Top 16 Liberal Arts Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025–2026

Ever wonder how you can explore college-level learning in the humanities and social sciences before even stepping on a campus? Liberal arts summer programs for high school students give you that chance while helping you build critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.

In this guide, you will find the top programs for 2025–2026. You will get the inside scoop on what each program offers, how you can apply, and which opportunities might be the best fit for you this summer.

• What Are the Best Liberal Arts Summer Programs for High School Students?
• Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
• Stanford Summer Humanities Institute (SHI)
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
• Iowa Young Writers Studio
• Kenyon Young Writers Workshop
• Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities
• Carleton College Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI)
• Summer@Brown
• Columbia Summer Programs
• Princeton Summer Journalism Program
• Washington University in St. Louis – High School Summer Scholars
• Tufts Summer Programs
• California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
• New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP)
• Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
• Denison University Reynolds Young Writers Workshop
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Liberal Arts Summer Programs for High School Students?

Liberal arts summer programs teach you how to analyze texts, discuss complex topics, and communicate with confidence, which helps you stand out in college applications.

Below is a table highlighting the best liberal arts summer programs for high school students. These programs offer a mix of residential, hybrid, and online opportunities, and each one gives you a chance to see what college-level learning feels like.

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

• Dates: June 21, 2026 – July 25, 2026
• Location: Various U.S. universities (TASS houses)
• Cost: Free for all students

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a six-week, in-person program for high school sophomores and juniors interested in the humanities and social sciences. Participants attend a three-hour college-level seminar each weekday and explore how power and privilege shape social structures.

Students apply to one of two study areas:

• TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies). Seminars centered on history, politics, literature, art, and the intellectual and cultural contributions of people of African descent.
• TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies). Seminars that examine literature, history, art, and related disciplines to understand how systems of power influence communities and institutions.

Community life is central to the program. Participants live together and engage in democratic decision-making about group activities, outings, community service projects, and the shared program budget. Students also take part in a public speaking program and attend guest lectures in the TASS house.

Eligibility includes rising junior or senior standing and ages 15 to 17. U.S. and international students may apply. TASS covers all costs: tuition, books, room and board, and field trips.

If you’re curious about one of the most selective humanities summer programs for high schoolers, check out our full guide on TASS.

2. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute (SHI)

• Dates: Session One: June 21 – July 10, 2026; Session Two: July 12 – July 31, 2026
• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
• Cost: $8,850; need-based financial aid available

The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute (SHI) is a three-week residential program for rising juniors and seniors who want to study the humanities with Stanford faculty. As one of the top liberal arts summer programs for high school students, you take an intensive course led by Stanford professors and supported by Stanford PhD students. 

You spend each weekday in college-level seminars that focus on reading, discussion, and analytical writing, and you join organized activities and field trips on the weekends. You live in supervised Stanford residence halls and eat in campus dining halls during the full three-week session. The program provides course materials, academic field trips, and transportation between Stanford and SFO during designated arrival and departure windows.

You are eligible to apply if you are in grades 10 or 11 at the time of submission. The application requires unofficial transcripts, a humanities or social science work sample completed within the past year, one teacher recommendation, and a $65 application fee. An optional video essay is also available. 

If you want a closer look at what makes this a standout residential program, check out our full guide on the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute.

3. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

• Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3, 2026; Session II: July 5 – July 17, 2026; Session III: July 19 – July 31, 2026
• Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
• Cost: $7,000

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is an academic summer program for high school sophomores and juniors who want to explore global issues and interdisciplinary learning. 

You choose one of three tracks:

• Innovations in Science & Technology (IST). Explore physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and neuroscience through labs and technical workshops.
• Politics, Law & Economics (PLE). Study how governments make decisions, legal systems function, and economic policies shape societies. Participate in debates, case studies, and discussions on regulation and human rights.
• Solving Global Challenges (SGC). Examine issues like climate change, poverty, and global health through political science and social science frameworks, using research and simulations to propose solutions.

Applicants must be 16 to 18 years old by the start of Session III, fluent in English, and current high school sophomores or juniors. First-time YYGS participants are eligible, and students from all countries can apply for need-based financial aid, which may cover the full cost of tuition.

Want to see how you can explore global issues and interdisciplinary learning? Check out our full guide on Yale Young Global Scholars.

4. Iowa Young Writers Studio

• Dates: Summer Residential: June 14 to June 27, 2026; July 12 to July 25, 2026
• Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
• Cost: $2,500 for each 2–week residential session; online course fees vary

The Iowa Young Writers Studio is a two-week residential program for high school students who want to focus on creative writing. The Studio also offers six-week online courses in creative writing, fiction, poetry, TV writing, and playwriting for students who prefer a flexible, guided online format.

Classes are small, with 10 or fewer students per course, and combine seminars on reading published works with workshops for peer and instructor feedback. The program also includes readings, writing exercises, collaborative projects, and social events.

Applicants must have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade by the start of the program. Financial aid is available, including full tuition grants.

Want to see how you can sharpen your writing skills and explore different genres? Check out our full guide on the Iowa Young Writers Studio.

5. Kenyon Young Writers Workshop

• Dates: Winter Online: January 24 to February 28, 2026; Summer Online: June 14 to June 19, 2026; Summer Residential: June 21 to July 4, 2026, and July 12 to July 25, 2026
• Location: Online or Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio
• Cost: Winter Online: $695; Summer Online: $995; Summer Residential: $2,575

The Kenyon Young Writers Workshop is for high school students aged 16–18 who are passionate about writing and want to develop their creative voice. You can choose the format that works best for you:

• Summer Residential (2 weeks). Live on Kenyon College’s campus, attend daily writing workshops, receive one-on-one mentorship, and participate in discussions on poetry, short stories, essays, and craft techniques.
• Summer Online (1 week). Join daily multi-genre Zoom workshops, attend individual feedback sessions, and participate in optional evening events such as readings and craft talks.
• Winter Online (6 weeks). Focus on a specific genre or theme, meet weekly in synchronous workshops, produce original writing, and receive guidance from the instructor to improve your work.

Applicants submit a 300-word personal statement, a transcript, and a teacher recommendation. The program is selective, offering a supportive environment where you can challenge yourself, share your work, and grow as a writer.

Want to explore your creative voice and get personalized mentorship in writing? Check out our full guide on the Kenyon Young Writers Workshop.

6. Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities

• Dates: June – July 2026 (varies by program)
• Location: Greenville, South Carolina
• Cost: $800 – $2,800 depending on program; includes room, board, and materials

The Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities offers immersive summer programs for South Carolina students in grades 6–11. You can choose from the following programs:

• Creative Writing. Work with published authors on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Participate in workshops, critiques, and readings to refine your writing skills.
• Dance. Train in ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and African dance. Join technique classes, improvisation, acting for dancers, and ensemble work.
• Drama. Develop acting, voice, speech, and movement skills. Engage in exercises, partner and group work, and perform in a final showcase.
• Film. Learn screenwriting, directing, shooting, and editing. Produce short films using professional guidance and equipment.
• Music. Focus on instruments, composition, songwriting, jazz, piano, or voice. Participate in daily classes, rehearsals, and recitals.
• Visual Arts. Explore drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and graphic design. Complete hands-on projects and showcase your work.

Programs range from one to five weeks, with some requiring audition videos or portfolio submissions. Need-based financial assistance is available for most programs. You will live on campus, work closely with instructors, and collaborate with peers who share your passion for the arts.

7. Carleton College Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI)

• Dates: July 5 – 24, 2026 (3-week); July 12 – 17 & July 19 – 24, 2026 (1-week)
• Location: Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
• Cost: 3-Week For-Credit: Domestic: $5,300; International: $5,900; 1-Week Non-Credit: Domestic: $1,500; International: $1,900; 2-Week Connected Experience: Domestic: $3,500; International: $3,900

The Carleton College Summer Liberal Arts Institute is one of the leading liberal arts summer programs for high school students, with 3-week for-credit courses covering subjects such as Computer Science, Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Neuroscience, including collaborative projects, research opportunities, and a final presentation. 

The program is open to high school students, with courses tailored to first-years, sophomores, and juniors. 1-week non-credit courses let first-years and sophomores explore topics like Gender Studies, Food Anthropology, Sports Analytics, and Music in Film. You can combine two 1-week sessions into a 2-week experience.

If you want to experience college-level courses and hands-on projects on a residential campus, check out our full guide on Carleton College’s Summer Liberal Arts Institute.

8. Summer@Brown

• Dates: June 15 – July 25, 2026
• Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
• Cost: On-Campus $3,748 – $8,372; Online $3,364 – $6,520

Summer@Brown lets you take college-level courses in over 230 subjects, including literature, psychology, political science, visual arts, and the sciences. On-campus courses run 1 to 3 weeks, hybrid programs combine 2 weeks online with 3 weeks on campus, and online-only options run 2 to 6 weeks.

You will spend three hours in class each day, with additional time for group projects, research, and independent study. Residential students live on campus, access meals and fitness centers, and join workshops and evening events that develop leadership and collaboration skills. Students completing a course receive a Digital Certificate of Completion, and courses of two weeks or longer include a Course Performance Report.

Programs are open to students completing grades 9–12 (ages 14–18). Classes are small and interactive, and instructors focus on active learning. Find out more about the program in our full guide on Summer@Brown.

9. Columbia Summer Programs

• Dates: Session A: June 29–July 17, 2026; Session B: July 21–August 7, 2026
• Location: Morningside Campus, New York City
• Cost: Residential: $12,764 per 3-week session; Commuter: $5,144 per session; Online: $3,960 for a 2-week course

Columbia Summer Programs give high school students in grades 9–12 the chance to take one liberal arts course in subjects such as philosophy, political science, history, writing, or economics. Courses follow Columbia’s seminar-style structure with discussion, close reading, and writing assignments.

You can choose from the following programs:

• NYC Residential Summer. Live on campus, use libraries and study spaces, and join co-curricular activities.
• NYC Commuter Summer. Attend classes and activities on campus while living off campus.
• Online Summer. Join interactive classes and co-curricular activities from anywhere, with access to Columbia’s online resources.
• College Edge: Summer. Take courses with Columbia undergraduates and earn college credit.
• Columbia Writing Academy: Summer. A 2-week online program focused on crafting college admissions essays.
• CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop. Learn writing, editing, design, and editorial leadership, on campus or online.

Applicants submit a transcript and a short written response. Completion provides a Columbia University Certification of Participation.

Ready to dive into college-level liberal arts courses this summer? Explore our full guide to Columbia Summer Programs.

10. Princeton Summer Journalism Program

• Dates: Summer 2026
• Location: Hybrid with virtual sessions and a 10-day residential experience at Princeton University
• Cost: Free

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a selective liberal arts summer program for high school students who want focused training in journalism. You join up to 40 juniors from limited-income backgrounds and complete a multi-week curriculum that builds reporting, interviewing, and news writing skills.

The program begins with virtual workshops led by Princeton faculty, professional journalists, and program alumni. Sessions cover reporting techniques, feature writing, social media use in journalism, and analysis of current events. 

During the 10-day on-campus institute, you attend lectures, interview sources, visit newsrooms, and work in small groups to produce articles for the Princeton Summer Journal. 

Eligibility is restricted to 11th grade students with a minimum 3.5 GPA who meet the program’s income-based criteria. All admitted students receive full funding, including housing, meals, instruction, and ongoing college advising through the end of senior year.

Ready to develop your journalism skills and experience life on a college campus? Explore our full guide to the Princeton Summer Journalism Program.

11. Washington University in St. Louis – High School Summer Scholars

• Dates: June 7 – July 11, 2026
• Location: St. Louis, Missouri, or Online
• Cost: Residential $8,385–$12,135; Commuter $4,075–$7,825; Online $4,075

The High School Summer Scholars Program allows you to earn Washington University credit by taking 1 or 2 introductory undergraduate courses in areas such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. WashU instructors teach courses, and your final grades become part of your official Washington University record.

You may take courses on campus, commute, or enroll online. All students also have access to noncredit enrichment activities focused on academic success, community building, and college readiness.

The program runs for 5 weeks and follows a college-level schedule with lectures, assignments, and exams. Course offerings vary each year and reflect current WashU introductory classes.

You are eligible if you are a current high school junior graduating in 2027. The application requires short essays, a transcript, a teacher recommendation, and a $50 fee. Need-based scholarship assistance is offered to qualifying students.

12. Tufts Summer Programs

• Dates: Summer Session 1: May 20 – July 2, 2026; Summer Session 2: July 6 – August 14, 2026
• Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville Campus, Massachusetts
• Cost: Residential: $11,790; Commuter: $9,196

Tufts Summer Programs let you experience college-level learning while exploring your interests alongside Tufts faculty and undergraduates. You can choose from the following programs:

• Tufts Dual Enrollment. Enroll in undergraduate-level courses and earn college credit before college. You take classes alongside Tufts students, choosing from hundreds of subjects. 
• Tufts College Experience. Step into the life of a Tufts undergraduate with residential or commuter options. You select your own course schedule, take college-level classes, and participate in the free College Prep 101 workshop series to prepare for the academic and social aspects of college life.
• Tufts Summer Research Experience. Conduct hands-on research in your preferred methodology with guidance from Teaching Fellows. You collaborate with peers on a research project, attend workshops and field trips, and present your findings in a final research poster session.

You must be entering grades 10–12 or be a Spring 2026 high school graduate and at least 15 years old at program start. Applications require an academic transcript, one letter of recommendation, a parent permission form, and course or research preferences. Limited need-based scholarships are available.

13. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

• Dates: Summer 2026 (four-week program)
• Location: Various California college campuses
• Cost: CA Residents $5,174; Out-of-State $10,475

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a pre-professional summer program for high school students in grades 8–12 who want to advance in visual and performing arts, creative writing, animation, and film. The program is fully residential, allowing you to practice your art in professional facilities and engage in optional field trips and evening events. Graduates can earn three college credits through California State University Extension and receive the California Arts Scholar designation. Scholarships from the Herb Alpert Foundation are available, including awards up to $40,000.

CSSSA admits approximately 500 students each year, with an overall acceptance rate of 40%. California residents benefit from lower tuition, and need-based financial aid is offered. Admission is based on talent and creativity demonstrated through department-specific application materials.

Ready to take your artistic talents to the next level? Explore our full guide to CSSSA.

14. New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP)

• Dates: Summer 2026 (five weeks)
• Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey
• Cost: Tuition-free

The New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP) is a residential summer program for rising seniors in New Jersey high schools and is recognized as one of the standout liberal arts summer programs for high school students. 

You will engage in lectures, small-group seminars, and research. Scholars produce a 10–15-page interdisciplinary research paper under faculty guidance and participate in the Arts Festival, showcasing music, art, writing, drama, and public speaking.

Applications are submitted by your school counselor or designated nominating official. You will submit essays, a research paper sample, and two letters of recommendation. Finalists participate in a group interview. NJSP selects 39 Scholars each year.

You will live on campus for the five-week program, sharing dormitories and participating in theme-related field trips, a Fourth of July cookout, and cultural food festivals. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony for Scholars and their families.

15. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)

• Dates: June 14 to July 11, 2026
• Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
• Cost: Free for all participants

The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program is a residential summer program for Georgia high school sophomores and juniors. You focus on one area of nomination:

• Agricultural Research
• Communicative Arts
• Computer Science
• Dance
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Music
• Science
• Social Studies
• Theatre
• Visual Arts
• World Languages

Students are nominated by their school district or approved homeschool program and must complete the local selection process. Semifinalists attend state-level interviews or auditions. Finalists participate in the full five-week residential program with classes in their chosen field and evening academic and social activities.

The program is fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly.

16. Denison University Reynolds Young Writers Workshop

• Dates: June 19–28, 2026
• Location: Denison University, Granville, Ohio
• Cost: $1,700 (includes tuition, room, and meals); financial aid available

The Reynolds Young Writers Workshop is a 10-day residential program for rising juniors and seniors who are passionate about writing. Around 48 students attend each year, working closely with Denison faculty and visiting authors to improve their poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. 

Morning workshops focus on writing and revision, while afternoon sessions and one-on-one manuscript consultations allow you to explore craft in depth. Evenings are dedicated to structured writing time and readings.

You will live on campus in residence halls, have access to classrooms, libraries, and athletic facilities, and participate in excursions such as visits to the Columbus Museum of Art or hikes in Denison’s bio-reserve. 

Applicants must have completed their sophomore or junior year and submit a creative writing sample along with a recommendation from an English teacher or counselor. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best liberal arts summer programs for high school students in 2025?

Some of the top programs are at Stanford, Yale, Telluride, Kenyon, and Carleton. These programs challenge you with college-level learning and let you explore ideas in ways your school might not.

2. Are there free liberal arts summer programs for high school students?

Yes. Programs like TASS, GHP, NJSP, and the Princeton Summer Journalism Program are fully funded. You get the same academic challenge and community as paid programs without spending a dime.

3. What subjects do liberal arts summer programs usually cover?

You can study writing, philosophy, history, journalism, storytelling, politics, or the arts. Many programs combine subjects to show how different areas connect, and you’ll practice your skills through workshops, readings, and hands-on projects.

4. How can liberal arts summer programs help with college admissions?

They help you build stronger writing, get mentor recommendations, and create work you can share in your applications. Admissions officers notice students who take on college-level work and show curiosity and initiative.

5. When should you apply for liberal arts summer programs?

Most applications open in the fall. Start early so you have time for essays, recommendations, and writing samples. Submitting a few weeks before the deadline gives your application the best chance to stand out.

Takeaways

• You can explore college-level subjects and improve your writing, reading, and critical thinking skills by joining liberal arts summer programs for high school students.
• You get to meet other motivated students and work on group projects, workshops, and discussions that make learning hands-on and fun.
• You can save money by applying to free programs like TASS, NJSP, GHP, or the Princeton Summer Journalism Program while still getting a whole academic experience.
• You can boost your college applications by showing curiosity, creating work samples, earning mentor recommendations, and demonstrating readiness for college-level study.
• If you want to impress colleges, exploring liberal arts summer programs with a college admissions expert is one of the most innovative ways to strengthen your skills, get guidance on applications, and stand out to admissions officers.