15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Virginia
If you’re a high school student trying to figure out what to explore next, summer programs can give you a more direct way to test your interests before committing to a major. You won’t just be reading about a subject, you’ll actually get to work through it, whether that means running lab experiments, building engineering prototypes, analyzing data, or learning clinical techniques in a supervised setting. Many of these programs are hosted by universities and research centers, so you also get a sense of how college-level academics actually work. You’ll interact with faculty, mentors, and peers who are working toward similar goals, which can help you refine both your interests and your academic direction.
Why should you attend a program in Virginia?
Virginia is home to major research universities, medical centers, and government organizations that offer a wide range of summer opportunities for high school students. Programs hosted by institutions such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Virginia Tech, and NASA allow students to explore fields ranging from medicine and engineering to marine science, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. Whether you are interested in research, college-level academics, or career exploration, Virginia offers programs across a variety of STEM and interdisciplinary fields.
To help you identify the strongest options, we’ve shortlisted 15 summer programs for high school students in Virginia.
If you’re looking for science programs in Virginia, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free, including BLAST, NOVA Bridge Programs, VCU Dental Careers Exploration, VIMS Governor's School, VASTS, VESSS, VSCS, and VCU Acceleration (with stipend), making Virginia a strong state for no-cost summer programming across STEM, healthcare, and aerospace fields.
Programs span a wide range of disciplines including aerospace and space science (VASTS, VESSS, VSCS at NASA facilities), marine science (VIMS Governor's School), AI and machine learning (Veritas AI, Lumiere), engineering and cybersecurity (C-Tech² at Virginia Tech, NOVA Bridge), dental and pharmacy careers (VCU Dental Careers Exploration, VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars), scientific research (ASSIP at George Mason, VIMS), and college-level academics (UVA Advance, JMU Summer Honors Institute).
Three NASA-affiliated programs in Virginia (VASTS, VESSS, VSCS) all follow a two-phase model combining an extended online course with a residential academy at a NASA facility, and all three are free with an October 26 deadline, making them an unusually accessible cluster of aerospace programs for Virginia students.
Students looking for research experiences with formal scientific output can apply to ASSIP at George Mason (potential for publication and conference presentation), VIMS Governor's School (faculty-mentored research with final presentation), and Lumiere Research Scholar Program (independent research paper with PhD mentorship).
Deadlines vary widely, with VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS all closing October 26 for their winter online courses, BLAST closing February 1, and ASSIP closing February 15, so students should begin identifying programs in the summer and prioritize October and February deadline programs first.
1. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
Location: Either William & Mary, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Radford University, or Old Dominion University campuses
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 80 students
Dates: William & Mary: June 21 – 24, Virginia Tech: July 15 – 18, Radford University: July 19 – 22, Old Dominion University: July 26 – 29, University of Virginia: June 28 – July 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students at a Virginia middle, high, homeschool, or private school; U.S. citizens residing in VA; minimum GPA of 2.7; not previously attended BLAST
BLAST introduces you to core STEM concepts through short, intensive projects designed to build curiosity and confidence early on. You rotate through hands-on activities in areas such as robotics, bioengineering, optics, and environmental science, gaining exposure to how different fields approach problem-solving. Faculty-led sessions focus on experimentation and demonstration, making it accessible even if you’re new to STEM. You’ll also engage with guest speakers who connect these topics to real-world applications and careers. The residential setup gives you a first look at college life, including shared housing and structured schedules. Collaborative tasks encourage teamwork while helping you practice scientific thinking in small groups.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small group and 1:1 mentorship formatsDates: Several 12- to 15-week cohorts run during the year, including summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students; for the AI Fellowship, you need to have completed the AI Scholars program or have some experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI gives you a structured entry point into artificial intelligence, whether you’re starting with fundamentals or moving into advanced research. In the AI Scholars program, you build a working knowledge of Python, data analysis, and machine learning through guided lessons and applied exercises. As you progress, you begin to understand how datasets, algorithms, and models interact across real-world applications. The AI Fellowship track shifts toward independent research, where you work closely with a mentor to define a problem, develop a methodology, and analyze results. Regular feedback strengthens your technical reasoning and coding skills throughout the process. The experience concludes with a completed project that reflects your ability to apply AI concepts in a focused context. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. NOVA’s Bridge Programs
Location: NOVA campuses
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 100 students
Dates: Late June through mid-August
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
NOVA’s summer programs for high school students in Virginia help you explore technology-focused career pathways through a mix of hands-on training and industry exposure. You choose a track such as computer science, IT, or engineering technology, then work through practical sessions that include tasks like assembling hardware, running cybersecurity exercises, or simulating engineering systems. Lab-based learning is paired with visits to major tech companies and data centers, giving you insight into how these skills translate into real jobs. You’ll also learn how large-scale systems operate, particularly in areas like cloud computing and semiconductor manufacturing. Alongside technical work, you explore NOVA’s academic programs and support systems, helping you map out next steps after high school.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts
Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year; Summer cohorts run between June and August; Application Deadline: June/July for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. 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 subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Virginia Commonwealth University's Dental Careers Exploration
Location: VCU School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small local cohort
Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 10th to graduating seniors in the Richmond area with a 3.0+ GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This fully-funded summer program for high school students in Virginia introduces you to dentistry through a combination of lab-based practice and clinical insight. You spend time developing technical skills such as tooth carving, taking dental impressions, and practicing basic suturing techniques. Guided sessions also cover digital dentistry tools, helping you understand how technology is integrated into modern practice. Alongside hands-on work, you learn about different roles within the field, including general dentistry, hygiene, and specialized areas. Faculty and current students provide context on training pathways and professional expectations. Varied program activities are centered on precision, coordination, and patient-focused thinking.
6. VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars
Location: MCV Campus (VCU School of Pharmacy: Robert Blackwell Smith Building), Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: $50; fee waivers are available for the $50 cost upon acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 30 students
Dates: July 20–24
Application Deadline: Not specified; spots are filled quickly on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Pharmacy Summer Scholars program introduces you to the range of roles within the pharmacy profession through interactive learning and practical exposure. You participate in lab activities such as non-sterile compounding, where you learn how medications are prepared and handled. Tours of hospital and academic pharmacy settings show how pharmacists operate in different environments. Sessions with current students and faculty provide insight into coursework, career paths, and professional expectations. The program also incorporates a range of activities that reinforce key concepts through applied exercises. You explore both clinical and research-oriented pathways within pharmacy.
7. Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Governor's School
Location: Gloucester Point, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 6 students
Dates: July 5–25
Application Deadline: Varies by local school division (Internal school deadlines are typically early to mid-December of the preceding year.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-graders residing in Virginia
At VIMS, you step into a research-focused environment where marine science is explored through direct participation in ongoing projects. You are paired with a faculty mentor and contribute to work that may involve field sampling, lab experiments, or data analysis. The apprenticeship model means your experience varies based on your assigned project, but all students engage with real scientific processes. Workshops on research methods and scientific writing support your understanding of how studies are designed and communicated. You also learn how marine science connects to environmental challenges and policy decisions. Living on a university campus adds a residential component that mirrors college life. The program concludes with a presentation of your findings.
8. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, George Mason, VA
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for three course credits; fee waivers are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (~10% acceptance rate); approximately 290 interns
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Current high school and undergraduate students (must not have graduated college). minimum age 15 for remote/computer labs, or age 16 for in-person wet labs by the start date
ASSIP places you in a research setting where you work directly with faculty on ongoing scientific projects. You choose from a wide range of disciplines, including data science, neuroscience, environmental studies, and engineering. Daily work involves using research tools, analyzing data, and contributing to experiments or simulations. You also develop scientific writing and presentation skills through structured assignments. Mentorship is a key component, with regular interaction guiding your progress. The program encourages independent thinking while maintaining a collaborative research environment. It concludes with a presentation of your findings, and some students may pursue further opportunities such as publication or conference presentations.
9. James Madison University’s Summer Honors Institute
Location: James Madison University campus, Harrisonburg, VA
Cost: $1,500; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 30 students
Dates: July 12–18
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
JMU’s Summer Honors Institute combines academic exploration with a broader introduction to college-level learning. You take part in an interdisciplinary course that examines a contemporary issue from multiple perspectives. Daily sessions rotate across subjects such as business, science, and the humanities, helping you compare different academic approaches. Faculty-led discussions emphasize participation and critical thinking rather than passive learning. The summer program for high school students in Virginia also includes structured workshops on college readiness and academic planning, with field visits and campus activities that provide additional context beyond the classroom.
10. C-Tech² - Computers and Technology at Virginia Tech
Location: Virginia Tech campus, Virginia Tech campus, VA
Cost: $2,500; full and partial scholarships are available based on financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 60 students
Dates: June 28 – July 11
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
C-Tech² focuses on engineering and technology through project-based learning and collaborative design challenges. You spend time in labs working on tasks related to programming, robotics, and cybersecurity, while also exploring broader engineering disciplines. A central component is a team-based design project that requires problem-solving, planning, and iteration. Sessions with faculty introduce you to current research and emerging technologies. Industry visits provide insight into how engineering concepts are applied professionally. The program also covers various workshops on communication and college preparation.
11. UVA Advance Pre-College Program
Location: University of Virginia campus, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: Virginia residents: $7,097; Non-Virginians: $14,975 + additional course materials; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 60–65 students
Dates: July 11 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years of age by the program’s start date; minimum GPA of 3.5
UVA Advance allows you to experience college academics by enrolling in undergraduate-level courses while living on campus. You take two classes, including a seminar designed for high school participants and an elective alongside UVA students. Coursework follows the pace and expectations of a university setting, requiring independent study and active participation. Beyond academics, you engage in workshops focused on research skills, writing, and college readiness. Access to campus facilities and student life activities helps you understand the broader college experience. You also interact with peers from different backgrounds, adding to the collaborative environment.
12. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Location: Online and in-person NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 40%; Online Course: 180 students, Summer academies: 60 students
Dates: Online course runs December – May; summer residency dates tentatively between June and August
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens residing in VA and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and have internet access
VASTS begins with an extended online course where you explore space science topics such as orbital mechanics, planetary systems, and mission design. Assignments require you to apply concepts by proposing solutions to real-world aerospace challenges. Strong performance in the course can lead to selection for a residential experience at NASA’s Langley Research Center. During this phase, you work in teams to design a human mission to Mars, integrating engineering and scientific principles. You also interact with NASA professionals through seminars and mentoring sessions. All in all, the summer program for high school students in Virginia is focused on systems thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
13. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
Location: Online followed by an in-person component at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~180 students for the Online Course and ~96 students for the Summer Academy
Dates: Online Course: December through April; Summer Academy Session 1: July 6 – 12; Summer Academy Session 2: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens residing in VA and have a minimum GPA of 2.7; reliable internet access
VESSS focuses on climate science and Earth systems by combining data analysis with mission-based learning. You begin with online modules that introduce topics such as atmospheric processes, remote sensing, and environmental modeling. Assignments involve interpreting real satellite data and proposing solutions to environmental challenges. A capstone project allows you to apply these concepts in a formal research context. High-performing students are invited to a summer academy where they help design satellite missions. Interaction with scientists and engineers provides insight into how Earth science research is conducted.
14. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)
Location: Online and in-person at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~300 students for the online course; ~120 students selected across three summer academy cohorts
Dates: Online modules from October/November to March/April + a week-long summer academy between June, July, and August
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are U.S. citizens residing in VA (Maryland residents may apply if a parent is a NASA Wallops Flight Facility civil servant or contractor employee) with a minimum GPA of 2.7
This free summer program for high school students in Virginia explores the science behind NASA’s missions through a mix of online learning and hands-on application. You complete modules covering aerodynamics, orbital systems, and flight physics, with assignments tied to real mission scenarios. Each module builds on the last, helping you understand how scientific principles inform engineering decisions. Top participants are invited to a residential academy at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. There, you work on mission-based challenges and interact with professionals involved in active projects. By the end, you gain a clearer understanding of how space missions are designed and executed.
15. VCU Acceleration (VCUA)
Location: VCU Monroe Park and VCU Health Campus, VA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 20–40 students
Dates: Early July – Early August
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Grade 12 student graduating and accepted into VCU as an incoming freshman; minimum GPA of 3.25
VCU Acceleration combines a summer academic experience with continued support into your first year of college if you enroll at VCU. The summer program for high school students in Virginia begins with an intensive on-campus session where you take math and science courses designed to strengthen your foundation for pre-health studies. Workshops and site visits introduce you to healthcare environments, including hospitals and research facilities. You also receive guidance on academic planning, study strategies, and navigating pre-health pathways. The cohort model continues into the academic year, where you live and study alongside other participants. Advising and structured support help you stay on track as you begin college coursework.
Frequently asked questions
What types of summer programs are available for high school students in Virginia?
Options include free NASA-affiliated aerospace programs (VASTS, VESSS, VSCS), free introductory STEM programs (BLAST, NOVA Bridge), free healthcare career exploration programs (VCU Dental Careers Exploration, VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars), marine science research programs (VIMS Governor's School), scientific research internships (ASSIP at George Mason), AI and machine learning programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere), university pre-college programs with college credit (UVA Advance), engineering and cybersecurity programs (C-Tech² at Virginia Tech), and college readiness programs (JMU Summer Honors Institute, VCU Acceleration).
Are there free summer programs for high school students in Virginia?
Yes, several programs are free. BLAST, NOVA Bridge Programs, VCU Dental Careers Exploration, VIMS Governor's School, VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS are all free. VCU Acceleration is also free and provides a paid stipend. ASSIP at George Mason charges a $25 application fee and $1,299 tuition but offers fee waivers. Programs like Lumiere, Veritas AI, C-Tech², and UVA Advance charge tuition but offer financial aid for eligible students.
Which programs are best for students interested in aerospace or space science?
VASTS introduces students to orbital mechanics and mission design through an online course, with top participants invited to a residential academy at NASA Langley. VESSS focuses on climate science and satellite mission design with a summer academy at NASA Langley. VSCS covers aerodynamics and flight physics with a residential academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. All three are free, open to Virginia students, and share an October 26 application deadline.
Which programs are best for students interested in research?
ASSIP at George Mason University places students with faculty mentors for eight weeks across disciplines including data science, neuroscience, and environmental science, with potential for publication and conference presentations. VIMS Governor's School provides six students with a faculty-mentored marine science research experience over three weeks. Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers 1-on-1 PhD mentorship for 12 weeks culminating in an independent research paper.
Are there Virginia summer programs specifically for students interested in healthcare or medicine?
VCU Dental Careers Exploration introduces students to tooth carving, dental impressions, suturing, and digital dentistry tools over five days. VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars covers pharmacy compounding, hospital pharmacy tours, and career pathways over five days. VCU Acceleration is designed specifically for incoming VCU freshmen interested in pre-health pathways, combining summer coursework with hospital and research facility visits and continued academic year support.
When should I apply to summer programs for high school students in Virginia?
VASTS, VESSS, and VSCS all close October 26 for their winter online course components, making them the earliest deadlines on this list. BLAST closes February 1, ASSIP closes February 15, and C-Tech² closes March 8. JMU Summer Honors Institute and UVA Advance both close March 1. VCU Dental Careers Exploration closes May 2. Students should begin researching in the summer before the school year and prioritize October deadline programs before the fall semester ends.