15 Summer Workshops for High School Students

Summers in high school are the perfect time to explore what you enjoy beyond the classroom, and workshops can help you do just that! Unlike longer, more expensive programs, workshops offer focused, high-impact experiences that expose you to college-level academics, skills, and professional pathways. Whether you are passionate about coding, creative writing, medicine, or business, there is a workshop out there designed to help you dive deeper into what excites you. You will work alongside like-minded peers, learn from expert instructors, and build connections that can last well beyond the summer. 

Why should I participate in a summer workshop in high school?

Summer workshops offer far more than just something to fill your schedule. They offer you a genuine taste of college- and professional-level learning, mirroring the pace, depth, and independence that can make the transition to higher education feel far less daunting. You will walk away with tangible work, whether that is a design portfolio, a research project, or lab experiences, which are hard to find in a standard school classroom. Workshops can also open doors to industries and career paths you may never have considered, giving you real clarity on what you do want to pursue. On top of that, the peers and mentors you meet can become part of a lasting network. For college applications, a summer workshop signals initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to challenge yourself, qualities that admissions officers genuinely seek in applicants.

To make your search easier, we have put together a list of 15 summer workshops for high school students.

If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.

Key takeaways

• These workshops span a wide range of disciplines, including creative writing (Yale Young Writers' Workshop, Penn Kelly Writers House, USC Creative Writing Workshop), STEM and AI (Lumiere Research Scholar Program, UTD Deep-Dive AI Workshop, RIT Math Workshop), arts and design (University of Arkansas Summer Arts Workshop, NJIT Portfolio Building Workshop), journalism (CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop), film and media (NYU Summer Filmmakers Workshop, Austin CC Audio Technology Workshop), medicine (SLU AIMS), and entrepreneurship (Quinnipiac Entrepreneurship Academy).

• Several workshops are free or very low cost, including RIT's Math Summer Workshop (free), University of Arkansas Summer Arts Workshop (free), and Austin Community College's Audio Technology Workshop ($50), while others like NYU's Summer Filmmakers Workshop and USC's Creative Writing Workshop cost over $8,000 for residential formats.

• Several workshops result in a tangible portfolio or project output, including NJIT Portfolio Building (a design portfolio), USC Creative Writing Workshop (four complete creative pieces plus a personal essay for college applications), UTD Deep-Dive AI Workshop (an end-to-end AI capstone project), and NYU Summer Filmmakers Workshop (a three- to four-minute final film).

• Some workshops offer college credit or formal credentials, including USC Creative Writing Workshop (college credit upon completion), UTD Deep-Dive AI Workshop (a certificate and a personalized written recommendation), and University of Delaware Forensic Science (a digital badge and reference letter, listed in related programs).

• Format options vary significantly across the list, with some workshops fully residential (University of Arkansas, Stephen F. Austin Theatre Workshop), some offering both in-person and virtual tracks (CSPA Journalism Workshop, Yale Young Writers' Workshop), and some fully remote (Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Veritas AI), giving students flexibility based on location and preference.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Remote!  You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.

Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.

Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.

Application deadline: Varies based on cohort

Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as ecology, chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, psychology, physics, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.  

2. Rochester Institute of Technology’s Math Summer Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY

Cost: Free

Dates: June 29 – July 2

Application deadline: Not specified; check here for updates.

Eligibility: High school students

Designed for mathematically talented high school students, this free summer workshop at the Rochester Institute of Technology focuses on helping you sharpen your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Led by a dedicated team of RIT mathematics professors, the program covers an intellectually stimulating range of topics, including the algebraic principles behind mechanical systems, the Sisyphus Function, and the Grocery Shopper's Problem. The four-day workshop also covers concepts in probability, polynomials, and mathematical biology. You will attend morning lectures focused on math and spend afternoons on hands-on activities while also connecting with the professors. 

3. University of Arkansas Summer Arts Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

Cost: Free

Dates: June 14 – 19

Application deadline: March 22

Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 to 12

Hosted annually by the University of Arkansas School of Art, this week-long overnight workshop is for students seeking an immersive introduction to studio arts. You will participate in faculty-led studio courses, with afternoon sessions allowing you to focus on your preferred area of artistic interest under the guidance of instructors who are practicing artists, designers, and scholars. Beyond the studio, you will engage with current university students and campus offices to gain practical knowledge about college applications, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways in the arts. The program also includes trips to notable cultural institutions in the Northwest Arkansas region, including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Momentary, and local arts organizations. The workshop will conclude with a student art exhibition.

4. Yale Young Writers' Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Virtual or at Yale University, New Haven, CT

Cost: On campus with housing: $3,085 | On campus without housing: $2,660 | Virtual: $1,380

Dates: June 21 – 26

Application deadline: April 1

Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 – 18

The Yale Young Writers' Workshop is an online and on-campus writing-focused learning experience for high school students. Guided by Yale faculty and experienced writing instructors, you will spend five intensive workshop sessions generating new stories, poems, and essays while developing your technique and finding your individual voice. A key feature of the program is its visiting writer component, through which you will be assigned a book by a guest author who will then deliver a craft talk to the full group and lead a dedicated, in-depth session at each genre-specific workshop. Throughout the workshop, you will receive feedback and critique to help you refine your work, and you will also critique your peers’ work.

Additional guest discussions will offer insights into the practical steps involved in building a professional writing career.

5. New York University’s Summer High School Filmmakers Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: New York University Tisch School of the Arts, New York, NY

Cost: Tuition: $8,008 + $200 program fee + $1,820 housing fees + $824 meal fee + $690 Film Narrative Lab and Insurance fee + $75 application fee; need-based financial aid is available.

Dates: July 5 – August 1

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: High school juniors

The Summer Filmmakers Workshop for High School Students offers a rigorous, undergraduate-level introduction to the art and craft of cinematic visual storytelling. You will work hands-on with Tisch's professional digital cameras and editing workstations, gaining practical familiarity with industry-standard tools, including Adobe Premiere, as you explore documentary, experimental, and narrative filmmaking approaches. The curriculum mirrors that of Tisch's undergraduate degree program, blending intensive technical training with a strong grounding in the theories and techniques that underpin effective visual storytelling. Working collaboratively in crews, you will develop your writing, directing, and editing abilities across a series of short film projects. The experience culminates in the production of a final film of three to four minutes in length.

6. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Virtual or at Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost: Residential: $3,000 | Commuter: $1,700/week | Online: $1,100/session; need-based financial aid is available.

Dates: In-Person Week 1: June 21 – 26 | In-Person Week 2: June 28 – July 3 | Online Session 1: July 6 – 10 | Online Session 2: July 13 – 17 | Online Session 3: July 20 – 24

Application deadline: Residential and Commuter: June 5 | Online: June 30

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Annual Summer Journalism Workshop offers both in-person and virtual sessions focused on journalistic concepts and core areas in modern news reporting. The sessions span a broad range of topics in journalism, including reporting and writing, editorial leadership, digital media, broadcast journalism, and design. Depending on the session, you may engage in exercises and discussions to learn how to write, report, and edit news, draft a staff manual and editorial policy, or develop a digital story with media packaging. In-person attendees, whether residential or commuters, also have access to co-curricular activities, media visits, and an evening performance of a Broadway musical. 

7. University of Pennsylvania Kelly Writers House Summer Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $3,000; need-based financial aid available 

Dates: July 5 – 15

Application deadline: March 2

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Hosted on the University of Pennsylvania's campus over the course of 10 days, this writing workshop brings together a small cohort of high school students to practice and explore writing under the guidance of Penn's creative writing faculty and staff. Each morning, you will attend personal essay workshops led by a Penn instructor, spending time reading and critiquing peers’ work as part of a structured revision process. Afternoon craft sessions, led by guest lecturers, will introduce you to a diverse range of literary forms, including poetry, fiction, screenwriting, experimental writing, and comics writing, among others. You will also gain hands-on experience during sessions at The Common Press and the Wexler Studio, as well as through creative lunchtime activities. Evenings and one dedicated full day will be reserved for exploring Penn's campus and Philadelphia's rich cultural and historic landmarks. 

8. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Portfolio Building Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students/section

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ

Cost: $1,250 + $50 non-refundable application fee

Dates: August 10 – 14

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; early registration deadline: April 1 

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 – 12 in the fall

Offered by NJIT’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design, this one-week Portfolio Building Workshop is tailored for high school students interested in design, architecture, and the creative arts. You will work with both physical materials and industry-relevant software to strengthen your two-dimensional and three-dimensional design skills, while also learning the professional techniques required to photograph and present your work effectively. The program includes dedicated tutorials on SlideRoom, the platform widely used by design schools for portfolio submissions during the admissions process. At the conclusion of the week, you will present your completed work to peers and parents. 

9. Saint Louis University’s Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) Summer Workshop: Medical and Surgical Procedures

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO

Cost: $700

Dates: June 22 – 26

Application deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: High school freshmen to incoming college freshmen, ages 15 – 19

The AIMS Medical and Surgical Procedures Workshop is a week-long program designed for high school students who are considering a future in medicine, healthcare, or related fields. The program provides an introduction to human anatomy and a broad overview of career pathways across disciplines, including general medicine, surgery, nursing, sports medicine, rehabilitation sciences, and medical education. Practicing physicians and healthcare professionals lead all the sessions, combining auditorium presentations, hands-on laboratory work, and group discussions. A key component of the workshop is live surgical demonstrations conducted by faculty and surgeons from Saint Louis University, as well as partner hospitals and universities in the region. The experience can help you explore career paths and skills required for a future in medicine.

10. Austin Community College’s Audio Technology & Industry Summer Workshop

Cohort size: 12 students/session 

Location: Austin Community College, Austin, TX

Cost: $50

Dates: Session I: July 20 – 24 | Session II:  July 27 – 31

Application deadline: Rolling admissions. 

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors 

The ACC Audio Technology and Industry Summer Workshop is a specialized program designed for high school students interested in music production and audio engineering. You will gain direct, hands-on experience working in a professional recording studio environment with the same cutting-edge technologies and software platforms used in modern music production. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of the recording process, from capturing a range of instruments with industry-standard microphones and signal-processing equipment to exploring advanced mixing and production techniques. The program adapts its topics, styles, and instrumental focus to reflect the specific interests of each cohort of students, offering you an experience that aligns with your goals. 

11. University of Southern California’s Creative Writing Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: $8,130 (commuter) | $11,570 (residential) + a  $85 nonrefundable application fee

Dates: June 22 – July 17

Application deadline: May 8 (domestic students) | March 13 (international students)

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least the 9th grade by the start of the workshop; international students need to demonstrate English proficiency through qualifying IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, or Duolingo scores.

This four-week summer workshop offered by USC introduces high schoolers to creative writing across four genres: flash fiction, personal essay, creative nonfiction, and short story, with a different genre covered each week. You will learn about the techniques of published authors, participate in workshops to practice writing with peers, and connect one-on-one with your instructor to receive feedback on your work. By the end of the program, you will have a portfolio of four complete pieces, including a personal essay that you can use for your college applications. The schedule includes trips around Los Angeles, such as a visit to The Huntington. You will earn college credit upon completion of the workshop.

12. Stephen F. Austin State University’s High School Summer Theatre Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Stephen F. Austin State University campus, Nacogdoches, TX

Cost: $1,450

Dates: July 12 – 25

Application deadline: June 5

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 through 12

High School Summer Theatre Workshops offer two distinct tracks for students with different theatrical interests. Workshop A, focused on acting, provides you with the opportunity to perform period and stylized scenes as well as a one-act play under the direction of award-winning guest educators from across the country. Daily sessions will cover vocal technique, movement, musical theatre, and voice acting, complemented by master classes with School of Theatre and Dance faculty and workshops led by current SFA students. Workshop B, designed for those drawn to the technical and design side of theatre, places you in the role of designer or technician for live productions. Here, you will get hands-on experience across a range of professional facilities, including scene, paint, props, and costume shops, a makeup studio, sound recording studio, and light and sound laboratory, among others. Both tracks include master classes with faculty and engagement opportunities with current SFA theatre students available throughout the week. 

13. Kansas State University’s EXCITE Summer Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Cost: $400; need-based financial aid is available.

Dates: June 3 – 5

Application deadline: Early-bird deadline (comes with a $50 discount): April 23; final deadline: May 10

Eligibility: High school students who will finish grades 8 – 11 in May 

The Exploring Science, Technology, and Engineering (EXCITE) program is a hands-on summer workshop designed to inspire and support high school students who are interested in a future in science, mathematics, technology, engineering, or agriculture. Led by K-State faculty, staff, and current students, you will engage in a diverse range of interactive, discipline-specific activities that offer insight into various STEM fields and professions. All the program activities will be structured around the real-world impact that scientists and engineers have in addressing global challenges. You will spend three days living on campus and attending events during the evenings and downtime, experiencing what it is like to attend K-State.

14. Quinnipiac University’s Entrepreneurship Academy: From Classroom to Corner Office

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 30 students

Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

Cost: Residential: $1,800 | Commuter: $1,500; need-based financial aid is available.

Dates: July 20 – 24

Application deadline: June 1 (tentative)

Eligibility: Current high school students 

Tailored for high school students interested in entrepreneurship and business innovation, this one-week summer workshop provides an introduction to the skills and mindset required to launch or grow a successful business. The program covers foundational topics such as problem-solving, ideation, critical thinking, team dynamics, leadership, and research-based validation of business concepts, with practical application through the Lean Business Model Canvas framework. You will develop a business idea with a structured plan and work on public speaking, research, and presentation skills. University faculty lead all the sessions. 

15. The University of Texas at Dallas Deep-Dive AI Workshop

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX

Cost: $2,000; 50% need-based discount is available.

Dates: June 8 – July 31

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; priority deadline: March 1

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old when the workshop begins;  familiarity with Python programming and high school-level math is required.

This eight-week Artificial Intelligence Workshop is designed for advanced high school students seeking a structured introduction to AI and machine learning. Taught by UTD doctoral and graduate students, the program progresses systematically from the foundational principles of Python programming and data science through increasingly sophisticated topics, including data processing, core machine learning models, neural networks, deep learning, computer vision, and sequence modeling, before culminating in an exploration of modern generative AI concepts and responsible AI practices. Each week combines conceptual instruction with hands-on application using industry-relevant tools and libraries such as NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and Keras, helping you build both theoretical understanding and practical experience. The program concludes with a capstone project in which you will independently develop, evaluate, and present an end-to-end AI solution applied to a domain of your choosing, ranging from healthcare and finance to climate and social media. You will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program, along with a personalized written recommendation based on your individual performance throughout the workshop. 

Frequently asked questions

What are the best summer workshops for high school students?

Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to creative writing might consider the Yale Young Writers' Workshop or USC Creative Writing Workshop; those interested in AI and STEM might look at UTD's Deep-Dive AI Workshop or the Lumiere Research Scholar Program; and those interested in film and media might consider NYU's Summer Filmmakers Workshop or the Austin CC Audio Technology Workshop.

Are there free summer workshops for high school students?

Yes, RIT's Math Summer Workshop and the University of Arkansas Summer Arts Workshop are both free, while Austin Community College's Audio Technology Workshop costs only $50. Lumiere Research Scholar Program also offers full financial aid, and several other programs provide need-based scholarships.

Which summer workshops result in a portfolio or creative output students can use for college applications?

USC Creative Writing Workshop produces four polished pieces including a personal essay suitable for college applications; NJIT Portfolio Building Workshop produces a design portfolio formatted for college admissions submissions; NYU's Summer Filmmakers Workshop concludes with a final short film; and UTD's Deep-Dive AI Workshop culminates in an independent AI capstone project with a written recommendation.

Which workshops are fully virtual and accessible to students anywhere in the world?

Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students internationally. The CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop and Yale Young Writers' Workshop both offer online options alongside their in-person formats, making them accessible to students outside the host city.

Do any summer workshops offer college credit or formal credentials?

Yes, USC Creative Writing Workshop awards college credit upon completion, and UTD Deep-Dive AI Workshop provides a certificate of completion and a personalized written recommendation. Students should verify credit transferability with their intended colleges and universities.

When should I apply to summer workshops for high school students?

Deadlines vary widely. Early deadlines include Penn Kelly Writers House (March 2), University of Arkansas Summer Arts Workshop (March 22), and Yale Young Writers' Workshop (April 1), while others, such as CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop (June 5 for residential) and SLU AIMS (rolling admissions), accept applications later into the spring and summer.

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 Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-on-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.