15 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Virginia
If you’re a high school student looking to challenge yourself academically, participating in a college program for high schoolers may be a good idea. Summer college programs give you the chance to experience college life while still in high school, exposing you to the academics and expectations you’ll encounter later on. These programs often include practical projects, field trips, and workshops. Participating in a college summer program can help you decide which field you might eventually want to major in.
Students in Virginia have access to programs hosted by colleges such as the University of Virginia, William & Mary, and Virginia State University. These programs introduce you to a rigorous academic environment through courses and research opportunities. Additionally, college summer programs provide chances for personal growth as you’ll live on campus and socialize with peers independently.
We’ve pulled together a list of 15 summer college programs for high school students in Virginia that combine advanced coursework with opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and networking.
15 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Virginia
1. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax; remote and hybrid options available
Cost/Stipend: None, except a $25 application fee (waivable for financial need) / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old for computer lab internships and at least 16 years old for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships
ASSIP at George Mason University places you in a real research environment for eight full weeks. You will work directly with faculty researchers on projects that can range from astronomy and data science to neuroscience, environmental science, or even forensic studies. During the internship, you’ll use advanced technologies, sharpen your scientific writing, and present your findings to peers and mentors. Some students even have the chance to see their work published or presented at conferences. Alongside research, the summer college program for high school students in Virginia offers forums and discussions that highlight STEM career options and allow you to interact with professionals in the field.
2. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
Location: Students may apply to attend any one session at either William & Mary, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Radford University, or Old Dominion University campuses.
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 80 students
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 at a Virginia middle, high, homeschool, or private school | U.S. citizens residing in VA | Minimum GPA of 2.7 | Not previously attended BLAST
BLAST is a three-day, residential STEM program designed for Virginia’s 9th graders who want to explore science and technology in a hands-on way. You’ll stay in college dorms at one of the participating universities, such as UVA, Virginia Tech, or William & Mary, and take part in activities led by faculty and staff. The projects you work on introduce you to scientific inquiry and problem-solving, even if you’ve had little exposure to STEM before. With a schedule full of demonstrations, experiments, and guest lectures, you get a sense of how STEM applies to real-world issues.
3. NOVA’s Bridge Programs
Location: NOVA campuses
Cost/Stipend: None / $200 stipend upon program completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Late June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
The Bridge Program at Northern Virginia Community College introduces high school juniors and seniors to career pathways in engineering technology, computer science, IT, and data center operations. You’ll attend orientation and hands-on sessions where you can try activities like computer assembly, cybersecurity labs, and engineering simulations. Industry visits to companies such as AWS, Micron Technology, and local data centers give you a closer look at how classroom knowledge connects to real-world careers. The program concludes with a review session to help you plan the next steps after high school. You’ll also spend time exploring NOVA’s campuses, student services, and degree programs, with opportunities to earn college credit or certifications.
4. Virginia Commonwealth University's Dental Careers Exploration
Location: VCU School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 10th to graduating seniors in the Richmond area | 3.0+ GPA | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
VCU’s Dental Careers Exploration program is a five-day summer experience that introduces you to the profession of dentistry through both labs and clinical activities. You’ll practice technical skills like tooth carving, dental impressions, suturing, and digital dentistry under the guidance of dental faculty and students. The program also helps you understand the roles of general dentists, dental hygienists, and specialists, while providing insight into the educational pathways required for each. Materials and supplies are provided, so you can fully engage in the hands-on exercises. Lunch is included daily, giving you time to connect with peers who share an interest in healthcare.
5. Virginia Tech’s Pathways for Future Engineers Program
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Cost: $1,050 + $100 for supplies; Virtual camp: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Rising seniors: June 15 – 28; Rising sophomores and juniors: June 23 – 28
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Virginia high school students whose parents did not graduate from a four-year degree program
If you are a first-generation student with an interest in engineering, Virginia Tech’s Pathways for Future Engineers Program allows you to explore this field in depth. As part of the summer residential experience, you will take on hands-on projects and problem-solving challenges while being introduced to college-level coursework. Mentorship from current engineering students and faculty helps you navigate both technical concepts and the path to higher education. The program also supports you with college application guidance and helps you understand what it takes to thrive in an engineering degree. Beyond academics, you will work on building leadership and teamwork skills that are critical in engineering careers.
6. NOVA's Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars Program
Location: NOVA Fab Lab at the NOVA Manassas Trailside (MTS) campus
Cost/Stipend: Funding up to $14,250 covering tuition fees and stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / spots vary by track and campus
Dates: Year-long program
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are residents of Northern Virginia | Attend a high school in the NOVA service area
NOVA’s Engineering Technology Career Scholars Program is designed for recent or soon-to-be high school graduates who want to prepare for in-demand fields like data center operations or semiconductor manufacturing. Through structured coursework that spans the academic year, you’ll work toward a career studies certificate while also receiving mentoring, tutoring, and career preparation support. The curriculum emphasizes technical applications alongside strengthening your math and problem-solving abilities. You progress through the program together with other students as a cohort, making it easier to collaborate and stay motivated. An important feature of this program is that it connects you directly with apprenticeship and internship opportunities in the technology industry.
7. UVA Advance Pre-College Program
Location: University of Virginia campus
Cost: Virginia residents: $7,097 | Non-Virginians: $14,975 + additional
course materials; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 11 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years of age by the program’s start date | Minimum GPA of 3.5
At the University of Virginia, the UVA Advance Pre-College Program allows rising juniors and seniors to live on campus for four weeks while earning six transferable college credits. You’ll take two undergraduate courses: a core seminar designed for program participants and an elective chosen from UVA’s Summer Session offerings. Outside the classroom, you’ll stay in residence halls with peers from across the country and join social and recreational activities around Charlottesville. Faculty-led instruction provides a rigorous academic environment that reflects the pace and expectations of college. The program also gives you access to UVA resources, including libraries, dining, and sports facilities, just like a full-time student.
8. McIntire Business Institute Program – University of Virginia
Location: Fairfax
Cost: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 16 – 27; July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
At the McIntire Business Institute, you’ll spend two weeks on the University of Virginia campus learning the fundamentals of business through lectures, case studies, and group projects. The curriculum introduces you to topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and strategy, while also encouraging you to consider how these areas intersect in real-world situations. You will work in a team to design and present a business project, gaining experience in collaboration and public speaking. Faculty from the McIntire School of Commerce guide the sessions, ensuring you experience the pace and style of a college-level business course. You’ll also receive feedback on your work to sharpen your analytical and communication skills.
9. James Madison University’s Summer Honors Institute
Location: James Madison University campus, Harrisonburg, VA
Cost: $1,500; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 students
Dates: July 12 – 18
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Honors Summer Institute at James Madison University is a week-long residential program that combines academic exploration with campus life. You’ll take an interdisciplinary course that examines current issues across culture, science, and technology, while also attending subject-area sessions in fields ranging from political science and economics to marketing and astronomy. Faculty-led classes emphasize interactive learning, allowing you to actively engage with new ideas rather than just listening to lectures. Beyond academics, the program includes field trips around the Shenandoah Valley, such as visits to Morven Park and Massanutten Resort, along with access to JMU facilities like the planetarium and recreation center.
10. Pamplin's Inspiring Possibilities (PIP) Academy
Location: Virginia Tech campus, Blacksburg
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 10%
Dates: 10 days in July
Application Deadline: Typically mid-April
Eligibility: High school seniors having a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or its equivalent grading scale
Pamplin’s Inspiring Possibilities Academy is a 10-day residential program at Virginia Tech designed to expose high school students to the many branches of business. You’ll take part in classes and seminars covering areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, real estate, management, and hospitality, guided by faculty, alumni, and current students from the Pamplin College of Business. A highlight of the program is the team project, where you’ll collaborate with peers to research, develop, and present ideas to faculty and professionals. The schedule also includes presentations on college admissions, study abroad, and other opportunities available at Virginia Tech.
11. Black College Institute at Virginia Tech
Location: Virginia Tech campus
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 11 – 14 (Session 1 for juniors). June 18 – 22 (Session 2 for seniors), June 25 – 29 (Session 3 for seniors) (tentative, based on previous years’ cohorts)
Application Deadline: Typically December
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Black College Institute at Virginia Tech is a four-day residential program that allows you to experience college life while exploring academics through the lens of the African American experience. During the program, you’ll attend workshops, stay in campus housing, and work on group projects that tackle social justice and community issues. Sessions highlight a wide range of majors, from engineering and data analytics to science and technology studies, giving you a sense of different academic pathways. You’ll also participate in service-learning activities that connect classroom knowledge with real-world impact. Guidance on admissions and financial aid is built into the program.
12. William & Mary Pre-College Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,595; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the course
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and above
William & Mary’s Pre-College Online Program is designed for high school students who want to explore topics in fields like psychology, medicine, law, or entrepreneurship at their own pace. Each course runs about 20–30 hours and includes video lectures, interactive assignments, and a final project where you demonstrate what you’ve learned through writing, presentations, or video. The program pairs you with a mentor who provides feedback and helps guide you through the coursework. Subjects range from cognitive psychology and constitutional law to venture capital and medical diagnostics, so you can try out areas you may want to pursue in college. At the end, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.
13. VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars
Location: MCV Campus (VCU School of Pharmacy: Robert Blackwell Smith Building)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 30 students
Dates: July 7–11
Application Deadline: Not specified; spots are filled quickly on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Pharmacy Summer Scholars program at Virginia Commonwealth University is a one-week opportunity to explore pharmacy as a healthcare career. Over the course of the week, you’ll meet current pharmacy students, tour different pharmacy settings, and try out lab activities like non-sterile compounding. The program introduces you to the wide range of career pathways in pharmacy, from clinical practice to research and beyond. You will also participate in interactive lessons and games (like tic-tac-toe variations) to reinforce learning. Because space is limited to about 30 participants, selection is based on demonstrated interest in healthcare and pharmacy.
14. VCU Acceleration (VCUA)
Location: VCU Monroe Park and VCU Health Campus
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 38 students
Dates: Early July – Early August
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Grade 12 student graduating and accepted into VCU as an incoming freshman | Minimum GPA of 3.25
VCU Acceleration is a combined summer and year-long program for students planning to pursue pre-health tracks like medicine, pharmacy, nursing, or dentistry. It begins with a four-week residential summer session where you’ll take math and science courses taught by VCU faculty, attend health-focused workshops, and tour hospitals and labs. Housing is provided at no cost, and a small stipend helps cover expenses while you’re on campus. Once you begin your freshman year at VCU, you’ll continue in the program by living with your cohort in a residence hall, taking courses together, and engaging in community service. Advising and support services are also built into the program.
15. C-Tech² - Computers and Technology at Virginia Tech
Location: Virginia Tech campus
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; approximately 60 students
Dates: June 29 – July 12
Application Deadline: Typically mid-April
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors between the ages of 16 and 18
C-Tech² is a two-week residential program at Virginia Tech designed for high school students interested in exploring computer science and engineering fields. You’ll spend time in labs working on projects in areas like robotics, programming, and cybersecurity, while also learning about different branches of engineering through faculty-led sessions. Field trips to tech companies give you insight into how these skills are applied in professional settings. The program concludes with a review session to help you plan the next steps after high school. also puts emphasis on teamwork and leadership, so you’ll collaborate with other participants on design challenges and problem-solving activities.
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