15 Summer Programs in Boston for High School Students
High school is the perfect time to explore your interests and gain practical experience—and summer programs offer an accessible way to do that. They allow you to build real skills, experience different fields up close, and connect with mentors who can guide your growth. These programs also help you understand how various industries work and strengthen soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
What does Boston have to offer for high school students?
Boston, being the hub for opportunities in Healthcare, Data science, Finance, and Technology, offers numerous programs during your summer break. If you’re in Boston or planning to spend your summer there, you’ll find a wide range of in-person opportunities offered by the city’s top colleges, hospitals, and organizations. Many of these programs run from May through August and provide meaningful experiences without the high costs often associated with long-term academic options. Whether you're interested in science, business, medicine, or technology, Boston offers programs that let you learn from professionals and engage with real-world projects.
To help you begin your search, we’ve curated a list of 15 strong summer programs for high school students in Boston.
P.S. Boston has a lot going on academically — if you're also open to programs across the state, 15 Computer Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students has several New England options. And 14 Summer Internships for Rising High School Juniors is a solid broader list if you're earlier in high school and figuring out where to start.
15 Summer Programs in Boston for High School Students
1. (RISE) Research in Science & Engineering By Boston University
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on track and housing; financial aid available (no stipend)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Residential: June 28 - August 7 | Commuter: June 29 - August 7
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
RISE is a 6-week, hands-on summer research program designed for rising high school seniors who are excited about science and engineering. During the program, you’ll spend about 40 hours each week working closely with BU professors, graduate researchers, and postdoctoral fellows on an independent research project in fields such as mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, among others. You’ll strengthen your technical abilities, sharpen analytical skills, and share your findings at a final Poster Symposium. You’ll also take part in workshops focused on academic and professional development, along with visits to local industry partners. The program gives you the opportunity to engage in authentic university-level research while building your scientific reasoning, communication skills, and overall confidence as a researcher.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a competitive program that connects high school students with internships at fast-growing start-ups. Through the program, you collaborate directly with a rising company in fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. These start-ups typically operate at a high-growth pace, with many having raised over a million dollars in funding. As an intern, you work alongside a manager on meaningful, real-world projects and ultimately present your contributions to the team. The internship is fully remote and typically lasts about eight weeks, giving you the flexibility to participate from anywhere while gaining hands-on experience in a professional start-up environment.
3. Boston University Academic Immersion (AIM)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost / Stipend: Tuition required; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not stated
Dates: Residential: Session 1: June 28–July 17; Session 2: July 19–August 7 | Commuter: Session 1: June 29–July 17; Session 2: July 20–August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Boston University’s Academic Immersion (AIM) is a 3-week, on-campus program that allows high school students to explore a single subject in depth while experiencing college life. You can choose from four tracks - Experimental Psychology, Introduction to Medicine, Creative Writing, or Business - each combining classroom learning with hands-on activities, field trips, and group projects. Students work closely with BU instructors as they design research experiments, participate in medical simulations, develop business plans, or refine their writing through workshops and author talks. The program includes both commuter and residential options, along with planned social activities that help you connect with peers who share your interests. AIM is designed for motivated students who want to build practical skills, learn from experts, and gain insight into potential academic and career paths.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
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 structured research experience designed specifically for high school students. You’ll be matched with a Ph.D. mentor and work 1-on-1 on an independent research project over a 12-week period, although some cohorts run longer depending on the session. The program allows you to delve into a wide range of fields, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, engineering, chemistry, computer science, and international relations. Throughout the process, you’ll learn how to design a research question, analyze information, and develop your academic writing skills. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a full research paper based on your work. Cohort schedules, costs, and deadlines vary, and full financial aid is available.
5. Boston University Summer Challenge
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost / Stipend: Tuition required; financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not stated
Dates: Residential: Session 1: June 14 – June 26; Session 2: July 5 – July 17; Session 3: July 19 – July 31 | Commuter: Session 1: June 15 – June 26; Session 2: July 6 – July 17; Session 3: July 20 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This summer program for high school students in Boston is a 2-week residential program that gives high school students a chance to experience college life while exploring academic subjects in a structured, supportive environment. Participants choose two seminars from a wide menu of options, each blending lectures, discussions, group activities, and project-based work to help students deepen their understanding of new topics. Small class sizes allow for personal attention from Boston University instructors, and field trips or hands-on tasks vary by seminar. Beyond classes, students take part in workshops - including a session on the college admissions process - and join daily social events that help them connect with peers. The program is designed to help you push your academic boundaries, discover new interests, and get a feel for life at BU.
6. Boston Medical Center – Junior Summer Volunteer Program (JSVP)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (volunteer program)
Cohort Size: About 70 students; preference for Boston residents
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: When 100 applications are received or by April 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must commit to all 8 weeks
In the Junior Summer Volunteer Program at Boston Medical Center, you spend 8 weeks volunteering in outpatient areas of the hospital while learning about different parts of the healthcare system. You complete a recurring 3-hour weekly volunteer shift, which may involve roles in the ambassador program, the food pantry, or pediatric outpatient clinics. Each week, you also attend a lecture led by a healthcare professional, giving you a structured way to understand various hospital careers and functions. The program starts with an orientation and ends with a completion event. By the end, you’ll receive documentation of your volunteer hours and a certificate you can use for future applications.
7. Tufts University – Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)
Location: Medford, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Must be 16 by program start; must live in Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy; strong interest in biomedical research
In the TUBERS program, you spend about 6 weeks working in Tufts University’s biomedical engineering labs, where you take part in ongoing research and learn lab techniques used to study cells, tissues, and organs. You follow a daily schedule set with your research mentor and participate in the full research cycle, from forming hypotheses to running experiments and interpreting data. You’ll study one area of biomedical engineering in depth and share your findings with peers, parents, and teachers at the end of the program. The experience also gives you exposure to professional researchers and guidance from undergraduate and graduate mentors. Although the program is free, you’re responsible for your own transportation and housing, and you’re encouraged to use your project in local or national science competitions if approved by your PI.
8. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
Location: Boston, Massachusetts (on-campus) or Remote (learn-from-home)
Cost/Stipend: Typically $6,200 for the residential program and $1,500 for the remote instruction program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated
Dates: Typically June - July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility:
On Campus: Rising juniors, rising seniors, and current seniors with some journalism experience
Learn-from-Home: High school students ages 14 - 18, all experience levels
In this summer program for high school students in Boston, you spend your summer learning journalism from professionals who actively work in the field. You can choose to participate on campus for a residential experience or join remotely from anywhere. Each day includes practical assignments that teach you to gather information, interview sources, and develop stories under real-world conditions. You’ll use tools such as a laptop, a phone, and the Inside Reporting textbook to complete your work. The program focuses on helping you understand how reporters think, write, and work through daily newsroom challenges. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether journalism is a field you want to continue exploring.
9. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 to August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong academic and research background
At RSI, you begin your summer with a week of focused seminars in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, math, and the humanities. After the first week, you transition into a full research placement where you work closely with a mentor to design and carry out an independent project. You’ll spend most days in a lab or research setting, using advanced tools and resources to move your work forward. The program also includes evening lectures from scientists and industry leaders, as well as guidance on writing research papers and preparing conference-style presentations. You’ll present your final project to other students and professionals, with some projects highlighted for special recognition. In addition to the research experience, you’ll take part in group outings and community activities around Boston.
10. Mass General Brigham JLAb High School Program
Location: Mass General Brigham (Boston, MA)
Cost/Stipend: Free (no stipend); includes a $10 daily lunch voucher
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated
Dates: Multiple sessions — Feb 17–20, 2026; Apr 21–24, 2026; July 21–24, 2026; Aug 4–7, 2026
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: High school students age 16+, who have completed 10th grade and passed Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, or Medical Terminology
In the JLAb program, you spend 4 days exploring the core areas of pathology and laboratory medicine through hands-on activities and direct interaction with medical laboratory professionals. You’ll rotate through departments like hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and the blood bank, where you learn basic lab skills such as pipetting, microscopy, and specimen processing. The schedule also includes career panels and guided tours of labs at both Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, giving you a clearer view of how diagnostic testing supports patient care. Throughout the week, you observe real clinical workflows and see how different types of test results influence medical decisions. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of the educational paths and job roles within laboratory medicine.
11. LEAH Knox Scholars Program
Location: Sites in Cambridge and Boston, MA, including MIT labs and other university labs
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; all activities are paid by stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates:
First summer: Intensive MIT lab experience
Second summer: Support + possible placement in external research labs
School year: Ongoing STEM internship, mentorship, and monthly events
Application Deadline: Typically January - March
Eligibility: High school students from Boston, Cambridge, and Everett with a strong interest in science
In the LEAH Knox Scholars Program, you’ll spend 2 years building research experience through hands-on lab work, mentorship, and structured academic support. Your first summer centers on an intensive laboratory placement at MIT, where you’ll learn foundational research techniques and scientific communication skills. During the following academic year, you’ll receive 1:1 mentorship from STEM professionals, participate in monthly STEM events, and have the option to join LEAH’s paid STEM teaching internship. In your second summer, you’ll get guidance in applying for placements in university or industry labs to continue building your experience. Throughout the program, you’ll also take part in college readiness activities designed to help you prepare for future scientific pathways.
12. Young SchYoung Scholars Program (YSP) – Center for STEM Educationolars Program (YSP) – Northeastern University
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA (commuter program)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are permanent Massachusetts residents, live within commuting distance of Northeastern, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In the Young Scholars Program, you spend 6 weeks working directly in research labs across Northeastern’s Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. You’ll assist with ongoing projects in fields like agent-based modeling, battery chemistry, biotechnology, and model compression, depending on faculty placements. Alongside your research experience, you join an engineering seminar series where professors and graduate students discuss topics such as superconductivity, environmental issues, robotics, and chemical analysis. The program also includes career exploration sessions led by Northeastern faculty and co-op advisors, providing insight into engineering pathways and professional preparation. You’ll participate in field trips to industry and government sites, meet practicing engineers, and get a closer look at real-world applications of STEM research. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with college students, access campus resources, and get a practical introduction to academic and professional life in engineering.
13. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program – Massachusetts General Hospital
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school and undergraduate students; additional eligibility details provided upon application (no specific grade minimum listed on site)
In this full-time summer program for high school students in Boston, you work 40 hours per week for 6-8 weeks while completing mentored research in an MGH Neurology lab. You begin with a multi-day bootcamp that covers required training, introduces you to lab expectations, and helps you build the professional skills you’ll need for the rest of the program. Throughout the internship, you work closely with a faculty mentor and lab members on active research projects, while also attending weekly didactic sessions led by neurologists and neuroscientists. You may participate in occasional field trips, networking lunches, or other events, depending on the schedule. At the end of the program, you and your partner create a final presentation to share your research experience with mentors, peers, and families. After the summer ends, you continue receiving support through advising, networking opportunities, application guidance, and other professional resources.
14. CURE – Summer Only Program
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internship (full-time)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: Typically, June to August
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students interested in biomedical research
In this full-time summer program, you spend 7–11 weeks working on a mentored cancer research project at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. You contribute to ongoing biomedical research while building technical skills through daily lab work, journal clubs, and research seminars. Throughout the summer, you take part in structured professional development, including scientific skills training and career-focused workshops. You also engage in networking activities such as career roundtables, informational interviews, and community-building events with peers. Social programming and team-building days help you connect with other students and learn from a broader scientific community. At the end of the program, you prepare an abstract and present your research, with some students also having opportunities to attend scientific conferences.
15. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program
Location: Bentley University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: June 24 - July 11
Application Deadline: January 18
Eligibility: High school students interested in computational research and Wolfram Language
In this summer program for high school students in Boston, you spend 2.5 weeks learning Wolfram Language and applying it to an independent computational research project. You begin with a required online course and an in-person boot camp that helps you build foundational programming and problem-solving skills. Throughout the program, you attend deep-dive talks on topics such as natural language processing, computational art, and machine learning, and you complete hands-on challenges that strengthen your technical abilities. Most of your time is dedicated to your independent project, where you receive guidance from mentors and collaborate with peers as you work toward a final computational essay. Alongside academics, you take part in structured social activities, creative electives, and daily community-building events. By the end, you gain experience in computational thinking, designing real-world projects, and presenting your work in a professional format.
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