15 Psychology Programs for High School Students

Mar 1

If you’re a high school student curious about how the mind works, psychology programs are a great way to learn more. In these programs, you can learn about memory, behavior, emotions, and mental health while improving your research and critical-thinking skills. Many programs are offered by top universities and institutions, allowing you to experience college life. You’ll get to learn from professors, researchers, or mental health professionals and see what a career in psychology might look like. Many programs involve activities, group projects, and workshops, which show you how psychology applies to real life.

Why should I participate in a psychology program in high school?

Psychology programs for high school students bridge the gap between academic theory and professional competencies like data analysis, active listening, and ethical decision-making. By participating in psychology opportunities offered by institutions, you can gain exposure to "wet lab" brain dissections, observational research, and case study evaluations. This field experience can help you stand out in college admissions, especially if you’re applying for a psychology major. These programs provide industry exposure and mentorship from practicing clinicians and researchers, which can help you decide if a career in psychology would be right for you.

Below, we’ve put together 15 psychology programs for high school students!

1. American Psychological Association (APA) internships

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Both paid and unpaid options available
Dates: Offered year-round via Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution, eligible to work in the U.S., and residing in a state where APA is registered as an employer; students under 18 must submit a D.C. Work Permit with their application

Through this remote internship with the American Psychological Association, you will gain experience in psychology and research at a large professional organization. You contribute to projects related to policy, communications, and research while developing skills in writing, organization, and administrative support. Along the way, you receive access to APA’s professional research databases, including PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, and a one-year APA student affiliate membership. You also participate in workshops and group discussions that introduce you to diverse career paths within psychology.

2. Ladder Internship Program

This remote internship matches you with a high-growth startup in fields like AI/ML, health tech, marketing, consulting, or journalism. You will take part in active projects, using industry-specific tools such as data analytics platforms and project management software. Startups in the program often operate in dynamic, fast-paced environments, giving you firsthand exposure to scaling strategies and operational decision-making. You’ll receive structured mentorship from both your company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, ensuring guidance throughout the process. At the end of your internship, you will present formal deliverables to the organization, gaining both professional experience and portfolio-ready work.

3. Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) – Child Mind Institute

Location: Child Mind Institute, San Mateo, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,750 stipend
Dates: Summer Academy: June 22 – July 23; Year-round Program: August – March
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from structurally marginalized communities who attend a public or private school in California and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

The Youth Mental Health Academy is designed for California high school students from underrepresented communities to explore careers in mental health. You’ll gain hands-on learning in mental health science, practice, and communication through project-based learning, mentorship, and interactive workshops. Throughout five weeks, you’ll learn about mental health disorders, participate in research, and work on a capstone project with guidance from a mentor. The program continues during the school year with virtual workshops and mentorship to help you develop skills, network, and prepare for college and careers. You also receive mentorship from professionals in the field and support in college planning.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including summer, winter, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. 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 and also become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

5. Barrow Neurological Institute – Summer High School Internship Program

Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 5 – July 9
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older at the start of the program

Barrow Neurological Institute’s Department of Translational Neuroscience offers summer internships for high school students interested in neuroscience. In this program, you will work with scientists and clinicians on research projects in areas such as brain cancer, psychology, vascular biology, and spine research. You develop research and professional skills through hands-on lab work, reading and analyzing scientific literature, and applying research methods. The program also provides insight into the biological principles and mechanisms behind disease development and treatment, with ongoing mentorship and guidance from Barrow researchers throughout the internship.

6. UCLA Neuroscience High School Virtual Summer Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students

In this interactive virtual program, you will learn about the complexities of the human brain, covering topics like neuroanatomy, neural signaling, and the biological basis of psychiatric disorders. You’ll engage in dynamic activities such as analyzing real clinical case studies, participating in virtual laboratory simulations, and collaborating on a final group research presentation. You receive direct mentorship from UCLA faculty and graduate students, offering you a rare glimpse into high-level university research. By the end, you’ll have a professional foundation in neuroscience that sets you apart for future college applications.

7. University of Texas Southwestern – Inspiring Careers in Mental Health

Location: Online (Hosted from Dallas, TX)
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 1 – 5; June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students who live either in the United States or on a U.S. armed forces base or diplomatic post

This two-week virtual internship gives you an inside look at careers in mental health through live sessions with professionals such as psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and clinical social workers. You explore topics including interventional psychiatry, psychotherapy, and neuropsychological testing, while also receiving practical guidance on education pathways and financial planning. You will observe or participate in simulated clinical scenarios where you learn how professionals diagnose and treat various mental health conditions. Before each session, you read the assigned articles and research papers to prepare for discussion. The program highlights how psychological concepts are applied in real-world mental health careers.

8. Harvard's Secondary School Program – Psychology and Neuroscience

Location: Online and on campus at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA
Cost: Varies, more details here; scholarships are available
Dates: July 2 – August 7; June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Students who graduate from high school and enter college in the application year | At least 16 years old by June 20 and will not turn 19 before July 31

This seven-week summer program allows you to take two college-level courses in psychology and neuroscience. You can choose from exciting topics such as Psychology of Eating, Close Relationships, Neuroinvesting, Emotional Intelligence, Ethics and AI, decision-making, and how the brain works. Throughout the program, you’ll join lectures, complete assignments, and take exams, giving you a real taste of college-style learning. The program is designed to help you think more clearly about how psychology applies to everyday life and prepare you for higher-level studies. When you finish, you’ll earn 4 or 8 undergraduate credits and receive an official Harvard transcript.

9. The Science Of Psychology – Columbia University

Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY, and Virtual
Cost: Fees vary depending on program format; check here
Dates: Summer A: June 29 – July 17; Summer B: July 21 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: All high school students

In this program, you’ll explore how psychologists study the mind and behavior. You’ll get an introduction to key areas of psychology and learn how research helps us understand people. You’ll dive into topics like how the brain functions, how we learn and remember, how we sense and perceive the world, how personality develops, how we think and make decisions, and how culture and environment shape behavior. Along the way, you’ll see how psychologists use experiments, observations, and data to answer important questions about human behavior. By the end of the program, you’ll have a solid understanding of psychology as a science and gain skills in critical thinking, research, and applying psychological ideas to everyday life.

10. Psychology Academy - Summer Discovery at UT Austin

Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $3,599 for commuter; $6,599 for residential; scholarships are available
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; late submissions permitted until May 1 with a late application fee surcharge and a 1-day expedited application review
Eligibility: All high school students with an interest in psychology

Led by a licensed clinical social worker, the Psychology Academy at UT Austin offers you a practical look into the profession. You dive into topics like behavioral patterns and developmental theory, using personal journaling to better understand the link between mindset and mental well-being. The curriculum balances academic research with insights from active industry guest speakers, providing a realistic perspective on various career trajectories. By applying these concepts to real-world scenarios, you walk away with both a certificate and a formal letter of recognition to strengthen your future college applications.

11. National Student Leadership Conference – Psychology & Neuroscience

Location: UC Berkeley, CA
Cost: $4,495; scholarships are available
Dates: June 12 – 20; June 24 – July 2; July 6 – 14; July 18 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 through 12

At the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Psychology & Neuroscience, high school students get a unique look into the mechanics of the human mind. The program balances academic introductions to topics like personality and development with neurology workshops and clinical simulations to show how brain function dictates behavior. Beyond the lab, you participate in a leadership curriculum focused on teamwork and communication, tools vital for any professional path. It is a well-rounded experience that blends scientific discovery with practical skill-building, helping you connect your interest in the brain to real-world career preparation and personal growth.

12. Gettysburg College Camp Psych

Location: Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA
Cost: $1,395; one or two full tuition waivers are available
Dates: July 13–18
Application Deadline: Applications considered on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

If you’re planning to major in psychology, Camp Psych at Gettysburg College offers a valuable head start by immersing you in the actual mechanics of the field. You’ll participate in the scientific process by generating research questions, gathering data, and presenting your findings on modern behavioral topics. This hands-on approach allows you to explore how mental processes are studied through collaborative discussions and practical projects. It’s an ideal way to see how psychological research functions in the real world while gaining a clear sense of the academic expectations you'll face in college.

13. Duke University Pre-College – Developmental Psychology

Location: Duke University Campus, Durham, North Carolina
Cost: Residential: $6,050; Commuter: $3,905; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 13 – 24
Application Deadline: Typically, early March
Eligibility: Students 14+ who have completed at least one year of high school

In this program, you will explore how humans grow from infancy through adulthood by examining critical topics like cognitive milestones, social-emotional development, and the nature-versus-nurture debate. You’ll engage in hands-on activities such as analyzing childhood behavior case studies, designing your own developmental research experiments, and participating in debates regarding modern adolescent psychology. A unique feature of this course is the chance to learn from Duke’s specialized faculty while collaborating with a diverse group of peers who share your passion for the mind. By the end of the session, you’ll have mastered practical skills in scientific observation, data interpretation, and psychological empathy.

14. Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program – Psychology Institute

Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,500; financial aid available
Dates: July 12 – 17; July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current 9th – 12th grade students

At the Psychology Institute at Wake Forest University, you will spend a week exploring psychology while developing skills for future study and careers in the field. You will examine topics such as emotional regulation, brain function, addiction, and mental health disorders through interactive lessons and hands-on experiences. You will take part in activities like observing human behavior, dissecting a sheep’s brain to better understand brain structure, and conducting your own observational research. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings and receive a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University.

15. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Summer Sessions- Psychology

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Residential (2 Courses): $14,688; Commuter (1 Course): $7,409; Commuter (2 Courses): $11,308 + $50 application fee + $800 Enrollment deposit; need-based full scholarships are available
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors at the time of application submission, and 16 years old by June 20

Through Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Summer Session, you can enroll in courses like Introduction to Psychology or Social Psychology and earn transferable university credits. While the introductory course focuses on building foundational models to explain human thought and behavior, the social psychology track examines how our surroundings and peer groups shape our emotions and actions. You will engage with academic lectures and historical research methodologies to understand the established science behind these fields. Successfully finishing either class grants you official CMU credit, providing a significant head start on your college transcript and a deeper understanding of academic psychology.

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Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.