15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Pennsylvania
Exploring a structured summer program is an effective way for high school students to build new skills, gain experience, and discover potential academic or career interests. Whether you’re exploring a subject for the first time or looking to deepen your knowledge, these programs can help you develop confidence, expand your network, and work on projects guided by mentors and professionals. Participating in a summer program can also help you stand out in the college admissions process by showing admissions officers that you have taken the initiative to learn outside the classroom.
Pennsylvania offers many summer opportunities through its research universities, medical institutions, liberal arts colleges, and tech-driven industries. You can access programs that range from lab research and engineering to business, arts, and public policy, many with access to top-tier faculty, campus resources, and collaborative learning environments. To help you decide, we have narrowed our list to the top 15 summer programs for high school students in Pennsylvania.
1. Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College CS Scholars and AI Scholars Program
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: To apply, you must be a high school sophomore for the Computer Science Scholars Track and a high school senior for the AI Scholars Track
Carnegie Mellon University’s CS Scholars program gives high school students the chance to explore computer science in depth while staying on campus. You’ll be introduced to essential programming concepts, including variables, functions, conditionals, and loops, as well as fundamental data structures such as lists and dictionaries. The program features a team-based project, chances to showcase your work, and opportunities to connect with professionals in the tech industry. CMU also offers two other free summer options: AI Scholars, which introduces students to artificial intelligence, and SAMS (Summer Academy for Math and Science), one of the most respected STEM enrichment programs in the country.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: Generally in February
Eligibility: Open to Philadelphia students entering 10th or 11th grade who have at least a 3.0 GPA
The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) at the University of Pennsylvania is a four-week, on-campus experience for Philadelphia high school students exploring college and future career pathways. You will be placed in one of Penn’s graduate schools and take part in activities in fields such as STEM or law, giving you exposure to different professions. The program also includes workshops on essential college-readiness skills such as time management, study habits, financial literacy, SAT prep, and crafting personal statements. It concludes with an on-campus college fair, where you will meet university representatives and explore academic and career options.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type
Dates: Multiple sessions across the year, including Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), and Spring (March–June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Current high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3; No previous research experience is required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides a highly rigorous research experience for high school students, offering individualized, one-on-one mentorship across a broad range of academic disciplines. You will be matched with a Ph.D. researcher and work closely with them to design and complete an independent project. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll develop your research question, analyze data, and ultimately produce a full research paper. Available topics span psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
5. MWRI High School Summer Internship
Location: MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be eligible for a $1,800 stipend if their household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6-week summer internship beginning on June 16
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are at least 16 years old and have a permanent/primary residence in the local southwest Pennsylvania region
This program provides 240 hours of hands-on biomedical research focused on reproductive biology, maternal health, and infant care. With mentorship from a researcher at MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital, you’ll design and carry out your own project in topics such as gene expression, fertility preservation, or disparities in maternal outcomes. You’ll gain experience in both basic science and clinical research environments. There will be weekly “Lunch & Learn” sessions that feature talks from scientists who share insights about their careers and offer guidance for your academic and professional path.
6. The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; this is a paid internship, but housing and transportation are not provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% or less of applicants are accepted
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Open to high school students living in the greater Philadelphia region, including Camden, NJ
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is a seven-week, full-time biomedical research internship aimed at increasing participation from underrepresented groups in science. You’ll work 35 hours per week alongside Monell Chemical Senses Center researchers on your own project. The possible research areas include cloning smell receptors, developing humane repellents, or examining air-quality chemistry. The program includes scientific lectures and wraps up with a Capstone Symposium, where you will present your work.
7. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI)’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Students are eligible to get a stipend of $1,800 for participating in this program if their household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer, a total of 240 hours (holidays included)
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age, residing in the local southwest Pennsylvania region
This six-week medical research internship focuses on reproductive biology, women’s health, and infant health. You’ll conduct an individual research project under the mentorship of MWRI staff, with part of the program completed remotely. At the conclusion of the internship, you’ll present your findings to faculty and peers. The admission is extremely selective, with fewer than 8% of applicants accepted.
8. Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $7,299 – $9,099; full and partial need-based scholarships are offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Sessions typically span 2–3 weeks and take place between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies by program; summer deadlines are generally in March-April
Eligibility: Students from grades 9–11, with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
The Wharton Global Youth Program (WGYP) allows you to explore business, leadership, and college readiness. The program includes seven on-campus options covering topics such as product design, entrepreneurship, and data science. Two standout options include Leadership in the Business World, a highly competitive program, and the Management & Technology Summer Institute, which offers college credit. You will participate in hands-on, interactive activities to build business and leadership skills with the help of Wharton faculty. The WGYP also provides online courses accessible from anywhere and hosts a free global Investment Competition.
9. Penn’s Summer Academies: Biomedical Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $1,500 nonrefundable enrollment deposit plus program fee, which varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 11 – August 01
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students
The University of Pennsylvania’s Biomedical Research Program is a summer academy designed for high school students interested in biology and medicine. Through daily instruction, guest lectures from researchers, and lab work, you’ll learn how cells and genes function and how they relate to human disease. The topics in the program include DNA, vaccines, CRISPR, antibiotic resistance, and genetic engineering. You’ll gain experience with laboratory methods such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation, and you’ll also learn basic coding in Bash and Python to analyze biological datasets.
10. LeBow College of Business – Camp Business
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Residential Blue: $2,000 | Commuter: $950 | Residential Gold: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Camp Business at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business offers rising high school students a week-long introduction to college-level business education. Over the course of the program, you’ll explore fundamentals such as accounting, marketing, finance, and management, among others, through lectures, workshops, and group-based projects. You’ll also get introduced to the mechanics of business resources such as the stock market, financial documentation, and business-relevant technologies.
11. Penn State University Park’s Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
Location: Penn State University, University Park, PA
Cost/Stipend: $350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: High school juniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico who are interested in pursuing a business education in college
Penn State’s BOSS (Business Opportunities Summer Session) is a two-week residential program that introduces high school students to business education and careers. You’ll build foundational skills in accounting, business communication, leadership, and professional etiquette while getting a firsthand look at college life. A major highlight is developing and presenting your own business idea, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a creative, practical way.
12. Fallingwater Institute’s High School Residencies
Location: Fallingwater Institute, Mill Run, PA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based (amount not specified); scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – June 27 (Drawing + Model Making) | July 7 – July 11 (Interior Design) | July 14 – July 18 (Portfolio Prep) | August 4 - August 8 (Biophilic Design Studio) | July 28 – August 1 (Design + Build)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
The Fallingwater Institute’s High School Residencies immerse students in art, design, and architecture at Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater house. You’ll live on-site and take part in studio sessions focused on drawing, design thinking, and understanding Wright’s architectural principles. The program also includes portfolio-development workshops and lessons on biophilic design, exploring how natural elements can be integrated into architecture.
13. The Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP) - University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,250 + $90 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts
Dates: July 12 – 31
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Students in 9th-11th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and strong performance in math and science subjects
The Engineering Summer Academy at the University of Pennsylvania (ESAP) is a three-week intensive program for high school students interested in tech and engineering. You can choose from six specialized tracks – Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Nanotechnology, or Robotics – each with its own structured curriculum. As part of the residential experience, you’ll also join in evening discussions, workshops, and weekend activities that extend learning beyond the classroom.
14. MathILy at Bryn Mawr College
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Cost/Stipend: $5,300; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
MathILy is a five-week residential summer program for high school students who excel in mathematics. The curriculum focuses on advanced discrete math through interactive lessons, personalized guidance, and collaborative problem-solving. A unique feature is the “Week of Chaos,” where you explore short, fast-paced classes on a variety of mathematical topics. The program is designed to provide deep, inquiry-based learning in a supportive, intellectually engaging environment.
15. Community College of Philadelphia Advance College Experience (ACE)
Location: Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA (in-person, hybrid, and online options)
Cost: $250 per course (excluding books)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 8 – August 6
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12, as well as students up to age 21 with at least a 2.5 GPA
The ACE program gives motivated high school students the chance to take college-level summer courses and earn credits while exploring potential career paths. Over the course of five weeks, you can study subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Music, Computer Programming, and Leadership. Students engage with rigorous academic material and build connections with instructors and classmates, making the program a valuable way to explore new interests and prepare for college and beyond.
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