15 Free Programs for High School Students in Virginia
Participating in a structured program is a great way to take your learning beyond the classroom and explore your interests, whether that's research, STEM, coding, leadership, or community-focused work. Through these programs, you’ll build practical skills, gain real industry exposure, and connect with mentors and peers who are working on the same things you care about. Many solid programs for high school students are also offered for free or with up to 100% financial aid, making them especially valuable. They’re often run by reputable universities, research institutions, and government-backed organizations, which means you're gaining access to quality resources and networks without the financial barrier.
Why should you attend a program in Virginia?
Virginia is home to several universities and research institutions, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University, as well as science and government organizations that annually offer opportunities to high school students. Depending on the program, you could find yourself working on STEM research, exploring fields like cybersecurity, aerospace, environmental science, or policy, or building skills through creative and community-driven projects. These programs are worth considering, whether you live and study in Virginia or are an out-of-state student looking for a focused academic experience in a state with strong research infrastructure.
To help you navigate the options, we've narrowed down our list to 15 free programs for high school students in Virginia.
If you’re looking for research programs in Virginia, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span aerospace engineering, earth science, AI, cybersecurity, law, biomedical research, flight training, healthcare career exploration, and engineering design, so students with a wide range of interests can find a relevant free or fully funded option in Virginia or online.
Several programs provide stipends or paid placements in addition to being free, including MLS Path Transfusion Services Summer Scholars ($500 stipend), VESSS (up to five transferable college credits), and NOVA's E-Summer Program (college credit), making them especially strong for students building both skills and academic credentials.
Many programs specifically prioritize Virginia residents or first-generation students, including VASTS, VESSS, VSCS, BLAST, Pathways for Future Engineers (first-generation college students), and VALHEN STEM Academy, so local and underrepresented students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from three-day STEM explorations, such as BLAST, to 12-month online programs with residential academies, such as VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for several programs fall in the fall semester, including VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS (October 26) and VCU AHCE (early deadline October 15), making them among the earliest programs to apply to on this list.
1. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Location: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 7-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley; Online coursework: December – May
Application Deadline: August 15 – October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school juniors and seniors (16+) with a minimum 2.7 GPA and an interest in STEM; Must be U.S. citizens
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program runs in two phases: an online course during the school year and, for top performers, a residential week at NASA. From December through May, you'll work through seven web-based modules that cover a broad range of STEM concepts tied to real NASA work. You'll propose upgrades for the International Space Station, design a new crew exploration vehicle, and take part in technical discussion forums with other scholars. Based on your performance in the online course, the top scholars may be selected to attend a seven-day summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center, where you'll work in teams to design a human mission to Mars. During the academy, you'll tour NASA Langley's facilities, attend briefings from astronauts, engineers, and scientists, and take part in hands-on STEM activities with NASA mentors.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort; Apply here
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you’re looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you’d benefit from the AI Scholars program, which is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science. You’ll also get a chance to work on real-world projects. If you’re looking for more advanced options, there’s the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program, which gives you the chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you will have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)
Location: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round + a 7-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley
Application Deadline: August 15 – October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.7 GPA and an interest in STEM; Must be a U.S. citizen
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program is built around NASA's Earth science satellite missions and gives you a chance to engage with real climate research while still in high school. In the school-year portion, you'll complete seven modules and a capstone project, each focused on how NASA uses remote sensing to study Earth's climate, oceans, and interconnected systems: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Along the way, you'll interact with NASA scientists and engineers through discussion forums, developing both your content knowledge and your technical writing. If you perform well in the online course, you may be invited to a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley, where teams design a satellite mission to study Earth's major systems. The academy also includes facility tours, mentoring from NASA scientists, and team-building activities in the evenings. You can earn up to five free, transferable dual-enrollment college credits through Virginia Peninsula Community College just by completing the program.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Program Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students will be paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
5. MLS Path: Transfusion Services Summer Scholars
Location: MCV Campus, CHP Building, and VCUH Clinical Laboratories, Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend provided upon completion
Program Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: January 26 – April 7
Eligibility: Rising 11th graders through rising college sophomores with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an interest in medical laboratory sciences
The MLS Path: Transfusion Services Summer Scholars program is a week-long, fully funded introduction to medical laboratory sciences with a specific focus on transfusion medicine, the science behind blood banking, and lab-based clinical work. During the five days, you'll attend lectures, take part in hands-on laboratory sessions, and tour the clinical laboratories at VCU Health. Guest speakers will also share their own career paths in the field. By the end of the week, you'll have real experience performing the core laboratory techniques that underpin transfusion medicine.
6. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)
Location: NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 7-day residential summer academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility; Online coursework runs through the school year
Application Deadline: August 15 – October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school sophomores with a minimum 2.7 GPA and an interest in STEM; Must be a U.S. citizen; Maryland applicants may apply if conditions are met
The Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) program is designed for those who want a look at the aerospace work happening at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore. You’ll start with five online modules during the school year, each focused on a different aspect of NASA's airborne and orbital missions, the kinds that launch from Virginia's Space Coast using high-altitude balloons, sounding rockets, unmanned aerial systems, and aircraft. You'll explore how science shapes the engineering decisions behind each mission and learn about STEM careers connected to what's actively happening at Wallops. Top-performing scholars are selected for a week-long residential summer academy at NASA Wallops, where you'll join a team to take on a real aerospace mission design project. During the week, you'll work through hands-on STEM workshops and simulations, explore the Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and hear directly from NASA engineers and scientists.
7. Pathways Flight Academies
Location: Averett University, Danville, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: Virginia residents (16+) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must be U.S. citizens and pass an FAA flight physical exam upon acceptance
Pathways Flight Academies, run by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, is a 12-day intensive program that includes ground school training and 10 hours of real flight instruction. It also offers the possibility of completing your first solo flight by the end of the academy. It was created in response to the growing national shortage of airline pilots, and is specifically designed for students with a serious interest in aviation careers.
8. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology
Location: Various university campuses in Virginia
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies by campus; Summer program
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 1
Eligibility: Virginia 8th-9th graders with a minimum 2.7 GPA; Must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
BLAST places you in a real college campus for three days of hands-on STEM exploration. You'll spend each day in faculty-led workshops, demonstrations, tours, and lab activities designed to show you what different STEM careers actually look like up close. Past participants have said the program helped them figure out which high school classes to pursue and which college majors to consider.
9. Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute
Location: University of Richmond, Richmond, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 5 – 10
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: High school students
The Oliver Hill and Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute provides a week-long residential program designed to give you a real look at what a career in law involves. During the week, you'll live on campus, attend mock law school classes complete with overnight reading assignments, and sit in on seminars covering legal career paths, test-taking strategies, and the college admissions process. You'll also meet law school professors, judges, and members of the state and local bar. The week wraps up with a mock trial using materials from actual national trial competitions, giving you a firsthand experience of preparing and arguing a legal case. Professional development is woven throughout; there's a networking social, an etiquette dinner, and a graduation banquet featuring a prominent speaker from the Virginia State Bar.
10. Virginia Tech: Pathways for Future Engineers
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: Full scholarships offered
Program Dates: Rising Seniors: June 14 – 27; Rising Sophomores and Juniors: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Virginia rising 10th-12th graders with neither parent who graduated with a four-year degree from any country
Pathways for Future Engineers is a Virginia Tech College of Engineering program built specifically for first-generation college students interested in engineering. The summer camp is fully funded and gives you hands-on access to engineering through workshops, lab visits, and sessions with current VT faculty and students. You’ll get to participate in team-based design projects, laboratory activities, and receive guidance regarding college applications, financial aid, SAT/ACT testing, admissions essays, and more. Beyond the summer, Pathways offers ongoing support if you go on to attend VT's College of Engineering, including the Student Transition Engineering Program and access to Living Learning Communities.
11. ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp
Location: Fuse at Mason Square, Arlington, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Session 1: July 13 – 17; Session 2: July 20 – 24; Session 3: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: Applications open to the general public on May 19
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders in Virginia
The ACCESS Academy AI Summer Camp focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning through hands-on, project-based work. You'll work on real-world challenges using problem-based learning and explore how machine learning works through interactive projects. You’ll also get to collaborate with peers to build and present original prototypes by the end of the week. This camp gives you the chance to enhance your creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, and learn how to use beginner-friendly tech tools.
12. VALHEN STEM Academy
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 29 – 31
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising Virginia high school juniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher
The VALHEN STEM Academy is a residential experience for students who want a deeper, faster-paced introduction to STEM than what most classrooms offer. The current theme is Exploring Grand Challenges in STEM & Sustainability, meaning your group work centers on designing real solutions to complex problems at the intersection of science, technology, and global environmental issues. During the program, you'll attend university-level lectures led by GMU faculty, collaborate with student guides and fellow scholars on a research-intensive group project, and explore STEM career pathways in fields ranging from bioscience to computer science to environmental engineering. The program wraps up with a research presentation to faculty and peers, giving you a taste of what scientific communication looks like at the university level.
13. NOVA’s E-Summer Program
Location: Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA, OR Loudoun, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – July 29
Application Deadline: March 10 – May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0+ or qualifying PSAT, SAT, ACT, or Virginia Placement Test scores; Must meet VCCS dual enrollment readiness standards
The E-Summer Program at NOVA is designed to introduce you to STEM careers in the energy industry. Over the six weeks, you'll earn college credit, hear from industry leaders working in STEM and energy, and visit a local facility to see how these careers play out in practice. Classes meet twice a week, and you'll choose between the Manassas or Loudoun campus at the time you register.
14. University of Virginia’s Emerging Engineers
Location: UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
Emerging Engineers gives you a hands-on look at what engineering actually involves, the kind of exposure that goes well beyond a classroom or a textbook. The program runs across two engineering tracks: Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering. During the week, you'll take part in hands-on engineering activities, tour university labs, and hear from guest speakers. You’ll also connect with current engineering students through panel discussions and community-building sessions. This is a good option if you're curious about engineering but haven't yet settled on which direction within the field interests you.
15. VCU’s Allied Health Career Exploration (AHCE)
Location: VCU Health, Richmond, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 8 – 19
Application Deadline: October 15 – February 1 (early), April 13 (regular)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in health careers
The Allied Health Career Exploration program is a two-week residential summer program that gives you an in-depth look at nine health career paths, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Patient Counseling, Radiation Sciences, Nurse Anesthesia, Rehabilitation Counseling, Health Administration, and Gerontology. Each weekday is structured as a full day, with sessions covering admissions information for each discipline, hands-on and interactive activities within the field, and workshops on current healthcare topics. You'll also build practical career skills through sessions on interviewing and resume development. By the end of the program, you will have a clear understanding of what the application process looks like for each College of Health Professions program.
Frequently asked questions
1. What free programs are available for high school students in Virginia?
Options include NASA-affiliated programs, such as VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS, engineering and STEM programs, such as Pathways for Future Engineers, UVA Emerging Engineers, and VALHEN STEM Academy, AI programs, such as ACCESS Academy AI Summer Camp and Veritas AI, law programs, such as Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute, healthcare programs, such as VCU AHCE and MLS Path Transfusion Services, and aviation programs, such as Pathways Flight Academies.
2. Which free Virginia programs are best for students interested in STEM research?
Students interested in STEM research might consider VASTS for aerospace engineering and NASA mission design, VESSS for climate and earth science research with potential college credit, VALHEN STEM Academy for a university-level group research project at George Mason, and Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation for fully funded one-on-one research with a PhD mentor.
3. Are there free programs in Virginia that offer college credit?
Yes, VESSS awards up to five transferable dual-enrollment college credits through Virginia Peninsula Community College, and NOVA's E-Summer Program awards college credit through Northern Virginia Community College. UCCS Pre-Collegiate Program and other dual-enrollment options connected to state universities also provide pathways to transferable credits for eligible students.
4. Which free Virginia programs are open to students outside the state?
Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world. Most in-person Virginia programs, such as VASTS, VESSS, BLAST, and Pathways for Future Engineers, require Virginia residency, though some NASA-affiliated programs note exceptions for nearby states under specific conditions.
5. When should I apply to free programs for high school students in Virginia?
VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS have some of the earliest deadlines, all closing October 26, and VCU AHCE opens its early deadline in October as well. BLAST closes February 1, and MLS Path closes April 7. Programs, such as UVA Emerging Engineers (April 15), VALHEN STEM Academy (March 15), and Virginia Tech Pathways (May 31), fall later in the spring. Students should begin monitoring program websites from early fall to avoid missing the earliest deadlines.