing projects and learn how experimental data is collected, analyzed, and communicated. Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from Barrow researchers who support your technical development and help you understand the clinical relevance of neuroscience research. This experience offers valuable exposure to the intersection of brain science and psychology in a professional biomedical setting.
7. UCLA Neuroscience High School Summer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort
Dates: June 15 - July 23
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; must attend all virtual sessions
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Summer Program offers a structured introduction to neuroscience with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. You will attend live seminars, hear from guest speakers with medical and research expertise, and participate in Neurology Grand Rounds to observe how clinicians approach neurological disorders. The program also includes a journal club where you evaluate scientific papers and discuss the methods and findings with peers and instructors. Students participate in virtual lab activities that introduce common tools and experimental approaches used in neuroscience research. Over 6 weeks, faculty and program leaders guide you through discussions, collaborative activities, and skill-building sessions that develop your scientific reasoning and data interpretation skills. The program concludes with a final research project, allowing you to investigate a topic of interest and present your findings.
8. Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP)
Location: Rockefeller University, Manhattan, NYC
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort of NYC public high school students
Dates: August 4 - 15
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: NYC public high school students aged 16+ years by the program start date
The Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP) at Rockefeller University offers a fully funded, two-week exploration of brain science for NYC public high school students. You will participate in interactive lectures, journal club discussions, and guided sessions led by graduate students specializing in neuroscience. Hands-on components include analyzing scientific papers, performing lab-based demonstrations, and dissecting a sheep brain and a cow eye to learn neuroanatomy. You will also design and present your own small-scale neuroscience experiments, gaining early exposure to research methods and scientific communication. The program includes lab and facility tours that showcase active research environments at Rockefeller University. Throughout the experience, you receive mentorship from professional scientists who help build your understanding of neuroscience as both a research discipline and a clinical field.
9. BrainSTORwM – Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)
Location: Virtual and hybrid options available
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~25 students matched with mentors each year
Dates: Monthly seminar series: September - May | Mentorship program: June - May (final symposium in May)
Application Deadline: Opens in winter
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9 - 12) with demonstrated interest in neuroscience or psychology
BrainSTORwM provides high school students with a year-long introduction to neuroscience through a combination of monthly lectures and mentored research. You will attend seminars led by Columbia faculty on topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, neuroimaging, cognitive research, and sports-related brain injuries. You will be accepted into the mentorship program and paired with researchers who guide you through the development of a neuroscience or psychology research project. Mentorship activities may include literature review, data analysis, coding, or experimental design, depending on your research placement. Throughout the program, you will gain exposure to clinical and research environments while participating in discussions with practicing scientists. The experience concludes with a poster presentation at a year-end symposium, allowing you to share your work with faculty, peers, and families.
10. Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA)
Location: Virtual with select in-person sessions in California
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive up to $2,000 in stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; focused on students from structurally marginalized communities
Dates: First Summer Academy: June 23 - July 24 | Academic Year Workshops & Mentorship: August - May | Second Summer Internship: July - August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: California high school students with a GPA ≥ 2.5 | must commit to the full 14-month program and have proof of health insurance
The Youth Mental Health Academy is a year-long program designed to prepare high school students for careers in mental health research, advocacy, and clinical support. You will begin with a five-week summer academy featuring interactive lessons, discussions with mental health professionals, and a capstone project on the topic of your choice. Throughout the academic year, the program offers monthly workshops, mentorship meetings, and “Psych Talks” that strengthen your understanding of mental health systems and build college- and career-readiness skills. In the second summer, you will complete a paid internship of about 100 hours at a research center, community organization, or health agency. Interns gain experience in mental health intervention, community engagement, program design, or applied research. With its stipend support and multistage structure, the program provides comprehensive exposure to the mental health field.
11. High School Research Academy (HSRA) – Neuroscience Track
Location: UT Austin, TX (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts per research track
Dates: June 9 - July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM research; typically rising juniors and seniors
The High School Research Academy at UT Austin provides a five-week, research-focused summer experience for students interested in scientific inquiry. In the neuroscience track, you will join a College of Natural Sciences lab and collaborate with undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty on active research projects. You will explore topics such as sensory processing, cognitive modeling, neural circuit function, or data-driven analysis of brain activity. You will learn laboratory techniques, such as tissue imaging, gene expression mapping, and introductory computational tools used in neuroscience. Weekly seminars and mentorship sessions provide the broader scientific context of your research and help you prepare for college-level STEM work. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you will present your findings and earn UT Extension credit for your participation.
12. Mary S. Easton Center Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Dates: June 16 - July 24
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 16 - 18 years
The Mary S. Easton Center Neuroscience High School Scholars Program introduces students to the neuroscience of aging and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. You will participate in hands-on activities, including brain dissections, guided research projects, and community engagement initiatives, designed to raise awareness of cognitive health. The program offers both in-person and virtual options, making it accessible to students across different regions. You will receive ongoing mentorship through virtual seminars featuring neuroscientists, clinicians, and public health professionals working in dementia research. You are also encouraged to start Alzheimer’s Awareness Clubs at your schools, expanding the program’s impact to their local communities. Through its combination of research exposure, community outreach, and structured instruction, the program provides a strong introduction to neuroscience and aging-related psychology.
13. Jerome Home and Arbor Rose – Student Internship
Location: Jerome Home, New Britain, Connecticut
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Flexible; minimum 60 hours over 3 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ years; also open to college students interested in healthcare, human services, or therapy
The Jerome Home and Arbor Rose Student Internship provides high school students with exposure to psychology-related fields such as social work, recreation therapy, and music therapy. You will complete at least 60 hours of service over three months, allowing for a flexible schedule that fits your academic commitments. You will receive personalized training tailored to your interests and work alongside professionals who support older adults through therapeutic and care-focused services. Activities may include assisting with recreational programming, observing therapy sessions, or supporting staff with daily resident engagement. The program emphasizes empathy, communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork – core skills essential for careers in psychology, human services, and allied health professions. This hands-on experience helps students understand how psychological principles are applied within community-based care environments.
14. Summer Teen Internship – DOROT
Location: DOROT, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free; interns earn over 100 community service hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort admitted each summer
Dates: Late July - mid-August
Application Deadline: Rolling from December through April
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The DOROT Summer Teen Internship offers high school students the opportunity to support older adults through structured community service and intergenerational engagement. You will participate in home visits, discussion groups, creative arts workshops, and technology assistance sessions that help to reduce social isolation, which is a key aspect of community mental health. The program incorporates leadership development through training modules, weekly themes, and guided reflection activities. Interns collaborate on group projects and community-building exercises that strengthen communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Participants commit to a four-week summer schedule and complete an additional 15 volunteer hours during the academic year. This experience provides a meaningful introduction to fields such as social work, gerontology, community psychology, and mental health support services.
15. High School Internship Program – JSSA
Location: National Capital Region (Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia)
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid, but students earn approved SSL hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; interview required for shortlisted applicants
Dates: Flexible; arranged during the summer or school year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Local high school students able to commute; typically 12 - 16 hours/week
JSSA’s High School Internship Program provides students with exposure to community-based mental health and human services within a large nonprofit organization. You may assist with administrative tasks, data management, outreach, and program coordination, gaining insight into how mental health and social services are organized and delivered. You will often help develop community presentations on topics such as emotional well-being, coping strategies, and mental health education. Depending on interest and availability, students may observe case consultations or interdisciplinary meetings that involve clinicians, case managers, and youth program staff. The program’s flexible structure allows you to work across multiple departments, tailoring the experience to your professional goals. This internship is ideal for students who want to explore pathways in mental health support, social work, or nonprofit service in a real-world environment.
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