12 Online College Summer Programs for High School Students
For high school students curious about technology, science, or research, summer programs can be an excellent way to delve deeper into their interests. These programs enable students to explore topics, develop new skills, and connect with experts and peers who share similar goals.
Many of these programs focus on fields such as STEM, artificial intelligence, and computer science, making them a strong choice for students who want to prepare for a STEM degree. Whether you're interested in projects, coding, or solving problems through research, these opportunities are designed to challenge you.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 12 online college summer programs for high school students, each offering a strong academic foundation.
1. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; Financial aid available
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (rising 10th graders) with a strong interest in artificial intelligence
Stanford’s three-week AI4ALL offers high school students a unique chance to explore artificial intelligence through engaging and practical experiences. The program integrates interactive lectures, mentorship, and research-driven learning. Students collaborate closely with graduate students and researchers from Stanford’s computer science and AI departments, gaining insight into AI applications in healthcare, disaster response, and social impact. A central element of the course is the small-group research project, in which students utilize their knowledge to investigate how AI can help solve complex global issues.
2. UC Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,699 (financial aid available)
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Varies based on remaining seats
Eligibility: Students aged 12-18
Berkeley’s summer program in data science and AI provides students aged 12 to 18 with an early look into artificial intelligence and machine learning. Participants gain insights into AI functioning by working with real-world data and engaging in practical activities. You’ll learn to write and analyze Python code, develop machine learning models, and deepen your understanding of how big data addresses everyday challenges. The course also emphasizes collaboration, with students working in small groups to develop their own individual projects.
3. Harvard’s Secondary School Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA or online
Cost: $4,050–$14,950 (depends on the duration, location, and number of credits offered) + $75 non-refundable application fee. Partial need-based financial aid is available
Deadline: January 8 (early applications); February 12 (regular applications)
Program Dates: 4-week program: July 13 – August 8 | 7-week program: June 21 – August 9
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by June 21 and not turn 19 years old before July 31
Harvard’s Secondary School Program is available in a 7-week online format (4 or 8 credits). Courses are available in over 50 topics in STEM, social science, and humanities. These courses taught by Harvard faculty demand commitment. The school reports that 20% of survey respondents who attended Harvard Summer School went on to study at an Ivy League college.
4. Harvard University’s CS50x
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: 11 weeks; Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students
Harvard’s CS50x is the online adaptation of its highly regarded introductory computer science course, available to high school students eager to advance their programming skills. The curriculum explores foundational computer science concepts, including algorithms, abstraction, and data structures, while introducing students to programming languages such as C, Python, and SQL. Over the semester, students complete nine problem sets, culminating in a final project that reflects what they’ve learned.
5. Stanford University - AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual.
Cost: The cost includes $850 for tuition and $40 as registration fee. Some need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: June 16 - 27
Application deadline: Applications open on December 20 and close on February 28.
Eligibility: High school students entering 9 -12 grades in the Fall are eligible to apply.
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp at Stanford University is a two-week program that explores the intersection of AI, machine learning, and healthcare. You will engage in group discussions, online modules, and sessions with industry experts and thought leaders. The curriculum delves into the critical role of machine learning in transforming healthcare, addressing both its potential and the challenges it presents. Key topics include the application of Foundation Models and Generative AI in healthcare, providing you with cutting-edge knowledge and strategies to navigate this rapidly evolving field.
6. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Female and gender-diverse students in grades 9–11 worldwide; priority given to rising seniors and those from first-gen or underserved groups
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Wave of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a three-week virtual program designed for high school girls with a strong interest in physics and related fields. Through a mix of engaging lessons and hands-on projects, participants explore advanced topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and even quantum computing. In addition to learning the fundamentals of Python, students use their coding skills to build physics-based projects that connect theory with real-world applications. Students attend lectures led by Stanford faculty, work alongside undergraduates, and participate in workshops focused on career growth in STEM.
7. Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative
Location: Virtual
Cost: Many courses are free, while some (like instructor-led language classes or AI teaching) are fee-based ($0 – $350)
Dates: Varies depending on course
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI) offers a wide selection of online STEM courses designed for motivated high school students. From computer science and programming to biology, chemistry, and math, each course is built to support independent learners through interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and multimedia tools that make complex topics easier to understand. Students can start at any time and progress through the material at their own pace, making it a strong fit for those balancing school, extracurricular activities, or other summer learning commitments.
8. UCLA - Generative AI Summer Institute
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $3,020. Some need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for three weeks in July.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old are eligible to apply.
The Generative AI Summer Institute at UCLA is designed for high school students interested in technology, artificial intelligence, and creative expression. In this institute, you’ll explore generative AI for text, learning core concepts like neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing. Through lectures, workshops, and projects, you’ll understand how AI can generate stories, jokes, and lyrics. You’ll work with generative models such as Transformer networks and pre-trained models like BERT, BART, and GPT-3. The program also covers creative applications in art, music, and poetry, while emphasizing ethical considerations like responsible use and bias mitigation.
9. Stanford Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) Virtual Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,150
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until June 13
Eligibility: High school students; no AI experience needed
Stanford’s HAI Virtual Program invites high school students to explore how technology, AI, and STEM shape the world around us, with a special focus on social impact and ethics. Rather than just teaching technical skills, the program encourages students to think critically about how innovation can be applied to solve real-world problems in thoughtful and responsible ways. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, students explore the intersection of technology, human needs, and global issues. In team settings, you will brainstorm and develop innovative, empathetic solutions.
10. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: June - December; 6 months
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents and High school juniors
The MITES Semester is a free six-month STEM enrichment program for high school students across the U.S. Designed and led by MIT, the program is split into two phases that combine academic exploration with college preparation. During the first phase, students participate in online courses and hands-on projects in subjects such as astrophysics, robotics, and computational biology. The second phase shifts focus toward college readiness. Students receive support with their essays, participate in mock interviews, and attend counseling sessions tailored to the college admissions process. A virtual college fair also allows them to explore a variety of top institutions.
11. University of Washington’s Young Scholars Program-REACH
Location: Virtual
Cost: $100
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility:
Open to high school students, including graduating seniors
Attendance is required for all lectures, seminars, tours, and workshops
Full program participation is mandatory
REACH is an engaging summer program that exposes high school students to neuroscience and neural engineering. Through a combination of interactive lessons and lab tours, students explore the connection between the brain and technology, delving into topics such as brain-computer interfaces, neuroethics, and the importance of clear scientific communication. Participants also gain a behind-the-scenes look at research in action by visiting labs affiliated with the Center for Neurotechnology (CNT), including departments such as Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.
12. Columbia University’s Pre-College Online Summer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost:
1-week online session: $2,815
2-week online session (one course): $3,965
Dates:
Session A - 2 Weeks: July 7 – July 18
Session B - 2 Weeks: July 21 – August 1
Session C - 1 Week: August 11 – August 15
Application Deadline:
Session A: May 19
Session B: June 2
Session C: June 23
All tentative
Eligibility: Students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and students currently enrolled in grade 12; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
Columbia University’s Online Summer Program offers high school students the chance to experience college-level learning from home. Students can choose from over 40 courses in various fields such as science, engineering, writing, business, and humanities. Taught by university faculty and professionals in the field, each course combines academic depth with real-world application. Students engage in interactive discussions, simulations, debates, and complete both individual and group projects. The program also includes Student Life workshops that help students develop communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
Image source - Stanford AI4All