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Summer programs for high school students.

Selective programs, research, pre-college courses and state programs for summer 2027. Each one has its cost, who can apply, when it usually closes, and our honest take on how much it helps a college application.

86 opportunities, 34 free · Links and programs checked October 18, 2026 · By Lokesh Pampatti, founder of Clarity Prep

Most of the summer programs that help an application are free or paid for you, and hard to get into: think RSI, MITES, TASP or your state’s Governor’s School. Most of the expensive ones on college campuses take nearly everyone who applies and pays, and admissions readers know that.

That doesn’t make a paid program a bad summer. It just means you should pick it for what you’ll learn, not for the name on the brochure. Many selective programs close between January and March, so the time to plan is now.

86 of 86 shown

  • ProgramFreePittsburgh, PA

    Carnegie Mellon University AI Scholars

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Intro to AI and machine learning for rising seniors from underrepresented backgrounds, at no cost.

    Our take: The free, selective CMU program. Not to be confused with the paid CMU Pre-College tracks.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeBrooklyn, NY

    NYU Tandon School of Engineering ARISE

    NYU Tandon School of Engineering

    Ten-week research program with a stipend for NYC students.

    Our take: Free, paid research in NYU labs for New York City public and charter school students.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeCambridge, MA (some tracks online)

    Beaver Works Summer Institute

    MIT Lincoln Laboratory

    Project-based engineering program for rising seniors. Admission runs through an online course you complete in spring.

    Our take: Free and hands-on: autonomous cars, drones, cybersecurity. You have to finish an online prerequisite course first, so start in winter.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeCambridge, MA

    Broad Summer Scholars Program

    Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

    Six weeks of research at the Broad with a stipend.

    Our take: Paid genomics research for Massachusetts rising seniors. If you live near Boston, this is a top-tier free option.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeLubbock, TX

    Clark Scholars Program

    Texas Tech University

    Seven-week intensive research program with Texas Tech faculty. Free with a stipend.

    Our take: Twelve students a year, a $750 stipend, any field including humanities. Age 17 by the start date.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeNew York, NY

    Freedom and Citizenship

    Columbia University Center for American Studies

    Political philosophy seminar plus a year of college guidance for rising seniors.

    Our take: Free, taught by Columbia faculty, followed by a year-long civic project. For low-income students near New York.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeBerry College, Mount Berry, GA

    Governor's Honors Program (GHP)

    Georgia Department of Education

    Four-week residential program for Georgia's top sophomores and juniors across academics and the arts.

    Our take: Free, statewide, and Georgia readers at UGA, Georgia Tech, and Emory know exactly what it means. Ask a teacher to nominate you in September.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Oct or Nov
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeUniversity and Army labs nationwide

    High School Apprenticeships

    Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)

    Stipend-paid summer apprenticeships in Army-sponsored labs.

    Our take: Paid research placements funded by the Army, many at universities near you. Less famous than NIH or NASA, which helps your odds.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb or Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeNew York, NY

    HOPP Summer Student Program

    Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    Eight-week research in Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program labs.

    Our take: Paid cancer research at MSK for students 14 and up. Commuter only.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeVaries by year

    Asian American Journalists Association JCamp

    Asian American Journalists Association

    Multicultural journalism training with working reporters and editors. Travel and housing covered.

    Our take: All-expenses-paid and open to every background despite the host. Small cohort, real newsroom mentors.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreePrinceton, NJ

    Laboratory Learning Program

    Princeton University

    Unpaid research placement with Princeton faculty in engineering and natural sciences.

    Our take: Free, full-time research in a Princeton lab. No housing, so it is realistic only if you can commute. Age 16 and up.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeNotre Dame, IN

    Leadership Seminars

    University of Notre Dame

    Ten days of seminars on global issues for rising seniors with strong records and leadership.

    Our take: Free, about 100 students, one college credit. The paid Notre Dame Summer Scholars is a different program.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeCambridge, MA

    MITES Summer

    MIT

    Rigorous STEM coursework and projects at MIT for rising seniors. MITES Semester (online) and MITES Saturdays (Boston area) are the sibling tracks.

    Our take: One of the few free MIT-run programs. For students from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds; if that is you, apply.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeAbroad (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, Turkish, and more)

    U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y

    U.S. Department of State

    Merit-based scholarships for summer and year-long language immersion overseas.

    Our take: A full State Department scholarship to live abroad and learn a critical language. No prior language needed. Deadline is early fall, earlier than most.

    Who can apply
    9th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Oct or Nov
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeCambridge, MA

    Center for Excellence in Education / MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

    Center for Excellence in Education / MIT

    Six weeks of original STEM research with MIT and Broad Institute mentors, entirely free.

    Our take: The most selective summer program in the country, about 100 students worldwide. If you have research already, apply; if not, this is not the place to start.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Dec or Jan
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeNavy laboratories nationwide

    Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

    U.S. Navy / Office of Naval Research

    Navy research apprenticeship for students who have finished at least 9th grade.

    Our take: Paid eight weeks in a Navy lab. Deadline is November 1, far earlier than most; U.S. citizenship required.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Nov
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeAustin, TX + remote work

    SEES High School Summer Intern Program

    NASA / UT Austin Center for Space Research

    Earth and space research internship for rising juniors and seniors.

    Our take: Free NASA-funded earth and space science research. Most of the work is remote; the two weeks in Austin are covered.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeStony Brook, NY

    Simons Summer Research Program

    Stony Brook University

    Hands-on research with Stony Brook faculty for rising seniors, with a stipend.

    Our take: Real lab, real stipend, a poster at the end. You need a teacher nomination; ask in December.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeStanford, CA

    Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

    Stanford School of Medicine

    Eight weeks of hands-on medical research with a stipend.

    Our take: Paid biomedical research at Stanford Medicine. No housing is provided, so Bay Area students have a practical edge.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeStanford, CA

    Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

    Stanford School of Medicine

    Five-week medical science and college-readiness program.

    Our take: Free residential program for low-income Northern and Central California students interested in medicine.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeNonprofits in your metro + Washington, DC summit

    Student Leaders

    Bank of America

    Eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit for juniors and seniors, plus a leadership summit.

    Our take: Paid nonprofit internship plus a week in DC, and Atlanta is one of the markets. Deadline is mid-January.

    Who can apply
    11th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreePittsburgh, PA

    Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

    Carnegie Mellon University

    College-level math and science coursework with CMU faculty, plus a project. Fully funded.

    Our take: Free and genuinely rigorous. Built for students without easy access to advanced STEM; the application asks you to show that.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeSeattle, WA

    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

    Eight-week paid internship at Fred Hutch.

    Our take: Paid cancer research internship for Washington rising seniors from groups underrepresented in science.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeBethesda, MD and other NIH campuses

    National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program (SIP)

    National Institutes of Health

    Summer research internships in NIH labs. High school seniors can apply if they meet the age rule.

    Our take: Paid research in an NIH lab. The separate high school track (HS-SIP) was folded into the main program, so it is now for graduating seniors who are 18 by the start, with a narrow exception for 17-year-olds who live near a campus. Check the age rule before you apply.

    Who can apply
    12th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreePrinceton, NJ + online

    Princeton University Summer Journalism Program

    Princeton University

    Journalism intensive for low-income juniors, followed by a year of one-on-one college counseling.

    Our take: Free, and the college-application mentoring that follows is as valuable as the program itself. Income-eligibility applies.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeNew York, NY

    The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program

    The Rockefeller University

    Seven weeks of mentored research for students 16 and up.

    Our take: Team-based research at one of the top biomedical institutions. Free, commuter, early deadline.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsFreeBar Harbor, ME and Farmington, CT

    The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

    The Jackson Laboratory

    Independent research project in a JAX lab with a mentor.

    Our take: Ten weeks of genetics and genomics research with a stipend and housing paid. Mostly undergraduates; a few rising seniors get in each year.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan or Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeCornell, Michigan, Maryland

    Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

    Telluride Association

    Six-week college-level seminar on power, identity, and democracy. Everything is covered, including travel.

    Our take: Free, seminar-style, and hard to get into. The essays are the application; start them in November.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Dec or Jan
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeVaries by state

    Your state's Governor's School

    State education departments

    State-funded honors programs for top students, in academics and the arts.

    Our take: Most states run one, most are free, and all are competitive. Georgia's is GHP (listed separately). Find yours.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramUnder $1kValencia, CA

    California State Summer School for the Arts

    CSSSA

    Four-week arts intensive at CalArts across seven disciplines.

    Our take: State-subsidized for California residents and very competitive. Out-of-state students can attend at full cost.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramUnder $1kNew York State campuses

    New York State Summer School of the Arts

    NYSSSA

    New York's subsidized summer arts schools.

    Our take: State-funded, audition-based, for New York residents. Ballet, orchestra, choral, dance, theatre, media, visual arts.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Research & internshipsCost variesNew Mexico, Colorado, Indiana, and others

    Summer Science Program (SSP)

    Summer Science Program

    Immersive team research program with a 60-year track record.

    Our take: Need-blind admission and a sliding-scale fee down to zero. Astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, or synthetic chemistry, in a team, at full intensity.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb or Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Program$1k–5kUC Davis, Irvine, San Diego, Santa Cruz, LA

    COSMOS — California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science

    University of California

    Four-week residential STEM program across UC campuses, with clusters in specific topics.

    Our take: For California students this is the one to get. Out-of-state applicants are admitted at a higher cost and lower odds.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Program$1k–5kEast Lansing, MI

    High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program

    Michigan State University

    Full-time research placement for rising seniors, with a final presentation.

    Our take: Seven weeks in a real lab with an MSU researcher, small cohort, long track record. Underrated.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • Program$1k–5kIowa City, IA (also online)

    Young Writers' Studio

    University of Iowa

    Two-week creative writing workshops from the home of the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

    Our take: The most respected high school writing program in the country. Admission is on the writing sample alone.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramOver $5kRotating campus

    Canada/USA Mathcamp

    Mathematics Foundation of America

    Five weeks of advanced mathematics with a flexible schedule and a famously close community.

    Our take: Choose-your-own-classes format, college and graduate-level topics. Strong need-based aid, including full rides.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramOver $5kInterlochen, MI

    Interlochen Arts Camp

    Interlochen Center for the Arts

    The largest and best-known summer arts program in the country.

    Our take: For serious musicians, actors, dancers, writers, and visual artists this is a known name. Audition or portfolio required.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan–Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramOver $5kBoston, MA

    Boston University PROMYS

    Boston University

    Six weeks of immersive mathematics built around a daily problem set and exploration, not lectures.

    Our take: Number theory taught by discovery; alumni go back as counselors for years. Full aid is real, so cost should not stop you.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramOver $5kOhio and Indiana campuses

    Ross Mathematics Program

    Ross Program

    Intensive number-theory program in the PROMYS tradition (PROMYS grew out of Ross). Aid available.

    Our take: "Think deeply about simple things." The admissions problems are the point; spend real time on them.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramOver $5kStanford, CA + online

    Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

    Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

    Proof-based mathematics for students who want to see what research-level math looks like.

    Our take: The one Stanford summer program that is actually selective. Abstract algebra or topology at real depth.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb or Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramOver $5kLenox, MA

    Tanglewood Institute

    Boston University

    Classical music intensive alongside the Tanglewood Music Festival.

    Our take: The Boston Symphony's summer home. If you are a classical musician aiming at conservatories, this is a real line.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb or Mar
    Helps an application
    Strong
  • ProgramFreeYour state

    Boys State / Girls State

    American Legion / American Legion Auxiliary

    Week-long mock state government for rising seniors, run in every state.

    Our take: Sponsored, so it costs you nothing, and the selection is the achievement. Boys Nation / Girls Nation is a real distinction.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar or Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Research & internshipsFreePlacements near you

    Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

    American Fisheries Society

    Summer mentoring program in fisheries and aquatic science, with a stipend.

    Our take: Paid ($3,000) fieldwork with a fisheries biologist, placed near where you live. Underapplied.

    Who can apply
    10th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramFreeOnline + select cities

    Kode With Klossy

    Kode With Klossy

    Two-week coding camps (web, mobile, data science, machine learning) for young women and gender-expansive students ages 13–18.

    Our take: Free, beginner-friendly, well-run. Same note as Girls Who Code: an entry point, not a finish line.

    Who can apply
    8th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramFreeOnline

    Pathways (summer program)

    Girls Who Code

    Free virtual summer program (it replaced the Summer Immersion Program) with tracks like web development, data science and AI, game design and cybersecurity, for high school girls and nonbinary students.

    Our take: A good free start if you have not coded before. Common enough that the value is what you build next, not the line itself.

    Who can apply
    8th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar or Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramFreeNew York, NY and Newark, NJ

    Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute

    Sadie Nash Leadership Project

    Six-week leadership and social justice program with a paid stipend.

    Our take: Free with a stipend; for young women and gender-expansive youth in NYC and Newark.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramUnder $1kYour state

    HOBY Leadership Seminar

    Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership

    Leadership seminar for sophomores, one nominee per high school, with a service commitment after.

    Our take: The nomination is the honor; the seminar is short. Follow through on the 100 service hours it asks for and it becomes worth listing.

    Who can apply
    10th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramUnder $1kOnline

    The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program

    The Adroit Journal

    Online mentorship pairing young writers with established poets and prose writers.

    Our take: One-on-one with a published writer, online, low cost with waivers. Best value in youth writing.

    Who can apply
    9th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar or Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramCost variesPartner campuses + online

    AI4ALL Summer Programs

    AI4ALL (university partners)

    AI education programs for underrepresented students, hosted by universities around the country.

    Our take: Quality depends on the host campus; several are free. Read the specific site before assuming.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb or Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Program$1k–5kOnline + campus sessions

    AwesomeMath Summer Program

    AwesomeMath

    Olympiad-style problem solving with an admission test. Multiple sessions.

    Our take: Competition-math training, not research math. Right if AIME or USAMO is the goal.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar–May
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Program$1k–5kUniversity campuses nationwide

    Economics for Leaders

    Foundation for Teaching Economics

    Economic reasoning plus leadership training in a one-week residential format.

    Our take: One week, moderately priced, a real economics curriculum. Good for a student deciding whether econ is the major.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Research & internships$1k–5kStony Brook, NY

    Garcia Summer Scholars

    Stony Brook University Garcia Center

    Seven-week research program in materials science with an optional year-round continuation.

    Our take: Polymer and materials research that often continues through the school year and into science fairs. There is a fee.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Program$1k–5kAnn Arbor, MI

    Michigan Math and Science Scholars

    University of Michigan

    Intensive courses in math and science taught by university faculty.

    Our take: Two-week deep dives taught by Michigan faculty. Reasonable cost for the category; scholarships exist.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Program$1k–5kGambier, OH + online

    Young Writers Workshop

    Kenyon Review

    Two-week workshop for students who take writing seriously.

    Our take: Well regarded, less selective than Iowa. Aid is genuinely available.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • Program$1k–5kSewanee, TN

    Young Writers' Conference

    Sewanee: The University of the South

    Two-week residential writing conference on the Sewanee campus.

    Our take: Small workshops in fiction, poetry, playwriting, and nonfiction. A strong Southeast option.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar or Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kBoston, MA

    Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive

    Berklee College of Music

    Berklee's flagship summer program for performers, songwriters, and producers.

    Our take: Contemporary music at scale. Audition-based scholarships can cover a lot; it doubles as a Berklee audition.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar–May
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kPhiladelphia, PA + online

    Global Youth Program (LBW, Essentials)

    Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

    Wharton's pre-college business programs, from the flagship LBW to shorter Essentials courses.

    Our take: Leadership in the Business World is the selective one and reads well. The other tracks are good classes at a high price.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan–Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kAmherst, MA

    Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics

    Hampshire College

    Six weeks of collaborative, proof-based mathematics well past the standard curriculum.

    Our take: Less known than PROMYS or Ross, similarly serious. Good option if those say no.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kCampus sessions + online

    LaunchX

    LaunchX

    Entrepreneurship program where teams start a real business over the summer.

    Our take: You actually build a company. Selective enough to mean something; expensive. Worth most if you keep the venture running after.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Jan–Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kBryn Mawr, PA

    MathILy / MathILy-Er

    MathILy

    Discovery-based advanced mathematics in "braided" strands of topics.

    Our take: Serious and playful at once. MathILy-Er is the on-ramp if you are newer to proofs.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kProvidence, RI + online

    Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College

    Rhode Island School of Design

    Six-week studio program modeled on RISD's freshman foundation year.

    Our take: You leave with a portfolio, which is the point for art and architecture applicants. Costly.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kPhiladelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania Pre-College and Summer Academies

    University of Pennsylvania

    Subject-focused summer academies plus a broader pre-college program.

    Our take: The Academies (biomedical research, neuroscience, etc.) are more selective than the general pre-college and produce real work. Still paid.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kPittsburgh, PA

    Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Programs

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Six-week pre-college programs, several of which produce portfolio work for arts applications.

    Our take: The portfolio tracks (architecture, design, drama, art, music) are worth it for the work you leave with. The academic tracks are expensive classes.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kSanta Barbara, CA

    UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program

    UC Santa Barbara

    Six-week mentored research program ending in a technical paper and symposium.

    Our take: University research with a graduate-student mentor. Expensive; some aid. The paper you write is the takeaway.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Mar
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kBoston, MA

    RISE — Research in Science & Engineering

    Boston University

    Six weeks of university lab research (Internship track) or a research-methods course (Practicum track).

    Our take: Real lab placement and a poster session. You pay for it, which readers know, but the work can stand on its own.

    Who can apply
    11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kIowa City, IA

    Secondary Student Training Program

    University of Iowa

    Six weeks of mentored university research ending in a poster and paper.

    Our take: Real research placement with a faculty mentor. Costly, but the output is a project you can talk about.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramOver $5kNew Haven, CT

    Yale Young Global Scholars

    Yale University

    Two-week interdisciplinary sessions with students from 150+ countries.

    Our take: Selective and well-run with a real international cohort. Does not move your Yale application; need-based aid is generous.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Nov or Jan
    Helps an application
    Solid
  • ProgramUnder $1kWashington, DC

    Citizenship Washington Focus

    4-H

    Civic education trip for 4-H members.

    Our take: Inexpensive week in DC through 4-H. More meaningful as part of a sustained 4-H record than on its own.

    Who can apply
    9th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramUnder $1kAtlanta, GA

    Georgia Tech CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S.

    Georgia Tech CEISMC

    Georgia Tech's K-12 outreach center runs week-long summer STEM programs for metro Atlanta students.

    Our take: Week-long STEM camps on the Georgia Tech campus, priced for local families. Good exposure for younger students, not a résumé item.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • Program$1k–5kCampus rentals + online

    Biomedical Workshops

    Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

    Molecular biology and medicine workshops for high school students.

    Our take: Open-enrollment lab workshops held on university campuses. The university is the venue, not the organizer.

    Who can apply
    8th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • Program$1k–5kBemidji, MN

    Concordia Language Villages

    Concordia College

    Language immersion villages in 15 languages.

    Our take: Immersion done well, and the four-week credit sessions are real. Open enrollment, so it reads as an experience, not an award.

    Who can apply
    8th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • Program$1k–5kUniversity campuses

    National Student Leadership Conference

    NSLC

    Career-themed summer conferences (medicine, engineering, law, business) on college campuses.

    Our take: Nearly everyone who applies and pays can attend, and admissions readers know it. Spend the money on something you had to earn.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • Program$1k–5kUniversity campuses

    National Youth Leadership Forum

    Envision

    Career exploration forums in medicine, engineering, business, and national security.

    Our take: The "nomination" letter is a marketing letter, not a selective honor. Same category as NSLC.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kAmherst, Stanford, Oxford, and others

    Great Books Summer Program

    Great Books Summer Program

    Seminar-style discussion of classic texts on college campuses.

    Our take: Pleasant, open enrollment, host-campus names on the brochure. A reading vacation, not a credential.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kWilderness sites nationwide

    Outward Bound Expeditions

    Outward Bound USA

    Backpacking, canoeing, climbing, and sailing expeditions with a leadership curriculum. Scholarships available.

    Our take: Great for you; near zero as an admissions line. That is fine. Not everything needs to be.

    Who can apply
    8th–12th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kOxford, Cambridge, Paris, New York, and others

    Oxbridge Academic Programs

    Oxbridge Academic Programs

    Summer courses on famous campuses, run by a third-party provider.

    Our take: A private company that runs programs at historic campuses. A lovely summer; not an Oxford credential.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kAtlanta, GA

    Emory University Pre-College Program

    Emory University

    Credit and non-credit courses for rising juniors and seniors on Emory's campus.

    Our take: Metro Atlanta students can commute, which cuts the cost a lot. Still a paid class; neutral for Emory admissions.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kProvidence, RI + online

    Brown University Pre-College Programs

    Brown University

    Hundreds of non-credit courses in a college setting.

    Our take: Open enrollment. Take a course because you want the material; do not take it for the line on the application.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kBaltimore, MD + online

    Johns Hopkins University Pre-College Programs

    Johns Hopkins University

    Summer courses and immersion programs for high school students.

    Our take: Same category as Brown and Harvard: paid, open, a fine class, not a credential.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kDurham, NC + online

    Duke University Pre-College Programs

    Duke University

    Academic enrichment programs for grades 6–12.

    Our take: Open enrollment. Neutral for admissions, including at Duke.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kIthaca, NY + online

    Cornell University Precollege Studies

    Cornell University

    Cornell courses for credit, on campus or online.

    Our take: Credit-bearing and open. If you need a specific course, fine; as a signal it is neutral.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kCambridge, MA + online

    Secondary School Program

    Harvard Summer School

    Take Harvard Summer School courses for credit alongside college students. Open enrollment.

    Our take: The college credit is real. The Harvard name on your transcript is not what admissions offices think it is.

    Who can apply
    10th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Apr or May
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kNew York, NY + online

    School of The New York Times Summer Academy

    School of The New York Times

    Two-week courses taught by journalists and industry professionals.

    Our take: Brand name, open enrollment, high price. Fun; not a signal.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kWashington, DC + online

    Georgetown University Summer High School Programs

    Georgetown University

    Pre-college academies and credit courses.

    Our take: Open enrollment, DC location. The "Academies" are one-week camps with a Georgetown logo.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kNew York, NY + online

    Columbia University Summer Immersion

    Columbia University

    Non-credit summer courses in New York or online.

    Our take: Non-credit, open enrollment and expensive. Do it for New York, not for admissions.

    Who can apply
    9th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Varies
    Helps an application
    Light
  • ProgramOver $5kStanford, CA + online

    Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Summer Institutes

    Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

    Single-subject intensives across STEM, humanities, and arts for grades 8–11.

    Our take: Good classes. The Stanford name on it does not help a Stanford application, and readers know it is paid.

    Who can apply
    8th–11th grade
    Usually closes
    Feb or Mar
    Helps an application
    Light

“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.

Questions

When do summer programs for high school students open?

Most selective summer programs open applications in the fall or early winter and close between January and March. Open-enrollment pre-college programs often take students until spring or until they fill.

Do summer programs help you get into college?

Selective, free programs like RSI, MITES, TASP and state Governor’s Schools help, because getting in is an achievement. Paid programs that admit nearly everyone help much less. What you build or learn there, and what you do with it afterward, matters more than the name.

Are there free summer programs for high school students?

Yes. Many of the strongest programs are free or pay you, including government research internships, state Governor’s Schools and programs like MITES, TASP and the Research Science Institute. See the free list on this site.

What grade should you be in to apply?

Many selective programs are for rising juniors and seniors, so you usually apply in 10th or 11th grade. Several, like Girls Who Code and some state programs, take younger students.

Want a list picked for you?

Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.

Free tools: GPA calculator · chances calculator · college acceptance rates · essay grader

Every program here is real and links to its own official site. Dates, costs and rules change every year, so check the official page before you apply. Deadlines are shown as the months they usually close. Spot something out of date? Email sessions@joinclarityprep.com.