10 Mentorship Programs for High School Students
It's harder than ever to stand out in the college admissions process in today's competitive academic system. Colleges are searching for students who show initiative, passion, and the capacity to engage profoundly with things that interest them—this goes beyond just exceptional grades and test scores. Engaging in a mentorship program is one of the best methods for high school students to demonstrate these attributes.
The purpose of mentoring programs is to match people with more competent examples to emulate who can provide advice, information, and support. These programs give high school students the chance to explore several career routes and build their confidence. The advantage that makes students stand out in the competitive world of college applications and scholarship opportunities is found in mentorship programs.
High school mentorship programs can take many forms, from one-on-one interactions with experts in a student's area of interest to more structured group initiatives centered on particular fields of study, professions, or industries. By taking part in these activities, students can enhance their academic performance, acquire leadership qualities, and obtain knowledge about potential career paths. Here are ten outstanding mentorship programs that high school students ought to think about.
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship.
The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the fields of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
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 that you can explore as a high schooler.
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.
3. UCSC Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Subject Area: STEM fields
Cost:
Application fee (non-refundable) $60
Deposit to hold spot $500
The remainder of the academic program fee ($4,750 minus $500 deposit) $4,250
Optional 7-day dorm housing fee per week for up to 7 weeks: $625
Optional Monday/Friday shuttle fee per week for up to 7 weeks $200
Application Deadline: May vary annually.
Program Dates: Runs from mid-June to late August.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, primarily juniors and seniors, who have a strong interest in scientific research.
SIP is well-regarded, particularly for its rigorous research opportunities and the chance to work in a university lab environment. It provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing STEM careers.
Students have access to real-world research experience in a university setting, the UCSC’s scientific resources and faculty, and a strong focus on underrepresented students in STEM. If you’re looking to gain substantial research experience, UCSC SIP is a great opportunity for you.
Location: Various locations in the USA, including New York City and Oakland, California (In-person) and Online
Subject Area: Computer Science, Coding, Technology, and Software Development.
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Varies; some programs may have specific deadlines, while others offer rolling admissions.
Program Dates: Varies by Location
Eligibility: Open to high school students from historically underrepresented groups in tech, particularly African American, Latinx, and Native American students. Applicants should have an interest in coding and technology.
Timeline & Structure: The program offers year-round workshops, classes, and mentorship opportunities, focusing on developing coding skills and fostering interest in technology careers.
Google Code Next is prestigious due to its backing by Google and its focus on empowering underrepresented students in the tech industry. The program provides unique networking opportunities and industry insights. These include:
Free access to high-quality tech education
Mentorship from industry professionals
Focus on diversity and inclusion in tech
Nonetheless, it’s only limited to students in certain regions (New York City, Oakland, etc.) Google Code Next is an exceptional program for students who are eager to break into the tech industry, offering them a solid foundation and valuable connections.
5. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Summer Institutes
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
Subject Area: Various fields including Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, and Creative Writing.
Cost: $4,000 to $5,000, depending on the course.
Application Deadline: Late February to early March.
Program Dates: Runs from late June to early August, with each session lasting 3 weeks.
Program Selectivity: Highly selective. The program attracts top high school students from around the world
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally, the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Summer Institutes welcome students who are academically advanced and interested in various fields of study.
Timeline & Structure: The program runs for three weeks during the summer. Students choose from various academic courses, attend daily classes, and participate in group projects and activities. The program takes place on Stanford’s campus.
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Summer Institute is a prestigious program, offering students the chance to study at one of the world’s leading universities and to engage in advanced academic coursework. With them, you get to study at Stanford with access to university resources. You also get a wide variety of academic courses available and enhance networking with like-minded peers.
Location: Various locations across the USA
Subject Area: Orthopedic Surgery, Medicine, and Engineering.
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Varies by event location; typically 1-2 months before the event.
Program Dates: Events and programs occur year-round, with summer programs typically running from June to August.
Program Selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: The Perry Initiative is open to high school girls who are interested in pursuing careers in orthopaedic surgery or engineering. Applicants should be passionate and demonstrate academic ability in related subjects.
Timeline & Structure: The program offers one-day events and multi-week summer programs where students participate in hands-on workshops, including surgical simulations, and receive mentorship from female professionals in orthopaedics and engineering.
The Perry Initiative is well-known in the fields of medicine and engineering, particularly for its focus on encouraging women to enter traditionally male-dominated fields. It offers free access to high-quality STEM education, hands-on experience in surgery and engineering, and a strong female mentorship network. The Perry Initiative is an excellent program for young women interested in orthopaedics or engineering, offering them the chance to gain hands-on experience and connect with female role models in these fields.
7. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Various locations across the USA (In-person) and Online
Subject Area: Computer Science, Coding, Technology, and Software Development.
Cost: None, with possible stipends for potential students.
Application Deadline: Mid-March (exact date may vary annually).
Program Dates: Runs from late June to early August.
Program Selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: It is open to high school girls in the U.S. who have an interest in computer science and technology. No prior coding experience is required, making it accessible to beginners.
Timeline & Structure: This seven-week program is offered in the summer, either virtually or in person at various partner companies. Students learn coding fundamentals, participate in project-based learning, and receive mentorship from women in tech.
The Girls Who Code is a nationally recognized organization with strong ties to the tech industry. The program is highly respected for its efforts to close the gender gap in technology. What stands out with this program is that you get access to free coding education with the potential for a stipend and it also gives you a strong focus on community and mentorship. This program is perfect for high school girls interested in technology, providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in computer science.
8. The Mars Generation Space Camp
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
Subject Area: Space Science, Astronomy, Aerospace Engineering, and STEM.
Cost: Approximately $1,000, with scholarships available
Application Deadline: Varies (scholarship deadlines are usually in late December or January).
Program Dates: Runs from June through August, with each session lasting one week.
Program Selectivity: Selective
Eligibility: This program is open to high school students globally who have a passion for space exploration and STEM fields. Students should have a keen interest in pursuing careers related to space science or engineering.
Timeline & Structure: The program takes place over one week during the summer at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Students engage in hands-on activities, including simulated space missions, and receive mentorship from astronauts and engineers.
The Mass Generation Space Camp program is highly regarded, especially for students interested in space science and technology. The program provides a unique, immersive experience in the world of space exploration, hands-on space science experience, and mentorship from space professionals. The Mars Generation Space Camp is ideal for students passionate about space exploration, offering them a chance to experience the excitement and challenges of space science.
9. The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) Medicine
Location: Various locations across the USA, including Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and UCLA in California
Subject Area: Medicine, Healthcare, Anatomy, and Medical Science.
Cost: $3,500, with scholarships available
Application Deadline: Varies; (usually by February or March).
Program Dates: Runs in multiple sessions during June, July, and August, each lasting 9 days.
Program Selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: NYLF Medicine is open to high school students in the U.S. who have an interest in medicine and healthcare. Students should demonstrate academic ability and a passion for pursuing a career in medicine.
Timeline & Structure: The program runs for nine days during the summer at various locations across the U.S., including universities like Johns Hopkins and UCLA. Students participate in hands-on medical simulations, meet healthcare professionals, and explore medical careers.
NYLF Medicine is well-known and respected in the field of medical education, offering students a comprehensive introduction to the healthcare industry. With this program, you get practical medical experience, exposure to medical careers and professionals, and networking with peers interested in healthcare. NYLF Medicine is a valuable program for students interested in healthcare, providing them with early exposure to the medical field and hands-on experience.
10. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Mentorship Program
Location: Various locations across the USA (School-based and online)
Subject Area: Business, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Finance.
Cost: Free for FBLA members, though FBLA membership fees vary by school chapter.
Application Deadline: No specific deadline; depends on the school chapter’s timeline and availability.
Program Dates: Dates vary depending on the local FBLA chapter and mentor availability.
Program Selectivity: Less selective
Eligibility: FBLA’s mentorship program is open to high school students who are members of FBLA and are interested in business and leadership. Students should demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to pursue a business career.
Timeline & Structure: The mentorship program is year-round and pairs students with business professionals who provide guidance on career development, leadership skills, and business practices.
FBLA is one of the largest and most prestigious student organizations in the U.S., with a long history of preparing students for careers in business and leadership. It’s well known for offering personalized mentorship from business professionals, leadership development opportunities, and access to a vast network of business leaders. FBLA’s mentorship program is an excellent resource for students interested in business, providing them with the mentorship and skills needed to succeed in the competitive business world.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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