15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Boston
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 11 min read
As a high school student, spending your summer learning something new and building key skills can help you prepare for future academics and your career. This is where summer programs come in! Summer programs can be your chance to step into college-level academics, pick up technical and soft skills, and even explore potential career options. These experiences can also offer you industry insights into a field of your interest and opportunities to network. If you’re based in or around Boston and are looking for a local program, you’re spoilt for choice.
Thanks to Boston’s top universities, hospitals, and research hubs, as a high schooler in the city, you can choose from various summer learning opportunities. Many local programs offer you mentorship from professors or professionals. As a participant, you may spend a few weeks on a university campus, workplace, or lab, learning alongside experts and peers from diverse backgrounds.
To make the search easier, we have come up with 15 summer programs for high school students in Boston. This includes some options that are in the Greater Boston area but outside the city.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Boston
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions of varying lengths (12 weeks–1 year) available, including summer cohorts
Application deadline: Varies by cohort/multiple cohorts run each year, including in the summer
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
This rigorous research program is meant for high school students who want to explore an area and topic of interest in depth. Here, you will work one-on-one with a Ph. D.-level mentor on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from a wide range of subjects, including economics, engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, psychology, data science, and international relations. Within your chosen subject track, you will finalize a research question with support from your mentor and also work with a writing coach to present your findings. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the program application and available formats here.
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (or another lab within Boston)
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided (amount unspecified)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive, small cohort
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31 (applications open November 1)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates living or studying in Massachusetts during the program; must have U.S. work authorization
At Mass General’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program, you will spend six to eight weeks as a paid, full-time intern gaining exposure to neuroscience and neurology. The program begins with a “bootcamp”, which introduces you to laboratory protocols, workplace expectations, and essential research skills before you are matched with a mentor in an MGH neurology lab. Then, you will contribute to ongoing projects while also attending weekly seminars led by clinicians and researchers covering different areas of neurology. You will find opportunities to network through field trips and group lunches with peers and mentors. At the end, you will prepare and present your research findings to faculty, students, and members of the neurology department. Program support and career guidance will be available even after the summer session concludes.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions each year, including in the summer; dates and lengths vary by program
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; May/June deadlines for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students; the AI Fellowship program requires prior experience with AI/Python or completion of the AI scholars program
Veritas AI offers multiple learning opportunities focused on artificial intelligence exploration. These programs have been developed and executed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. If applying to the AI Scholars program, you will work with Ph.D. students from top institutions and learn about the applications of AI over 10 sessions. Here, you will also learn how to work with Python and explore key machine learning, AI, and data science concepts. You can also choose the AI Fellowship program, which offers you mentorship to help you develop your own unique project. You can check out past projects here.
Location: Tufts University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 1 – August 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years of age by the start of the program and reside in Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy, MA
The TUBERS program at Tufts is an opportunity to spend about six weeks in a university biomedical engineering lab learning how engineering concepts can be applied to biological systems. You will work within a lab team consisting of graduate students and faculty mentors and investigate research questions related to cells, tissues, or organs, depending on your placement. You will gain experience with lab methods such as microscopy, biomaterials testing, or computational modeling, while also practicing the scientific method from hypothesis to analysis. At the end of the summer program, you will present your findings and get a chance to submit your work to science competitions.
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S., including Texas (mentor assigned within 45 minutes of home)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates are flexible
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers paid internships to high school students interested in learning about fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you will get access to mentorship from fisheries professionals while engaging in projects focusing on aquatic/marine habitat restoration, protection, and management. The program also offers insights into the life of a fisheries biologist and other career paths in the animal and aquatic sciences. Additionally, you will spend eight weeks engaging in activities like conducting fish population surveys, examining aquatic specimens, electrofishing, and processing data. Also part of the program is an all-expense-paid four-night trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit, offering sessions on college prep and fisheries science as a field.
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Boston/Cambridge high school juniors and seniors who:
Will be over 16 years old by June 30
Are from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
Have a GPA of 2.7 or higher
Have completed courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry
Project Success is a seven-week paid research internship for high school students from Boston and Cambridge, with a focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds in science. During the program, you will work in a Harvard-affiliated biomedical lab on research related to disease, treatment, or health, while also developing technical skills in lab procedures and scientific ethics. Mentorship is a key part of the experience, as you will learn directly from researchers and clinicians in the Harvard network. Alongside your lab work, you will join seminars on topics like public health and communication skills and engage in site visits to biotech companies and hospitals.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – July 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application deadline: February 20 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are permanent residents of Massachusetts and attend school in the state and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; more information available here
Northeastern’s Young Scholars Program is a six-week summer research experience for rising high school seniors from the Boston area. You will work in university labs within areas like engineering, science, or health sciences, engaging in projects on topics such as robotics, renewable energy, cancer research, or data science. Faculty and graduate mentors will guide you as you engage in experimental design, coding, or analysis, depending on your placement. Weekly seminars will focus on college preparation, science communication, and career exploration in STEM fields, and field trips to government and industry sites will highlight real-world science applications. The summer program for high school students in Boston ends with a poster session where you present your research to faculty, peers, and family members.
Location: Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: 70 students/year
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application Deadline: Not specified; application window opens March 17
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Junior Summer Volunteer Program is an eight-week opportunity to observe and engage in the daily operations of a healthcare facility. Here, you will commit to at least one three-hour shift each week at the Boston Medical Center, engaging in tasks that support hospital operations and taking on volunteering roles in one of the facility’s departments. You will attend one-hour lectures led by professionals like surgeons, physicians, nurses, social workers, and healthcare administrators. As a volunteer, you will get to explore a range of roles in healthcare and medicine and the inner workings of a hospital. You will earn credits and a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Location: Sites in Cambridge and Boston, MA, including MIT labs and other university labs
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Commitment of two summers (July – August) plus a school-year component
Application Deadline: March (applications open in January)
Eligibility: Boston-area public school students in grades 10–12 who are 16 years old by the first day of the program
If you are interested in a long-term science-based program, the LEAH Knox Scholars Program offers a two-summer paid experience and year-round support. The first summer involves a five-week lab course at MIT, where you will learn essential laboratory techniques and participate in workshops on career development. In the following summer, you will engage in six-week internship at a university or industry lab in Boston or Cambridge, gaining hands-on research experience. Throughout the academic year, you will continue your involvement through a paid STEM teaching internship, one-on-one mentoring, and monthly enrichment activities like lab tours, career panels, and college readiness sessions.
Location: Multiple locations in the country, including Suffolk County/Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 300+ students per year
Dates: Eight-week summer internship starting shortly after the end of the school year
Application Deadline: January 15 (applications open October 14)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Bank of America offers high school students opportunities to work with non-profit organizations in their areas through the Student Leaders Program. Over eight weeks, you will explore various aspects of running a non-profit, participate in community service projects, and build a clearer understanding of social issues. In the process, you will sharpen your social, civic, and business leadership skills. The program includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will get insights into the collaborative efforts of the government, business, and non-profit sectors toward addressing key community needs.
Bonus options in the Greater Boston region:
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 100 students per cohort
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (U.S. and international); applicants must meet RSI’s academic prerequisites
At the Research Science Institute hosted by MIT, you will join a group of students from diverse backgrounds for six weeks of intensive research and study. During the first week, you will attend seminars across subjects such as physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering, after which you move on to a five-week research experience guided by scientists or engineers. Your work will include reviewing current scientific literature, designing experiments, analyzing data, and preparing formal presentations. You will also attend evening lectures with leaders in science and technology, ranging from academic researchers to Nobel laureates. Cultural outings and campus activities provide opportunities to experience Boston while building connections with peers. The summer program for high school students in Boston concludes with a symposium where you get to present your findings in a conference-style setting.
12. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Late June – early August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; students from backgrounds underrepresented in science and engineering, underserved socioeconomic backgrounds, and minority or rural high schools are encouraged to apply
The MITES Summer program is a six-week residential experience at MIT designed for high school juniors interested in exploring advanced STEM coursework. Here, you will engage in math, science, and humanities coursework and choose electives in topics like electronics, engineering design, machine learning, architecture, or genomics. You will also have access to workshops, college application counseling, and social events, gaining exposure to college life and STEM career pathways. During the program, you will find opportunities to develop valuable skills and connections. Additionally, you will tour labs and local companies.
13. Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Women’s Technology Program (WTP): Mechanical Engineering
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free for students with a family income of under $120,000; tiered pricing starts at $2,000 for other applicants. You can check the details here.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~20 students accepted annually from 300+ applicants
Dates: June 27 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong math/science skills and little to no prior engineering experience; women and underrepresented students in STEM are especially encouraged to apply
The MIT WTP: Mechanical Engineering track is a selective academic program designed for those with limited exposure to engineering. Here, you will spend a month exploring mechanical engineering through lectures, labs, and projects, while living on the MIT campus. You will explore concepts like energy and momentum, static torque, motors, kinematics, materials and structures, and rotational motion. Program activities include building a crane, working with CAD tools, building a simple circuit, and practicing computer programming. Additionally, you will have access to workshops on woodworking, building a foam cutter, wire bending, and building a portfolio.
Location: Mass General Brigham facilities, Greater Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None; meals covered through daily vouchers
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 21 – 24
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students, at least 16 years old, who have completed 10th grade and taken & passed courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, or Medical Terminology
JLAb program offers high school students an introduction to pathology and laboratory medicine at Mass General Brigham. Offered during school vacation and summer break, the program focuses on highlighting the role of laboratory medicine in healthcare. You will spend four days engaging in lab activities under the mentorship of expert pathologists and medical laboratory professionals. You will gain exposure to laboratory techniques, medical diagnostics, and disease diagnosis and treatment. JLAb also offers insights into educational and career pathways in laboratory medicine.
15. √mathroots @ MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 1 – 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18 who are U.S. citizens or attending high school in the U.S., before their final year of high school
√mathroots is a free, two-week residential program at MIT for high school students who want to boost their problem-solving abilities. The curriculum focuses on proof-based reasoning and creative approaches to mathematics, offering exposure to advanced concepts through lectures, problem-solving workshops, and group collaboration. You will explore topics that go beyond the high school curriculum, combining elements of theoretical math with strategies drawn from competition problem solving. Guest lectures from professional mathematicians and mentors will provide additional insights into mathematical thinking and careers in the field.
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 mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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