6 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall.
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
5. 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.
6. 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.
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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