15 Summer Programs for High School Freshmen
- Stephen Turban
- 6 hours ago
- 11 min read
Freshman year is usually when high school starts opening up academically. You begin exploring subjects more seriously, figuring out what you enjoy, and thinking about what you may want to pursue later in college. If you want to use that time well, joining a summer program after freshman year is one of the smarter ways to start exploring your interests early.
Summer programs for high school freshmen can expose you to subjects and environments that regular school classes usually do not cover in depth. Depending on the program, you might work on research projects, coding exercises, writing workshops, engineering challenges, business case studies, or discussions connected to medicine, law, psychology, or public policy.
Why should you participate in a summer program as a high school freshman?
Summer programs help freshmen explore subjects before committing to them later in high school or college. You get early exposure to how fields actually work outside textbooks and school assignments, which makes it easier to understand whether you genuinely enjoy them. They also help you build experience much earlier than most students expect. Instead of waiting until junior or senior year, you begin developing projects, interests, and subject-specific exposure from the start of high school. Alongside that, summer programs add strong material to college applications because they show initiative, curiosity, and willingness to explore learning outside regular coursework.
With that, here are 15 summer programs for high school freshmen!
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span finance and business (Albers SBI, PWFEC Wealth Management Camp, USF Bulls Finance Camp), STEM and AI (Veritas AI, NYU Machine Learning, Stanford AIMI), and biomedical research (Stanford EXPLORE, Penn's Biomedical Research Academy), giving freshmen options across nearly every academic interest.
Several programs are free, including NeuroCamp at UCLA, SPARK Summer Mentorship Program, Annenberg Youth Academy, NYU's ieSoSC, and Albers Summer Business Institute (which only requires a $50 deposit).
Costs vary widely for paid programs, from accessible options like PWFEC Wealth Management Camp ($50) to more expensive intensives like Penn's Biomedical Research Academy ($10,050) and Stanford EXPLORE ($2,400 to $3,200).
Many programs are open specifically to 9th through 11th or 12th graders, making them well-suited to freshmen who want to start exploring academic interests early, though a few like NeuroCamp and Stanford AIMI extend eligibility through grade 12 only.
Application deadlines mostly fall between February and May, so freshmen should research programs and prepare applications during the winter and early spring of their first year.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: Week 1: June 16 – 18; Week 2: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: Grades 9th-12th high school students
NeuroCamp by UCLA is a free summer outreach program for high school students. The program will introduce you to neuroscience and help you understand the foundational concepts of the field. You will have the opportunity to develop fundamental laboratory techniques in a range of areas, including neuroanatomy, neurobiology, and neurophysiology. The program aims to provide you with in-depth knowledge in neuroscience research and spark your interest in pursuing higher education and exploring careers in the field. The program is a great learning opportunity for motivated high school students interested in neuroscience and related fields.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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 looking to get started in 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. 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.
Location: Greater Seattle area and Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: 6-8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: High school students; Must be US citizens or permanent residents
SPARK Summer Mentorship Program offers a hands-on learning opportunity to high school students. You will learn from experienced industry professionals, community leaders, and educators. The program will offer you career advice from experts, engage in professional development opportunities, and explore various career paths. You will have the opportunity to engage in an in-depth learning experience with a supportive community of peers and professionals. In the past, program participants have co-authored research papers with their mentors, participated in renowned competitions including the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and have been involved in continued research even after program completion.
Location: USC Annenberg, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 15 – July 2
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors residing in and attending schools from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses.
Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a three-week summer program for high school students. The program will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of media communications and journalism, and how they impact shaping responsible leaders and innovators. You'll interact with the Academy’s practitioners and scholars involved in solving real-world societal and organizational challenges, and explore the Undergraduate programs and future career paths in the field of media and journalism. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills in critical thinking, writing, multimedia production, debate, public speaking, ethnography, and interviewing.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY (in-person)
Cost: Free
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – August 7; Session 2: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students residing in New York City or Nassau County
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) is a free, five-week summer program that introduces you to the technologies and business concepts behind “smart cities.” You will learn about urban technology, sustainability, and data science while building hands-on projects that use sensors, microcontrollers, and coding to solve real-world city challenges. The program will allow you to work in teams to design smart city solutions, develop prototypes, and present your ideas through pitch-style presentations. You will also gain exposure to entrepreneurship through sessions on product development, project management, branding, and intellectual property, helping you understand how to turn technical ideas into viable ventures.
Location: Albers School of Business and Economics, Seattle University, Seattle, WA (residential)
Cost: Free; $50 nonrefundable registration deposit (covers tuition, housing, and meals)
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: Typically in early spring (see official website for exact dates)
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students interested in business
Albers Summer Business Institute (SBI) is a one-week, credit-bearing residential program that introduces you to college-level business through an immersive on-campus experience at Seattle University. You will attend classes taught by Albers faculty, explore core areas such as accounting, marketing, finance, and economics, and work in teams on simulations and projects that mirror real business decision-making. The program will allow you to earn college credit, participate in company visits and networking events, and develop your leadership and collaboration skills in a supportive cohort of peers. You will live in campus dorms for the week, experience life as a business student, and receive guidance on college planning and future careers in business and entrepreneurship.
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost: $50
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
PWFEC Wealth Management Camp is a week-long in-person learning opportunity for high school students. The program will introduce you to the foundational concepts in personal finance and wealth management. You will attend interactive classes, participate in team challenges, and engage in other activities while gaining in-depth knowledge in finance. The program will allow you to develop real-world skills and compete in both individual and team-based challenges. Along with gaining financial skills and knowledge, you will receive a certificate of completion and a camp t-shirt as the program concludes.
Location: University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, FL
Cost: $750
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
University of South Florida’s Bulls Finance Camp offers high school freshmen a hands-on learning opportunity in the field of finance. You will develop financial literacy through expert-led sessions and explore a range of topics, including corporate finance, personal finance, FinTech, investments, and financial planning. You will be taught by the USF faculty, listen to guest speakers, work on group projects, and engage in networking opportunities. The programme will allow you to gain hands-on experience in financial analytics and stock trading and explore different career pathways in the field of finance.
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, or Virtual
Cost: In-person: $3200; Virtual: $2400
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served; Registration opens on March 1.
Eligibility: Grades 9th-12th students; Must be US citizens or permanent residents
Stanford EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research allows you to attend college-level lectures. You will gain knowledge about the fundamental concepts in biomedical research. You will explore a range of research areas covered by the Stanford School of Medicine, including immunology, regenerative and stem cell medicine, bioengineering, bioinformatics, cancer biology, and neuroscience. You'll learn from postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and graduate students, and learn the latest techniques applied in biomedical research. The program will allow you to interact with current students at Stanford and gain knowledge about the graduate and medical school-related paths in the field.
Location: Penn Arts & Sciences, Market Street, PA
Cost: $10,050
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically in Mid-April
Eligibility: Grades 9th-11th high school students
Penn’s Summer Academies: Biomedical Research Academy is a fully residential program for high school freshmen. The program will introduce you to the experimental perspectives of different areas in biology, including genetic, cellular, molecular, and disease relevance. You will attend lectures, listen to research talks led by faculty, and participate in experiments. The program allows you to explore the fundamental areas of biomedical research through group discussions, along with wet lab and computational lab sessions. You will have the opportunity to have thoughtful discussions on peer-reviewed research through journal clubs. Some of the topics explored through the program include vaccine research, antibiotic resistance, genome sequencing, bioethics, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 Application fee; Need-based financial aid available
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Grades 9th-12th high school students
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a virtual, hands-on learning program for high school students spanning two weeks. You will attend lectures, work on health-focused collaborative AI projects, and receive expert mentorship from student leads and research mentors at Stanford. The program will allow you to understand the importance of AI applications in research and clinical settings. You will explore a range of topics, including medical imaging AI, clinical applications, datasets, responsible AI, machine learning basics, and model evaluation. The program is a great learning opportunity in an environment where clinicians, engineers, industry partners, and scientists work together to solve global challenges in health and medicine.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,180
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 27; Session 2: July 6 – 17; Session 3: July 20 – 31
Application Deadline: Session 1: April 17; Session 2 & 3: May 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th grade students
NYU’s Summer Program on Machine Learning is a two-week learning opportunity for high school students. You will be introduced to a range of machine learning concepts, including data analysis, logic, mathematical techniques, and more. You will engage in hands-on programming activities, learn the real-world applications of machine learning, and develop model validation skills. The program will allow you to understand the fundamentals of neural networks and the technologies behind image and video recognition. You will gain knowledge about autonomous vehicles, the latest medical technology applied in diagnostics, interactive voice controls used in homes, and many more everyday technologies.
14. NYU IDEA Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Costs depend upon the Partnership Package
Dates: Typically a two-week summer program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 9th to Graduating 12th grade students
THE NYU IDEA Program is a two-week summer program for high school students. The program will introduce you to the application of entrepreneurial theories in AI design and innovation. You will have the opportunity to engage in business case analysis, explore the latest AI technologies and applications, and gain mastery of the fundamental concepts in artificial intelligence. The program will allow you to develop entrepreneurial thinking, along with AI-focused solutions, contributing to public service.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA (commuter program) and Virtual
Cost: Varies. More information here
Dates: Session A: July 13 – 31 (Commuter); Session B: July 13 – 31 (Virtual)
Application Deadline: June 12
Eligibility: 9th – 12th graders ages 15 and above
UCLA’s Pre-College Summer Institutes- Introduction to Investments is a three-week program for high school students. The program will introduce you to the fundamentals of financial literacy and investments. You will gain knowledge about a range of topics, including international investing, venture capital, stock ownership, commodities, bonds, private equity, valuation styles, and quantitative analysis, among many more. You will attend lectures by UCLA faculty and participate in discussions led by UCLA Economics majors. You will have the opportunity to gain college credit and develop a personal finance plan through gaining mastery over valuable tools.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best summer programs for high school freshmen?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to STEM and research might consider NeuroCamp or the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, those interested in business and finance might look at Albers SBI or USF Bulls Finance Camp, and those interested in AI might consider Veritas AI or NYU's Machine Learning program.
Are there free summer programs for high school freshmen?
Yes, several programs are free, including NeuroCamp at UCLA, the SPARK Summer Mentorship Program, Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement, NYU's ieSoSC Smart Cities program, and Albers Summer Business Institute, which only requires a small refundable deposit.
Which summer programs for freshmen focus on business or finance?
Albers Summer Business Institute, PWFEC Wealth Management Camp, USF Bulls Finance Camp, and UCLA's Introduction to Investments all introduce high school freshmen to business and financial concepts through hands-on classes, simulations, and team projects.
Are there summer programs for freshmen that offer college credit?
Yes, Albers Summer Business Institute is credit-bearing, and UCLA's Introduction to Investments program also offers the opportunity to earn college credit while completing coursework taught by university faculty.
Which summer programs for freshmen focus on AI or machine learning?
Veritas AI's AI Scholars program, NYU's Summer Program on Machine Learning, the NYU IDEA Program, and Stanford AIMI's Summer Research Internship all introduce high school freshmen to artificial intelligence concepts, ranging from foundational coursework to applied research projects.
When should I apply to summer programs for high school freshmen?
Deadlines vary widely. Early deadlines include Stanford AIMI (February 20) and NeuroCamp (April 19), while others like UCLA's Introduction to Investments (June 12) and NYU's Machine Learning program (May 1) fall later in the spring.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.