15 Free Competitive Summer Programs for High School Students
As a high school student, participating in summer programs gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and mentorship opportunities. If you select free programs, this reduces the burden of paying the high costs of traditional pre-college courses. Competitive summer programs for high school students provide an excellent platform for you to build practical skills, work on real-world projects, and make valuable professional connections. Many of these opportunities are hosted by top-tier institutions, such as Stanford, MIT, and Meta, making them highly prestigious and competitive.
If you are passionate about specific fields like STEM, humanities, or business, competitive summer programs for high school students offer an excellent chance to enhance your knowledge and foster your interests. Some of these programs also provide stipends, helping diversity enrichment and participation from all backgrounds without financial barriers. To help you navigate the options, we've compiled a list of 15 free competitive summer programs for high school students, considering factors such as acceptance rates, host institutions, and learning opportunities.
1. Stanford University’s Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee, which can be waived if your gross family income is under $80,000. Stipends range from $500 to $1,500 based on financial need.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+ years old)
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Acceptance Rate: Admits only 50 students
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an intensive 8-week research experience for high school students interested in biomedical sciences. As a participant, you will work alongside Stanford faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers across eight specialized research areas, gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories.
The program begins with an orientation followed by two weeks of lectures and lab training so that you are equipped with the foundational skills necessary for independent research. The latter weeks are dedicated to conducting original research projects, attending collaborative lectures, and preparing for a final research symposium, where you have to present your findings to the Stanford community. SIMR is one of the most competitive summer programs, selecting approximately 50 students annually. You will be committing to full-time research (~40 hours per week), making this an intensive but rewarding experience.
2. Veritas AI: Summer Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 | AI Fellowship: $5,400 | Both: $6,900 | Need-based aid available for AI Scholars
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; February 23 for the spring cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year; the spring cohort starts in March
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; accepts a small cohort for one-on-one mentorship
The Veritas AI Summer Research Program offers AI and machine learning experiences to high school students. Founded and run by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI provides two distinct tracks.
The AI Scholars Program is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. However, if you have prior AI experience and are looking for something more intense, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers 1:1 mentorship from researchers at top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. You can work as a fellow on independent research projects, gaining hands-on experience in AI applications while receiving support for publication in high school research journals. The program also provides need-based financial aid for AI Scholars, ensuring accessibility to students from diverse backgrounds.
3. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with exceptional academic records
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive; selects only 100 students
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a fully-funded, six-week summer program hosted at MIT and sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) that offers high school seniors worldwide the chance to conduct advanced research in STEM fields. RSI is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and research opportunities in computer science, engineering, and mathematics.
As a participant, you will begin with an intensive week of theoretical coursework led by MIT faculty, covering foundational STEM topics. After which, you will transition into five weeks of independent research, working closely with expert mentors. RSI culminates in a professional-style research symposium, where you will present your findings in oral and written formats.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by cohort and duration; starts from $2,990 (need-based aid available)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9 – 12 with a strong academic record having an unweighted GPA of 3.3+. No prior research experience is required
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; summer cohort deadlines are:
Early Admission – February 9
Priority Admission – March 9
Regular Admission I – April 13
Regular Admission II – May 11
Program Dates: 12-week sessions available year-round; the summer cohort starts on June 2
Acceptance Rate: Accepts a small cohort for one-on-one mentorship
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a highly selective, one-on-one research program designed to help high school students conduct independent research under the mentorship of PhD scholars from top universities. This program helps you develop a research paper over 12 weeks, gaining valuable academic and analytical skills.
You can choose from a wide range of research topics, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. No prior research experience is required, but you have to demonstrate strong academic achievement (most accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher). By the end of the program, you will have produced a high-quality research paper that can be submitted to high school research journals or competitions.
5. Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University in St. Louis
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $4,500
Eligibility: Rising seniors from Missouri or Illinois, particularly those from under-resourced schools or underrepresented STEM groups
Application Deadline: January 27
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Cohort Size: 15 – 20 students selected per cohort
The Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University in St. Louis is an 8-week research initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM. It is designed for rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in the Greater St. Louis area. The program provides hands-on biomedical research experience while fostering mentorship and academic skill-building.
You will work independently on your research project in genetics, microbiology, cancer biology, and biomedical engineering, guided by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty mentors. The program also includes tutoring, workshops on science communication, and college preparation resources. You are expected to commit 40 hours per week and present your findings in a research symposium at the end of the program.
6. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Stipend: Travel expenses covered; need-based stipends available
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be 16+ by program start)
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 24 – August 7
Cohort Size: 32 students selected per cohort
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge biomedical research alongside leading scientists. Each year, 32 students are selected to participate in specialized lab projects in fields such as molecular biology, immunology, and neuroscience.
In addition to lab research, SSRP offers elective science courses, guest lectures from prominent researchers, and social networking events. You will get to present your research findings in a formal symposium and refine your communication and presentation skills while exhibiting your work to the university community.
7. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $13/hour
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+) residing in Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: March 4
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1 (6 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Selective and low acceptance rate (less than 10%)
The MPFI Summer Research Internship is a six-week, full-time program designed for high school students interested in neuroscience, scientific programming, and mechanical engineering. This program is hosted by the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and is a highly competitive internship that allows you to work alongside world-class researchers, exploring the complexities of brain structure, function, and development.
You can select one of three specialized focus areas—neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering—and gain hands-on experience with advanced imaging technologies and state-of-the-art research methodologies. Throughout the program, you will contribute to ongoing research projects, ending in a scientific abstract and a formal presentation of findings.
8. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD | Virtual
Stipend: In-person: Hourly wages ($15/hour) + transportation support
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (In-person applicants must attend a Baltimore-area high school)
Application Deadline: March 1 (annual)
Program Dates:
In-person: June – August (8 weeks)
Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Cohort Size: 5 – 6 students per cohort
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program aimed at high school students passionate about neuroscience and biomedical research. It is hosted by the Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine and offers hands-on research experience, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in STEM.
As a participant, you will work alongside top neuroscientists, contributing to cutting-edge research in neurological sciences. The program includes laboratory research, educational seminars, and professional development activities, helping you build technical skills and enhance your understanding of neuroscience. JHIBS ensures personalized mentorship and a supportive learning environment and concludes with a final research presentation, where you will showcase your work in oral or poster formats.
9. Student Research Internship Programs at Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend:
Program I: Funding details pending
Program II: Includes a stipend + travel and housing expenses covered
Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students aged 16+ by program start date
Application Deadlines: March 31 for program I and January 26 for program II
Program Dates:
Program I: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22 (10 weeks)
Program II: May 19 – July 28 (8 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive; only 40 total spots across high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional applicants
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers two summer internship programs designed for high school students to learn about biomedical and translational science research: the Student Research Internship Program (Program I) and The Medical Student Research Internship Program (Program II). These highly competitive programs select only 40 students nationwide, providing a research experience at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA.
As an intern, you can choose between two specialized tracks:
Program I: Focuses on genomics, clinical trials, and bioinformatics, exploring how scientific discoveries are translated into medical advancements
Program II: Explores digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement, preparing students for careers in personalized medicine
Both programs offer expert mentorship, training in study design and genomic data analysis, and exposure to clinical trial development. You will also get to present your findings in a final research symposium, demonstrating your knowledge and contributions.
10. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Location: NIH main campus, Bethesda, MD
Stipend: $2,530 for high school students | $2,840 for high school graduates
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates (must be 17+ by June 15) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher attending a school where more than 30% of the student body participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Acceptance Rate: Low acceptance rate
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP), hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a highly selective five-week summer program designed to promote diversity in STEM. It provides underrepresented students with an introduction to scientific research, career readiness, and professional development in a supportive learning environment.
As a participant, you will visit NIH research labs, collaborate on group projects, and explore STEM-M careers (science, technology, engineering, math, and medical-related fields). Additionally, you will receive college application guidance and wellness support, ensuring a holistic learning experience. HiSTEP is one of the most competitive NIH programs for high school students, where you have to commit to 21 hours per week over five weeks, culminating in a final presentation showcasing your learning and research experiences.
11. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid (exact amount unspecified)
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
Application Deadline: December 31
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15 (8 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Less than 10%
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is an eight-week summer internship that offers high school students in the greater Philadelphia area an opportunity to explore biomedical and medical research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. During the program, you will work alongside leading scientists on laboratory research projects, gaining skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
At the end of the program, you will present your research findings in a public conference in front of Monell staff, peers, and family. With an acceptance rate below 10%, MSAP is highly competitive, selecting only 18 – 24 students from over 200 applicants each year. Many participants (20 – 30%) return for additional years, further solidifying the program’s reputation for strong mentorship and scientific training.
12. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stipend: Unpaid
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years old)
Application Deadline: Typically in November
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective (~20 students chosen per cohort)
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program is a highly selective summer research program for high school students interested in biotechnology, medical innovation, and reconstructive surgery. You’ll get to work alongside surgeons and researchers at Stanford, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge medical tools and surgical techniques.
The unpaid internship provides one-on-one mentorship from leading experts in the field. With only 20 students selected per cohort, the STaRS program is highly competitive and provides exposure to careers in medicine, bioengineering, or surgery.
13. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors (must be 18+ by program start date)
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective; only 10 students are chosen annually
The MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program is a 10-week biomedical research experience designed for Texas high school seniors interested in healthcare, oncology, and biomedical sciences. Each year, only 10 students are selected for this highly competitive program.
During the program, you will be paired with MD Anderson faculty mentors, including department heads and leading researchers, to work on individual biomedical research projects. With a $6,800 stipend and access to world-class research facilities, this program provides an exceptional opportunity for aspiring medical and scientific professionals. You will present your findings at the end of the program in a luncheon in front of your peers, mentors, and other faculty.
14. BLDAP: Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science
Location: BAIR Lab, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week (total of $3,000)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12 from the Bay Area, particularly Alameda, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties
Application Deadline: March 21
Program Dates: June 17 – July 25
Cohort Size: 20 students
Berkeley Lab Director's Apprenticeship Program: Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science (BLDAP: IPMLDS) is a week-long experience for high school students in grades 10 – 12 interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. It is hosted by the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab and is a free program that allows you to learn directly from UC Berkeley faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers working on cutting-edge AI research.
It is a project-based program that helps you develop skills and gives you information on the research conducted in Berkeley Labs, along with college and career guidance. Throughout the program, there are hands-on activities, daily guest lectures, and a visit to research labs on the UC Berkeley campus. On successful completion of the apprenticeship summer program, you will have the opportunity to participate in additional short courses, workshops, and special seminars at Berkeley Lab throughout the following fall and spring.
15. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Cornell University and University of Maryland
Cost: Free (all expenses covered)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–18)
Application Deadline: December 3
Program Dates: June 22 – July 26
Acceptance Rate: Low
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a six-week liberal arts program designed for high school sophomores and juniors who are passionate about critical thinking, social justice, and intellectual exploration. You can choose between two distinct areas of study:
TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies): This track explores history, politics, literature, and art through the lens of African diasporic intellectual and cultural contributions.
TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies): This track examines systems of power and oppression, including white supremacy, patriarchy, and classism, while encouraging students to think critically about how to transform society.
You will participate in three-hour seminar discussions, group projects, and lectures led by expert faculty every day. The program includes readings, film viewings, and guest lectures, along with public speaking and writing assignments to strengthen your analytical and communication skills.
Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers and founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to allow students to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You, too, can apply!
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