15 Free Fall Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you’re a high school student looking to explore new interests during the school year without adding financial burden, free fall programs are worth serious consideration. These programs give you a way to work on academic or skill-based areas outside your regular classes while keeping your schedule manageable.
Why should I consider a fall program as a high school student?Â
Fall programs often focus on research, writing, problem-solving, or subject-specific exploration. You may take part in virtual sessions, guided projects, or independent work that helps you engage with topics more deeply than typical coursework allows.
Many programs also offer mentorship from educators or professionals, giving you guidance and feedback as you work. Participating helps you build a stronger academic profile and gives you experiences you can reference later in college applications or interviews.
Note: We’ve also covered internships for high school students hosted in the fall here, and in-person programs you can apply to in the fall here!
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 free fall programs for high school students!
15 Free Fall Programs for High School StudentsÂ
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Full financial aid available
Dates: September 20- December 13
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, or 12th graders within a 75-mile radius of NYC; Admission based on a competitive science/math exam and teacher recommendation
Columbia’s Science Honors Program lets you study advanced STEM topics on campus during the academic year. You attend Saturday classes taught by Columbia professors and researchers, choosing two in-depth courses each semester in areas such as neuroscience, astrophysics, computer science, or chemistry. The program focuses on intellectual exploration rather than grades, with challenging problem sets and occasional lab work. You learn alongside other highly motivated students and can attend guest lectures and use university facilities for independent study.Â
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 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.Â
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. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free; Stipend of approx. $2,146 per month (after deductions for housing) during the session is provided ($780/month housing cost is deducted from their salary for the Senate dormitory and meals)
Dates: Fall session from September - JanuaryÂ
Application Deadline: Varies by Senator’s office
Eligibility: High school juniors (must be 16 or 17 years old on appointment date) with at least a 3.0 GPA; Requires nomination by a U.S. Senator (often favoring students with strong academics, leadership, and a government interest).
The Senate Page Program allows you to observe and support the work of the U.S. Senate while completing high school coursework in Washington, D.C. You divide your time between academic classes and daily responsibilities on the Senate floor, where you assist with legislative operations during debates and votes. Your duties include delivering documents, preparing the chamber for sessions, and supporting senators and staff as needed. The program provides direct exposure to how federal legislation is debated and passed, offering a practical understanding of government operations.Â
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.Â
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.Â
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Dates: September- December (16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically in June or July
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens. Must meet any age requirements (usually 16+). Strong interest in economics, finance, or government is expected; selection often favors those who have relevant coursework or club experience.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Student Internship places you in a federal office for a 16-week academic-year experience focused on economics, finance, law, or public policy. As an intern, you support staff by researching data, assisting with reports, drafting internal memos, and preparing briefings tied to fiscal policy and economic trends. Depending on your placement, you may observe meetings, help organize policy materials, or summarize financial information used in decision-making.Â
Location: In-person labs in Oakland, CA; New York, NY (Chelsea); Detroit, MI; and Los Angeles, CA (Inglewood)
Cost: Free
Dates: Ongoing academic-year program- typically runs October through June after school.
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, especially from underrepresented backgrounds in tech (the program focuses on students of color and girls); In-person labs require you to live or go to school in the lab’s city.
Google Code Next is a free computer science education program that provides sustained, hands-on CS learning during the school year. You attend after-school sessions in Google-run learning labs, where you work on practical projects such as building websites, coding apps, programming robots, or experimenting with emerging technologies like AI and AR. The program is project-based and emphasizes learning core programming languages alongside applied problem-solving. You are guided by experienced instructors and mentors from Google, gaining exposure to real-world tech workflows.
Location: WCS Bronx Zoo, New York, NY
Cost: Free; a Stipend of $350 is provided
Dates: September- December (one session per week, typically Saturdays or a weekday after school)
Application Deadline: February 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (10th–11th graders) in New York City (must attend school in NYC); Strong interest in wildlife, ecology, or environmental science
Project TRUE is a fall-semester research internship that places you in small teams conducting urban ecology research through the Bronx Zoo and surrounding parks. You collect field data, observe wildlife, and learn research methods such as hypothesis development, data recording, and basic analysis. The program combines outdoor fieldwork with classroom sessions focused on interpreting findings and understanding ecological systems. You work closely with mentors throughout the process and present your research at a symposium at the end of the program.
Location: New-York Historical Society Museum & Library, New York, NY
Cost: Free; a Stipend of $700 is provided
Dates: October 29- June 24
Application Deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10-12) in the New York City metro area; a strong interest in history, museums, or education is recommended; Must be able to commute to the N-Y Historical Society in Manhattan weekly.
The Student Historian Internship at the New-York Historical Society is an academic-year program focused on historical research and museum education. You participate in weekly sessions where you examine primary sources, artifacts, and archival materials from the Society’s collections. The program includes research projects, exhibit-related work, and opportunities to assist with or lead educational tours. You develop skills in historical analysis, interpretation, and public history while working inside a museum and library setting.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Free; Stipend of $16.5 per hour is provided
Dates: October 20- April 10
Application Deadline: August 31
Eligibility: Must be a New York City resident; Must be 16 years of age or older; Must have current working papers at the time of application; Must be enrolled in high school.
The New York City Mayor’s Office Internship lets you contribute directly to city government during the academic year. You are placed with a Mayor’s Office team or a city agency, where you assist with projects related to education, sustainability, parks, community affairs, or economic development. Your responsibilities may include research, data support, event coordination, or communications tasks, depending on the office. The program also includes professional development sessions on workplace skills and careers in public service, along with activities that explain how city policy is made and implemented.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Mid-October through early December
Application Deadline: Not specifiedÂ
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in 10th or 11th grade. While all BWSI programs are open to eligible students of any gender identity, this fall program is designed to encourage and support female students in STEM.
The MIT Beaver Works Fall Programs offer hands-on engineering and computer science courses designed for high schoolers interested in building and coding. You enroll in a focused track such as programming autonomous vehicles, learning Python, designing and flying model aircraft, or exploring AI concepts, and meet virtually on weekends for interactive sessions. Courses are taught by engineers and graduate students affiliated with MIT Beaver Works and emphasize applied learning through coding exercises, design challenges, and team projects. The program concludes with a final project presentation, giving you practical experience with engineering concepts in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Flexible; Internships are offered year-round, with quarter-time options during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (all grades) and early college students worldwide
The EnergyMag internship is a remote research and writing program focused on renewable energy and clean technology. You work with editors at EnergyMag to research cleantech topics and produce articles that explain complex ideas in an accessible way. Early on, you receive training in research methods and science communication, then take responsibility for one or more writing projects. Your work may involve analyzing reports, synthesizing data, or exploring trends such as solar energy, electric vehicles, or climate policy. Editors provide structured feedback, helping you improve both technical accuracy and writing clarity.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Begins in late September and runs through February
Application Deadline: Typically in July
Eligibility: Students ages 13-17 worldwide who are enthusiastic about STEM and innovation; Must be proficient in English (program is conducted in English) and ready to collaborate online 5-10 hours per week
The Junior Academy, run by the New York Academy of Sciences, is an online program where you collaborate with students worldwide to solve real-world STEM challenges. You join a global platform in the fall and begin with a short skills bootcamp focused on research, design thinking, and data analysis. After that, you choose an innovation challenge and work in a small international team with guidance from STEM professionals. Over several weeks, you research a problem, develop a solution, and refine it through mentor feedback. Teams submit a final proposal for review, gaining experience in collaborative problem-solving, project development, and scientific communication regardless of competition outcomes.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; Stipend is provided
Dates: Year-round openings (Fall internships often run September through December)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+ years old) interested in psychology, mental health, or social sciences
An internship with the American Psychological Association gives you an inside look at how psychology operates beyond the classroom. You work with a specific department and support projects related to psychological research, education, public communication, or policy. Your tasks may include summarizing research, helping develop educational resources, monitoring mental health news, or assisting with content for public outreach. You are guided by a professional staff mentor who introduces you to different psychology career paths and workplace practices.Â
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Florida
Cost: Free
Dates: September – December (16–18 weeks)
Application Deadline: June 1 for fall
Eligibility: Open to all high school students; Must have English language proficiency and be physically fit (due to the nature of the work).
The Dolphin Research Center's Volunteer Resources Department offers an internship program for high school students passionate about marine biology and the operations of a marine mammal facility. You will work 40 hours per week, typically spending four days in your assigned department and one day supporting various operations. Internships are department-specific and include opportunities in Animal Care and Training, Education, Information Technologies, the Medical Department, Research, and Visual Communications. With this internship, you gain hands-on experience in marine science and animal welfare while contributing to real research and conservation efforts.Â
Location: Textron Aviation Facilities, Wichita, Kansas (primarily)
Cost: Free; Stipend provided
Dates: Fall Semester (August/September – November/December; part-time, 8 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday)
Application Deadline: Varies by internship; applications typically open in July for the fall semester
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–19 who are U.S. citizens.
Textron Aviation serves government, military, and commercial aviation needs, specializing in engineering and manufacturing. The company offers a variety of high school internships beyond engineering and manufacturing, including finance, sales, marketing, IT, flight operations, and human resources. Through this internship, you can explore careers in aviation, engage in meaningful business tasks, and connect your foundational knowledge to real-world industry operations. You work alongside experienced professionals in a corporate environment, gaining insight into how aviation companies operate.Â
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.
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