8 Free Psychology Programs for High School Students
For high school students passionate about psychology, summer programs offer a perfect opportunity to dive into the field early. These programs not only provide a hands-on approach to learning psychology beyond the classroom but also help strengthen college applications by showcasing a proactive interest in the subject. By participating in hands-on experiences, students can build research skills, engage with experts, and connect with peers who share their interests.
Psychology is a diverse and ever-evolving field, and these programs allow students to gain real-world insights, often working alongside professionals on meaningful projects. From neuroscience to mental health, these free programs allow students to explore different branches of psychology while building valuable skills. Whether it's through internships, research initiatives, or summer camps, each program provides a unique platform to engage with the scientific study of human behavior.
In this blog, we've listed 8 free psychology programs for high school students that offer hands-on experience, invaluable insights, and opportunities to enhance both your education and college applications.
1. Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA - Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore neuroscience, with a focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD). The program includes a six-week in-person summer program and a virtual option, both designed to introduce students to neuroscience research and public health.
During the in-person program, students attend three sessions a week, engaging in activities such as brain-cutting, clinical trial preparation, data entry, literature reviews, and oral presentations. You’ll also participate in community outreach efforts and work closely with mentors on research projects. Virtual participants attend neuroscience seminars and observe brain-cutting sessions remotely. Both tracks allow students to start Alzheimer’s Awareness Clubs at their schools, bringing their knowledge to the community. In addition to the summer program, the center offers monthly virtual seminars led by neuroscience experts, allowing students to stay engaged year-round and learn about cutting-edge developments in the field.
Cost: Free (No housing or transportation is provided for the in-person program).
Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, CA (in-person); and virtually
Application deadlines: TBA. Contact unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu for details.
Program dates: 6 weeks for the in-person program (three days a week); virtual seminars held monthly on the last Wednesday of the month.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16-18 years old), particularly from underrepresented communities or those interested in working with underrepresented populations. Applicants must be motivated and interested in neuroscience.
2. Ladder Internships - Mental Health Track
Ladder Internships is a distinguished program established by Harvard alumni that offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain virtual internship experiences with startups and nonprofits worldwide. Students can select their desired fields and industries, aligning their internship with their personal interests. For those drawn to psychology, there’s a dedicated Mental Health internship option available during the application process.
Throughout the internship, students collaborate with professionals on significant tasks tailored to the needs of their organizations. Alongside their startup manager, each intern is paired with a Ladder Coach, providing additional guidance and support. The program also includes personalized skills training and collaborative group sessions with fellow interns.
Interns have the chance to work with various organizations, including those that provide mental health services, life coaching, corporate consulting and training, and organizations focused on the objective assessment of emotional disorders.
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual.
Application deadlines: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The admission deadline for the winter cohort is Nov 24, 2024.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The winter cohorts start on December 16, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks. The internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students.
3. University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT)
The University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT) is a free, intensive 10-day summer program designed for high school students in Ontario interested in psychology and research. The program offers two streams: the Lecture Stream, which introduces participants to psychology as a scientific discipline, and the Research Stream, where students collaborate to develop a group research proposal under the guidance of undergraduate and graduate mentors.
During the program, students engage in lectures, interactive panels, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities, similar to a university setting. Participants also get to meet and work with current researchers, create research proposals, and connect with undergraduate students for mentorship on academic and university life.
Cost: Free (students are responsible for commuting and food expenses; financial assistance may be available)
Location: University of Toronto, St. George campus (in-person). Virtual accommodations can be made in certain cases.
Application deadlines: Applications are typically open between April to May every year.
Program dates: Typically runs for 10 days, during the last two weeks of July (Monday to Friday). Program dates for 2025 are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students in Ontario, with priority given to Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, gender minorities, first-generation students, and students entering grades 11 and 12. Recent high school graduates and former SPRINT applicants not previously selected may also be prioritized.
4. The Introduction to Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University's Open Learning Initiative (OLI)
The Introduction to Psychology offered by Carnegie Mellon University's Open Learning Initiative (OLI), is an interactive program designed for high school students interested in exploring the essential topics in psychology. This self-paced course covers a broad range of topics, from brain function and memory to personality and psychological disorders.
Participants work through 16 units, each consisting of multiple interactive modules, including topics such as cognition, motivation, wellness, research methods, and brain function. Students will learn the importance of scientific methods and principles of research design, enriching their understanding of individuals as complex thinking, feeling, and social beings. The course employs a variety of learning tools, including videos, animations, self-assessments, and interactive exercises. Though it’s self-guided, it offers an experience comparable to a semester-long introductory college course.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application deadlines: Open enrollment (no specific deadlines)
Program dates: Self-paced (No specific start or end dates; students can begin whenever they choose).
Eligibility: Open to all high school students interested in psychology.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Lumiere Education offers high school students the chance to engage in in-depth research under the mentorship of PhD researchers from top global institutions like Harvard and Oxford. For students interested in psychology, the program offers a chance to explore topics such as organizational psychology, behavioral psychology, and more. Through the program, students work one-on-one with mentors to develop research papers on topics of their choice, gaining valuable experience in academic research and writing.
Lumiere offers three distinct programs:
Individual Research Program: A 12-week program involving 9 one-on-one sessions with a mentor, 2 sessions with a writing coach, and 5 workshops on research methods. You'll complete a 15-page research paper by the end of the program.
Premium Research & Publication Program: This 16-week program includes 15 one-on-one sessions with a researcher, four sessions with a writing coach, and additional support from a publication specialist. The goal is to develop a publication plan and potentially publish your paper with guidance from the Lumiere team.
Research Fellowship: A 6-12 month in-depth program designed to guide you through 24-30 individual research sessions, six writing coach sessions, and full support for publishing your work in a prestigious journal or presenting it at a conference.
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual, available to high school students worldwide.
Application deadlines: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The admission deadline for the winter cohort is November 24, 2024.
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts available (various durations depending on the program selected)
Eligibility: Open to high school students from around the world interested in conducting research with top scholars.
6. Bethel College Summer Science Institute (Psychology Focus)
The Bethel College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI) offers high school students an opportunity to participate in research related to psychology. This one-week program is hosted in early June and offers both in-person and online options, making it accessible to students from different locations.
In this program, students will engage in collaborative research projects across a variety of scientific fields, such as biology, mathematics, chemistry, and psychology. A highlight of the institute is the Psychology of Film research group, led by Assistant Professor Navanté Peacock. This group delves into the psychological concepts that underpin cinematic storytelling, allowing students to analyze films through a psychological lens. Participants engage in collaborative research, design experiments, and analyze data, gaining valuable insights into both psychology and film studies.
Upon completion, students earn a certificate of completion and the potential for one hour of college credit.
Cost: $50 registration fee. Fee waivers are available for students needing financial assistance.
Location: Bethel College, North Newton, KS (in-person and online options available).
Application deadlines: April 15, 2024
Program dates: June 23 – June 28, 2024 (in-person); July 7 – 12, 2024 (online)
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10-12 and recent high school graduates.
7. Recruitment & Training for Under-Represented Populations (RTURP) Program
The Recruitment & Training for Under-Represented Populations (RTURP) Program is a competitive summer internship designed for high school students interested in psychology and the scientific study of drug abuse. Hosted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, this program offers participants hands-on research experiences alongside experienced researchers. Students will explore critical topics in psychology and behavioral sciences, particularly focusing on addiction and its effects.
Participants engage in vital research projects, attend training seminars, and may even have the opportunity to present their findings at national meetings. As the program is highly competitive, applicants need to demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude in psychology and related areas.
Cost: Free (paid internship)
Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus, Baltimore, MD
Application deadlines: Applications for the NIH HS-SIP are due on February 1st each year, and for the NIH SIP, the deadline is March 1st.
Program dates: 8-10 weeks during the summer. Dates for the 2025 summer are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, high school juniors and seniors, at least 17 years old, and residing within 40 miles of the NIH Biomedical Research Center if under 18.
8. High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
The High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP), hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offers a prestigious opportunity for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research. The program allows students to work full-time in NIH laboratories under the mentorship of NIH scientists. Interns get hands-on experience in various fields such as biology, chemistry, psychology, bioinformatics, and other health-related sciences, contributing to significant research projects.
Interns work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) in a hands-on research environment, gaining invaluable experience while contributing to impactful studies. Participants will have access to professional development resources, educational advising, and wellness programs that support their growth in science careers. The program also hosts specialized cohort experiences to enhance skill development and foster community among interns.
Participants will receive a stipend, which is adjusted annually based on educational level for students to support themselves while gaining practical knowledge.
Cost: Free (stipends are provided based on educational level)
Location: NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD.
Application deadlines: February 16, 2024. Summer 2025 program details will be announced on their website on October 15.
Program dates: Summer 2025 (specific dates to be announced).
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They should be at least 17 years of age on June 15, 2025, and currently enrolled in high school as a junior or senior at the time of application. Additionally, applicants who are under 18 years old must reside within 40 miles of the NIH campus where they will be interning.
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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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