13 Free Winter Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to make the most of your winter break, free structured programs can be a great option to explore. Winter programs help you connect with global experts and peers, and explore diverse fields during the school break. They often combine workshops, team projects, and problem-solving activities that extend beyond traditional classrooms. Some winter programs run for a few weeks during winter, while others are available throughout the academic year, giving you flexible opportunities to learn and grow.
Many winter programs are also free of cost or offer financial assisstance, making them accessible to everyone. These programs offer you opportunities to explore new subjects, work on projects, and build skills that go beyond what you learn in class. With these free programs, you can develop your knowledge and add to your resume during your break, without any cost. Whether you’re interested in science, policy, coding, or creative writing, there’s a program designed to match your interests and goals.
In this blog, we’ve curated 13 free winter programs for high school students.
1. U.S. Department of Education Internship Programs
Location: Various locations across the United States, depending on the internship position
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall - September – December, Winter/Spring - January – May; Summer opportunities also available, with varying durations
Application Deadline: Fall Cohort - July 31 each year, and Winter/Spring Cohort - November 30 each year
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years of age and enrolled in an accredited educational institution (high school, trade school, vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or graduate program)
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) provides internship opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in exploring careers in federal education, policy, and administration. As an intern, you will play an active role in supporting ED’s mission to promote educational excellence and ensure equal access for all learners. Beyond daily assignments, interns can participate in a variety of ED-sponsored events, including professional development workshops, tours of Washington, D.C. landmarks, and networking activities designed to enrich both professional and personal growth. For high school students, the Department of Education offers two pathways to gain meaningful experience in federal service. The Student Volunteer Trainee Program runs for 8–10 weeks and provides volunteering opportunities to students enrolled in accredited institutions.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. The winter deadline is in October. You can apply to the program 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. 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.
3. Penn State College of Medicine’s High School Internships & Observation program
Location: Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM), Hershey, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: High school students living in the U.S. and sponsored/supervised by a member of the College of Medicine faculty!.
The Penn State Research Internships and Observation Program offers high school students a short-term research experience at the Penn State College of Medicine. Over the course of one or two days, you’ll shadow a faculty researcher and get a close look at how biomedical science is practiced. Instead of running your own project, you’ll gain insight into how researchers plan their day, design experiments, collect data, and interpret results.
The experience may include observing lab techniques, discussing research questions and goals, or reviewing the latest findings with your mentor. It’s an immersive introduction to the culture of scientific inquiry, designed to help you see what life in a research lab is really like. After completing this observation, students who want to dive deeper have the option to apply for a longer-term internship, where they can continue exploring biomedical research in greater detail.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates:12 weeks long
Application deadline: Applications are accepted for multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school seniors from around the world
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation offers a fully funded, remote research mentorship program for high school students from around the world, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Over 12 weeks, you will be paired with PhD mentors and guided to develop your own independent research projects across fields like physics, computer science, economics, psychology, engineering, and more. The program offers hands-on research experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to produce a polished research paper, enabling you to develop academic skills, explore potential career paths, and enhance your college applications.
5. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Various AFRL research sites across the U.S
Stipend: Starts at $501.60/week
Dates: Dates vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16; Check the detailed eligibility criteria here
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers high school students passionate about STEM the opportunity to dive into cutting-edge research alongside professional scientists and engineers. You can choose up to three research topics at an AFRL location, such as machine learning, atomic physics, satellite navigation, or astrodynamics, and then immerse yourself in hands-on projects that address real-world, mission-critical challenges. Your work may span fields such as aerospace, materials science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more, giving you the chance to contribute to impactful innovations while sharpening your technical skills. Beyond the lab, you will also take part in professional development activities, including lab tours, seminars, and networking events designed to expand your knowledge and prepare you for future STEM careers.
6. Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program - OHSU University:
Location: Oregon Health & Science University (virtual & in-person components), Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: January – May (weekly virtual sessions), followed by optional summer internship (June – August)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; must be at least 16 years old by June 1 for the summer internship.
The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) is a selective program designed for high school students who want to explore medicine and biomedical research in depth. It combines a 16-week school-year course, a summer research internship, and a final poster presentation. During the course, you will be paired with a mentor who guides you through the foundations of scientific research, from reading and analyzing papers to formulating your own research question. You will also give two presentations: one based on a published study and another on your own proposal. If you continue into the summer internship, you will dedicate around 250 hours to hands-on research alongside mentors, gaining experience in data collection, analysis, and professional research practices.
7. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships Program
Location: These internships are offered at various NASA facilities.
Cost/Stipend: None. You may receive a stipend at the end of the program
Dates: Fall Session - 16 weeks, from late August/early September to mid-December; Spring Session - 16 weeks, from mid-January to early May; and Summer Session - 10 weeks, from late May/early June to August
Application Deadline: Spring - September 12, Summer - February 2, and Fall - May 22
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, at least 16 years old, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and be a full-time high school or graduate student, or a part-time college student enrolled in at least 6 semester hours
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students across its various research centers in the United States. Each year, more than 2,000 students receive hands-on training, mentorship, and career development while working alongside leading experts in science, engineering, technology, business, finance, and IT. These internships span a wide range of disciplines, including space science, aeronautics, engineering, space microbiology, ecology, communications, and public outreach. As an intern, you might help design experiments, analyze mission data, or contribute to the development of innovative technologies that shape the future of space exploration.
8. Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internships
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: The Met High School Internship Program provides a stipend equivalent to New York State’s minimum wage
Dates: January 13 – June 14
Application Deadline: October 28
Eligibility: Grade 10 or 11, and either reside in or attend a high school or home school in New York City, and you must not have completed another paid or unpaid internship at The Met
The Met High School Internship Program gives you a paid opportunity if you live in or attend a high school or home school in New York City. Through this program, you can connect with the world of art and museums while developing professional skills, expanding your network, and gaining hands-on work experience. You will work closely—both one-on-one and in small cohorts—with museum professionals in a variety of departments, including editorial, marketing, social media, education, scientific research, conservation, and more. Throughout the program, you will gain mentorship, learn how a world-class museum operates, and contribute to meaningful projects. Upon completion, you will receive a stipend in accordance with New York State minimum wage law, recognizing the time and effort you put into your work.
9. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Pages are paid on an annual salary basis of $37,238. Since pages serve for less than a year, they do not earn an entire annual salary (payments are made monthly)
Dates: September 1 – January 23 (Fall Session), June (Summer Session), and January 25 – June 5 (Spring Session)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school junior, 16–17 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide health documentation, and have health insurance
The U.S. Senate Page Program follows a work-learn-mentorship model, giving you a unique, hands-on experience of the daily operations of the Senate. As one of the longest-running political internship opportunities for high school students, the program allows you to witness and contribute to the legislative process firsthand. If selected, you will be sponsored by a U.S. senator and live in Washington, D.C., with living expenses, rent, and laundry covered. Your responsibilities as a page include delivering correspondence and legislative materials throughout the Capitol and Senate office buildings, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, and assisting on the Senate floor—helping with roll call votes, supporting senators and staff during debates, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.
10. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC
Cost: None
Dates: Spring - January – May | Summer - May – August | Fall - September – December
Application Deadline: Fall - June | Spring - October | Summer - December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at an accredited high school
The Student Internship Program offered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury gives high school students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in government, economics, public policy, law, and information technology. As an intern, you will participate in meaningful projects connected to tax policy, economic research, cybersecurity, communications, and human resources, while gaining insight into how the federal government operates behind the scenes. Your daily work may involve analyzing data, preparing reports, and attending meetings, all of which will help you build strong analytical and organizational skills. The program is designed not only to help you understand the inner workings of government but also to prepare you for college and future career paths.
11. Foreign Policy Research Institute - High School Internship Program
Location: Virtual or in-person at Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA.
Cost: None
Dates: Spring Term - February – May, Summer Term - June – August, and Fall Term - October – December
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: Current High school students
This foreign policy and international relations internship program is designed for high school students who are curious about global affairs and eager to develop real-world skills. The program is organized into cohorts, where you will be paired with a mentor who is actively working or studying in the field. Your mentor will guide you through research projects, helping to deepen your understanding of international relations while sharpening your academic and professional abilities. You will build essential skills in research, teamwork, communication, and organization. At the same time, you will expand your knowledge of global issues and the dynamics of how countries interact on the international stage.
12. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer Program - Late June – August; Fall Program - September – December
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors from the Bronx who are comfortable working indoors and outdoors
Project TRUE is a year-long program that provides high school students the ability to explore nature while conducting real-world environmental research. The experience is divided into two parts: a summer session and a fall session. In the summer, you will head into the field, visiting parks, rooftops, ponds, and other urban sites to study animals, plants, and the effects of city life on the environment. Working in teams with college students and scientists, you will collect data and gain hands-on experience with the research process. In the fall, the focus shifts to reflection and growth. You will meet weekly to discuss findings, sharpen your communication skills, and receive guidance on college applications and financial aid, ensuring that the program supports both your academic and professional future.
13. PRIMES-USA AT MIT
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Runs year-round
Application Deadline: November 18
Eligibility: Current High school juniors and seniors residing in the United States outside the Greater Boston area.
PRIMES-USA is a highly selective, year-long virtual research program designed for high school students who have a strong passion for mathematics. You will experience the full cycle of mathematical research, beginning with advanced literature study and exploration of open problems, and progressing to the development of original solutions and writing formal research papers. The program begins with structured training in mathematical writing and reading, preparing you for independent research. Each week, you will meet one-on-one or in small groups with expert mentors who will guide discussions, help you tackle challenging problems, and provide ongoing feedback. As your project develops, you will work both independently and collaboratively to construct proofs, test examples, and analyze mathematical patterns.
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