14 After-School Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
After-school programs are a practical way for you to explore academic and career interests without committing to expensive summer programs or full-time courses. These programs typically run after regular classes during the school year, allowing you to build skills, gain exposure to college-level material, and develop new interests while maintaining your existing schedule. Many also offer mentorship, projects, and professional networks that can shape your academic and career trajectory.
Why should I participate in an after-school program in high school?
Participating in an after-school program allows you to go beyond your standard school curriculum and engage with subjects at a deeper level. You gain practical skills through projects, research, or practical applications, which can help you better understand potential career paths. These programs also give you the opportunity to connect with mentors, peers, and professionals, helping you expand your network early on. From a college admissions perspective, consistent participation in a structured, selective program demonstrates initiative, intellectual curiosity, and commitment, qualities that admissions committees value.
To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of 14 after-school programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Chicago, IL (in-person at multiple sites)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; students earn stipends for participation
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Broad access; serves ~20,000 teens annually
Program Dates: Spring - February 23 – May 9; sessions run during the academic year after school
Application Deadline: Varies by session, spring applications open prior to February
Eligibility: High school students in Chicago
After School Matters (ASM) is one of the largest after-school program networks in the U.S., offering you hands-on opportunities to explore creative, technical, and career-focused fields. During the program, you participate in structured sessions led by industry professionals and community leaders, where you learn practical skills in areas such as arts, STEM, communications, and leadership. The program is designed to be interactive, allowing you to actively build skills rather than passively attend classes. ASM also provides a stipend for your participation, making it both accessible and financially supportive. You also gain exposure to professional environments, collaborate with peers, and build connections that can support future academic or career opportunities.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type (full financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Varies (12 weeks to 1 year; multiple cohorts across the year)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous, mentorship-driven research experience where you work one-on-one with a PhD mentor on an independent project. Over the course of the program, you explore a subject area of your choice, ranging from STEM fields like computer science and engineering to disciplines like economics or psychology, and develop a structured research paper. The program emphasizes critical thinking, academic writing, and research methodology, giving you exposure to how real-world research is conducted. A key outcome of the program is a completed research paper, which you can use for college applications, portfolios, or further academic pursuits. You also gain personalized mentorship and feedback throughout the process, which helps refine your ideas and analytical approach.
Location: Multiple U.S. cities (in-person at local school sites)
Cost/Stipend: Free (nonprofit-funded program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Broad access; serves ~150,000 students annually
Program Dates: Academic year (after-school hours)
Application Deadline: Varies by local chapter
Eligibility: High school students (primarily from underserved communities; varies by location)
After-School All-Stars (ASAS) is a large-scale nonprofit program that provides structured after-school enrichment for high school students across the United States. Through local chapters operating in schools and community centers, you participate in programs focused on academics, arts, sports, and career readiness. The program is designed to support your overall development by offering a safe, supervised environment where you can explore new interests and build practical life skills. A key component of ASAS is mentorship, in which trained staff and community leaders guide you through activities and support both academic and personal growth. You also gain access to workshops, leadership opportunities, and community-building experiences that help you develop confidence and teamwork skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June – September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with strong academics, typically GPA > 3.67; mostly 10th–11th grade
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a structured after-school research experience in which you work with a PhD mentor to complete an in-depth independent project. You can choose from a wide range of subject tracks, including data science, machine learning, political theory, and other interdisciplinary fields. The program allows you to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research, depending on your interests. Over the course of the program, you develop a comprehensive research paper (often around 20 pages) and gain experience in research design, analysis, and academic writing. You also receive detailed feedback and, in many cases, a letter of recommendation that can support your college applications.
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,700 + $ 35
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; open enrollment with level-based placement
Program Dates: March 30 – June 4
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students of grades 9–12; also open to younger students
The Stanford Math Circle is an after-school enrichment program where you engage with challenging mathematical problems in a collaborative, discussion-based environment. Meeting weekly during the academic term, the program focuses on deep problem-solving rather than traditional instruction, encouraging you to think critically and approach math creatively. You work in small groups with peers and are guided by mathematicians and educators, which helps you explore concepts beyond the standard high school curriculum. A key feature of the program is its “circle” format, which emphasizes dialogue, exploration, and collective reasoning rather than lectures. This approach helps you develop advanced analytical skills and mathematical intuition.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; selective for certain labs
Program Dates: Academic year (weekly after-school sessions; specific labs vary
Application Deadline: Varies by program (e.g., March 30 for select labs)
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 14–21; some programs have additional requirements like language proficiency)
The Reel Works After-School Filmmaking Program gives you hands-on experience in film and media production through structured, after-school sessions. In this program, you learn key skills such as storytelling, scriptwriting, filming, editing, and sound design while working on your own creative projects. You are mentored by professional filmmakers who provide guidance on both technical skills and creative development. Programs like Film School Friday offer weekly workshops focused on different aspects of filmmaking, while specialized labs (such as podcasting or audio storytelling) offer more intensive, short-term experiences. A major benefit of this program is the opportunity to create a portfolio of original work, including short films or audio projects, which can support college applications or future creative pursuits.
Location: New York City (Bronx), Los Angeles, London
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 30 months (after school, weekends, and summer sessions)
Application Deadline: Typically spring (varies by location)
Eligibility: Ages 14–18 (NYC/LA); 16–19 (London); must reside in program city
The Ghetto Film School Fellows Program is an intensive, pre-professional after-school program in which you train in filmmaking over a 30-month period. Through a structured curriculum, you learn core areas such as screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound design, and production management. The program combines after-school sessions with weekend and summer components, creating a continuous and immersive learning experience. A major focus of the program is hands-on production. You work on multiple film projects, using professional equipment and industry-standard techniques to create original content. Along the way, you build a strong creative portfolio and gain exposure to the film industry through studio visits, events, and collaborations.
Location: Brooklyn, New York City, NY
Stipend: $2,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Spring after-school (February–May) + Summer internship (July–August)
Application Deadline: November - Early January
Eligibility: High school students in NYC public/charter schools; must be ~15+ and within commuting distance
The Genspace BioRocket Internship is a hybrid after-school and summer program that gives you hands-on experience in biotechnology and life sciences research. During the spring after-school component, you build foundational lab skills in molecular biology, genomics, and synthetic biology. This prepares you for the summer internship, where you work in teams to design and execute an original research project. A key outcome of the program is a completed scientific research paper, which you can use for college applications or submit to student journals. You also receive mentorship from scientists, participate in lab tours and field trips, and develop science communication skills through workshops like improv training.
Location: Brooklyn, NY (CUNY City Tech; in-person components)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend upon completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Year-round (after-school sessions + additional components during breaks/summer)
Application Deadline: Not specified (varies by course/program cycle)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 enrolled in NYC schools
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) is a research-focused after-school program where you study biodiversity in New York City using modern genetic and bioinformatics tools. You begin with foundational coursework in conservation genetics and DNA barcoding, followed by a transition into an independent research project. With guidance from scientists and researchers from leading institutions, you design your own research question and conduct a year-long investigation into ecological and environmental topics. A major strength of the program is its emphasis on authentic research. You gain hands-on experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific inquiry while also attending workshops and events at partner institutions such as Rockefeller University and the American Museum of Natural History. The program culminates in a completed research project that strengthens your academic profile and can support your college applications.
Location: In-person (U.S.; specific campuses vary)
Cost: ~$150 enrollment + ~$280/month
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; open enrollment
Program Dates: Ongoing during the academic year (Monday–Friday, 2:30–5:30 PM)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, grades 6–12
The American High School Academy After-School STEM Program is a structured, daily after-school program focused on building practical skills in emerging technology fields. In this program, you explore topics such as robotics, aerospace, virtual reality, aviation, and drone technology through hands-on activities and guided instruction. The curriculum is designed to supplement your school learning by introducing applied STEM concepts that are not always covered in traditional classrooms. In addition to technical learning, you receive academic support, including homework assistance and concept reinforcement, helping you stay on track academically.
Location: Multiple school sites (varies by district; in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified (may vary by school/partner funding)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Broad access; program-based enrollment
Program Dates: Academic year (after-school hours)
Application Deadline: Varies by school/program
Eligibility: High school students (varies by participating school)
EduCare’s Afterschool Programs provide you with a structured environment focused on academic support, enrichment, and personal development. In this program, you engage in a mix of activities, including homework assistance, tutoring, STEM learning, arts, and fitness programs. The goal is to help you strengthen academic performance while also developing confidence, leadership skills, and positive relationships with peers and mentors. A key benefit of this program is its holistic approach, combining academic improvement with social and emotional development. You also gain access to a range of enrichment activities that help you explore your interests and develop well-rounded skills.
Location: King County, WA (in-person across multiple club sites)
Cost/Stipend: Low-cost membership; financial aid/scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Broad access; open enrollment
Program Dates: Academic year (after-school hours)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (membership-based access)
The Boys & Girls Clubs Teen After-School Programs offer you a wide range of structured activities designed to support academic success, personal development, and career readiness. As a member, you gain access to programs in academic support, STEM, arts, leadership, and health and wellness. You can also participate in specialized initiatives such as esports leagues, leadership clubs (Torch Club, Keystone), and teen advisory boards. A key strength of this program is its emphasis on holistic development, combining academic assistance with leadership training and creative exploration. You also benefit from a safe, supervised environment where you can build relationships with peers and mentors while exploring different interests.
Location: Multiple U.S. locations + online
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based (varies by campus and course load)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Placement-based; small classes (~12 students)
Program Dates: Academic year (weekly after-school sessions; 2–4 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students (placement determined through evaluation)
The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) High School Program is a structured after-school math program focused on developing deep problem-solving and analytical skills. In this program, you study advanced topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics through a rigorous, concept-driven curriculum. Lessons emphasize multi-step problem-solving, in which you integrate concepts from different areas of mathematics rather than relying on rote methods. Classes are small, allowing for detailed instruction and personalized guidance as you work through complex problems. The program also helps you prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, as well as math competitions.
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by course and term)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Placement-based; small, advanced cohorts
Program Dates: Academic year (after-school sessions); additional summer camps available
Application Deadline: Rolling (placement test required)
Eligibility: Students in Grades 1–12; designed for advanced, motivated learners
The AoPS Academy Gaithersburg Advanced Mathematics Program is an after-school program focused on high-level problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. You engage with challenging topics such as number theory, probability, algebra, and geometry through a curriculum that emphasizes exploration and multiple solution strategies rather than standard procedural learning. Classes are structured around complex problems that require deep thinking. Placement testing ensures you are grouped with peers at a similar level, creating a fast-paced, focused learning environment. The program is particularly well aligned with competitive mathematics, helping you prepare for contests while strengthening your conceptual understanding.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.