15 Online Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student, online summer programs offer an opportunity to gain exposure to new domains without the additional expenses or travel or in-person programs. These programs help you build practical skills, explore potential career paths, and connect with professionals and peers who share your interests. For students who want to test their academic or professional interests before college, these programs are worth considering.
Online summer programs for high school students make it easier to accommodate advanced study into your schedule. Whether your interests lie in STEM, arts, journalism, technology, or social sciences, there’s a program that allows you to expand your subject knowledge without leaving your home. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 online summer programs for high school students that stand out for their quality, structure, and variety of subjects.
15 Online Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years of age
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University gives you the opportunity to join ongoing research projects in STEM fields under the guidance of faculty and professional researchers. With a duration of 8 weeks, this program allows you to work on projects in domains such as neuroscience, bioengineering, robotics, environmental science, and cybersecurity. As a virtual participant, you’ll gain exposure to advanced research tools, learn how to analyze data, and practice communicating your findings through written reports and presentations. A distinctive feature of ASSIP is the chance to contribute to work that later appears in academic journals or conference presentations. The program also incorporates career-focused sessions that introduce you to different growth opportunities in science and engineering.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
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 and can devote 10-20 hours/week
Ladder Internships allows you to gain hands-on experience in the startup world, where you can work remotely with growing companies across different fields such as AI, health technology, journalism, and consulting. The internship typically lasts around 8 weeks and pairs you with a Startup Manager and a Ladder Coach who supports your progress. You’ll contribute to real projects that matter to the company, whether that involves research, content creation, or data analysis, and then you present your work to the company leaders. The experience also helps you to strengthen teamwork and communication skills since you’ll be collaborating with professionals.
3. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; in-person interns are paid an hourly stipend, and virtual interns are provided a stipend of $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 5 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: December 1 - March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors located in the U.S.
JHIBS is a 5-week online summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors who want to explore neuroscience and related research areas. During the program, you’ll attend virtual lectures on brain science, learn about laboratory methods through guided demonstrations, and participate in professional development workshops. Each student is paired with mentors from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, giving you direct access to scientists who study topics such as cognition, neurological disorders, and brain imaging. Along with scientific training, the program emphasizes career development by introducing you to the work of clinician-scientists and researchers. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your project or research findings and receive a certificate.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year; Summer cohorts run between June and August; Application Deadline: June/July for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement; accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week online mentorship experience where you work directly with a PhD mentor to design and complete your own independent research project. You start by selecting a subject area such as physics, psychology, economics, or engineering, and then receive step-by-step guidance on how to narrow a topic, conduct research, and collate your findings in the form of an academic paper. This process introduces you to the structure of scholarly inquiry, helping you to improve analytical thinking and writing skills. Meetings with your mentor ensure you receive feedback throughout the project, right from your first proposal to the final draft. At the end of the program, you’ll have a complete research paper to your name.
5. sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (preference is given to underprivileged students in neuroscience or without any prior research experience)
The sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program is a 5-week virtual experience where you design and carry out an independent neuroscience project using open-access resources and guidance from volunteer mentors. Each week, you’ll attend journal club sessions where students present and discuss scientific papers, along with recorded lectures that cover foundational topics in neuroscience. If you choose the synchronous track, you’ll meet regularly with a mentor who supports your project development and presentation skills. By the end of the program, you’ll deliver a 10 to 15-minute presentation of your work and submit a written paper summarizing your research, which you can use as a handy source for future applications or student journals.
6. Kode With Klossy
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions available between June 2 and August 15
Application Deadline: March; dates can vary
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens between the ages of 13 and 18 years are encouraged to apply
Kode With Klossy runs free 2-week virtual summer camps focused on coding and computer science for students of underrepresented genders in technology. The program features several specialized tracks, including web development, mobile app design, data science, and artificial intelligence, where you’ll learn programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Swift, or HTML/CSS. Alongside peers and mentors, you’ll apply these skills to build projects like websites, apps, chatbots, or data visualizations. The curriculum also addresses broader themes such as accessibility in tech and algorithmic bias, helping you think critically about the impact of technology. Camps often feature guest speakers who share insights related to career pathways in the tech industry. By the end of the camp, you will have completed a project and gained hands-on coding experience.
7. Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,495 (need-based scholarships are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions are available
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the course
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 13 and above
The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program gives you the opportunity to explore your academic interests year-round with flexible, self-paced courses led by university faculty. Each course typically takes 20 to 30 hours to complete and features interactive video lessons, curated assignments, and activities to help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject. You’ll also be paired with a mentor who provides feedback, guidance on assignments, and support as you work on a capstone project that showcases what you’ve learned so far. Topics range widely, and the capstone project helps you develop skills in research, organization, and presentation. Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Notre Dame.
8. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,365
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 14 - August 1
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Open to rising students in grade 10 to graduating grade 12
The SELF Experience is an online summer program that encourages you to approach problems using the entrepreneurship and leadership mindset. In the program, you’ll take on the role of CEO of “ME, Inc.” and develop a personal leadership plan, working with peers to design solutions to real-world challenges. You’ll study topics like marketing, economics, personal finance, and strategy through lectures and collaborative projects with guidance from business faculty and industry professionals. The core component of the program is teamwork, as students work together to prepare and deliver a venture pitch that brings their ideas to life. Along the way, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how creativity and markets can be used to address social and economic issues while learning how to apply leadership concepts to your own goals.
9. Purdue University Summer College for High School Students
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $347.85 - $1,108.30 per credit hour (vary depending on in-state, out-of-state, or international status)
Acceptance rate/cohort Size: Selective
Dates: May 13 to August 2; Multiple modules run, including full summer, 8-week, 4-week, and Maymester sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications open on December 1)
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years of age or above, have completed their freshman year of high school, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.30+
You can enroll in online 100-level courses and study alongside current undergraduates while earning 3 transferable college credits per class. The courses, which typically run for 6 to 8 weeks, are fully asynchronous, so you can work through lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussion boards on a schedule that works for you while still meeting firm deadlines. Subjects vary depending on the session and include options such as communication, sociology, history, or philosophy. Since these are real Purdue classes, you’ll be expected to complete the same graded assignments as college students, which gives you a realistic preview of academic expectations at the undergraduate level.
10. Summer@Brown Online
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: 2 weeks: $3,218; 3 weeks: $4,454; 4 weeks: $5,314; 6 weeks: $6,238
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions offered in June - July
Application Deadline: May 9 (rolling)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9th-12th between the ages of 14 to 18 years by June 15
Summer@Brown Online gives you the chance to study a subject you care about by choosing more than 50 college-level courses in areas such as biology, psychology, economics, and the arts. Courses are offered in different formats, ranging from fully asynchronous to blended, so that you can choose the structure that best matches your schedule. Over the course of your class, you’ll complete readings, assignments, and projects under the guidance of Brown faculty and receive personalized feedback on your work. Students who take a 3-week or longer course also receive a Course Performance Report, while all participants earn a digital certificate of completion. Beyond academics, you can join online workshops and discussions that connect you with other students worldwide.
11. Babson Summer Study
Location: Remote
Cost: $6,295 + $95 as application fee (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N/A
Dates: July 7– 28
Application Deadline: Early Bird: February 14 | Standard: March 14
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
Babson Summer Study is a 3-week online program where you can earn 4 college credits while learning how entrepreneurial thinking can be applied to global challenges. The central course, Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience, uses the United Nations Global Goals as a framework for exploring leadership, finance, marketing, and business communication. You’ll work closely with peers on group projects, receive guidance from Babson mentors, and participate in smaller breakout sessions after long lectures to dive deeper into specific topics. The program emphasizes Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action approach, encouraging you to test ideas, adapt to uncertainty, and collaborate on innovative solutions. Throughout the program, you’ll also hear from guest speakers, including alumni and business leaders. The experience culminates in a social impact project that showcases your learning and demonstrates your ability to apply it in real-world situations.
12. American Psychological Association (APA) – Remote Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N/A
Dates: Internships are offered all year round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s eVerify service) and residing in one of the states where APA is already registered as an employer
Through the American Psychological Association’s Remote Internship Program, you can explore how psychology is applied in professional contexts without leaving home. Interns are placed in departments such as research, education, communications, or policy, where daily tasks may involve analyzing data, writing briefs, developing educational resources, or assisting with organizational initiatives. Each participant works under the supervision of a mentor, making the experience both structured and practical. In addition to department-specific responsibilities, the program offers optional workshops, group discussions, and networking events that expose you to a variety of careers linked to psychology. Since placements tend to differ, your work can range from digital media projects to policy-related analysis.
13. The School of The New York Times Online Summer Academy
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $3,000–$4,500 per course (scholarships are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions from June–August
Application Deadline: Early April (rolling, check on the official website)
Eligibility: Students aged from 15–18 years, no specific GPA requirement, open to domestic and international students
The School of The New York Times Online Summer Academy can help you explore fields such as journalism, media, or the ways culture is shaped and reported. Courses are designed and taught by professional journalists, editors, and industry specialists, giving you exposure to real-world practices while working on writing assignments, interviews, multimedia projects, and reporting exercises. Topics cover a broad range, from political commentary and global reporting to fashion journalism and the role of artificial intelligence in modern media. Classes are small and discussion-driven, allowing you to analyze current events and cultural trends while developing your own unique voice as a writer or storyteller.
14. Rice University Summer Scholars
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,200 per credit hour + $75 as application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N/A
Dates: May – August, with 6 summer blocks to fit different schedules
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to rising 11th and 12th graders
The Rice University Summer Scholars Program gives you the chance to experience college-level academics while earning official credits that can be applied to future studies. Offered fully online, the program includes a wide selection of subjects such as physics, economics, anthropology, creative writing, linguistics, and data science. Each course is led by Rice faculty and follows the expectations of a typical undergraduate class, with lectures, discussions, assignments, and projects designed to challenge you intellectually. By successfully completing this course, you will receive Rice credits, adding value to your academic record.
15. Harvard’s Secondary School Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $4,050 (4-credits) to $7,900 (8-credits) + $75 as application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 21 - August 9
Application Deadline: Early: January 8; Regular: February 12; Late: April 9 (no financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students who will graduate from high school and enter college in the next 3 years, are at least 16 years of age by June 21, and will not be 19 years of age before July 31
Harvard’s Secondary School Program allows high school students to take real Harvard courses online for college credit during a 4-week or 7-week summer term. With over 200 courses available across 50 academic areas, you can choose subjects ranging from economics, psychology, global health, computer science, to creative writing. Classes are conducted several times a week for live sessions, with additional work in the form of readings, essays, problem sets, and projects. In the 7-week option, students may enroll in 1 or 2 courses, allowing for either focused study in a single area or exploring multiple disciplines. Courses are taught by Harvard faculty and visiting scholars, replicating the rigor of a university environment while providing you direct interaction with instructors. Successful completion of the program results in an official Harvard credit.
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