15 Online Summer Enrichment Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 18
If you are a high school student looking to spend your summer learning something new or working on your expertise in a subject area, enrichment programs are worth exploring.
These programs often simulate elements of college life, offering access to structured coursework, independent study, and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds. Enrichment programs are super focused on a single subject or field, and are generally a good option for students who have an idea about the subject they’d like to learn about as a participant.
Many organizations and universities offer fully virtual summer enrichment programs designed for high school students, providing a flexible, accessible way to learn without the high costs or logistical challenges associated with in-person programs. Additionally, these programs provide an opportunity to connect with mentors, explore career pathways, and boost your academic profile for college applications.
Whether you want to build practical skills or explore a field, like coding, medicine, business, or creative writing, you will find a relevant enrichment program offering college-level instruction taught by university faculty or industry professionals.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 15 online summer enrichment programs for high school students across various disciplines.
15 Online Summer Enrichment Programs for High School Students
Cost: Varies based on the format; full financial aid is available!
Program dates: Varies by cohort; summer cohorts start in June or July and run for at least 12 weeks and up to a year
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; summer cohorts typically have May/June deadlines
Eligibility: High school students; a strong academic background is preferable
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic enrichment opportunity that allows high school students to engage in individual research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. Over the span of 12 weeks, you will work closely with your assigned mentor to explore a topic of your choice and develop a fully independent research paper. This online summer enrichment program for high school students offers the option to choose from a wide variety of disciplines, including areas like psychology, international relations, economics, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science. The program’s virtual and mentorship-based research-focused structure allows you to dive deep into a subject that aligns with your academic interests while gaining experience in scholarly research and critical thinking. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: Varies based on the chosen program; need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Program dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer months
Application deadline: On a rolling basis; summer sessions typically have a May deadline.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate some familiarity/experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, created by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized enrichment programs aimed at introducing high school students to artificial intelligence and its real-world applications. If you are just beginning your journey in AI or data science, the AI Scholars program provides a solid foundation in these fields through 10 structured sessions, combining theoretical learning with hands-on project experience. For those with prior knowledge, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers an opportunity to pursue a more advanced, personalized project with one-on-one mentorship from experts affiliated with leading institutions. Additionally, the Fellowship program offers access to guidance from a publication support team, helping you navigate the process of submitting your work to student research journals. You can check out some examples of past projects here and apply here.
Cost: 2 weeks: $3,218; 3 weeks: $4,454; 4 weeks: $5,314; 6 weeks: $6,238
Program dates: Vary based on chosen course; typically in June and July
Application deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12 between the ages of 14 and 18
Summer@Brown Online, a part of Brown University’s pre-college programs, allows you to enroll in college-level academics and choose from 50 courses across areas like biology, engineering, economics, psychology, and the arts. You can choose from different formats (fully asynchronous, mostly asynchronous, or blended) depending on your schedule and learning preference. This online summer enrichment program for high school students emphasizes independent thinking and inquiry-based learning, encouraging you to engage deeply with your chosen topic without the pressure of grades or college credit. As a participant, you’ll complete readings, assignments, and projects under the guidance of Brown instructors and get detailed feedback on your performance. If your course runs three weeks or longer, you’ll receive a Course Performance Report in addition to a digital certificate. Alongside academic work, you can participate in virtual workshops and discussions to help build connections with peers from around the world.
Cost: $1,495/course; need-based scholarships available
Program dates: Multiple two-week and four-week sessions available year-round
Application deadline: Varies depending on the course
Eligibility: High school students who are 13 or older
The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program gives you the flexibility to study year-round at your own pace while exploring topics across fields like biology, business, psychology, law, finance, and medical research. Each course includes video lectures from Notre Dame faculty, interactive assignments, and mentorship to guide your learning. Depending on the subject you choose, you may analyze legal systems, design a financial plan, write a business proposal, or explore the biological mechanisms behind cancer treatments and gene editing. In the law course, for instance, you will practice the IRAC method to craft legal arguments, while in psychology, you’ll examine theories of motivation and behavior. During the program, you will also complete a capstone-style project that applies the concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios.
Cost: Noncredit (any length): $1,995 | Three credits (any length): $3,165 | Four credits (any length): $3,905; merit-based financial aid available
Program dates: Three-week Session I: July 7 – 25 | Three-week Session II: July 21 – August 8 | Six-week session: July 7 – August 8
Application deadline: May 1; applications open on December 15
Eligibility: Noncredit courses: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and same-year graduates | Credit courses: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and same-year graduates; all applicants should be at least 15 and hold a minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA
Through Syracuse University’s Summer College – Online, you will get to enroll in live and asynchronous virtual college-level courses taught by Syracuse faculty across disciplines such as communications, business, STEM, and the arts. While exact activities vary depending on the course, you will typically attend virtual classes during weekdays that may involve lectures, discussions, guest speakers, breakout groups, and collaborative projects. Outside of class, you will work on readings, access recorded lectures, and engage in individual or group tasks. You can choose from credit and noncredit options, with the credit-bearing courses offering you an opportunity to participate in Syracuse’s Dual Enrollment system and potentially earn both high school and college credit. This online summer enrichment program for high school students offers a Certificate of Completion and the option to request a transcript. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to online campus events and support resources to help you stay connected and on track.
Cost: $1,365
Program dates: July 14 – August 1
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students, from rising 10th graders to graduating 12th graders
The SELF is an online summer program that encourages you to think like an entrepreneur by positioning yourself as the CEO of “ME, Inc.” The program offers access to a course in which you will collaborate with peers to tackle real-world problems, guided by business faculty and industry professionals. You will delve into topics such as marketing, strategy, economics, and personal finance while also building a personal leadership plan. The program emphasizes creative problem-solving and self-reliance, culminating in a final venture pitch where you present your ideas to peers and mentors. Along the way, you will receive feedback from experts and gain insight into how free markets and innovation can be used to address challenges that matter to you.
Cost: $2,815 (one-week session) | $3,965 (two-week session). Find more details here.
Program dates: Session A: July 7–18 | Session B: July 21 – August 1 | Session C: August 11– 15
Application deadline: April 20
Eligibility: Domestic and international students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, as well as students currently in grade 12
Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Sessions Online offers high schoolers the opportunity to enroll in short, intensive courses across subjects, including law, economics, computer science, and writing, offered in one- or two-week formats. You will participate in live virtual classes that incorporate discussions, debates, simulations, and group projects, all designed to refine your academic and collaborative skills. Each course is led by instructors with deep expertise in their fields. You will complete both individual and team-based assignments during the session. If you opt for the two-week program, you can also join the Columbia Writers Academy to learn how to craft a college application essay. Throughout the online summer enrichment program, you will have access to workshops and seminars focused on preparing for college-level academics and student life. At the end, you will receive a Certificate of Participation and a performance evaluation that can support your college application materials.
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee; scholarships available
Program dates: July 7 – 28
Application deadline: Early Bird: February 14 | Standard: March 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Babson Summer Study is a three- to four-week online pre-college program where you can earn four college credits while learning how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to real-world problems through the lens of the United Nations Global Goals. In the core course called Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience, you will dive into topics like leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication while developing your own social impact project. The program uses Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action framework, helping you learn how to take initiative, work in teams, and navigate uncertainty. Classes are conducted through large group sessions followed by smaller Zoom-based discussions, during which you will team up with peers to complete assignments and group projects. You will also get support from academic mentors (Babson students) and engage with faculty, alumni, and guest speakers who will share insights into the startup world.
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 19 and 20
Application deadline: Applications open in March and are reviewed first-come, first-served
Eligibility: High school students
Rice University’s NeuroCamp is an online summer enrichment program designed to introduce high school students to key areas in neuroscience through interactive lectures, discussions, and virtual lab-based experiences. Here, you will study foundational concepts like how neurons communicate, the structure of the brain, and the mechanisms behind neurological disorders. Alongside academic enrichment, you will gain exposure to basic lab techniques through independent experiments that simulate real scientific inquiry. The online summer enrichment program for high school students includes sessions on STEM career development and guidance on applying to competitive undergraduate programs, featuring input from Rice faculty and career advisors. You will also have the chance to build professional skills and connect with mentors who can support your interest in neuroscience and related fields.
Cost: No cost
Program dates: Internships are offered all year round
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s eVerify service) and residing in one of the states where APA is already registered as an employer
APA’s Remote Internship Program allows high school students to explore professional pathways in psychology through practical exposure in areas such as research, education, communications, policy, publishing, or operations. As an intern, you will be assigned to a specific department within APA, where you will carry out daily responsibilities under the guidance of a supervisor while applying psychological theory to practical tasks. Depending on your placement, you may be involved in projects such as writing briefs, analyzing data, assisting in content development, or supporting educational initiatives aligned with APA’s strategic goals. You will have access to optional programming like workshops, group discussions, and networking sessions to deepen your understanding of psychology in professional contexts. Although an internship, this program can offer academic enrichment and opportunities to explore psychology as a career path, pay, and/or academic credit.
Cost: Free + $300 need-based grant available
Program dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 7 – 18 (for U.S. students); July 28 – August 8 | Pathways: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: Early acceptance: February 28 | General application: April 16
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 (only 9th – 11th graders accepted for Summer Immersion) who are between the ages of 14 and 18 and identify as girls or non-binary individuals
Girls Who Code offers two free, fully virtual summer programs to high school students interested in coding, data science, and computer science. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week, instructor-led enrichment program covering game design and foundational coding concepts. It offers insights into and practical exposure to beginner to intermediate level computer science, the game design process, and the fundamentals of UX design. Another option for high schoolers is Girls Who Code’s Pathways Program—a six-week, self-paced program covering topics like web development, cybersecurity, data science, and AI. Both programs provide you with access to industry-led events, opportunities to build real-world projects, and experience coding languages such as Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Cost: $3,580; financial aid is offered
Program dates: Session One: June 16 – July 4 | Session Two: July 7 – 25
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from around the world
SUMaC is a selective online program that allows you to engage in advanced mathematical study alongside a small cohort of 64 peers from around the world. Here, you will spend three weeks immersed in topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology–areas typically not covered in high school. The program combines daily live lectures, problem-solving sessions, and collaborative group work, culminating in a final research project where you present your findings. You can expect a workload similar to college-level courses, with intensive assignments and regular interaction with Stanford instructors and teaching assistants. In addition to academics, SUMaC offers a learning environment where you can actively contribute to discussions and workshops.
Cost: $1,200 per credit hour + $75 application fee
Program dates: Multiple sessions in the May–August period
Application deadline: May or June deadlines
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The Rice University Summer Scholars Program offers high school students the opportunity to take for-credit, college-level online courses to explore new academic interests across a broad range of disciplines. You can choose from subjects like economics, anthropology, chemistry, creative writing, linguistics, data science, and sport management, among others. Each course is led by Rice faculty and mirrors the expectations of a regular undergraduate class, including participation in lectures, assignments, class discussions, and occasional research or project-based work. You will earn official Rice credits upon successful completion. This online summer enrichment program for high school students is academically rigorous and designed to help you delve deeper into topics not typically covered in high school.
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens who are 13 to 18 years old
Kode With Klossy offers various free programs, including its Summer Camp, which is a two-week virtual introduction to software development, machine learning, and programming. Here, you will learn about these concepts through one of four coding-related tracks. In the web development track, you will explore the use of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to develop an online site. In the data science track, you will explore concepts like data visualisation. The mobile app track can help you learn how to code in Swift, which is Apple’s programming language, and develop an iOS mobile application. The machine learning track covers AI and ML concepts, including natural language processing, algorithms, and datasets.
Cost: $4,050 (four credits) to $7,900 (eight credits) + $75 application fee
Program dates: June 21 – August 9
Application deadline: Early: January 8; Regular: February 12; Late: April 9
Eligibility: Students who will graduate from high school and enter college in the next three years, are at least 16 years old by June 21, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31
At Harvard’s Secondary School Program, you can enroll in college-level courses taught by Harvard faculty and earn official academic credit while exploring subjects of interest. You can choose a four-week or seven-week online course to engage in 2.5 to 3 hours of live class time several days a week and participate in assignments, readings, and discussions. The program allows you to explore areas such as economics, psychology, medical ethics, global issues, computer science, or writing through small, interactive classes. In the seven-week session, you can opt for one or two courses to explore fields like game development in computer science or ethical frameworks in health and human rights in greater depth.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to come up with an independent research paper.
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