15 Summer Programs for High School Students with Scholarships
Summer programs with scholarships offer high school students an opportunity to experience college-level academics and campus life without financial burden. These programs combine rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, and mentorship. Participating in them can give you practical skills and meaningful connections to guide your future endeavors. If you want to deepen your knowledge in a particular subject, summer programs are a good option. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
In this list, we’ve identified 15 standout summer programs for high schoolers offering scholarships. Each program has been carefully selected for its academic rigor, reputation, and commitment to inclusivity. Spanning fields like STEM, humanities, business, and the arts, these programs provide meaningful learning experiences.
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here! This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Location: Institutes of Medicine at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost apart from a $40 application fee. Participants will receive $500 to $1,500 depending on the awarding of grants.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 60 students
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: All applicants must be current juniors or seniors (as of the fall) and be in the graduating class of this or next year, along with being 16 years old or older.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers an opportunity to conduct medical research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers. You will work on projects in specialized areas such as immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics. The program aims to provide an understanding of scientific research methodologies. You will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and laboratory skills, preparing you for future academic and career pursuits in medicine. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded, and a stipend is provided. The only cost is the application fee of $65.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Total 100 students
Program Dates: 6-week program, June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11 at 11:59 p.m. Apply here.
Eligibility: Academically exceptional students between their 11th and 12th grades. High school seniors are not eligible.
RSI, hosted at MIT, offers 100 of the world's top high school students a six-week immersion into advanced STEM education and research. This prestigious program begins with seminars covering current topics in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics, followed by a five-week research internship where you will work with MIT faculty and graduate mentors to design and execute an individualized project. You will experience the complete research cycle, from reviewing scientific literature to preparing conference-level oral and written presentations of your findings. RSI also provides opportunities for mentorship, field trips to cultural and scientific landmarks in the Boston area, and interaction with scientists. We’ve detailed how to build a strong application to get into RSI here!
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free of cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 40-70 students
Program Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: Applications are open to all high school sophomores and juniors (“rising juniors” and “rising seniors”). Participants must be at least age 15 and no older than age 18 at the start of the program.
TASS offers high school sophomores and juniors a six-week educational experience that blends academic rigor with community building. You can choose between two areas of study: Critical Black Studies (TASS-CBS) or Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS), exploring history, politics, literature, and systems of power. Through daily college-level seminars, you will develop your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. You will write essays, participate in group discussions, and receive instructor feedback. Outside the classroom, you can engage in democratic decision-making, transformative justice practices, and public speaking. To learn more about this competitive program, check out our complete guide here.
Cost: Free program, $750 stipend at the end of the program.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 12 high school juniors and seniors
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, should this or the following year, and should be a U.S. citizen.
The Clark Scholars Program offers a prestigious summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors in various subjects. For example, in the history track, you can work with faculty on topics such as Modern American Politics and Conservatism. In addition to research, you will participate in weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities. With a competitive selection process that admits only 12 students annually, this program is a great opportunity for those who want to do research. After the program, you will receive a $750 stipend. To learn more about this program, check out our free guide here.
Location: Virtual and residential on Stanford University Campus, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Session One: Online, June 16 – July 4; Session One: Residential, June 22 – July 18; Session Two: Online, July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising sophomores or juniors
SUMaC is a prestigious program for high school sophomores and juniors interested in advanced mathematics. You will explore challenging topics through two courses: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory, focusing on foundational problem-solving, and Algebraic Topology, which applies algebraic methods to topological concepts. The program emphasizes collaborative learning with live sessions, daily problem sets, and guidance from Stanford teaching assistants. You will also attend guest lectures by mathematicians and professionals in related fields. With a collegiate-level workload, SUMaC prepares you for future academic pursuits in mathematics. Admission is competitive, and financial aid is available for eligible applicants. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: University of Southern California Campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Program Dates: July 15 – August 2
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: Juniors in high school with a 4.0 weighted GPA or above who are enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry, or above, demonstrate financial need, and are enrolled in a high school curriculum within the U.S. or U.S. territories
The USC Bovard Scholars program is a summer experience for high-achieving high school juniors from diverse backgrounds. Over three weeks, you will engage in college-level academics and career exploration through mentorship and workshops. The program provides one-on-one support for navigating college admissions, financial aid, and test preparation, helping you apply to top-tier universities. Scholars participate in site visits to organizations like the Jet Propulsion Lab and USC Michelson Center. You will also attend career sessions with professionals from various fields. This residential program offers transportation for non-local participants. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: Applications open in mid-November. Check this website for the application dates.
Dates: 6-week program, June 21 – August 2.
Eligibility: Applicants must be sophomores or juniors in high school.
SAMS provides high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds an opportunity to explore higher-level math and science while earning college credit. The program, led by CMU faculty, blends classroom learning with research projects and includes professional and academic development courses. SAMS culminates in a symposium where you will present your research. The program encourages applications from students from low-income families or underserved communities. Students accepted into the SAMS program must fully commit to this experience, which means they cannot participate in any other conflicting programs, whether online or in person. More information about this program can be found in our blog here.
10. MITES Summer
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Six weeks from late June through early August
Application Deadline: TBA. Apply here.
Eligibility: To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and high school juniors.
The MITES Summer Program (formerly MITES) is a residential experience at MIT for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. It offers rigorous coursework, including advanced math, science, and humanities, along with project-based electives in areas like Machine Learning, Genomics, and Engineering Design. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through lab tours, workshops, and real-world STEM applications. You will benefit from mentorship, college admissions guidance, and site visits to labs and local companies, gaining exposure to STEM careers and higher education. To learn more about MITES, check out our complete guide here.
11. Mathroots at MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded and provides a $750 stipend, covering on-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: Two weeks in early July
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or attend high school in the U.S. (before their final year), be between the ages of 14 and 18, and be comfortable with high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Mathroots, a 14-day summer program organized by MIT-PRIMES, is for high school students from underrepresented or underserved communities with an interest in mathematics. You will explore advanced mathematical topics while honing your problem-solving skills. The program offers guidance from instructors adept in both research and competitive mathematics. The program features classes, collaborative sessions, and lectures, allowing you to discover new mathematical concepts and enhance your understanding of the discipline.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free program. Princeton will arrange and pay for housing, meals, and transportation required for the in-person portion of the program.
Cohort Size: 35-40 students
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, live in the U.S., intend to attend college here, and meet one of the socioeconomic criteria listed on the program website.
Application Deadline: Applications open in early December and close in February.
Dates: The program will begin with online classes in mid-July and end with a residential experience at Princeton from late July through early August.
PSJP offers high school juniors a college preparation experience centered on journalism, featuring a summer intensive. You will attend lectures and workshops led by alumni and journalists from media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. You will engage in discussions, current event analysis, and article writing. You will also receive guidance on college applications. The program’s residential phase develops your journalistic skills with a liberal arts-focused curriculum and experiences such as producing The Princeton Summer Journal, touring news organizations, and covering local events. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Free program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 45 international and 10 U.S. students
Dates: June 22 – July 20
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: All 16-18 years old U.S. citizens may apply. International applicants, please contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your respective country to apply and stay updated on this page.
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is a fully-funded, month-long exchange program hosted by Purdue University and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It brings together 45 international students and 10 U.S. students to engage in seminars, workshops, and interactive modules. You will explore diplomacy, media, civic education, and global citizenship. With a focus on fostering international communication and intercultural understanding, the program includes activities such as a model United Nations and discussions on democracy, diplomacy, and governance. You will stay with local families and engage in site visits.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Application Deadlines: Likely in mid-February.
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-10th grade students; international students welcome
SMP is designed to enhance college access for first-generation and underrepresented students in Philadelphia. This program allows students to engage with faculty from Penn’s prestigious schools, including Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Law, and Dental Medicine. You will explore various career opportunities while gaining practical knowledge in digital literacy, wellness, and professional development. The program focuses on personal and academic growth, offering workshops on SAT preparation, financial literacy, and life skills.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: No cost. Paid internship, but the exact stipend has not been specified.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10% acceptance rate. On average, 200 applications are received annually, and 18 to 24 students are enrolled.
Application Deadline: December 31
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be students currently enrolled in high school from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ.
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to explore biomedical science, medicine, and other STEM disciplines. Over seven weeks, you will work on research projects under the guidance of scientists, gaining valuable laboratory skills. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry and professional development, helping you build essential skills in public speaking, written communication, and ethical research practices. The program concludes with a public conference where you will present your research to peers, mentors, family, and scientific staff. You will also attend scientific lectures, explore career paths in STEM, and receive personalized guidance from mentors. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.