15 Summer Programs for High School Juniors

Participating in structured academic programs as a high school junior allows you to explore subjects beyond the regular school curriculum. Many summer programs for high school juniors offer exposure to advanced coursework, research, and project-based learning in fields such as medicine, engineering, computer science, business, and the humanities. These programs often combine mentorship, collaborative projects, and practical applications, helping you better understand potential college majors and career paths.

Why should you attend a program as a junior?

Several reputable universities and organizations across the U.S. host summer programs for high school juniors that simulate aspects of college-level learning. As a high school junior, participating in these programs gives you the chance to experience campus life while working closely with faculty and industry professionals. These programs are especially useful since junior year is when you'll really start thinking about college applications and your academic direction, as they’re a great addition to your college apps and resume.

Below, we have narrowed down 15 summer programs for high school juniors that provide meaningful academic engagement across disciplines.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free, except for a $75 application fee (can be waived)

Dates: 6 weeks in the summer

Deadline: December 10

Eligibility: High school juniors (16+); U.S. and international students from participating countries eligible; More details here

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly selective, six-week summer research program that brings 100 of the world’s top high school juniors to MIT each year. The program begins with one week of intensive STEM seminars in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics. You’ll then spend five weeks conducting individual research under the mentorship of professional scientists and researchers. As a participant, you’ll complete the full research cycle, reviewing current literature, executing a research plan, and producing conference-level written and oral presentations. Throughout the summer, you’ll also attend evening lectures by leading scientists, including Nobel laureates and technology innovators. RSI is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious science research programs for high school students.

2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars 

Location: Online

Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered

Dates: Multiple summer cohorts available

Deadline: Varies by cohort 

Eligibility: High school students (ideal for rising juniors; prior Python experience recommended)

The AI Scholars Program by Veritas AI is a strong summer option for high school juniors looking to build technical depth before senior year. Designed for motivated students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the program combines structured instruction with applied Python projects. You’ll learn core concepts in machine learning, data analysis, and model building while developing a final project that demonstrates real technical skill. For juniors, the summer format provides time to gain meaningful AI experience before college applications begin.

3. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, or University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Cost: Free

Dates: June 21 – July 25

Deadline: October 15 – December 3

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 15-17); U.S. and international students 

TASS is a highly selective, six-week, fully funded summer humanities seminar for high school sophomores and juniors. You’ll take part in an intensive, discussion-based college-level course focused on critical thinking, reading, and writing within the humanities and social sciences. Two program tracks are offered: TASS-CBS (centered on intellectual and cultural contributions from people of African descent) and TASS-AOS (focused on power, privilege, and social structures). Beyond academics, you’ll live in a self-governing residential community where you’ll practice democratic decision-making, public speaking, and collaborative leadership. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Online

Cost: Varies; Financial aid available 

Dates: Multiple cohorts available, including in the summer 

Deadline: Varies by cohort 

Eligibility: High school students 

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous yet rewarding research program for high school students. It provides plenty of one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, physics, data science, computer science, engineering, international relations, and more. The program will match you with a Ph.D. mentor, who will work closely with you on an independent research project. By the end of the 12-week program, you'll have a solid research paper to show for it! More details about the application can be found here, and you can check out student reviews of the program here and here.

5. MITES Summer

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free 

Dates: 6 weeks (late June through early August)

Application Deadline: November – February 1

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently in 11th grade

MITES Summer is a fully funded, six-week residential program that immerses you in rigorous STEM coursework and campus life at MIT. You will complete five challenging courses in math, science, and humanities, participate in lab tours, attend seminars with STEM professionals, and receive personalized college admissions guidance, all while living on campus and building community with peers from across the country. Designed to expand access to advanced STEM opportunities, the program condenses a semester of college-level material into an intensive summer experience. This helps you strengthen academic skills, explore real-world applications of science and technology, and prepare for selective college admissions and future STEM careers.

6. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Location: Various facilities across Los Angeles County, CA + Virtual 

Cost: Free

Dates: Summer (specific dates vary by placement)

Application Deadline: February 13

Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors from Los Angeles and adjacent counties

The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, established by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society, is a free medical mentorship program designed to encourage high school students to pursue careers in healthcare. You will attend daily virtual or in-person sessions featuring presentations and interactive discussions led by pediatricians and a wide range of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, radiologists, therapists, and other specialists. In-person experiences vary by medical facility and require you to arrange your own transportation. 

7. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program

Location: UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: Free

Dates: Summer

Deadline: Not specified (registration opens January 5)

Eligibility: High school students (16+); 50-hour commitment required

The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program is a hospital-based volunteer opportunity that provides hands-on exposure to clinical and patient-facing environments while completing a minimum 50-hour service commitment. You may serve in roles such as Patient Transport, Wayfinding (hospital ambassadors who greet and assist visitors), or Floater positions that support hospital departments, with shifts scheduled throughout the week depending on assignment. You must attend a mandatory virtual information session, submit required documentation, including immunization records and identification, and complete an in-person orientation before beginning service. 

8. Babson Summer Study for High School Students

Location: New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), Marlborough, MA + Online 

Cost: Online: $6,295; In-Person Day: $9,295; In-Person Residential: $12,995; $95 application fee; Financial aid offered  

Dates: July 8 – 28

Deadline: December 1 – February 13 (early), March 13 (regular)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (15+)

Babson Summer Study is a three-week experiential program designed to help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset while earning four college credits. As one of the academically rigorous summer programs, it focuses on innovation, leadership, and real-world problem-solving aligned with the United Nations Global Goals. You’ll collaborate with peers in a seminar-style setting, strengthening skills in critical thinking, communication, and venture creation. Coursework is delivered by Babson faculty and emphasizes experiential learning rather than passive lectures. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship and global impact, this program combines college-level academics with applied project work.

9. Montclair State University: Early College Scholars Program 

Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ + Online

Cost: $825 per 3-credit course

Dates: Fall, spring, and summer terms

Deadline: November 3 – July 1 (summer

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+) for the summer cohort; Current high school juniors and seniors (16+) for the fall and spring cohorts

Montclair State University’s Early College Scholars Program allows academically motivated high school students to begin taking university courses while still in high school. You’ll get to enroll in real college classes alongside undergraduate students, which will give you early exposure to the pace, expectations, and independence of college-level academics. The program is available during the fall, spring, and summer terms, with options for both on-campus and synchronous online learning. You can earn transferable college credits while exploring subjects that may not be available at your high school. Because courses are taught by university faculty, you will also gain experience engaging in more advanced coursework and discussions before formally beginning college.

10. Summer at UChicago: 2-week Summer Experience

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost: $5,890; Financial aid offered

Dates: Varies by session

Deadline: Priority: February 11; Regular: March 12

Eligibility: Current 9th-11th graders (14+)

The 2-Week Experience at UChicago is a fully residential pre-college program that allows you to explore potential career pathways through focused academic tracks in Business and Entrepreneurship, Healthcare and Biological Sciences, Law and Social Impact, Technology and Innovation, or UChicago LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, and Discourse). You will attend in-person classes, live in campus housing, and engage with faculty, university professionals, and peers from around the world while gaining exposure to college-level discussion and applied learning. Although the program is non-credit, you’ll earn a certificate if you complete the coursework. UChicago offers various other 1-week, 3-week, and 4-week summer experiences; you can find them here. 

11. NYU Precollege

Location: New York University, New York, NY + Online

Cost: Varies 

Dates: Spring, summer, and fall cohorts available; July 1 – August 12 (summer)

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; February 1 – March 13 (summer) 

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0+

NYU Precollege allows you to take undergraduate courses at NYU, earn college credits, and experience academic life at a global research university while still in high school. You will get to choose from a wide range of subjects across Arts & Media, STEM, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Business, learning alongside NYU undergraduates in rigorous, discussion-based classes taught by university faculty. In addition to coursework, you will also attend College 101 workshops focused on admissions, study skills, and financial aid.

12. USC Summer Programs

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: Varies by course + $85 application fee

Dates: June 22 – July 17

Application Deadlines: International: March 13; Domestic: May 8

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors who are pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum

USC Summer Programs offers you the opportunity to enroll in four-week, college-level courses taught by USC faculty and academic professionals while earning college credit. As “Summer Trojans,” you will balance academic rigor with campus life, engaging in interactive classes that incorporate lectures, hands-on workshops, labs, and guest speakers. International students are required to demonstrate English proficiency through approved standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test unless they qualify for a waiver. Courses are offered across fields such as architecture, business, law, public policy, performing arts, and more.

13. Stanford Summer Session

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost: Varies

Dates: June 20 – August 16 

Application Deadline: Varies annually

Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors (ages 16-19) 

Stanford Summer Session allows you to enroll in Stanford’s official summer quarter alongside a global student body and earn college credit with an official university transcript. You’ll choose from a wide range of undergraduate courses from fields like entrepreneurship, design, social sciences, public speaking, and much more! You must meet minimum unit requirements depending on whether you commute (at least 5 units) or live on campus (at least 8 units), with residential students participating in a full college living experience. The program requires the submission of transcripts, an essay, and, if applicable, proof of English proficiency. It offers academically prepared students the opportunity to experience the pace, expectations, and independence of coursework at one of the nation’s leading research universities.

14. Summer Challenge at Boston University

Location: Boston University, Boston, MA

Cost: $3,730 tuition + $1,440 (residential); Additional fees apply; Scholarships offered 

Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer; Dates vary by program type and session 

Application Deadline: Rolling until full; early application recommended

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Summer Challenge is a two-week academic enrichment program that allows you to experience college life while exploring a range of seminar-style courses. It gives you the option to select two seminars and engage in lectures, discussions, group projects, and occasional field trips. Classes are intentionally small, allowing for direct interaction with college instructors. In addition to coursework, you will attend an admissions workshop focused on the college application process. The program blends academic exploration with organized social activities in Boston, offering a short-term immersive college experience.

15. Northwestern Pre-College Online Program: Artificial Intelligence

Location: Online

Cost: $1,895; Financial aid offered 

Dates: 2-week or 4-week sessions 

Deadline: Varies by cohort

Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up

Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the AI-Powered Future is an online course designed to help you understand how modern AI systems function and shape industries worldwide. You will explore core concepts such as machine learning, neural networks, and large language models, while also examining ethical considerations, including bias, transparency, and responsible design. Through hands-on experience with no-code AI tools, you will build prototype projects and learn practical applications of prediction and generative technologies, gaining foundational knowledge that supports future study in computer science, data science, engineering, and related fields.