15 Social Justice Summer Programs for High School Students

If you’re passionate about equity, advocacy, and making a tangible impact, social justice summer programs for high school students are a powerful tool to improve your awareness of pressing issues around the world. These programs offer exposure to college-level coursework and give you the tools to develop key skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and policy analysis, and community organization for ground-level mobilization - all crucial for making small and large-scale changes to address societal issues.

Unlike traditional pre-college experiences, the social justice summer programs for high school students below are typically either fully funded or low-cost, making them accessible entry points to notable academic and professional opportunities. These programs are designed to go beyond theoretical learning and offer an immersive experience where you can learn about historic and contemporary social movements, engage with activists and experts, and contribute towards meaningful community projects and social efforts. 

We have curated a list of 15 social justice summer programs for high school students below.

15 Social Justice Summer Programs for High School Students

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (summer, fall, winter, spring)

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; for reference, previous Summer cohort deadline was June 23

Eligibility: Current high school students with strong academic achievement (typically unweighted GPA of 3.3/4 or higher)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a highly selective 1-on-1 program that gives you the chance to conduct independent, college-level research under the guidance and mentorship of a Ph.D. scholar. If you’re interested in activism, equity, and reform, this program enables you to dive deeper into issues such as systemic racism, human rights, climate justice, and gender equality. It also explores potential solutions such as prison reform, public policy, and international development. Over 12 weeks, you will develop a full-length research paper on a topic of your choice and gain advanced skills in academic writing, data analysis, and critical reasoning. This research-intensive experience is a great option if you wish to explore complex social issues from a scholarly perspective while building a strong foundation for future college applications.

2. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective

Dates: June 22 – July 26

Application Deadline: December 3

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–18); international students eligible

TASS is among the top competitive and enriching social justice summer programs. If you’re looking for an educational experience designed to inculcate critical, democratic thinking and prepare you to serve and lead your community, then this is the ideal program. It includes 3-hour classes with a college-level curriculum that includes faculty lectures, discussions, small-group projects, reading and interacting with various art and media, and other activities, in addition to writing essays throughout the summer. Beyond this, you will collaborate with your peers to plan various activities, including community service projects, while adhering to a program budget. You will learn about the importance of transformative justice, participate in public speaking, and attend informative lectures. The two primary areas of study you can choose from are Critical Black Studies and Anti-Oppressive Studies. Both are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the history, culture, conflict, and systemic tools involved in current social issues. 

3. The Princeton Summer Journalism Program

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Summer intensive week: July 1; Residential experience: July 24 – August 3

Application Deadline: Typically in February

Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors with a GPA above 3.5 from a low-income background

If you’re looking for journalism-centric summer social justice programs for high school students, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a noteworthy option. It emphasizes journalistic integrity and the importance of the press in driving social change. It also offers a comprehensive experience if you wish to build a strong foundation in social justice reporting. As a participant, you will be mentored by professional journalists and Princeton professors as you conduct interviews, attend lectures, and workshops. You will also work on investigative reports to draft articles and generate designs for publication in the Princeton Summer Journal. You will also tour major news organizations, including The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and Huffington Post, to witness professional journalists in action. A personal college advisor will help you through your college applications, ensuring you can access higher education. 

4. Bridges to Social Justice Academy

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: $5,950 (includes tuition, housing, meals); $4,145 for commuter students

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: July 6 – 18

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12; must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program and have a minimum GPA of 2.0

If you’re looking for social justice summer programs for high school students that provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts related to social change, this program is worth checking out. The program gives you an understanding of the root causes and impacts of social injustices and the importance of community engagement. Beyond the scope of textbook instruction, it connects you with policy analysts, movement leaders, and community advocates who offer enriching insights into how structural oppressions operate. The program also shows you how community efforts, including research, organizing and activism, decolonial philanthropy, advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and direct service, are essential in addressing social inequalities. The program will help you develop self-awareness and encourage you to participate in social work to combat injustices. At the end of the program, you will be engaged in forming a student organization to address social issues grounded in the Social Change Model of Leadership. You will also receive a certificate if you fulfil the attendance and participation criteria.

5. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: $1,795 for enrichment courses; $3,995 for college credit courses

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; typically over 4,000 applicants for 500 spots

Dates: Multiple course lengths available throughout the year

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students aged 13 years and up

Georgetown University’s pre-college program offers enriching options if you’re looking for virtual social justice summer programs for high school students that give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. You can opt for the enrichment course or the college credit courses - both include video lessons and access to support from Georgetown faculty. The college credit courses have additional coursework that will contribute to your college scores. The course offerings are diverse and include a range of subjects that can help you through your social justice journey. Some noteworthy options include International Relations, International Law, Journalism and Media, Law, Leadership, U.S. Politics and Government, among others. These can enhance your understanding of various fields of study that can help bring about social change. At the same time, they can also help you forge ahead in your academic pursuits with college credit or a certificate of completion. 

6. ACLU National Advocacy Institute’s High School Program

Location: American University, Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: $2,700 (includes lodging, food, experiential learning activities, and social events)

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates:

• Session 1: July 13 – 19

• Session 2: July 20 – 26

• Session 3: July 27 – August 2

Application Deadline: April 14 (applications submitted on or after April 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

Eligibility: Rising sophomores to graduating seniors, ages 15–18

This program brings together high school students from across the U.S. for an intensive, week-long immersion in civil rights and policy advocacy at the American University in Washington, D.C. You will engage directly with ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, and grassroots organizers to understand how the intersection of legal strategy and community action shapes public policy. The program comprises classroom sessions, seminars, and site visits. It culminates in a Day of Action at Capitol Hill, during which you will participate in real-world lobbying efforts, rallies, or media campaigns to advocate for human rights. This program will also introduce you to the nuances of racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, censorship in education, and immigration, among others, providing a strong foundation for your future advocacy and social justice efforts. You will be equipped with concrete advocacy skills and tools to drive change in your communities.

7. Youth Mentoring Collaborative’s Summer Social Justice Academy

Location: Durham, NC

Cost/Stipend: $250 stipend

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; 25 students

Dates: In-person and virtual sessions: July 7 – 22 | Closing retreat and graduation: July 24

Application Deadline: May 2

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade high school students who can travel to Durham, NC for in-person experiences

This is a hybrid program designed to equip you with the tools to address some of the most pressing challenges in your communities. It enables you to explore various topics related to mental health, educational access, criminal justice reform, and economic inequality through a social justice lens. With an emphasis on collaborative learning, peer dialogue, and real-world application, the program has a capstone project where you will contribute to local nonprofit work in North Carolina’s Triangle region. You will also interact with local advocates and gain insight into the broader mentoring movement in the Carolinas. This experience is particularly valuable if you’re looking for hands-on, community-rooted social justice summer programs for high school students.

8. The School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) – Summer Institute

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: $17,990 (covers tuition, room, and board) + $320 for personal expenses + $315 for textbooks and travel; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; 25 students

Dates: June 28 – August 9

Application Deadline: Rolling applications; priority deadline for financial aid: February 15

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; international students eligible

This is a 6-week residential opportunity that will equip you with the ethical reasoning, leadership tools, and public speaking skills essential for driving social change. You will participate in the organization’s signature Ethics and Leadership curriculum and analyze real-world issues. You will also engage in policy simulations and produce 3 major capstone projects, including a personal Credo, a collaborative policy memo, and a business plan for a social venture. The program is set in the national capital and offers access to political institutions and changemakers, including site visits, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities that bring the principles of justice and civic responsibility to life. You will also benefit from practical preparation for college and build strong connections with like-minded peers in your cohort. Designed to enhance your public speaking, political communication, and collaboration skills, this is a unique summer social justice program for high school students, as it also gives you the chance to discuss peace-making with a former President!

9. UPenn Social Justice Research Academy

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost/Stipend: $9,949; scholarships available for School District of Philadelphia students

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: July 5 – 26

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students who are residents of Philadelphia and attend a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school with a minimum 3.5 GPA; open to international students with a valid tourist or B-2 visa

This program will enable you to study how historical, political, and cultural forces shape injustice, and how individuals and communities respond to it, while encouraging discussions and critical approaches towards themes such as civil rights, gender equality, climate justice, refugee policy, prison reform, and intersectionality. You will be engaged in daily lectures, field trips, and small group discussions led by Penn faculty, teaching fellows, and guest speakers such as policy advocates, community organizers, and subject-matter experts. The program also includes capstone projects that encourage you to develop a research question and action plan that reflects your interests, covering diverse formats including traditional papers, art installations, and community-based advocacy projects. It also offers access to Penn’s academic resources, including the Van Pelt Library and university facilities, making it one of the most intellectually rigorous social justice summer programs for high school students. 

10. Harvard Summer School Secondary School Program

Location: Virtual, community, or residential at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Cost/Stipend:

• $4,050 for 7-week online/commuting

• $8,650 for 4-week residential

• $14,950 for 7-week residential

• $75 application fee

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates:

• 4-week program: July 13 – August 9

• 7-week program: June 21 – August 9

Application Deadline: February 12; Late applications accepted until April 9 (reviewed on a rolling basis)

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 before July 31

Harvard’s Summer Secondary School Program allows you to engage in STEM and humanities subjects for 4 to 7 weeks in the summer. In the program, you will learn from the university’s renowned faculty and distinguished guest lecturers. You can study various relevant and related subjects that will enhance your understanding of social justice efforts. Courses cover a range of topics such as global problems and solutions, and public policy, among others. The Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights courses can be particularly impactful as you learn about global and gender justice, applications of ethics to human and environmental issues, and how inequality and justice pervade American society. This is thus a worthwhile option if you’re looking for comprehensive social justice summer programs for high school students.

11. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights High School Internship

Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person twice a week)

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: Year-round; internships last at least 2 weeks and up to 2 months, with a minimum of 25 hours/week

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors

This is a great opportunity for you to intern with one of the most influential civil rights coalitions in the country. They offer unique social justice summer programs for high school students who are passionate about policy and advocacy. The internship provides hands-on exposure to real-world civil and human rights work, allowing you to actively engage with advocacy efforts that have impacted U.S. policy since 1957. As an intern, you will participate in coalition meetings, assist in grassroots event coordination, and support communications and research. You will also gain insights into the operations of nonprofit advocacy organizations. This is a great stepping stone if you’re looking for experience in the civil rights sector and wish to help bring legislative changes. You will also work alongside undergraduate interns and professionals to benefit from mentorship training and prepare for college-level engagement in justice work.   

12. New Roots Institute Leadership Development Program

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: July 1 – August 7

Application Deadline: Rolling; typically opens in December

Eligibility: High school and college students; international students eligible

This is a fully funded virtual opportunity designed for students who are committed to transforming the food system through ethical, sustainable, and justice-centered advocacy. Focusing on the impacts of factory farming on people, animals, and the environment, the program will increase your understanding of food justice, systemic inequality, and community health. You will participate in core seminars, leadership labs, and guided discussions. You will also have the chance to select electives that align with your interests, spanning a range of topics including law and policy, journalism, public health, sustainability, and education, among others. The program enhances your critical thinking and leadership skills while encouraging you to launch your campus-based advocacy campaigns during the academic year. Upon completing this program, you would be eligible for a fully funded Academic Year Fellowship, which provides project grants and mentorship to support your environmental social justice efforts.  

13. USC Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA) for Media and Civic Engagement

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; 26 students per cohort

Dates: June 16 – July 3

Application Deadline: April 14

Eligibility: High school students residing in Los Angeles County who attend local high schools

AYA is a highly selective summer program. It will introduce you to the intersection of media, journalism, and civic leadership with college-level coursework that helps you develop your academic and professional skills. This includes improving your writing, public speaking, multimedia production, critical thinking, and ethnographic research abilities through lectures, debates, and hands-on projects. You will explore how storytelling, communication, and journalism are powerful tools for challenging injustice and driving social change. You will also gain exposure to USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs as you connect with leading faculty, journalists, and public relations professionals who play a key role in shaping civic discourse. If you’re looking for summer social justice programs for high school students that explore the applications of media as a tool for advocacy and social impact, this is a noteworthy program.

14. Tufts University Leadership for Social Change

Location: Tufts College, Medford/Somerville, MA

Cost/Stipend: $5,750

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 18 | Session 2: July 20 – August 1

Application Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students, 15 years or older at the start of the program

This is a residential summer course designed for students who are eager to become informed, action-oriented civic leaders. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience in community organizing, policy analysis, and social equity while earning 1 college credit. Blending academic study with engagement, the program includes lectures, community fieldwork participation, and visits to local nonprofit organizations to explore social issues such as education inequality, community health disparities, and neighborhood segregation. By the end of the program, you will have developed an individual action plan to address pressing issues in your community, culminating in a final research presentation to showcase your work at the closing ceremony. The program also encourages peer networking and leadership development, giving you a glimpse of what college life at a top-tier university would be like. This course stands out among social justice summer programs for high school students due to its practical focus, high academic quality, and emphasis on long-term civic impact.

15. Elk Grove Civic Summer

Location: Varies by schedule and placement of the seminar and internship

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Seminar: June 16 – 27 | Internship: July 7 – 25

Application Deadline: March 28

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

This 5-week initiative will introduce you to careers in public service and community advocacy by combining the benefits of seminar-style learning and a hands-on internship. You will have discussions with your peers and attend talks with local government officials, policy experts, and civic leaders in the seminar. For the practical internship, you will work with local public agencies and assist with city projects, which will help you enhance your communication, professional, and problem-solving skills. You will also be engaged in workshops in leadership, public speaking, and civic responsibility. The program culminates with a formal presentation at an Elk Grove City Council meeting. You can earn 10 academic credits, and rising juniors may qualify for the prestigious State Seal of Civic Engagement at the end of the program.

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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