14 Free Online Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to explore your interests outside of school, structured programs can be a good place to start. These programs let you apply what you’ve learned in class to more practical settings while helping you develop problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. You also get the chance to experience what college-level learning feels like and connect with professionals, professors, and peers who share your interests.
What are the benefits of a free online program?
Free online programs make these opportunities even more accessible. You can participate from home while still benefiting from the resources and instruction of top institutions. Without worrying about travel or program costs, you can focus on exploring new academic areas and building skills at your own pace. Whether you’re preparing for college or just curious about a potential career path, these programs give you the flexibility to learn, experiment, and grow on your own terms.
In this list, you’ll find 14 free online programs for high school students.
If you are looking for summer research programs, check out our blog here.
1. PHC Group High School Summer Program
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by position
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The PHC Group High School Summer Program is a paid virtual internship for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in leadership, community health, and digital communication. Under the supervision of the Public Health Director, interns contribute to projects that advance PHC Group’s mission through social media management, marketing research, and online engagement. You’ll take part in planning meetings, create original content for digital platforms, and analyse social media trends to inform outreach strategies. Interns are also encouraged to develop creative methods for building virtual relationships and strengthening community connections.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts/Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Internships
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Dates: Internships are offered all year round, from six weeks to one year, full- or part-time
Application deadline: March 1 (for summer internships)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens)
The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage offers online internships for students interested in cultural research, heritage preservation, and public engagement. Depending on your placement, you might work on projects tied to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Folkways Recordings, or the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives. Interns assist with research, digital archiving, production, or educational initiatives that document and share diverse cultural traditions. Working under the mentorship of Smithsonian staff in fields like cultural anthropology, ethnomusicology, folklore, or museum studies, you’ll gain practical experience in how cultural knowledge is preserved and communicated.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; vary depending on the yearly cohort
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college during the fall, demonstrating a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit research mentorship program designed for high school students from low-income backgrounds. Over 12 weeks, you will work one-on-one with PhD-level mentors to design and complete an independent research project in your chosen field, ranging from biology and engineering to economics and environmental science. The program follows the structure of academic research, including project design, data analysis, and the writing of a full-length research paper. It aims to make high-level research accessible by providing full financial aid to eligible students.
5. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP at George Mason University gives high school students the chance to work alongside faculty and researchers on advanced STEM projects. Over eight weeks, you will engage in full-time research in fields such as neuroscience, bioengineering, cybersecurity, and environmental science. Virtual interns handle data analysis, simulation, and computational modelling while learning to write and present scientific material. The program also includes workshops on ethics, communication, and career pathways in science and engineering. Some participants even contribute to work that leads to journal publications or conference presentations.
6. American Psychological Association (APA) – Remote Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid and unpaid (academic credit) available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internships are offered all year round
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 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 a registered employer
The APA Remote Internship Program introduces high school students to the professional applications of psychology in fields like research, education, policy, and communications. Conducted entirely online, you will be assigned to APA departments where they perform tasks such as data analysis, educational content development, and literature review. Each intern works closely with a supervisor who provides guidance, feedback, and mentorship throughout the placement. Optional workshops and networking sessions help you understand different psychology-related career paths and organisational functions. Depending on the assignment, internships may be paid or eligible for academic credit.
7. UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (ages 16–18)
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is a six-week online initiative that introduces high school students to the study of the brain, nervous system, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Through three structured sessions per week, you will engage in live seminars, virtual lab activities, and a journal club where you analyze current scientific literature. Students attend neurology grand rounds to observe how clinicians and researchers approach real-world neurological challenges. The free online program for high school students also highlights how social and cultural factors influence healthcare access and outcomes. Under faculty mentorship, students complete a final research project that allows them to apply concepts learned throughout the program.
8. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% - 20%
Dates: Late June through early August
Application deadline: March/April
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio runs six-week online courses that allow high school students to explore different forms of creative writing, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and TV writing. Each course in this free online program for high school students is taught by instructors affiliated with the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, emphasizing both craft and creative exploration. Classes are asynchronous, giving students the flexibility to complete weekly assignments and participate in discussion forums at their own pace. The workload averages three to four hours per week and includes reading, writing exercises, and peer critiques. By the end of the program, students produce a portfolio of original work.
9. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future – High School Summer Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible (seniors who are about to graduate cannot apply)
The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, in partnership with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, runs an online internship that connects environmental policy with political analysis. As an intern, you choose a local, state, or federal bill related to sustainability and complete two main projects–a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis–based on your chosen legislation. This free online program for high school students includes check-ins with mentors, written assignments, and feedback-based revisions to strengthen research and writing skills. You will also analyse the annual Climate Forward Conference and produce reflective essays linking its content to your policy research. Students who complete all requirements have one of their projects published online and are recognised as official summer research interns.
10. Kode With Klossy
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 two-week virtual summer coding camps designed for students from underrepresented genders in technology. Each camp introduces you to core computer science concepts and programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Swift, and HTML/CSS. Specialised tracks include web development, data science, mobile app creation, and artificial intelligence, allowing you to build tangible projects like websites, apps, or data-driven tools. Alongside coding, the curriculum explores issues such as algorithmic bias, digital accessibility, and inclusivity in tech. Participants collaborate in small teams, guided by mentors and guest speakers who share professional insights. By the end of the camp, you’ll have completed a portfolio project.
11. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Virtual Summer Immersion Program: Round One: July 7 – 18 | Round Two: July 28 – August 8 | Pathways: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: 9th–11th-grade girls and non-binary students can apply for the Virtual Summer Immersion Program; 9th–12th-grade girls and non-binary students can apply for Pathways
Girls Who Code offers two free virtual summer options for high school students eager to expand their computer science knowledge. The two-week Summer Immersion Program focuses on game design and introduces you to essential programming principles, UX design, and interactive project creation in a live, instructor-led environment. The Pathways Program runs for six weeks and allows you to learn at your own pace while covering advanced topics like web development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. In both programs, you’ll gain hands-on experience with programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS while collaborating with peers and industry mentors. Throughout the experience, you’ll also participate in industry events and hear from professionals who work in technology.
12. Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 24 – August 21
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older by June 1 of the application year | Minimum 2.8 GPA | Residents of specific regions of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia | U.S. Citizens
Johns Hopkins University’s ASPIRE Program, hosted by the Applied Physics Laboratory, gives high school students a chance to conduct real-world STEM research under professional mentorship. Over six to nine weeks, you’ll collaborate virtually with an APL mentor on projects in fields such as computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, or information technology, dedicating at least 190 hours to your work. Projects may involve coding, data analysis, algorithm design, or technical problem-solving, depending on your mentor’s area of expertise. Beyond technical skills, you’ll strengthen communication and presentation abilities by completing and sharing a digital research poster. For some participants in this free online program for high school students, the mentorship may continue during the academic year.
13. Columbia Brain Seminar for Teens and Opportunities for Research Mentorship (BrainSTORM)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Seminar Series: September – May (Monthly); Mentorship Program: June – May (one-year duration)
Application deadline: January 1
Eligibility: All high school students
Columbia University’s BrainSTORM program introduces high school students to the field of neuroscience through a combination of online seminars and guided research mentorship. The monthly seminar series, open from September to May, covers key topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, concussions, and neuroimaging, with lectures led by professionals in neurology and related disciplines. You’ll have the chance to engage in interactive discussions that connect scientific concepts to clinical and experimental applications. Students accepted into the research mentorship component are matched with a faculty mentor to complete an independent neuroscience project throughout the academic year. This experience culminates in a research symposium where participants present their findings in a poster session.
14. sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program
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 free five-week virtual experience designed to introduce high school students to independent research in neuroscience. Using open-access tools, academic papers, and support from volunteer mentors, you’ll design and conduct your own neuroscience project while learning to think critically and scientifically. Weekly journal clubs allow participants to present and discuss recent research papers, while lectures provide a structured foundation in neuroscience concepts. Students on the synchronous track meet regularly with mentors for personalised feedback and guidance. The program concludes with a 10–15 minute presentation of your research findings and a written paper summarising your project, which can be included in future college or research applications.
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