15 Programs for High School Students in Pennsylvania
Getting a closer look at a subject before college can change how you approach your academic path, and structured programs are one of the most direct ways to do that. These programs enable you to design experiments, work with datasets, develop research-based arguments, or contribute to ongoing projects. The range is broad, from biomedical science and healthcare to artificial intelligence, engineering, public policy, and writing-focused programs that examine how ideas are built and communicated. These experiences also introduce you to the pace and expectations of more advanced study, often with guidance from researchers, faculty, or professionals in the field.
Why should you attend a program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania stands out because of its wide range of institutions, including universities, research labs, hospitals, and policy organizations, all offering programs accessible to high school students. That translates into a wide mix of experiences, whether you’re working in a biomedical lab, exploring clinical research methods, building engineering solutions, analyzing global issues, or developing writing and research skills. Some programs are built around independent work and final presentations, while others emphasize mentorship and guided learning across a cohort.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed down 15 programs for high school students in Pennsylvania.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 18-24 students per cohort
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school students in the greater Philadelphia area, with work authorization in the U.S.
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program immerses you in a full-time research setting where you work closely with a scientist on an active project in fields such as neuroscience or sensory biology. Early in the experience, you’re introduced to laboratory protocols and research design before moving into hands-on experimentation and data analysis. Your role may include collecting data, interpreting results, and contributing to ongoing scientific investigations. Alongside lab work, structured sessions explore topics such as research ethics, scientific communication, and career pathways in biomedical science. Interactions with researchers across disciplines help you understand how different areas of science intersect in real-world research. The program concludes with a formal presentation where you share your findings with scientists, peers, and invited guests.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 10- to 15-week cohorts in a year, including winter, fall, spring, and summer.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python.
This online program for high school students in Pennsylvania engages you in the world of artificial intelligence through a combination of academic learning and project-based work. In the AI Scholars track, you build foundational knowledge in machine learning and data science while working through guided applications with peers. Those opting for the AI Fellowship take on a more independent path, developing a research project with one-on-one mentorship. As your project evolves, you learn to apply AI techniques across domains such as healthcare, finance, and environmental science. Regular feedback sessions help you strengthen both technical understanding and communication. By the end, you produce a completed project that can serve as a strong addition to your academic portfolio.
3. UPenn Provost Summer Mentorship Program
Location: Various departments at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; more than 100 students
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Philadelphia rising 10th and 11th-grade students; Minimum 3.0 GPA
The Provost Summer Mentorship Program connects you with one of the University of Pennsylvania’s professional schools, allowing you to explore fields such as medicine, law, engineering, or nursing through guided projects and workshops. Your days include a mix of academic sessions, group activities, and mentorship from faculty and graduate students. As you engage with field-specific content, you also build broader skills in study strategies, time management, and academic planning. College readiness is a key component, with sessions focused on standardized testing, personal statements, and navigating the application process. The program for high school students in Pennsylvania typically wraps up with a culminating event such as a college or career-focused showcase.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies according to program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program centers on developing an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You begin by identifying a broad area of interest and gradually refine it into a focused research question through structured discussions and feedback. Weekly sessions guide you through literature review, research design, and methods of analysis relevant to your chosen field. As your project progresses, you will organize evidence and build a clear, well-supported argument. The program's flexibility allows you to explore topics across STEM, the social sciences, or the humanities. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and academic writing throughout the process. You conclude the program with a polished research paper that reflects sustained inquiry and analytical depth.
5. Bloomberg Arts Internship
Location: Various arts/cultural organizations, Greater Philadelphia, PA
Stipend:$20+ an hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 40 – 50 students
Dates: June 19 – August 14; up to 35 hours per week
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors residing in Philadelphia
The Bloomberg Arts Internship places you within a local arts or cultural organization, where you contribute to areas such as marketing, event planning, or program coordination. Your responsibilities vary by placement but often involve supporting day-to-day operations and assisting with ongoing projects. Alongside your internship work, you participate in structured professional development sessions focused on workplace skills, communication, and career planning. Cohort-based activities encourage reflection on your experiences and help you connect with peers across different placements. Mentorship from professionals in the arts sector provides insight into how creative industries function behind the scenes, while exposure to multiple organizations broadens your understanding of career pathways in the arts.
6. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI)’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: $1800 (if household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10 participants each year
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: High school students currently in their sophomore or junior year and 16 years old by the program start date; Permanent/primary residence in the local southwest Pennsylvania region
This paid program for high school students in Pennsylvania places you in a biomedical research environment focused on reproductive biology, women’s health, and infant health. Working within a lab, you contribute to a defined research project under the supervision of faculty and research staff. Your tasks may include conducting experiments, collecting data, and interpreting findings, depending on your placement. The program also includes discussion sessions in which researchers share insights into their academic paths and current work. The internship concludes with a formal presentation where you share your work with peers and faculty.
7. Lehigh University Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Location: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 28 – July 11 | Session 2: July 12 – 25
Application Deadline: Students must be nominated by their school district
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Lehigh’s Summer Engineering Institute introduces you to multiple engineering disciplines through collaborative, project-based learning. You work in teams to tackle real-world challenges, applying concepts from areas such as robotics, bioengineering, and environmental science. Lab sessions form a central part of the experience, giving you exposure to tools and methods used in engineering practice. Faculty and current students guide your work, helping you connect theory to application. Discussions and virtual site visits provide insight into how engineering solutions are developed and implemented in industry settings. The collaborative structure encourages problem-solving and iterative design, helping you gain a clearer understanding of how different engineering fields operate in practice.
8. Shriners Children’s Philadelphia Medical Research Immersion Program
Location: Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; Up to 20 students
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This immersion program introduces you to the fundamentals of clinical research within a hospital setting. You begin by learning how studies are designed, including how data is collected and evaluated in medical contexts. Sessions combine instruction with collaborative activities that guide you through developing your own research idea. Exposure to healthcare professionals helps you understand how research informs patient care and treatment decisions, and discussions on current topics in clinical research provide context for your learning. This fully funded medical program for high school students in Pennsylvania concludes with a presentation in which you share your proposed research project.
9. The Wistar Institute – High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
Location: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $1,500Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15 students
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and have completed at least one high school science course (Priority is given to students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia)
At the Wistar Institute, you train in a laboratory setting while learning techniques used in cancer and infectious disease research. Early sessions focus on building familiarity with lab procedures and safety before moving into hands-on experimentation. You also learn how to read and interpret scientific literature, helping you understand how research findings are communicated. Discussions with scientists provide insight into careers in biomedical research and the broader impact of laboratory work. As the program progresses, you apply what you’ve learned to a variety of lab activities. It concludes with a presentation where you share your work with peers and researchers.
10. CHOP’s Research Internship for Scholars and Emerging Scientists (CHOP-RISES)
Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: Two-summer program
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (16+) from a public or charter school in the City of Philadelphia who have faced barriers to participating in STEM-M opportunities
CHOP-RISES is a multi-year program for high school students in Pennsylvania that begins with an introduction to biomedical research and expands into more independent work over time. In the first phase, you participate in lab-based learning alongside workshops focused on scientific skills and career exploration. Returning participants move into more advanced research roles, developing independent projects with mentor support. As you progress, you also take on leadership responsibilities, including mentoring newer students. The program emphasizes both technical development and communication skills. Working alongside professionals at CHOP provides exposure to a range of STEM-M careers. Each phase concludes with a presentation where you share your research outcomes.
11. University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Research Training Program (RTP)
Location: University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer; May be extended in the school year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ and undergraduate students; must have strong interest in science, medicine, or health research
This program allows you to explore biomedical and health sciences research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Depending on your interests, you may work in a laboratory or clinical setting, gaining exposure to different types of research. Your experience includes learning how to design studies, interpret data, and understand the scientific process. The flexible structure allows your work to align with your academic goals and experience level. You also develop skills in communicating research findings through presentations or written work. Furthermore, you are introduced to fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and public health, which help broaden your perspective.
12. Fox Chase Cancer Center – Teen Research Internship Program
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; up to 16 students
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 10 | Session 2: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: Philadelphia-area high schoolers who are at least 14 years old before the start of the program (residents of New Jersey and Delaware can also apply)
Fox Chase’s Teen Research Internship Program engages you in biomedical research through a progression from exploration to experimentation. You begin by learning about career pathways in cancer research and healthcare through interactions with professionals. The next phase focuses on designing and conducting experiments, where you collect and analyze data related to your research question. Mentorship from researchers supports your development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. The final stage emphasizes communication, where you present your findings through a recorded presentation and a written summary.
13. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options available
Cost/Stipend: None | Unpaid by default; financial-need-based stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies as per session
Dates: Spring: February – April | Summer: June – August | Fall: October – December
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the US
Interning at the Foreign Policy Research Institute allows you to engage with research and analysis in global affairs and national security. You are matched with a scholar based on your interests and contribute to tasks such as research, writing, communications, or event support. Your work often involves analyzing current international issues and helping develop content for public-facing platforms. Weekly seminars introduce you to policy professionals and explore topics in diplomacy, security, and global relations. Participation in institutional events gives you additional exposure to ongoing discussions in the field. You may also have the opportunity to publish your work through FPRI’s Intern Corner.
14. University of Pennsylvania – Writing and Research in the Age of AI Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050; Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students
Penn’s Writing and Research in the Age of AI Academy focuses on how research and writing intersect across disciplines, especially in a digital and AI-influenced environment. You explore how scholars develop questions, evaluate sources, and build structured arguments for different audiences. Writing is treated as an iterative process, with emphasis on drafting, revision, and peer feedback. You also examine how AI tools can be used responsibly within academic work. Readings from research-based texts help you understand how complex ideas are communicated effectively. Activities such as concept mapping and reflective writing support deeper engagement with material. The program for high school students in Pennsylvania concludes with a final project that integrates research, writing, and AI literacy.
15. UPenn’s Wharton Data Science Academy
Location: The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,599 + $100 application fee; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – July 11 | July 12 – August 1
Application deadline: Priority deadline: January 28 | Final deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 – 11 with strong math and coding skills, an interest in data analytics, and preferably some knowledge of statistics
This data science program for high school students in Pennsylvania immerses you in advanced data analysis concepts through a curriculum that mirrors undergraduate coursework. You begin with foundational topics such as data cleaning, visualization, and probability before moving on to modeling techniques such as regression and classification. Instruction is highly applied, with labs and case studies reinforcing core concepts. You work with real datasets, using tools such as R and, in some cases, Python to explore more advanced methods. Discussions of bias and ethical data use provide context for technical learning. The program concludes with a capstone where you develop and present a data-driven solution to a real-world problem.