15 Free Ivy League Summer Programs for High School Students
Exploring summer programs for high school students free of cost can be a game-changer, especially when Ivy League institutions host them. These programs provide you with hands-on experience, industry exposure, and mentorship from top faculty—all without the hefty price tag. Whether you're interested in STEM, the humanities, business, or social sciences, these prestigious summer programs for high school students offer a chance to deepen your knowledge, build connections with like-minded peers, and get a taste of college-level academics.
Free Ivy League summer programs for high school students eliminate financial barriers, making them accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. Beyond academic learning, they can boost college applications and open doors to future opportunities. If you're passionate about a specific subject, participating in summer programs for high school students free of cost can provide valuable insights and practical skills. Check out our list of 15 free Ivy League summer programs for high school students!
1. Yale University – Pathways to Arts & Humanities Summer Scholars Program
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connectivut
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: New Haven, West Haven, or Orange (Amity) public school students currently in grades 9-11
Cost: Free
Pathways to Summer Scholars is one of the top summer programs for high school students that’s free. It’s a two-week program that focuses on the arts and humanities, and is designed for high school students from the New Haven area. Each summer, Yale faculty, graduate students, and staff collaborate to introduce participants to the university’s extensive cultural and academic resources.
As a participant, you will engage in a range of workshops that include exploring rare materials at the Beinecke Library, studying artworks and sculptures at the Yale University Art Gallery, examining comics at the Yale Center for British Art, and developing skills in photography, graphic design, ancient languages, and more. The program provides hands-on learning opportunities across Yale’s museums, special collections, and School of Art.
2. Princeton University – Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 5-6 weeks in the summer (June – August); dates vary depending on the research opportunity
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older by June 15 and who live locally
Cost: Free
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University is a full-time, free summer research experience in the natural sciences and engineering for high school students. During the program, you will be integrated into active research projects and receive close mentorship from Princeton faculty and research staff.
The program schedule is tailored to align with the availability of research personnel and the specific needs of each project. The duration of each opportunity varies depending on the individual research assignment. At the end of the program, you will be required to submit a two-page research summary. This report must outline the research question, methodology, data, and findings from your summer project.
3. Yale University – Citizens Thinkers Writers
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from New Haven public schools
Cost/Stipend: Free! Students receive a stipend of $500
Citizens Thinkers Writers offers students the opportunity to reside at Yale for two weeks during the summer and continue as CTW Fellows throughout the academic year. The program encourages you to view yourself as contributors to the ongoing philosophical dialogue dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, connecting these discussions to contemporary issues of justice in your own communities.
With a diverse range of political perspectives, you will learn to engage in civil and productive debates. Through small discussion-based seminars led by professors, you will develop skills in close reading, analytical writing, and college-level discourse while receiving support in your college application process.
4. Dartmouth College – Dartmouth Bound: Summer Program
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 20 – 23; August 3 – 6
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors currently living and attending a high school in the U.S.
Cost: Free
The Dartmouth Bound Program offers high school students a firsthand look at college life. You will engage in workshops on admissions and financial aid, explore Dartmouth’s close-knit community, and interact with faculty members. The program includes stays in campus residence halls, fostering conversations with current student mentors and fellow attendees.
Highlights include sessions led by admissions officers on Dartmouth’s holistic application review, tips for preparing strong applications, and a mock admissions committee exercise using sample applications. Faculty members conduct classes demonstrating how academics, leadership, and social engagement intersect with real-world issues.
5. Yale University – Morse Summer Music Academy
Location: Yale School of Music, New Haven, Connecticut
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 24 – July 19
Application Deadline: March (tentative)
Eligibility: New Haven public high school students; enrolled in their school’s music program; have a recommendation from their school’s music teacher
Cost: Free
The Morse Summer Music Academy is one of the top summer programs for high school students, free of charge for intermediate and advanced music students in band, choir, and orchestra. You will receive instruction and mentorship from experienced music educators and teaching artists from the Yale School of Music. The program focuses on enhancing musicianship, technique, and personal growth through ensemble performances, chamber music, music theory instruction, and an introduction to composition. Admission requires an in-person audition to determine appropriate ensemble placement.
6. University of Pennsylvania – Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Pising 10th and 11th-grade students in Philadelphia; minimum GPA 3.0
Cost: Free
The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week, campus-based college and career preparation initiative for high school students in Philadelphia. As a participant, you will be matched with one of five University of Pennsylvania Graduate and Professional School partners to explore careers aligned with your interests through hands-on, experiential learning.
Alongside career exposure, the program offers enrichment in financial literacy, study strategies, time management, SAT preparation, and personal statement writing, equipping you with essential college readiness skills. A flagship initiative of the Division of the Vice Provost for Student Engagement, SMP aims to broaden awareness of STEM and legal careers among local high school students. The program concludes with a college fair hosted on the Penn campus.
7. Yale University – Yale Pathways Research Internships
Location: Varies depending on the host lab
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Public high school students from the New Haven area; 16 by program start; GPA of at least 3.0
Cost/Stipend: Free! Students receive a stipend of $2,500
The Yale Pathways Research Internships (YPRI) program is a seven-week internship where you will get the chance to engage in scientific research within Yale laboratories. You will be matched with Yale graduate student mentors who provide ongoing guidance and support. In addition to hands-on research, you will take part in workshops and activities designed to strengthen your scientific skills and enhance your understanding of research methodologies. The program seeks to inspire a lasting interest in scientific inquiry, broaden exposure to new scientific disciplines, and improve college readiness.
8. Princeton University – Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: November 22 – March 1
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and graduating seniors in high school when the internship begins
Cost: Free
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Summer Internship is designed for students with a strong interest in plasma physics and fusion energy. As a participant, you will engage in hands-on experimental or computational projects, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in plasma physics. The program provides valuable exposure to research methodologies and practical applications in the field. To be an ideal candidate, you should demonstrate enthusiasm for plasma physics and have experience in programming languages like Python or Java, as well as familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
9. University of Pennsylvania – Summer Academies
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 5 – July 26
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade high school students
Cost: $9,949; Philadelphia residents attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school may be eligible to attend a Summer Academy free of charge with a scholarship
The Summer Academies are rigorous, subject-focused programs lasting three weeks, designed to integrate advanced scientific or social theory with practical applications. Science-focused academies utilize the University of Pennsylvania’s state-of-the-art technology and facilities to deliver dynamic laboratory experiences, while humanities academies leverage Philadelphia’s historical and cultural landscape to offer a rich, sociologically grounded learning environment. Each academy is led by University of Pennsylvania faculty and experienced professionals, supported by graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants. You will receive a Certificate of Completion and may request recommendation letters from your Penn instructors on successful completion of the program.
10. University of Pennsylvania – Penn Summer Prep
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 5 – July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade high school students are eligible to apply
Cost: $5,949; Philadelphia residents attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school may be eligible to attend Penn Summer Prep free of charge with a scholarship
The Penn Summer Prep Program offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in two undergraduate-level modules across a range of disciplines. Courses will be taught by a mix of Penn faculty, graduate students, and staff, and span both the humanities and STEM fields. You will also gain exposure to college life on Penn’s historic campus and can explore the cultural and social offerings of Philadelphia.
The program emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and the development of strong analytical skills. You will be expected to complete readings, group assignments, and other coursework outside of scheduled hours. Students who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion and may request recommendation letters from their instructors.
11. Brown University – Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual or in-person at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates:
- In-person session I: June 29 – July 11
- In-person session II: July 13 – July 25
- Virtual: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 9; applications are rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Cost: Ranges between $4,540-$5,788; need-based financial aid is available
The Brown Leadership Institute offers high school students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of social issues and develop skills to promote social justice, regardless of prior experience. As a participant, you can choose between a two-week on-campus program or a four-week online format. Both options bring together students from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about topics such as civic engagement, gender equity, educational access, and intercultural dialogue.
Through interactive coursework, you will explore critical issues, engage in thoughtful discussions, and practice collaborative leadership. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Digital Certificate of Completion, and those enrolled in courses lasting two weeks or more also receive a Course Performance Report.
12. Yale University – Yale Young Global Scholars
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates:
- Session I: June 22 – July 4
- Session II: July 6 – July 18
Session III: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10; applications are rolling
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-18 years old by July 20
Cost: $6,500; need-based financial aid is available
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a highly diverse, two-week academic summer program that fosters collaboration and international perspectives. You will engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum across STEM, social sciences, humanities, and cross-disciplinary tracks.
Since its inception, YYGS has expanded from two sessions with 300 students to twelve sessions hosting nearly 2,000 students while maintaining an intimate learning environment with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The program emphasizes interactive learning through lectures by Yale faculty, peer discussions, seminars, and hands-on projects, allowing you to deepen your understanding of complex global issues while building connections with peers from around the world.
13. Brown University – STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders
Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: May 9; applications are rolling
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 8 to 9
Cost: $5,788; need-based financial aid is available
This two-week summer program offers an immersive academic experience centered around collaborative research, experiments, and design challenges. You will join like-minded peers to engage in intellectually stimulating coursework across various STEM disciplines. Each course integrates advanced academic content with laboratory or fieldwork and features a central research project or design challenge.
You may also have the chance to interact with Brown University graduate students and gain insight into ongoing graduate-level research. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you will showcase your work to peers, instructors, and families. The program awards a Digital Certificate of Completion and a Course Performance Report to students who successfully complete it.
14. Dartmouth College – Precollege Online STEM Programs
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Open to all
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students 13 or older
Cost: $1,795; need-based financial aid is available
The Dartmouth Precollege Online Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore STEM subjects from anywhere in the world. Developed by leading Dartmouth instructors, the program covers advanced topics in psychology, regenerative medicine, biology, and more.
With flexible lessons and mentor support, you will enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to cutting-edge scientific fields. Each course culminates in a final capstone project, allowing you to apply your knowledge, receive mentor feedback, and showcase your learning. Upon successful completion, you will earn a Dartmouth Certificate of Completion.
15. University of Pennsylvania – Engineering Summer Academy at Penn
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 30-60 students per class
Dates: July 6 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 2 – March 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed their freshman year in high school (9th grade) and are at least 15 years of age by the start of the program
Cost: $9,000; limited financial aid is available to highly qualified applicants
The Engineering Summer Academy at the University of Pennsylvania (ESAP) offers academically driven and high-achieving high school students the chance to engage with college-level engineering. This intensive three-week program blends advanced theoretical instruction with hands-on experience in emerging technologies. You can enroll in one of six specialized courses: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Nanotechnology, or Robotics, and work closely with Penn’s distinguished faculty, earn college credit, and reside on the university’s campus.
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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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