15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you are a high school student, exploring free summer programs is a great way to gain valuable experiences without the burden of cost. These opportunities often combine practical learning, mentorship, and exposure to new fields, helping you build practical skills that go beyond the classroom. These free summer programs span a wide range of fields, from STEM and business to research and the arts, giving you multiple ways to explore your interests.
Massachusetts is home to prestigious universities and research centers, and local students have access to programs that are both rigorous and accessible. Participating in a structured summer program can strengthen your academic background, introduce you to project-based work, and help you make meaningful connections with peers who share similar interests. Some of these programs also connect you with professionals, university faculty, or community organizations, providing insight into potential career paths.
To help you find the best fit, we’ve compiled a list of 15 reputable free summer programs in Massachusetts. All the programs here are either free of cost or offer complete need-based financial assistance.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; Around 80 students admitted
Dates: June 22 - August 2 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with exceptional achievement in STEM
The Research Science Institute (RSI) brings together 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school students each summer at MIT for an intensive STEM experience. You will begin with a week of advanced lectures and seminars in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering, taught by leading faculty and researchers. The core of the program is a five-week research internship where you conduct independent projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. Throughout the program, you will practice the whole research cycle, reviewing scientific literature, designing experiments, carrying out investigations, and presenting findings in both written and oral formats. Evening lectures by Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, and other science leaders complement your research, while cultural and academic excursions around Boston add to the experience.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohorts
Dates: Offered in multiple cohorts throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students; Fellowship applicants should have completed AI Scholars or show prior experience with Python or AI concepts
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers accessible programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll join a 10-session boot camp where you’ll learn the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, and data science, applying them to real-world examples and projects. For students ready for more advanced work, the AI Fellowship provides one-on-one mentorship with experts from top universities to design and carry out an independent project. As a fellow, you’ll also be guided by an in-house publication team, allowing you to publish your work in high school research journals. Both programs emphasize project-based learning and close mentorship, helping you develop both technical and research skills. Since programs are virtual, Massachusetts students can access them without relocation.
3. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort; highly selective
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents age 16+; must live in Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy
The Tufts Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in intensive biomedical engineering research. Over the course of six weeks, you will join a Tufts research lab and investigate topics related to cells, tissues, and organs while learning core research techniques and experimental design. Under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors, you will develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, and present your findings to peers and mentors. The program also encourages students to apply their projects to state and national science competitions, such as the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair. This commuter program is free of charge but requires students to arrange their own transportation to campus.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts
Dates: Multiple cohorts, Summer Cohort 1 (June 2 - August 19) and Summer Cohort 2 (July 14 - September 30)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines by cohort (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records; GPA of 3.3+ recommended
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to complete independent research projects across a wide range of academic fields. You will work one-on-one with a mentor from a top university, gaining experience in areas such as economics, engineering, physics, psychology, and computer science. Over the course of the program, you will develop a research question, conduct an in-depth investigation, and produce a research paper as a final deliverable. The program is fully remote, allowing students in Massachusetts to participate from anywhere while still accessing personalized mentorship. Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including summer, giving flexibility for students balancing other commitments.
5. Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Late June – Late July
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents entering 12th grade; must live within commuting distance; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University provides rising high school seniors from Massachusetts, the chance to engage in STEM research. You will work directly in university research labs within the Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences, joining faculty-led projects in areas like cancer therapies, energy storage, robotics, biotechnology, and materials science. In addition to research, the program includes a seminar series introducing different branches of engineering, such as chemical, mechanical, and electrical. You will also take part in college and career counseling sessions, designed to help you understand academic pathways and industry opportunities. Field trips to companies like Biogen and Akamai or government sites such as the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center allow you to see engineering applications firsthand.
6. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital labs in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; specific size not disclosed
Dates: June 16 - August 8
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates living or studying in Massachusetts; U.S. work authorization required
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital provides high school and undergraduate students with immersive experiences in neuroscience and neurology. As a participant, you will join a full-time, six-week summer internship working alongside MGH faculty in active laboratory research. The program begins with a bootcamp that orients you to laboratory practices and professional expectations, followed by mentored research projects under the guidance of neurologists and neuroscientists. Weekly didactic sessions expose you to a wide range of topics and career paths in neuroscience, and guest lectures feature diverse leaders in the field. You will also deliver a final presentation to peers, mentors, and faculty, showcasing your summer work.
7. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 70 students admitted each year
Dates: Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: February 1 (Student application deadline); February 15 (Recommender deadline)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply
MITES Summer is a six-week residential program at MIT that introduces high school juniors to advanced studies in math, science, and engineering. You will take five rigorous courses, including core STEM subjects and electives such as genomics, architecture, or machine learning, all taught at a college level. Beyond academics, the program includes lab tours, evening workshops, and exposure to college admissions guidance from counselors and faculty. You will also participate in seminars with STEM professionals and explore how technology and science impact society. Living on campus provides a chance to experience MIT student life while building connections with peers from across the country. At the end of the program, each participant receives a written evaluation from instructors that can be submitted with college applications.
8. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of 20–30 students
Dates: June 29 - August 7
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Rising seniors attending high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance to the Broad; B or better in math and science required; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students with work authorization
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a reputed free summer program for high schoolers in Massachusetts that allows rising seniors to conduct original research at the Broad Institute. You will be matched with a Broad scientist and work on projects in fields such as cancer biology, computational biology, chemical biology, and infectious disease. Beyond lab research, the program includes training on how to create scientific posters, practice with conference-style presentations, and attendance at seminars led by leading scientists. You will also participate in social activities, a college fair, and a final research symposium where you present your findings to the Broad community. A stipend is provided to help cover participation and transportation costs.
9. Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE)
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort size
Dates: 7- 11 weeks, typically June – August
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (age 16+); must reside in or attend school in MA and commute to Boston
The CURE Program offers Massachusetts high school students the opportunity to conduct cancer research in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. This is a full-time summer internship where you will join a research team for 7–11 weeks, working alongside leading scientists and graduate-level mentors. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes journal clubs, research seminars, and professional development workshops designed to build technical and scientific communication skills. You will also attend networking events and present your findings at the program’s closing symposium, gaining experience in scientific writing and conference-style presentations. With structured mentorship and exposure to active cancer research projects, CURE provides one of the most intensive biomedical training experiences available to high school students.
10. Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
Location: MIT campus (Cambridge, MA) and MIT Lincoln Laboratory (Lexington, MA)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 20 students admitted
Dates: July 13-26
Application Deadline: March 12 (Application Deadline); March 19 (Recommendations deadline)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens completing junior year of high school; strong interest in STEM
The Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) is a free, two-week summer workshop that introduces rising high school seniors to radar technology. As a participant, you will design and build small radar systems, including Doppler and range radar, while applying creative problem-solving strategies. The program emphasizes hands-on engineering, with guidance from scientists and engineers at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. You will live in MIT dormitories during the workshop, creating a residential college-like experience while traveling to the Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington for lab-based work. By the end of the program, you will have assembled functioning radar systems and gained practical insights into electrical engineering and applied physics. The program is highly selective and is intended for students passionate about math, science, and engineering.
11. Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 20 students out of 300+ applicants
Dates: June 28 - July 26
Application Deadline: January 15 (Application Deadline); January 22 (references Deadline)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (women-focused program); students with little to no prior engineering experience are prioritized
MIT’s Women’s Technology Program (WTP) is a four-week residential experience that introduces rising high school seniors to the field of engineering. The program focuses on mechanical engineering, where you’ll engage in hands-on classes, labs, and collaborative design projects guided by MIT graduate and undergraduate students. WTP is specifically intended for students who have demonstrated strong ability in math and science but have had little prior exposure to engineering. Beyond technical learning, the program fosters collaboration and encourages students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds to explore careers in STEM. You will live in MIT dorms during the program, experience a rigorous schedule, and build practical problem-solving skills. With only about 20 students accepted each year, WTP is highly selective and provides an academically intensive introduction to engineering.
12. UMass Turing Summer Program
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA (commuter program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort; selective for Western MA students
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: Not specified, typically spring
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders in Western Massachusetts; background in math required; programming experience recommended but not mandatory
The UMass Turing Summer Program is a three-week commuter program designed for high school students in Western Massachusetts who are interested in computer science and its applications in real-world challenges. You will explore how computing contributes to fields such as healthcare, sustainability, energy, and data security. The program includes two daily classroom sessions and one lab session, where you will learn skills in Python programming, data analysis, machine learning, and health sensing technologies. This is one of the free summer programs for high school students in Massachusetts that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning. By the end of the three weeks, you will have gained experience in applying computational methods to practical problems while collaborating with peers in a university setting.
13. Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking Program
Location: Multiple sites across Massachusetts
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by site; open enrollment with selective internship opportunities
Dates: Typically runs from July - August
Application Deadline: Not specified, typically spring
Eligibility: Teens ages 13–18; no prior filmmaking experience required
The Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking Program gives teens the chance to build practical filmmaking skills through hands-on projects. Each week, you will work on different aspects of filmmaking, such as creating social media videos, directing music videos, scripting documentaries, or filming scenes tied to real productions. The program emphasizes learning all stages of production, including pre-production planning, technical work with lights and cameras, and editing, helping you build a portfolio of film projects. You will also meet Hollywood professionals from across the industry, with opportunities for networking and mentorship. Upon completing the program, you can qualify for paid internships on professional sets the following summer. Alongside technical training, you will take part in career workshops and learn film set etiquette, giving you both creative and professional skills.
14. Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort admitted each summer
Dates: 7 weeks between July- August
Application Deadline: Deadlines are specific to internship postings
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–19; must be actively enrolled in school or an equivalent program
The Museum of Science in Boston offers a Summer Youth Internship Program for high school students interested in gaining workplace experience in a science-focused environment. As an intern, you will support the museum’s goal of fostering interest in science while developing skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. The program emphasizes professionalism in a complex workplace, giving you opportunities to work with supervisors, peers, and museum visitors. You will also participate in structured training and receive feedback to help you grow in both academic and professional settings. Interns contribute directly to the museum’s programming and exhibits while exploring potential career interests in science, education, and public engagement.
15. Judicial Youth Corps Program
Location: Courthouses in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; admission requires application, recommendations, and interview
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, typically April
Eligibility: High school students; applicants must be residents of Boston or attend high schools in Worcester or Springfield
The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program introduces high school students to the Massachusetts court system through a six-week summer internship and educational program. You will be placed in a courthouse in Boston, Springfield, or Worcester, where you will work alongside judges, clerks, probation officers, and attorneys. In addition to daily responsibilities in the courthouse, you will participate in mock trials, group discussions, and field trips to deepen your understanding of the law. Fridays are reserved for paid educational sessions that focus on legal concepts, teamwork, and civic responsibility. Mentorship is a key part of the program, with court personnel volunteering their time to guide and support you.