15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Virginia
Free summer programs for high school students are an excellent option because they allow you to experience the rigor of advanced coursework and the independence of living or studying in a collegiate environment. Many of these programs combine practical projects, research opportunities, and workshops that develop practical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Free programs are typically competitive, making them valuable additions to your college applications.
If you’re a high school student in Virginia, you can benefit from free summer programs that leverage the state's academic, cultural, and environmental resources. Virginia's universities and institutions, such as Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University, offer free summer research programs, STEM camps, and college credit courses for high schoolers. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together 15 of the best free summer programs in Virginia for high school students. This list also includes a few free virtual programs that allow students in Virginia to apply.
15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Virginia
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 - 25% / 70 - 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer Cohorts I and II start June 2 and July 14, respectively
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort: Summer Cohort I: May 12; Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects ambitious students with high-growth start-ups, giving you the chance to work on meaningful projects while exploring potential career paths. You’ll be matched with a start-up in fields like technology, health tech, journalism, AI/ML, consulting, or marketing, and collaborate directly with company managers while also receiving guidance from a Ladder Coach. You typically work 10–20 hours per week for 8 weeks, gaining practical skills and insight into how fast-growing companies operate. The program concludes with you presenting your work to the start-up team. 100% financial aid is available, and the experience offers real-world exposure to entrepreneurial environments.
2. Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s Schools (SRGS)
Location: Multiple Virginia college and university campuses
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive / Around 24 students
Dates: Late June – late July (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Varies as per programs: December 13 for the academic and mentorship programs; November 6 for the Visual and Performing Arts interest form
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students in Virginia
The Summer Residential Governor’s Schools (SRGS) are month-long residential programs in Virginia designed for motivated high school students. Each program is centered on a specific area of study, such as Mathematics, Science, and Technology; Marine Science; Humanities; Engineering; Agriculture; or Medicine and Health Sciences. If you’re more artistically inclined, there are also Visual and Performing Arts academies in areas like Dance, Theatre, Instrumental Music, and Visual Arts. You’ll live on a university campus, take part in challenging classes, seminars, and workshops, and often work directly with professors, researchers, or professional artists. Mentorship-based tracks let you work side-by-side with scientists, physicians, or engineers on real-world projects.
3. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Moderately sized cohort
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school seniors who are typically from low-income families
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation offers two fully-funded programs: the prestigious Lumiere Research Scholar Program and the Humanities and Social Sciences Program. In the Breakthrough Scholar Program, you’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project across fields like psychology, economics, physics, international relations, computer science, and more. The Lumiere Humanities and Social Sciences Program is designed for high school students interested in fields such as sociology, history, languages, philosophy, education, and public policy. Over 12 weeks, you’ll develop advanced research skills, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and finish with a full research paper that reflects your original work. The program provides opportunities typically reserved for expensive pre-college research programs, giving you both mentorship and a tangible research output that can stand out in college applications.
4. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Location: Online (course); NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (seven-day summer academy)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 40% / Online Course: 180 students; Summer academies: 60 students
Dates: Online course runs December – May; summer residency dates tentatively between June and August
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Current Virginia-based high school juniors and seniors | Minimum 2.7 GPA | At least 16 years old
VASTS allows you to explore aerospace science and engineering while connecting with NASA experts. You’ll complete an interactive online course during the school year, covering modules on space exploration, satellite design, and mission planning, all while engaging with scientists and engineers. If you do well, you may be selected for a week-long residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center, where you’ll collaborate with peers on designing a NASA-style mission. You work in teams to create proposals, practice technical writing, and present to professionals. The program is free and provides both mentorship and a potential pathway to earn college credit.
5. Virginia Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA)
Location: French, German, and Spanish Academies (Full-Immersion): Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA | Japanese (Partial-Immersion) and Latin Academies: Randolph Macon College, Ashland, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective / 10 - 16 students
Dates: French, German, Spanish Academies: June 21 – July 12 | Japanese and Latin Academies: June 22 – July 13
Application Deadline: November 12 (notify school); January 17 (application requirements and language testing completed)
Eligibility: Current 11th graders and mature 10th graders. Check website for prerequisites for each academy
The Virginia Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA) immerse you in language and culture for three weeks on a college campus. In the full-immersion academies for French, German, and Spanish, you’ll live entirely in the target language; every conversation, activity, and academic task is done without English. The Latin Academy emphasizes history, literature, and classical studies, while the Japanese Academy provides a partial-immersion experience focused on language learning for non-native speakers. These programs are highly competitive and intended for students who are ready to serve as ambassadors for their school and community while developing fluency and cultural awareness.
6. Healthcare Careers Summer Camp
Location: Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC), South Boston, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Camp 1: June 11 – 15; Camp 2: July 16 – 18
Application Deadline: Not specified; early registration is recommended to secure a spot
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th grade students
If you’re considering a future in healthcare, this camp allows you to test out different career paths in a hands-on manner. You’ll take part in interactive activities, practical training sessions, and conversations with healthcare professionals who can give you insight into what their work is really like. The camp runs in two sessions, and you can register for either depending on your schedule. It’s designed to introduce you to in-demand healthcare fields while helping you decide if this might be a career worth pursuing. Since the camp is free and spots are limited, early registration is important if you want to take part.
7. Entrepreneurship Camp
Location: Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC), South Boston, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / 12 students
Dates: June 9 – 11
Application Deadline: Not specified; spaces are limited; pre-registration required
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th grade students
SVHEC’s Summer Career Camps’ Entrepreneurship Camp allows you to step into the world of business and test your entrepreneurial skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You’ll take part in workshops led by experienced entrepreneurs, tackle real-world business challenges, and compete in team-based projects. Along the way, you’ll explore topics like marketing, finance, and product development while receiving guidance from industry mentors. The short, three-day format makes it easy to fit into your summer schedule, while still offering an intensive, skills-based experience. You must arrange for your own transportation to and from the SVHEC, and lunch will be provided daily.
8. Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Summer Camp
Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Moderate cohort size
Dates: June 12 – 13, plus one week of volunteering
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th-grade students | Recently graduated students can apply as Junior Counselors who assist during the camp
These summer camps, run by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), give you the chance to explore the Chesapeake Bay in a hands-on way. If you’re a high schooler in the NERRS Nerds program, you’ll do a two-day training followed by a week volunteering as a Junior Counselor to help run the younger camps. You’ll spend time outside, learn from marine science educators, and get a firsthand look at how researchers study estuaries and coastal ecosystems. The program emphasizes quality field and laboratory experiences in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
9. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)
Location: Online (course); NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (seven-day summer academy)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Around 180 students for the Online Course; About 96 students for the Summer Academy
Dates: Online modules begin in December (modules due every two weeks); the seven-day Summer Academy is held in the summer (dates vary)
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Virginia residents who are high school juniors or seniors | Minimum GPA of 2.7 | U.S. citizen
The VESSS program gives you a hands-on introduction to Earth system science through NASA satellite missions and remote sensing. You’ll complete an interactive online course during the school year, consisting of seven modules plus a capstone project, which asks you to tackle Earth science questions and interact with NASA scientists and engineers. If you perform well in the online portion, you may be invited to a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center, where you’ll work on a team project to design a satellite mission, tour NASA facilities, and be mentored by NASA engineers and scientists. VESSS is free and awards up to five transferable college credits upon successful completion.
10. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Location: Monongahela National Forest, Davis, WV; includes travel to Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Two delegates are selected to attend camp from each state, bringing the total size to 110 - 120 students
Dates: July 10 – August 2
Application Deadline: Varies as per state, most have February 28, while some have March 3
Eligibility: Recent U.S. high school graduates; international students ages 16–18 from select countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago)
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp is a residential STEAM program that combines advanced learning with outdoor adventure. Delegates attend daily lectures from leading scientists and technologists, participate in directed studies with small groups, and join interactive seminars on both scientific and cultural topics. Beyond academics, the camp features extensive outdoor programming, backpacking, caving, kayaking, and climbing in West Virginia’s mountains, plus a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet policymakers and scientists. Notable past speakers include Neil Armstrong, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Francis Collins, highlighting the camp’s reputation for connecting students with world-class leaders.
11. Bridgewater College Future Scholars Institute
Location: Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 25
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
In this program, you’ll live in the dorms, eat in the dining hall, and spend your days in a humanities-based seminar called “Individual Freedom and the Public Good.” Through readings, discussions, and debates, you’ll explore the balance between individual rights and the collective good in a democracy. Beyond the classroom, you’ll participate in workshops on admissions and financial aid, preparing you for the college application process. Each student who completes the program receives two college credits and a letter of recommendation from a Bridgewater faculty member. You’ll also take part in field trips, including one to Washington, D.C., adding a real-world dimension to what you’re learning.
12. VALHEN STEM Academy
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically late-July – early-August
Application Deadline: Typically between March and April
Eligibility: Rising Virginia high school sophomores and juniors
The VALHEN STEM Academy at George Mason University is a free STEM summer program designed to engage rising high school sophomores, especially from underrepresented groups. The academy covers a broad range of STEM topics, including engineering design, computer science, environmental science, and mathematics, offering you hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. You participate in activities such as laboratory experiments, coding challenges, engineering design projects, and group problem-solving sessions. Unique features of the program include mentorship by university faculty and industry professionals, personalized academic advising, and opportunities to network with peers sharing similar STEM interests. You will develop skills in critical thinking, teamwork, scientific inquiry, and technical communication by the end.
13. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
Location: Multiple campuses across Virginia (William & Mary, Virginia Tech, Radford University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Not specified
Dates: William & Mary: June 21 – 24; Virginia Tech: July 15 – 18; Radford University: July 19 – 22; Old Dominion University: July 26 – 29; University of Virginia: June 28 – July 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students who are Virginia residents and attending school in the state | U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident | at least a C+/B- average (minimum 2.7 GPA)
This program offers a three-day experience on a college campus where students live in dormitories and engage in interactive STEM activities. Each session is hosted at one of Virginia’s top universities, featuring faculty-led workshops and demonstrations designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in STEM fields. The program is aimed at students who have had limited STEM opportunities but are eager to explore science, technology, engineering, or math more deeply. You will meet peers from across the state, experience campus life firsthand, and gain exposure to a wide variety of STEM disciplines. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, teamwork, and discovery to inspire a lasting interest in STEM careers. It uniquely combines immersive educational activities with real-life college experiences to prepare students for future academic and professional success in STEM.
14. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (with some remote and hybrid options)
Cost/Stipend: None except a $25 application fee (waivable for financial need) / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Limited cohort size
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: For computer lab internships, students must be at least 15 years old by the program start date | For in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships, students must be at least 16 years old
ASSIP is a highly selective research internship where students work with GMU faculty mentors on advanced projects over eight weeks. You’ll work one-on-one with faculty researchers in disciplines spanning biology, physics, chemistry, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, environmental policy, machine learning, and more. You will use advanced lab equipment and technologies, gain professional research experience, and build technical writing and communication skills. The program culminates in a final poster session, and many interns go on to publish their work in journals or present at professional conferences. You can see some of the past research topics here.
15. E-Summer Program @ NOVA
Location: Northern Virginia Community College, Woodbridge, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selection by lottery, space is limited / typically 10 - 15 students
Dates: July 7 – August 13
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who must provide evidence of one of the qualifying scores
The E-Summer Program @ NOVA introduces you to STEM careers while allowing you to earn dual-enrollment college credit. Over six weeks, you’ll take two courses (CSC 221: Computer Organization and SDV 100: College Success Skills), attend lectures from industry leaders, and visit a local facility to learn more about STEM careers, including energy-related fields. Classes meet three days a week on the Woodbridge campus, and lunch is provided each day. Because the program is funded through the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities and Dominion Energy, there is no cost to participants. Selection is done through a lottery system, so submitting a complete application on time is essential.
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