15 Summer Programs for Freshmen High School Students
The transition into high school can be challenging, and summer programs for rising freshmen are a helpful way to prepare for this next stage. These programs go beyond the classroom, helping you explore your interests and gain confidence in a supportive environment. They offer you early exposure to experiences that may influence your future academic and career interests. Many also offer opportunities to connect with peers, work with professionals, and even get a feel for college life.
For high school freshmen, we have curated a list of 15 great summer programs!
1. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Location: USC Annenberg, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school students who live and attend school in Los Angeles County
Cost: Free (Includes meals; transportation scholarships available)
Dates: June 16 - July 3
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Hosted by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, AYA is a three-week summer program for high school students in Los Angeles County. The academy introduces students to college-level concepts in media, journalism, and civic engagement, emphasizing critical thinking, writing, public speaking, and multimedia production. Students attend sessions led by USC faculty and practitioners, engage in college advising and essay preparation, and learn about careers in media and communications. The program also includes opportunities to interact with current USC students and explore the Annenberg undergraduate experience. AYA is fully funded, with meals provided and transportation support available upon request.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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. Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Virtual Research Training Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application deadline: April
Program dates: Typically 1-3 weeks in July, but varies depending on the program.
Eligibility: This program is open to all high school students (US and International)
This free summer program for high school students allows you to become familiar with research and gain experience, as well as increase your knowledge of global health. You will also participate in workshops on college readiness and career exploration. The program has both online and in-person components.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement.
Cost: Full financial aid is available! Varies depending on program type
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across many subjects you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Online
Tuition: $3,080 (plus up to $100 in course-specific material costs)
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 8-11
Dates: Session I: June 16 - June 27 | Session II: July 7 - July 18
Application Deadline: TBA
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is an online summer program offering intensive study in a single subject area. Open to students globally, the program encourages deep academic exploration through live, interactive classes led by subject experts. You can choose from over 70 courses across disciplines, including bioscience, engineering, philosophy, product and game design, legal studies, and creative writing.
6. Brown University
Location: Online/ Residential or Commuter at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
Tuition: $3,000-$10,000 (Depending on course length and format)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12; ages 14 to 18 by June 15
Dates:1-6 week sessions available from June 16 to July 25
Application Deadline: TBA.
Summer@Brown offers high school students the opportunity to explore college-level academics while experiencing life at Brown University. The program includes over 230 non-credit courses across various subjects. You can choose between online, residential, and commuter formats, with the flexibility to select a course length that fits your schedule and goals. Courses can be selected based on individual interests, allowing you to shape your own experience. The program also offers college prep workshops, peer mentorship, and student-led events.
7. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth
Location: Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12), U.S. and international
Cost: $6,292 for California residents / $7,332 for out-of-state
Dates: Session I: July 5 - July 19 | Session II: July 19 - August 2
The High School Entrepreneurship program at Berkeley Haas is a two-week residential summer course designed for high school students. In this program, you will collaborate in teams to develop a business plan with guidance from Haas faculty, PhD candidates, and industry professionals. The curriculum is carefully designed and introduces core concepts in marketing, finance, game theory, and leadership, along with workshops focused on communication and presentation skills. You will also participate in college prep sessions, campus activities, and team-building exercises.
8. Harvard Undergraduate Ventures - TECH Summer Program
Location: Online
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide (grades 9-12)
Cost: $4,750 + $35 Application fee
Dates: Session I: June 9 - July 18 | Session II: July 7 - August 15
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
The HUVTSP is an online program where high school students get matched with venture-backed startups and work with CEOs and founders on meaningful projects. Alongside the internship, students attend daily sessions with leading entrepreneurs, investors, and Harvard faculty, exploring innovation, business strategy, and problem-solving.
9. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
Location: Boston University, Massachusetts
Eligibility: Students must be at least 14 years old, have completed 9th grade, and not be enrolled full-time in college
Cost: Up to $7,000; full financial aid available for U.S. students with household incomes under $80,000
Dates: June 29 - August 9
Application Deadline: TBA
PROMYS is a six-week residential summer program in mathematics for high school students. Held at Boston University, the program brings together around 80 students from across the U.S. and the world to explore fundamental ideas in mathematics through intensive problem-solving.
Emphasis is placed on developing deep mathematical thinking, particularly through number theory, rather than covering a broad range of topics. Students work closely with peers, undergraduate counselors, and mathematicians in a collaborative environment. It's an excellent program for students who enjoy abstract thinking and want to engage with mathematics more rigorously.
10. Ross Mathematics Program
Location: Otterbein University (OH) or Rose-Hulman Institute (IN)
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18) with a strong math background. In rare cases, exceptionally mature 14-year-old students may be selected.
Cost: $7,000 (includes tuition, housing, meals)
Dates: June 15 - July 25
Deadline: TBA
If you're a high school student who loves math and enjoys a challenge, the Ross Mathematics Program is worth a serious look. The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week residential program designed for high school students seeking deep exploration of number theory and abstract mathematical thinking. In this program, students spend hours working through complex problems (individually and with peers), building the kind of logical reasoning and abstract thinking that goes far beyond classroom math. The program fosters a collaborative academic environment, with experienced instructors and undergraduate mentors supporting students.
11. Morehouse College
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Eligibility: Male students in grades 6-12 from the Atlanta area
Cost: $200
Dates: Saturdays only, June 7 - August 2
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
The Level-Up Summer Program is a Saturday-only enrichment initiative for boys of color in grades 6-12 in the Atlanta area. Hosted by Morehouse College, the program introduces students to computing, robotics, and artificial intelligence through hands-on sessions and mentorship. Beyond technical skills, Level-Up also emphasizes critical thinking, personal growth, and confidence-building, letting students explore the broader social impact of technology.
12. NYU’s High School Program
Location: New York University Campus. Some courses are available virtually
Cost: $5000+
Application deadline: April
Program dates: Typically in July, but varies depending on the program
Eligibility: This program is open to all high school students.
NYU’s High School Program offers some of the best free summer programs for high school students, ranging from 1-12 weeks and spanning an array of subject areas. The programs offer enriching academic experiences for high school students. They allow you to understand fundamental concepts and strengthen your research skills.
13. UMass Amherst - College Application Essay Writing Workshop
Location: Online
Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 9-12; students must reside in time zones where class hours do not extend beyond midnight
Cost: $420
Dates: Section I: July 22 - 31 | Section II: July 28 - August 6
Application Deadline: Section I: July 7 | Section II: July 14
This online workshop is an excellent choice for high school freshmen who want to get an early start on their college application essays. Throughout four live sessions, students will brainstorm, draft, and revise a full-length essay with personalized feedback from instructors and peers. The workshop also encourages collaborative learning through peer review and analysis of published personal essays. Students explore core application questions related to identity, purpose, and impact through guided exercises and group discussions. The workshop emphasizes the creative and practical aspects of personal writing, aiming to leave students with an essay nearly ready for submission. If you’re unsure how to begin writing your statement or what to focus on, this program offers the proper structure and support to help you get started with clarity and confidence.
14. UCSC’s Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17; some research groups may require students to be 16+
Cost: $4,250 for tuition, $600 for deposit, and $65 application fee.
Program Dates: June 16-20 (online prep before the course starts) | June 23-August 8 (on-site)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
The UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP) is an intensive nine-week summer research experience for high school students. Projects span various fields - including STEM, social sciences, humanities, and the arts - giving students meaningful exposure to academic research and lab environments. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, and culminates in a final presentation where students share their findings with peers and mentors.
15. Seton Hall University - Pre-college Summer courses
Location: Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey
Eligibility: Open to high school students (some courses may have specific age or grade requirements)
Cost: Ranges from $250-$2,000, depending on course and length
Dates: Most programs run from July 7-17
Application Deadline: Varies as per the course
Seton Hall offers a variety of short summer courses that give high school students a taste of college life. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, STEM, health sciences, investing, or even baseball analytics, there's something here for everyone. The programs are structured around practical learning, with options ranging from a 1.5-day crash course to two-week deep dives. It’s flexible and a great way to explore possible career paths while building new skills. Some tracks, like the Sports Media Academy and STEM Institute, are more intensive and have a higher fee, but need-based scholarships are available.
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