10 Winter Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you are a high school student looking to use your winter break productively, a structured program can be a great way to learn and explore new interests. Winter programs offer an excellent alternative for you, as they provide opportunities to develop practical skills, gain industry insight, and forge valuable connections. They’re an ideal option if you want to keep learning during the break while balancing school and personal commitments.
In Massachusetts, several well-regarded institutions offer winter programs specifically designed for high school students. These opportunities are ideal for in-state students wanting local access to enrichment, as well as out-of-state students interested in exploring programs in the region. Whether you are interested in STEM, the arts, or academic preparation, winter programs offer a focused, affordable way to explore your interests and strengthen college applications.
To help you explore options, we’ve curated a list of 10 winter programs for high school students in Massachusetts that offer meaningful experiences.
1. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Location: Available remotely or on-site at one of NASA’s field centers, depending on the project
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free; interns may receive a stipend based on their academic level and session length
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Varies by cohort. The fall program is a 16-week program from September to December (including winter months)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides paid internship opportunities for high school and college students interested in fields related to science, engineering, technology, and more. As an intern, you may be assigned to areas such as space science, robotics, ecology, IT, finance, or communications. Your work could involve tasks like analyzing data, supporting research projects, assisting with technology development, or helping with planning efforts. Interns typically collaborate with NASA staff or small teams and contribute to ongoing work. The program also includes virtual sessions where you can learn directly from professionals, including scientists and astronauts, about current projects at NASA.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (October/November). You can apply to the program here.
Dates: Varies according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI is an organization founded by Harvard graduate students that offers programs designed for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. If you are beginning to explore AI, machine learning, and data science, the AI Scholars program provides a 10-session introduction. In this program, you learn the basics of AI and data science and work on practical projects. For students who already have experience in the field, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers the chance to work individually with a mentor from a leading university on a personalized project. This fellowship also includes support from an in-house publication team, which helps prepare research for submission to high school journals. The program allows you to combine AI with different areas of interest, such as finance, medicine, sports, or environmental science. You can see examples of previous student projects here.
3. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Up to $4,080 stipend per intern, based on $17 per hour for six weeks of full-time work
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Dates: Internships can be part-time or full-time and must take place between May 1 and April 30
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
This internship is open to Massachusetts students aged 16 and older from underrepresented schools or communities. You’ll begin with pre-internship training focused on basic lab techniques and workplace expectations. The program runs for six weeks and pays up to $17 per hour. The internship offers the opportunity to work with professionals in a lab environment, providing hands-on experience. You will develop practical skills by the program's end, preparing you for future STEM opportunities and college-level science courses.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and have a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Lumiere was founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford and provides fully virtual research opportunities for high school students. Through the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, you work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to complete a research paper at the university level. The length of the program varies depending on the depth of research you choose to pursue. Research topics span a wide range of fields, including STEM areas such as data science, chemistry, and medicine, as well as humanities and social sciences such as economics, sociology, and law.
5. The Education Cooperative (TEC) Internship Certificate Program
Location: Boston Metrowest area, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Varies by internship. Summer internship registration opens in mid-January and runs through April. For school-year internships during the winter (after school hours), contact Emily Manz at emanz@tec-coop.org.
Dates: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Students must complete at least two years of high school to qualify for the program
The Education Cooperative (TEC) Internship Certificate Program offers high school juniors and seniors in the Boston Metrowest area the opportunity to explore different career paths. Through this program, you’ll be matched with local employers in both the business and public sectors. Internship placements may include areas such as business administration, marketing, or finance. The focus is on helping you develop workplace skills and gain a better understanding of potential careers. In some cases, your school district may offer academic credit for your participation.
6. MassArt Winter Workshops
Location: Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $205 per session; materials not included
Application Deadline: December 16 (Session 1); January 20 (Session 2)
Dates: January 11 – 12 and February 18 – 19
Eligibility: High school students
These two-day in-person workshops give students hands-on studio experiences in drawing, mixed media, papermaking, printmaking, and illustration. Courses are designed for all experience levels and provide opportunities to learn new techniques in a collaborative setting. Online options are available for observational drawing and visual thinking. Students are introduced to foundational artistic skills and encouraged to use creativity with various materials. The program emphasizes personal expression and sustainable practices in art, such as hand papermaking.
7. Berklee College High School Academy
Location: Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based (fee varies); scholarship opportunities
Application Deadline: July 31 (tentative, for yearlong program, winter break included)
Dates: September – May; closed for winter break mid-December to mid-January (tentative)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
Following the Berklee academic calendar, the High School Academy offers a year-long music education program with classes meeting three times per week. Students gain instruction in musicianship, performance, and composition, developing a portfolio for college auditions. The program also includes master classes, jam sessions, workshops, and college readiness support, with performance opportunities available at winter showcases.
8. Stanford Daily Pre-Collegiate Winter Workshops (Virtual)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Prices are per program, or discounts are offered for bundling multiple programs together; fee waivers available. More info here under FAQs
Application Deadline: November 30
Dates: December 15 – January 9
Eligibility: High school students
Stanford Daily offers remote winter workshops in journalism, tech, and multimedia. High schoolers participate in weekly meetings, training in reporting, web development for newsrooms, and visual design. The journalism track includes assignments and mentoring from Stanford editors. The tech workshop covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and data visualization fundamentals for media. No coding experience is required for participation.
9. EnergyMag Research Internship (Virtual)
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling (year-round)
Dates: Rolling, including winter window
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors (must have taken honors science or English)
EnergyMag presents an opportunity for high school students interested in the dynamic field of renewable energy. This program pairs students with mentors who guide them through investigative projects, allowing them to delve into the intricacies of specific companies, emerging technologies, or market trends within the renewable energy sector. Throughout their participation, students actively engage in critical analysis of data, honing their analytical skills. The program also emphasizes the importance of professional development, providing chances for participants to practice networking with industry professionals and peers. A key outcome of the research involves creating comprehensive reports that synthesize findings and insights.
10. Tufts University College Online Continuing Education Classes
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by individual course and workshop. Some courses may offer partial scholarships or fee discounts for specific audiences (check individual course listings for details).
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; courses and workshops open year-round to new registrants. Course-specific application windows may apply.
Dates: Rolling; options include one- to two-day workshops, short courses, and full semester-length courses.
Eligibility: High school students (as well as adult professionals, lifelong learners, and Tufts matriculated students) are eligible to enroll in most classes. No prerequisites are required for many courses; some may have age or academic eligibility requirements for specific content or credit.
This continuing education program features online professional development courses and workshops in areas such as data visualization, project management, talent development, financial intelligence, public speaking, and more. All sessions are developed and led by Tufts University faculty and staff, providing rigorous instruction aligned with industry standards. High school students can earn college credits, explore prospective majors, and gain exposure to university-level content. The flexible online delivery allows students to participate from anywhere and fit coursework into busy schedules, whether for enrichment, academic advancement, or career development.
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