15 Summer Programs for High School Students at Ivy League Colleges
If you are a high school student, summer programs can give you the chance to experience an academically challenging environment while exploring subjects that go beyond the standard school curriculum. These programs often blend college-level coursework with projects, allowing you to build practical skills, gain early exposure to industry trends, and connect with peers and mentors from around the world.
Ivy League colleges offer a wide range of summer programs, where you can explore subjects such as STEM and research, as well as business and the arts. For ambitious students, this can be a unique way to explore college-level academics, develop a stronger academic profile, and make valuable connections that could shape future educational and career paths.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed down the top 15 summer programs for high school students at Ivy League Colleges.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students at Ivy League Colleges
1. Princeton University: Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents (16-17) enrolled in a high school; More details here
Through Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program, you will spend 5-6 weeks of your summer working full-time in a university research lab alongside faculty and staff. The program is for high school students who reside and attend school locally. You will be assigned to a project in science or engineering that aligns with the lab’s current research activities, and your schedule will be coordinated by the research team you join. Past projects have explored topics such as renewable energy modeling, genetic disease mechanisms, and advanced materials. By the end of the summer, you’ll submit a two-page research summary outlining your project’s goals, methods, findings, and conclusions.
2. PPPL: High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors (16+) with U.S. work authorization
At the PPPL Summer Internship, you’ll join an 8-10 week research placement focused on plasma physics and fusion energy. As a participant, you may assist with simulations, analyze experimental data, help design lab equipment, or work with programming tools such as Python or CAD. Projects often connect to the lab’s mission of developing sustainable energy solutions through fusion research. You’ll work weekdays alongside scientists and engineers, gaining insight into both the scientific and engineering aspects of large-scale research. The experience also gives you opportunities to interact with professionals who can offer guidance on STEM education and career paths.
3. New York Bioforce
Location: Columbia University
Cost/Stipend: None; Stipend provided
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: NYC public high school students who demonstrate economic or educational need based on set criteria; Current juniors and seniors preferred
In the New York Bioforce program, you’ll begin with 100 hours of lab training in the spring before starting a paid research internship in the summer. Training sessions take place on weekends and school breaks during May and June, where you’ll learn essential techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy, as well as communication and networking skills for science settings. Once trained, you’ll spend six weeks working full-time in July and August at a partner lab—this could be at a university like Columbia or Weill Cornell, or in a biotech company. Over that period, you’ll complete about 120 hours of guided research under the supervision of a mentor.
4. Columbia S-PREP
Location: Columbia University
Cost: No cost
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Summer: July | Academic year: October – May
Application Deadline: Check website for updated info
Eligibility: NYC students in grades 7-12 who maintain at least an 80% average, especially in math and science; More details here
If you are aiming for a career in medicine, science, or health, Columbia’s S-PREP provides structured academic preparation through both a summer session and an academic-year session. The program includes courses in subjects such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Psychology, along with PSAT and SAT preparation. You’ll also have access to career development workshops, college advising, and field trips that can include campus visits and science-related events. S-PREP participants are also eligible to apply for additional Columbia-affiliated summer research opportunities, including BRAINYAC and internships at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.
5. Princeton University’s AI4ALL
Location: Princeton University
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: July 9 – 30
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: U.S. or Puerto Rico 10th graders (rising 11th graders) who qualify as low-income students
Princeton’s AI4ALL program is a three-week summer experience focused on artificial intelligence and its ethical, social, and technical dimensions. The program blends lectures by Princeton faculty with hands-on research projects led by graduate students. You’ll learn about AI concepts, explore current research, and consider the societal impacts of the technology. Activities include small-group mentoring, a research presentation, and a two-day field trip to Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet policymakers and industry professionals working at the intersection of AI and public policy. Projects often focus on AI applications that address real-world issues, encouraging you to think about the role of diversity and ethics in technology.
6. Zuckerman Institute: Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University Labs, New York
Cost: No cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Around 14 students/year
Dates: 6-10 weeks from June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: October – October 29 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in NYC enrolled in partner schools; Priority given to Upper Manhattan and South Bronx students
The BRAINYAC program at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute pairs you with a neuroscientist mentor for several weeks of hands-on research in a working lab. You’ll actively contribute to experiments, learning methods for data collection, analysis, and experimental design while exploring questions in brain science. You’ll also take part in group workshops to strengthen your technical skills and connect with peers who share your interest in neuroscience. Participation also introduces you to the Columbia academic community, and in some cases, alumni of the program have opportunities to return for advanced projects or fellowships.
7. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program
Location: Harvard University
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Session I: June 22 – July 3 | Session II: July 6 – 18 | Session III: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 7 (early), February 11 (regular), April 1 (late)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16-18)
In Harvard’s Pre-College Program, you’ll spend two weeks living on campus while focusing deeply on one subject in a small, non-credit college-level course. With class sizes averaging about 15 students, discussions are interactive and emphasize critical thinking and collaboration. Courses span a wide range of topics such as literature, psychology, law, business, and STEAM, and are taught by Harvard instructors without the pressure of letter grades. You also have the chance to participate in organized activities, workshops, and social events that help build communication skills and expose you to different perspectives. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your instructor along with a Harvard transcript indicating whether you met course requirements.
8. Harvard Secondary School Program
Location: Virtual or on-campus at Harvard University
Cost: $4,050 – $14,950 + $75 application fee; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: 4-Week: July 13 – August 9 | 7-Week: June 21 – August 9
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 7 (early), February 11 (regular), April 1 (late)
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, & juniors (16-18)
Through Harvard’s Secondary School Program, you can spend four or seven weeks taking real Harvard college courses for credit alongside students from around the world. The four-week option is entirely residential, while the seven-week version allows you to choose between living on campus, commuting, or studying fully online. More than 200 courses are available across over 50 subject areas, ranging from STEM and politics to creative writing and the arts, each taught by Harvard faculty or visiting scholars. Classes are small and academically intensive, allowing for close engagement with instructors, and also offer official Harvard credit. Depending on the length you choose, you may take one or two courses, with schedules that vary by program format. Outside of class, optional events and activities provide opportunities to connect with peers who share your academic interests.
9. UPenn Summer Academies
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $9,949; Scholarships offered to select Philadelphia students
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 5 – 26
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: U.S. and international current 9th-11th grade students
Penn’s Summer Academies are three-week, subject-intensive programs where you can study topics in science, social science, and the humanities at a college level. Each academy—whether in neuroscience, biomedical research, microbiology, chemistry, physics, economics, or social justice—integrates lectures from Penn faculty with lab work, research projects, or field-based learning. Small group work allows you to collaborate closely with peers while applying theory to real-world or research-based problems. The humanities-focused academies also take advantage of Philadelphia’s historical and cultural resources for hands-on exploration. You’ll finish the program with a Certificate of Completion and the option to request recommendation letters from Penn instructors.
10. Wharton Global Youth Program: On-Campus Programs
Location: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $7,299 – $9,799; Full and partial scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: January 29 (priority); April 2 (final)
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders with a minimum 3.3-3.5 unweighted GPA
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers multiple summer sessions where you can explore topics in business, finance, leadership, and data science under the guidance of Wharton faculty. Options include the Product Design Academy, which focuses on design thinking and prototyping; the Essentials of Finance program, which covers concepts like risk, return, and corporate accounting; and the Moneyball Academy, which applies statistical analysis to sports. Some sessions run for two weeks, while others span three weeks, with a mix of lectures, case studies, and team-based projects. Certain programs are non-credit, while others provide the opportunity to earn academic credit. Across all tracks, the emphasis is on understanding business concepts through applied learning, whether that’s pitching a product, running simulations, or analyzing data sets.
11. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $9,000 + $90 non-refundable application fee; Limited financial aid may be available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 6 – 25
Application Deadline: January 2 – March 1 (priority)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (15+); Minimum 3.0 GPA
If you are interested in engineering fields like artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, or computer graphics, the Engineering Summer Academy at Penn provides a three-week opportunity to explore them in depth. All courses combine lectures, labs, and project work, culminating in a final team or individual project that demonstrates what you’ve learned. Classes are taught by Penn faculty and take place on campus, giving you access to the university’s facilities and resources. Alongside the technical instruction, you’ll gain experience in designing, building, and testing systems or models in a collaborative environment. The program awards college credit upon successful completion, and the projects you create can be added to your academic portfolio.
12. Yale Young Global Scholars
Location: Yale University
Cost: $6,500 + $75 – $90 application fee; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Session I: June 22 – July 4 | Session II: July 6 – 18 | Session III: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: October 15 (early); January 7 (regular); Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors (16-18); See here for more details
During the Yale Young Global Scholars program, you’ll get to choose an academic track from among STEM, humanities, social sciences, or a cross-disciplinary focus, and take part in lectures, seminars, breakout discussions, and collaborative projects. The program does not award grades or credit, encouraging you to explore ideas and approaches without the pressure of formal evaluation. Beyond structured academic activities, the schedule includes “Family Time” for peer connections, a symposium for hands-on learning, and a capstone project guided by mentors. Living in Yale’s residence halls, you’ll also have access to libraries, research facilities, and the surrounding city of New Haven. At the end, you’ll receive an e-certificate recognizing your participation.
13. Brown Leadership Institute
Location: Brown University (Virtual options available too)
Cost: Residential: $5,788 | Commuter: $4,540 | Online: $5,528; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: On Campus: June 29 – July 11 & July 13 – 25 | Online: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders (14-18)
If you are interested in social justice and civic engagement, the Brown Leadership Institute offers a choice between a two-week on-campus program or a four-week online format. In both versions, you’ll examine complex social issues such as educational equity, gender equality, or intercultural communication through interdisciplinary coursework and collaborative discussion. Central to the program is the development of an “Action Plan,” a project you design to apply your learning to your own school or community. You’ll also build leadership skills in public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork, while engaging with peers who share your interest in social change. The program awards a digital certificate of completion, and students in courses lasting two weeks or longer also receive a performance report. Daily schedules mix academic sessions with opportunities to interact with other pre-college students and access university resources.
14. Summer@Brown
Location: Online, hybrid, or on-campus at Brown University
Cost: Varies by course and format; Scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: 1-6 weeks from June – August
Application Deadline: May 9 (rolling)
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders (14-18)
At Summer@Brown, you can select from more than 200 non-credit courses modeled on the university’s open curriculum, allowing you to explore subjects based on your interests rather than a set core. Courses last from one to four weeks, and each focuses on academic depth without formal grades. Whether you choose topics in STEM, political science, creative writing, or the arts, you’ll learn in small, discussion-based classes taught by Brown instructors. Students who complete a two-week or longer course receive both a performance report and a digital certificate of completion. Workshops and activities are available to support academic and personal growth, while giving you the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
15. Brown University Pre-Baccalaureate Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Two courses: $17,162 | 1 course: $8,586; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising or recently graduated high school seniors (17)
The Pre-Baccalaureate Program at Brown is designed for rising or recently graduated high school seniors who want to earn college credit by taking undergraduate-level courses during the summer session. As a Pre-Bacc student, you’ll enroll in one or two classes either in person or online alongside Brown undergraduates, with offerings across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. These seven-week courses are condensed versions of semester-long classes, requiring about 25-30 hours of work per week. Successful completion results in official Brown University credit, which may count toward future college study.
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