13 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you are a high school student looking for opportunities to explore your academic interests while developing industry-ready skills, consider participating in a summer program. Free summer programs can provide practical learning, mentorship, and exposure to professional fields. Many of these programs are hosted by leading universities and organizations, giving you access to high-quality instruction and expert guidance.
Massachusetts is home to universities like MIT and Harvard that offer summer programs for high schoolers, allowing you to contribute to meaningful projects and experience college life. Beyond academics, they can foster connections with peers and professionals who can support your future goals. To help you get started, we have put together 13 free summer programs in Massachusetts for high school students.
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5% as acceptance rate
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors
At MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI), you are part of a 6-week intensive program focused on advanced STEM research. The program begins with a week of lectures led by distinguished professors, followed by a 5-week research placement under the guidance of an active lab researcher. You will study current scientific literature, conduct original research, and produce written and oral reports in professional formats. Evening seminars with leading scientists offer insight into cutting-edge discoveries and help you refine your presentation skills. RSI is highly selective, admitting 100 students from around the world each year.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10% acceptance rate; cohort size ~70 interns per summer.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 to 12 weeks, devoting 10-20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is an 8-week virtual program that offers high school students hands-on experience working with startups. You will collaborate on real-world projects with a fast-growing company while receiving support from both your Manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Participating startups span across industries, including AI/ML, health tech, journalism, and consulting – many of which have raised over a million dollars in funding. Throughout the program, you will gain insight into startup operations and industry challenges. The experience concludes with a final presentation of your work to the company, providing valuable exposure to entrepreneurial culture and professional growth.
3. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 1 - January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school senior or recent high school graduate living or studying in Massachusetts at the time of the program
Mass General’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program is a paid summer internship designed for high school students with an interest in neurology. Spanning 6 to 8 weeks, the full-time program combines lab-based research, personalized mentoring, and weekly educational workshops. It begins with a boot camp focused on developing lab techniques and communication skills. You will work along with neurologists on active research projects, gaining hands-on experience in the field. At the end of the program, you will present your findings to peers and neurology experts. Ongoing mentorship and academic support continue beyond the internship to help guide your future development.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~1.5% as acceptance rate
Dates: 6 weeks from late June through early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors
MITES Summer is a 6-week residential program held on the MIT campus for high school students from across the country. During the program, you will take five rigorous courses in math, science, and the humanities, with electives in subjects such as Machine Learning, Architecture, and Genomics. The curriculum covers STEM content, which is not usually offered in high school. You’ll also join lab tours, social activities, and receive guidance through college admissions counseling. Each student receives a written evaluation highlighting their academic strengths, growth areas, and class contributions. The program allows you to explore STEM careers while building critical academic and personal skills.
6. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12; students of all genders are eligible to apply, with a focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics.
SPINWIP is a 3-week virtual summer program from Stanford University that introduces high school girls to the world of physics. You will learn Python through lectures and group projects and apply it to subjects such as astrophysics and quantum computing. The program also includes mentorship from Stanford faculty and undergraduates, as well as workshops on college preparation and STEM careers. Sessions are interactive and accessible, requiring no prior background in physics or programming. The program provides an engaging introduction to physics and computational tools.
7. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer between June and August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a 5-week online program focused on neuroscience research. Through structured sessions, you will learn about topics such as brain development, neurodegenerative disorders, and mental health. The program also covers basic lab procedures and experimental design, helping you to apply core skills to research-based projects. Mentorship and career support are provided to support your learning and development in the field. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate, marking your introduction to brain science and research practices.
8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Multiple US States with students placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer with flexible start and end dates
Application Deadline: November 22 - January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; 16 years old by internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid internship for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic sciences. As a Hutton Scholar, you are paired with a local mentor who will guide your experience. Depending on your placement, internships may involve lab research, fieldwork, data analysis, or community outreach. Activities include water quality testing, habitat restoration, or electrofishing. Participants are required to submit biweekly time sheets, along with mid-summer and final reports. The program provides valuable exposure to careers in fisheries biology and related environmental fields.
9. Girls Who Code
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Pathways: June 30 - August 8; Summer Immersion Program: July 7 - July 18 and July 28 - August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Girls or non-binary students currently in grades 9-12
Girls Who Code Summer Programs provide free, remote opportunities for high school students interested in coding and exploring careers in technology. The 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) provides live instruction in computer science fundamentals, game design, and UX, complemented by interactive workshops and expert guidance. For a more flexible option, the 6-week Pathways Program is self-paced and covers topics such as cybersecurity and AI, using coding languages like Python, HTML, and JavaScript. Both programs focus on hands-on projects, mentorship from industry professionals, and collaboration within a supportive community. Participants gain practical skills, connect with tech leaders, and join an alumni network that continues to support growth in the technology field.
10. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Remote / NASA centers across the country
Cost/Stipend: Mostly interns receive a stipend, but some opportunities are unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the opportunity
Dates: Summer Session: Late May to August
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM internships offer paid opportunities for students to work on projects in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and space exploration. Internships can be completed either remotely or at a NASA center, providing flexibility in participation. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship from NASA professionals, and direct engagement with real-world STEM challenges. With 3 sessions available each year, you can gain experience during spring, summer, or fall. These internships help you build practical skills while contributing to ongoing projects that connect closely to your academic goals and future career interests.
11. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $25 as application fee (can be waived)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~292 students from 2,821 applicants (~10% acceptance rate).
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: 15 years or above by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University provides high school students with an opportunity to conduct research in various scientific disciplines. Under the guidance of faculty or industry professionals, you will use advanced technologies and research techniques. Fields of study include neuroscience, data science, bioengineering, and forensic science. In addition to technical training, the program focuses on scientific writing, communication, and career exploration through mentorship and forums. Your research can also lead to contributions in scientific publications or conference presentations.
12. MEDscienceLAB Forensics
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,800 (scholarships are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; limited scholarships are available
Dates: Multiple sessions from June - July
Application Deadline: January 1 - March 25
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 week-long, full-day program at Harvard Medical School
designed for high school students. You will learn about crime scene investigation by collecting evidence, analyzing samples, and working in teams to solve a simulated case. The program provides access to advanced laboratory facilities and hands-on training in techniques such as PCR, ELISA, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis. Through MEDchats, you’ll also engage with research professionals and learn about careers in biomedical sciences. The week concludes with a presentation of your forensic analysis, mirroring the process of a real-world investigation.
13. RISE Internship / Practicum
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $5,700; Service Fees: $485; Room & Board: $3,276 for 14 meals/week) or $3,600 for 19 meals/week; application fee: $60 (nonrefundable); need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 110 students annually; acceptance rate of 7%.
Dates: June 29 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
At Boston University, the RISE program offers a 6-week program for high school students interested in scientific research. As part of the selected group, you will conduct laboratory or computational research under the guidance of faculty or experienced scientists. Internship participants engage in full-time research across diverse scientific fields, while the practicum students attend daily lectures and work on group projects in data science or computational neurobiology. You’ll participate in weekly academic workshops and connect with professionals in the biotech industry. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium where you present your summer research.
Image Source - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Logo