25 Free Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2025

What’s Covered:

• 25 Free Summer Programs for High Schoolers
• How Impressive Are Summer Programs in High School Admissions?
• Other Ways to Spend Your Summer

 

Looking for a productive, engaging way to spend your summer? Summer programs are a great option. These enriching experiences cover a variety of themes and topics, allowing you to take college-level courses, pursue a passion, or explore a prospective career.  

 

While many summer programs can have high price tags, there are plenty of low cost and no cost summer programs out there. We’ve pulled 25 of those free summer programs to share with you here!

 

25 Free Summer Programs for High Schoolers  

 

1. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) 

 

Dates: July 14 –  August 8 

Location: New York University (NYU)

Application Deadline: May 15 

 

Cybersecurity is one of the most important (and lucrative) fields in our modern world. Through this program, high school students learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering—receiving hands-on training, practicing coding and programming, and doing real-world security analysis. 

 

The program is open to 10th and 11th graders who reside in New York City.  

 

2. Sadie Nash Summer Institute 

 

Dates: July 7 – August 14

Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark

Application Deadline: 

• Priority Deadline: March 24
• Final Deadline: April 14 

 

Through this six-week program, self-identified young women and gender-expansive youth who are currently attending high school and live in New York City, NY or Newark, NJ, explore their leadership potential while participating in a community with other “Nashers.” 

 

Students take courses in society, identity, social justice, and other courses to build critical thinking skills. They also attend workshops and field trips while meeting accomplished leaders.

 

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

 

Dates: June 16 – July 3

Location: University of Southern California (USC)

Application Deadline: April 14 

 

This three-week academy gives high school students a taste of college through freshman-level courses in media and journalism. 26 students are selected from areas surrounding the University of Southern California (USC) to participate in the program.  

 

During AYA, students will hone their skills in public speech, debate, critical thinking, writing, multimedia production, interviewing, and more, as well as explore careers in media and journalism. Students also have the opportunity to learn about USC and meet the school’s scholars who are shaping the future of communication, journalism, and public relations.

 

4. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

 

Dates: 

• Session 1: July 7 – 18
• Session 2: July 28 – August 8

Location: Virtual 

Application Deadline: April 16 

 

Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program teaches girls and nonbinary students computer science skills necessary to prepare for a tech career. Participants will also learn about tech jobs and meet professionals in the field. No prior computer science experience is required.

 

5. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) 

 

Dates: June 21 – August 2

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Application Deadline: March 1

 

SAMS is an opportunity for current 11th graders from underrepresented communities in the U.S. to learn about STEM fields, including math, biology, and physics. Students take courses, engage in projects, and receive mentorship from world-renowned faculty at Carnegie Mellon University. 

 

Part 1 of the program provides participants with a virtual jumpstart by helping them build the skills needed for success in the in-person program. Part 2 is the in-person, residential part of the program. During Part 2, students take courses, attend meetings, and complete and present their projects at the SAMS Symposium.  

 

6. Research Science Institute (RSI)

 

Dates: Five weeks during the summer

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Application Deadline: N/A

 

The prestigious RSI takes place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) every year—just 100 high school juniors are selected to participate annually. Through the program, students learn theory in the classroom while gaining hands-on experience in science and technology research.   

 

Participants experience the entire research cycle from start to finish, they review current literature in their field, create a research plan, and present their findings through written and oral reports, all under the guidance of widely respected professors.

 

7. USC Bovard Scholars

 

Dates: July 15 – August 2

Location: University of Southern California (USC)

Application Deadline: January 17

 

Bovard Scholars live on the USC campus for three weeks—getting a taste of college life while learning in a rigorous curriculum. They also receive hands-on support and mentorship from a coach who will guide them through the college admissions process and assist them with their applications and essays. Following the program, their admissions coach will continue to work with them through the admissions process and offer assistance. 

 

Scholars will take part in career self-assessments and small group activities. Additionally, they’ll attend lectures, hear from special guest speakers, and participate in a variety of social activities. 

 

8. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)

 

Dates: July 10 – August 2

Location: Camp Pocahontas, West Virginia

Application Deadline: March 7 

 

NYSCamp is a residential science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program in West Virginia’s Monongahela National with the aim of educating and bolstering rising leaders. Two delegates are selected from each state and the District of Columbia, and international delegates are sometimes chosen to participate as well.  

 

The program features world-class lectures, directed studies, and seminars with STEM professionals who impact their fields and the world. Past presenters have included Neil deGrasse Tyson, John Nash, Neil Armstrong, and Julie Robinson. 

 

9. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

 

Dates: June 22 – July 18

Location: Pomona College

Application Deadline: February 24

 

More than 90 students local to Pomona College are selected to take part in PAYS. Rising sophomores through rising seniors from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups prepare for admission to highly selective colleges and universities through this program. Students take Math & Critical Inquiry courses taught by Pomona faculty and electives taught by Pomona College students serving as TAs. Students also participate in cultural events, workshops, and projects.

 

The program is open to current 9th graders from Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County. Students are invited to attend the four-week residential program for three consecutive years upon acceptance. 

 

10. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)

 

Dates: July 24 – August 3

Location: Princeton University 

Application Deadline: N/A 

 

Students interested in journalism should consider PSJP. The hybrid program includes a combination of virtual workshops and lectures with a ten-day residential experience. Sessions are led by program alumni and journalists from renowned publications. Participants will also tour major new organizations, including The New York Times, Huffington Post, and Bloomberg.

 

Students also participate in weekly discussion groups covering a variety of topics, receive mentorship from program alumni and working journalists, and build a network of professionals and peers. PSJP culminates with the publication of the Princeton Summer Journal, a newspaper created by program participants.  

 

11. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

 

Dates: June 22 – July 26

Location: Cornell University and the University of Maryland

Application Deadline: December 3  

 

TASS is a prestigious, six-week educational experience that brings together talented high school sophomores and juniors from around the world to participate in seminars, engage in educational and social activities, join group discussions, attend lectures, and go on field trips—inspiring them to lead and serve. 

 

TASS explores how power and privilege shape social structures. Students may apply to one of two areas of study: Critical Black Studies or Anti-Oppressive Studies. 

 

12. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

 

Dates: June 22 – August 7

Location: Texas Tech University 

Application Deadline: February 24

 

This intensive seven-week summer research program is extremely competitive—just 12 talented high school juniors and seniors are selected to participate annually. Students lucky enough to participate in this program gain hands-on research experience working with a faculty member in fields including: 

 

• Biology/Cell and Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering
• History 
• Mechanical Engineering: Cancer Bioimaging
• Physics 

 

Students also participate in social activities and seminars throughout the program. Not only is this summer program free, but participants receive a $750 tax-free stipend at its conclusion. 

 

13. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

 

Dates: June 2 – August 18

Location: New York University (NYU)

Application Deadline: February 21

 

This 10-week program is designed for New York City residents who are rising high school juniors or seniors and have an interest in STEM. The program provides the opportunity to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge research—students gain roughly 120 hours of lab experience through the program. Participants also connect with mentors and gain access to internships, jobs, and other research opportunities. 

 

Better than free, ARISE participants receive a $1,000 stipend for participating in the program. 

 

14. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

 

Dates: June 28 – July 26

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Application Deadline: January 15

 

This four-week residential summer program introduces female rising juniors to engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects. Participants aren’t required to have a background in engineering, however, they must demonstrate excellence in math and science. 

 

This program intends to empower students from traditionally underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering, such as those from low socioeconomic means or who will potentially be the first member of their family to attend college. African American, Hispanic, and Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

 

15. Simons Summer Research Program

 

Dates: June 30 – August 8 

Location: Stony Brook University 

Application Deadline: February 7

 

The Simons Summer Research Program provides motivated local rising juniors with the chance to gain hands-on experience with research in science, math, and engineering at Stony Brook University. Participants are paired with a faculty mentor, join a research team, and assume responsibility for a project, ultimately producing a written research abstract and poster while experiencing what it’s like living and studying at a major university. 

 

16. Santa Clara University Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)

 

Dates: 

• Session One: July 13 – 17
• Session Two: July 20 – 24
• Session Three: July 27 – 31 (past participants only)

Location: Santa Clara University 

Application Deadline: March 31 

 

This five-day summer experience is offered to high schoolers who’ve completed their sophomore or junior years and are interested in engineering. Through a mixture of lectures and interactive activities, participants learn about engineering while sampling college life. Participants can apply to attend an advanced session the year after their attendance and turn SES into a two-year program to gain a deeper understanding of the engineering fields they’re most interested in. 

 

17. Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

 

Dates: July 15 – 27

Location: Penn State University 

Application Deadline: N/A 

 

BOSS is a free two-week program for students interested in pursuing business in college. Over the course of the program, participants take part in college prep activities and coursework focused on business fundamentals. All program expenses are free—like food, lodging, and events—however, accepted students must pay a $250 registration fee. 

 

18. Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprentice Program 

 

Dates: Eight weeks 

Location: One of 38 Navy laboratories  

Application Deadline: November 1

 

High schoolers with a talent for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics serve as apprentices in one of 38 Navy laboratories for eight weeks through this program. Participants are mentored by research personnel and gain real-world science and engineering research experience. Not only is this program free, but participants are paid. First-year apprentices earn a $4,000 stipend while returning apprentices earn a $4,500 stipend. 

 

19. JCamp 

 

Dates: July 26 – August 1

Location: Seattle, Washington 

Application Deadline: January 31

 

JCamp is a six-day multicultural journalism program for high school sophomores and juniors provided by the Asian American Journalist Association. The program offers hands-on training in a variety of journalistic mediums, including broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, photojournalism, and online media. JCamp seeks to build diversity in journalism and students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. 

 

20. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

 

Dates: June 24 – July 25

Location: Stanford University

Application Deadline: March 17

 

SMYSP is an immersive five-week program for first-generation and low-income high school juniors from Northern California. The science- and medicine-focused program helps students build their academic skills and empowers them to begin their path to college and medical careers.

 

Participants receive mentorship, attend lectures, engage in professional development workshops, and participate in a research project, all while building a network of like-minded peers and health professionals.

 

21. Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) Program

 

Dates: July 8 – August 8

Location: Johns Hopkins University

Application Deadline: February 28

 

This five-week program for rising and recently graduated seniors in the Baltimore area provides the chance to gain hands-on experience with biomedical research in a cutting-edge laboratory. Participants learn hard skills like scientific concepts and develop soft skills like critical thinking while building confidence and exploring pathways to a career in biomedical science.

 

Participants must commit to interning for 25 hours a week (Monday-Friday) and are compensated $15 an hour for their efforts.

 

22. Business Leadership Program (BLP)

 

Dates: June 22 – 28

Location: University of Colorado, Boulder

Application Deadline: March 30

 

Students in this summer program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, gain hands-on experience studying and creating solutions for real-world business problems. They also develop valuable soft skills like teamwork and communication while building connections with like-minded peers, Leeds School of Business faculty, and business professionals.

 

During the program, participants are tasked with creating and implementing a marketing campaign—the team with the best initiative wins a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.

 

23. Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women

 

Dates: June 2 – 6

Location: Auburn University

Application Deadline: March 19

 

Rising 11th- and 12th-grade female students interested in careers in construction management will want to look into this free residential summer program. Participants get hands-on experience with key topics in the field, including safety principles, project management, and preconstruction services. Students also build important soft skills, like critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.

 

24. Summer Mines Engineering and Training (SUMMET) Program

 

Dates:

• Session 1: June 1 – 6
• Session 2: June 8 – 13
• Session 1: June 22 – 27

Location: Colorado School of Mines

Application Deadline: February 28

 

SUMMET is a one-week residential program aimed at potential first-generation college students interested in engineering, science, and technology. The program is open to rising seniors and aims to smooth their transition from high school to college—giving them first-hand experience with life on a college campus and instilling the skills needed to succeed both academically and socially.

 

Although the program is free to participants, there is a $50 confirmation fee for those accepted to the program.

 

25. Summer Science Research Program

 

Dates: June 23 – August 7

Location: The Rockefeller University

Application Deadline: January 3

 

Just 32 high schoolers are selected for this prestigious summer program annually. Structured like a real-world research laboratory, participants are divided into small research teams and work under experienced scientists who serve as team leads and mentors on a project. In addition to their project, students also take courses, participate in workshops, listen to guest lectures, and engage in networking events.

 

The program is open to high school juniors and seniors.

 

How Impressive Are Summer Programs in College Admissions? 

 

Colleges look for students who explore their interests outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities are an important way to demonstrate your passions. Extracurricular activities are broken down into four tiers, with Tier 1 representing those that are the most impressive and unique and Tier 4 representing those that are the most common. In general, you should aim to have at least a few Tier 1 and 2 activities mixed in with Tier 3 and 4 activities. 

 

Summer programs fall into different tiers depending on factors like selectivity, theme, and more. While they usually fall into Tier 3 or 4, a particularly prestigious and selective program, such as Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS), could be considered Tier 1 or 2.  

 

Curious how a summer program or extracurricular activity will impact your chances of admission? CollegeVine’s free chancing engine will help you learn your real odds of getting into hundreds of schools across the country, plus give you tips for improving your profile. 

 

Other Ways to Spend Your Summer 

 

Summer break isn’t really a break when you’re preparing for the college admissions process. You should be exploring interests and demonstrating that you’re eager to learn and explore a passion. But summer programs aren’t the only way to do that. For example, you could take on an independent project, such as writing for your own blog or conducting research. This will look particularly impressive to colleges because it demonstrates initiative. 

 

Internships are another good option. Although most internships are reserved for college students and graduates, you can still find some opportunities for younger people. This, too, will impress colleges, as well as give you a taste of a prospective future career. 

 

Don’t forget about paying jobs. Colleges understand that students may need to earn money. They also know that jobs help students gain important life skills and learn a sense of responsibility.