15 Best Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer can be a great time to figure out what you’re passionate about and improve your college application. Fortunately, there are many summer programs for high school students that can immerse you in different disciplines and strengthen important soft and technical skills.

In this article, we’ll give an overview of 15 different summer programs and what you can expect as a participant.

• Best STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
• Best Humanities Summer Programs for High School Students
• Best Social Sciences Summer Programs for High School Students
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Best STEM Summer Programs for High School Students

STEM summer programs provide hands-on research opportunities, advanced coursework, and mentorship from university professors and researchers. All these prepare you for college STEM work.

1. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

2025 program dates: July 6 to August 1

Eligibility: High school students residing in California with strong STEM grades

Program cost: $5,256

The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) is a four-week residential program hosted on several University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.

A unique aspect of this summer program for high school students is its cluster system, which lets you focus on a specialized area of STEM. For example, some clusters you can choose from at UC Irvine include:

• Exploring the Application of Data Science in the Health Sciences
• Tissue and Tumor Biology and Mathematical/Computational Modeling
• Sustainable Aviation Systems
• Genes, Genomes, and Skeletal Muscle Dystrophies
• BioEngineering and Characterizing Human Skin Organoids

These courses are academically rigorous and typically involve hands-on labs, field trips, and real-world projects, not just lectures. Read our in-depth guide on COSMOS if you want to learn more about the program.

2. Summer Science Program (SSP)

2025 program dates: Varies, starts on June 8

Eligibility: High school juniors at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during the program duration

Program cost: $9,800

The Summer Science Program (SSP) is an intensive five-week residential research program that gives high school students the opportunity to engage in genuine, hands-on scientific research on different university campuses. For 2025, some of these locations are:

• Georgia College & State University
• New Mexico State University
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Colby College
• University of Colorado Boulder

The SSP experience actively involves you in conducting original research projects, including acquiring data, analyzing it, and presenting your findings. The program offers different research tracks:

• Astrophysics
• Biochemistry
• Bacterial Genomics
• Synthetic Chemistry
• Cell Biology

You’ll work in small teams (typically three participants per team) under the close guidance of experienced faculty members who are academics, researchers, or scientists.

If you want to learn more about the program, read our comprehensive guide on SSP.

3. Simons Summer Research Program

2025 program dates: June 30 to August 8

Eligibility: High school junior who will be at least 16 years old when the program starts

Program cost: $2,360.25

The Simons Summer Research Program is a six-week residential program at Stony Brook University that lets you experience life as a researcher at a major university. As a participant, you’ll be known as a Simons Fellow, be matched with a distinguished faculty mentor, and become a member of an active research team.

Beyond the lab, Simons Fellows attend weekly talks by faculty on cutting-edge research, participate in specialized workshops, and go on guided lab tours. These activities expose you and your peers to various scientific disciplines and provide a glimpse into different career paths.

At the end of the program, there will be a poster symposium where you’ll showcase your research. You’ll even receive a stipend.

We have a comprehensive guide to the Simons Summer Research Program if you’re interested to learn more about it.

4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

2026 program dates: June 8 to July 30

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at least 16 years old

Program cost: Free, only $40 application fee

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program for those interested in biomedical sciences and medicine. It’s one of the best free summer programs for high school students, where you’ll participate in a medically-oriented research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student. You can expect to work in a lab for around 40 hours a week, gaining practical skills and contributing to real research.

You can choose to focus on one of eight institutes:

• Immunology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Neurobiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Cancer Biology
• Bioengineering
• Bioinformatics
• Genetics

Outside of lab work, you’ll attend a series of lectures and workshops, which will expose you to a broad range of topics.

Check out our complete guide to SIMR to find out more about the program.

5. Canada/USA Mathcamp

2025 program dates: June 29 to August 3

Eligibility: Middle school and high school students, 13 to 18 years old, with a strong foundation in high school mathematics until precalculus

Program cost: $6,600

Canada/USA Mathcamp is a five-week summer program for mathematically talented students. This is one of the more unique summer programs for high school students since it lets students create their own schedules.

There are multiple class periods throughout the day, and you can choose which courses and at what difficulty levels you want to take for the week. There’s a wide range of topics, including combinatorics, graph theory, abstract algebra, topology, and even connections to fields like biology and computer science.

In the evenings and on weekends, there are no classes, and you also get the freedom to relax or pursue other interests.

Read our Mathcamp guide to learn more about the program.

Best Humanities Summer Programs for High School Students

Humanities summer programs let you go deep into college-level material, develop strong analytical and communication skills, and work closely with top-tier faculty. These experiences are ideal for students considering a major in the humanities.

6. Stanford Humanities Institute (SHI)

2025 program dates: June 22 to July 11, July 13 to August 1

Eligibility: Grades 10 and 11 at the time of application

Program cost: $8,575

The Stanford Humanities Institute (SHI) is a three-week residential program that lets you experience college-level academics in the humanities. The coursework is rigorous, with a heavy workload of readings and assignments similar to a college course.

You’ll be taught by Stanford professors and PhD graduate students, and are expected to actively participate in lectures and smaller discussion sections. During your third week, you’ll work closely with faculty to produce an original research project.

A typical weekday starts with breakfast, followed by faculty-led class sessions. In the afternoons, you’ll have a discussion section and then a required period for co-curricular activities like workshops or recreational events. In the evenings, it’s a mix of free time for studying or relaxing and mandatory house meetings.

Take a look at our complete guide to SHI for more details about the program.

7. Interlochen Arts Camp

2025 program dates: varies, starts on June 14

Eligibility: Students in grades 3 to 12

Program cost: varies, starts at $1,950

Interlochen Arts Camp is a unique summer program for high school students that combines artistic immersion with traditional summer camp life. You can choose from seven arts disciplines: creative writing, dance, film and new media, interdisciplinary arts, music, theatre, and visual arts.

The curriculum is designed to help young artists perfect their skills and explore new ones. Regardless of your discipline, you’ll be constantly surrounded by creativity, with opportunities for performances, exhibitions, and master classes with guest artists.

You’ll live in cabins and have free time filled with classic summer camp activities like sports, crafts, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking on the two freshwater lakes. You can also participate in weekend field trips to local attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Our in-depth guide on the Interlochen Arts Camp can tell you more about what you can expect from the program.

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

2026 program dates: July 4 to 31

Eligibility: Students in grades 8 to 12, ideally a California resident

Program cost: $4,830 + $145 transaction fee for in-state students; $9,977 + $299 transaction fee for out-of-state and international students

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a rigorous, pre-professional, program for talented high school-aged artists held at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). It provides an immersive environment for students to hone their skills and explore new creative ideas.

This summer program for high school students is designed to be intense. From Monday to Friday, the schedule is packed with classes, rehearsals, and workshops, with a slightly shorter day on Saturday. CSSSA offers seven academic programs:

• Animation
• Dance
• Film
• Music
• Theater
• Visual arts
• Writing

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging you to work with peers from different departments. You also get to attend guest artist series and masterclasses with industry professionals.

Take a look at our complete guide to CSSSA if you’re interested in learning more about the program.

9. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop

2025 program dates: June 15 to 20 (online), June 22 to July 5 (residential), July 13 to 26 (residential)

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, 16 to 18 years old

Program cost: $2,575

The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop requires you to participate in daily, five-hour workshops with a small group of 12 to 14 peers and an instructor. The focus is on creating new work, exploring different genres (including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry), and engaging in peer critique and revision.

What’s interesting about this summer program for high school students is that the residential workshops will require you to write by hand. That’s because this is meant to encourage a more thoughtful and connected writing process.

There are also evening events that include readings by visiting professional writers and faculty, craft talks, and student readings, where every participant has the chance to share their work. You can also look forward to social gatherings like games and bonfires.

Read our guide on the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop to learn more about the program.

10. Concordia Language Villages

2025 program dates: varies

Eligibility: 6 onwards, the program welcomes all language proficiency levels

Program cost: varies, starts at $415

Concordia Language Villages offers an immersive, culturally authentic experience designed to inspire “courageous global citizens.” It’s located in the North Woods of Minnesota, providing a unique outdoor setting where everything from daily activities and music to the food in the dining hall reflects the culture of the language being taught.

Participants (called “villagers”) of all proficiency levels are immersed in a rigorous and fun curriculum based on a teaching philosophy called “The CLVway.” This focuses on:

• Lived Language & Learning. You’re encouraged to use the target language in all aspects of your day.
• Outdoor Setting. The natural environment is used as a backdrop for learning.
• Community-Based Learning. You’ll learn and grow together in a supportive community.
• Citizens of a Global Village. The goal is to develop a deeper cultural fluency and a global perspective.

Best Social Sciences Summer Programs for High School Students

Social science summer programs are for students interested in understanding human behavior, societies, and institutions. You’ll typically engage in research, fieldwork, and simulations, learning to analyze complex social issues and develop solutions.

11. Social Justice Research Academy

2025 program dates: July 5 to July 26

Eligibility: Current 9th to 11th-grade students

Program cost: $9,949

The Social Justice Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week residential program designed to encourage critical thinking about the political, historical, and cultural contexts of inequality and resistance.

As a participant of this summer program for high school students, you’ll have a Monday to Friday schedule that runs from 10 am to 5 pm with daily classes, discussions, and guest lectures from Penn faculty and other experts. You’ll also participate in excursions to locations in Philadelphia, such as the National Constitution Center, Penn’s Van Pelt Library, and various nonprofit organizations.

A big part of the program is a capstone project where you’ll research and develop an action plan based on your interests. These can take the form of traditional academic papers or creative projects like a video, spoken-word performance, or graphic novel.

12. The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Political Action & Public Policy

2025 program dates: June 13 to 21, June 25 to July 3, July 8 to 16, and July 20 to 28

Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders

Program cost: $4,195

At the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Political Action & Public Policy, students can get a hands-on understanding of how the US government functions. The program uses immersive simulations to teach participants about topics like advocacy, lobbying, and how citizen engagement influences policy.

As a participant, you’ll get to:

• Take on the role of a US Senator, drafting and debating a bill on a topic of interest.
• Develop a comprehensive campaign plan, including finance and social media marketing strategies.
• Gain practical experience in lobbying efforts.
• Listen to guest speakers from various political backgrounds.
• Go on trips to locations such as Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Library of Congress.

13. UCLA Political Science Summer Institute

2025 program dates: June 23 to July 11

Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2

Program cost: $350 registration fee, a course fee of $360 per unit

The UCLA Political Science Summer Institute is a three-week commuter program that introduces students to the fundamentals of US politics.

You’ll engage with coursework, participate in a career panel with guest speakers, and gain insight into different career paths available with a political science degree. The curriculum focuses on understanding political behavior, collective action, and institutional creation, with examples from political history and current American politics.

When you’ve successfully completed the program, you’ll earn five units of either letter grade or pass/no pass college credit and have the opportunity to connect with graduate and undergraduate mentors.

14. Young Civil War Historians Conference

2025 program dates: July 13 to 18

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with an interest in the American Civil War era

Program cost: $1,395

The Young Civil War Historians Conference at Gettysburg College is a week-long program for high school students who are passionate about the Civil War era. As a participant, you’ll get the unique opportunity to act as historians, using original documents, battlefield landscapes, and monuments to draw conclusions about the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War.

A major highlight in this summer program for high school students is a trip to Washington, D.C., where you’ll visit the National Archives to explore official records of Civil War regiments. Outside of academics, the conference also gives you a taste of college life. You’ll be housed in Gettysburg College dormitories, eat in the dining hall, and have access to campus facilities.

15. Question Everything: A Summer Philosophy Program

2025 program dates: July 13 to August 2

Eligibility: Rising seniors from Springfield and Holyoke, MA

Program cost: Free

The Question Everything: A Summer Philosophy Program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a three-week residential program that changes its theme yearly. For 2025, the theme was “Freedom and Liberty,” tackling questions such as:

• Do young children have a right to liberty? Why or why not? Do non-human animals have such a right?
• Is incarceration ever morally justified? Should prisons be abolished or completely rethought?
• What is free will? Is there a connection between having a right to liberty and having free will?

Every weekday, from 9am to 4pm, you’ll explore philosophical questions through interactive presentations by UMass professors, discussions, debates, and role-playing activities. You’ll also engage in reading and writing activities, and have the chance to conduct your own research on a topic of interest to present to the group.

The program also gives guidance on the college application and financial aid process. You’ll even earn three college credits upon completion of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best summer programs for high school students?

The “best” summer program is subjective since it depends on a student’s interests and goals. However, highly selective programs like the Summer Science Program, Simons Summer Research Program, and the Ross Mathematics Program are great additions to your college application because they’re well-known to be rigorous.

2. What are the most affordable summer programs for high school students?

Many programs offer financial aid, making them more affordable. However, there are also many free summer programs for high school students, such as the Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS), Research Science Institute (RSI), USC Bovard Scholars, and Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program.

3. Which universities offer the best summer programs for high school students?

Many prestigious universities offer excellent summer programs. Some of the best include those at MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania. These institutions host a variety of programs covering STEM, humanities, and research.

Takeaways

• There are many summer programs in different disciplines that high school students can apply to. Examples are COSMOS and SSP for STEM, SHI and Interlochen Arts Camp for the humanities, and Social Justice Research Academy and Young Civil War Historians Conference for the social sciences.
• Summer programs let you test-drive a potential major or career path before you get to college. They also show admissions officers that you’re a motivated and dedicated student, boosting your college application.
• There are so many good extracurriculars that you can apply for. We can help you choose the right summer programs according to your skills and goals.