Free Summer Programs For High School Students
Introduction
Not all “free” summer programs are created equal. Some truly free programs cover everything—your flight, room and board, and all associated costs—so you won’t need to worry about where you’ll sleep, what you’ll eat, or how to pay for the experience.
On the other hand, some programs labeled as “free” might actually mean there’s financial aid or partial scholarships available, but they still expect you to cover remaining costs. Often, this means fundraising on your own by reaching out to schools, community organizations, or your church. While that kind of effort can build valuable skills like resourcefulness and determination, it’s also a tedious and time-consuming process—not ideal for every student and particularly unfair for low income students.
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of summer programs that are truly free, so once you’re accepted, you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about financial barriers. Of course, if you’re ready and willing to hustle for a partially funded opportunity, I included those programs too and I encourage you to go for it—anything is possible with hard work! But for those who need fully funded options, this guide is for you.
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
TASS offers a six-week educational experience for rising high school juniors and seniors. The program is completely free, including travel, room, and board. The college-level seminars are rooted in Critical Black Studies and Anti-Oppressive studies. The Telluride Association emphasizes self-governance, democratic community, and a transformative justice approach to conflict resolution and building community. Historically, Telluride Association summer programs have been very prestigious, with a 4-6% acceptance rate. Personally, this program changed the trajectory of my life, and I have lifelong friends from the program that I still communicate with to this day. It’s not just the material you are wrestling with; this program puts a huge emphasis on building meaningful friendships with the members of your cohort.
Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
- Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) at MITMITES is a six-week program at MIT that introduces high school juniors to engineering and science. The program is fully funded, covering all expenses, including travel, housing, and meals. You’ll take five rigorous, rewarding math, science, and humanities courses—and discover all you can achieve. You’ll also participate in lab tours and social events and benefit from college admissions counseling. This national program gives you firsthand insights into the value and reward of STEM degrees and careers, while also developing the academic and personal skills you need for success.
Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)
LEDA's Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute is a seven-week program held at Princeton University, designed for high-achieving, low-income students. It covers all costs, including travel, housing, and meals. LEDA Scholars are exposed to the range of college options available to them through campus visits, info sessions, dinners, and fly-out opportunities. College counselors guide them through every step of the complex process of applying for admission and financial aid, helping them overcome the hidden costs of applying to selective schools. Scholars receive the kind of academic advising and test preparation that allow their applications to stack up against those of their more affluent peers.
Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Must attend high school in Los Angeles County
Hosted by the University of Southern California, this four-week program is designed for high school students interested in media and civic engagement. All costs, including travel, are covered. The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer intensive academy for 26 talented high school students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses. Students are exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.
The Bezos Scholars Program
This program selects 12 U.S. high school juniors and one educator from each school to participate in a year-long leadership development program, including a free trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, with all expenses paid.
Carleton Liberal Arts Experience
CLAE is a one-week summer program at Carleton College that introduces high school students to liberal arts education. The program is entirely free, covering travel, housing, and meals. The curriculum explores African American history, identity, and contemporary culture through the framework of a liberal arts education. It’s designed for Black and African American students and those interested in African American studies. The free program provides exposure to highly rigorous, college-level coursework within the unique style of education found only at liberal arts colleges like Carleton. We invite applications from juniors who possess a strong academic record, are intellectually curious, and socially engaged.
USC Bovard Scholars
The USC Bovard Scholars program is a free, immersive college preparation experience for high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds. Over three weeks, participants engage in personalized test preparation, college application coaching, and career exploration, gaining first hand insights from industry leaders and innovative companies. The program helps students navigate the college admissions process, secure financial aid, and learn strategies for attending top-tier schools. Through practice exams, individualized support, and small group activities, students develop the skills and confidence to pursue their academic and career goals. USC Bovard Scholars empowers students to aim higher and achieve success at the nation's most selective universities.
National Youth Science Camp
A prestigious science camp for graduating high school seniors, this program offers a free three-week experience, including all travel, lodging, and meal expenses. The camp focuses on science education and outdoor activities.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund Youth Leadership Institute
This program is a four-day, all-expenses-paid leadership conference for Hispanic high school juniors, hosted at various universities. It covers all costs, including travel, lodging, and meals. YLI is a free, college empowerment program for high-achieving Latino high school juniors, held virtually and at two top universities across the US. This highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, and interacting with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.
The Junior Statesmen of America Summer School (JSA)
This program offers a full scholarship for high school students interested in politics, government, and public speaking. JSA Summer School is held at prestigious universities, and the scholarship covers tuition, travel, and all associated costs.
Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership World Leadership Congress
This is a week-long global leadership program for high school sophomores, held in Chicago. Students selected for the World Leadership Congress attend for free, with all travel, lodging, and meal expenses covered.
Research Science Institute
Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education and MIT, RSI is a six-week summer program that offers top high school students a chance to conduct original research. The program is completely free, covering travel, lodging, and meals. RSI brings together about 70 high school students each summer for six stimulating weeks at MIT. This rigorous academic program stresses advanced theory and research in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering. Participants attend college-level classes taught by distinguished faculty members and complete hands-on research, which they often then use to enter science competitions. Open to high school juniors, the program is free of charge for those selected.
The Summer Science Program
SSP is a six-week residential enrichment program focusing on astrophysics and biochemistry. It is fully funded for students who qualify, covering all costs, including travel, room, and board. The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, 36 or 24 participants and eight faculty form a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days. Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data.
Young Women’s Political Leadership Program
Run by Running Start, this week-long program in Washington, D.C., trains high school girls in political leadership and public speaking. All expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals, are fully covered.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
A rigorous seven-week research program for high school students across various disciplines. It provides hands-on research experience with esteemed faculty, covering all costs such as travel, lodging, meals, and even offering a $750 stipend upon successful completion of a research project. The program includes on-campus meals, room and board, weekend activities, and social events, with no registration fees. However, students are responsible for personal, medical, and travel expenses to and from the program. Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old and set to graduate in 2024 or 2025, allowing participation either the summer before senior year or immediately after graduation.
QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program (Non-Residential)
This program helps high-achieving, low-income high school juniors prepare for college admissions. It includes a free summer program at top colleges, with all expenses covered, including travel. If you are a high-achieving high school junior from a low-income background, the College Prep Scholars Program can equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to connect with the nation's most sought-after colleges. Receive guidance and resources to develop a strong college application, access summer program scholarships, attend college admissions conferences and writing workshops, and even visit top colleges for free!
Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
HOPP offers a fully funded summer program for high school students interested in biomedical research, particularly oncology. The program provides an 8-week, lab-based internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), where students are paired with a mentor and work on a project supporting the Principal Investigator’s research. Participants will engage in biomedical or computational research, attend lab meetings, and interact with the MSK community. Students receive a $1,200 stipend for the summer, but housing is not provided. To be eligible, applicants must live within 25 miles of MSK’s Main Campus in Manhattan, be high school juniors, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects.
Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
This 10-week program is focused on genetics and genomics research. High school students work alongside scientists at Jackson Lab’s research facilities in Maine or Connecticut. All costs, including travel, housing, and meals, are fully covered.
Simons Summer Research Program
Hosted at Stony Brook University, this program offers high school students hands-on research opportunities in various fields. Estimated summer 2025 costs (residential): $2,360.25 (includes dorm fees, $120 starter meal plan, and a $60.25 Student Health Services fee; anticipate additional meal costs of ~$500+). There are no tuition charges/fees, but participants must cover their transportation and dining costs. This program provides college readiness skills and strengthens students’ college applications.
Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
The Notre Dame Leadership Seminars is a selective two-week summer program at the University of Notre Dame for high school juniors. Students study global issues, the humanities, and social justice. The program covers tuition, room, and board, but students must pay for travel. Approximately 150 students are admitted annually, with many in the top 10% of their class. Participants earn one transferable college credit and must pay a non-refundable $60 application fee and $150 enrollment fee. Financial assistance is available.
Running Start Program
The Running Start Program is a hybrid summer program for high school students interested in leadership and politics. The virtual kickoff occurs on June 5 and 12, followed by in-person sessions in Washington, D.C., from June 26 to 28. The program fee is $2,500, covering lodging and meals, but not travel. Need-based scholarships are available, with fee reductions ranging from $500 to $2,500. Graduating seniors are also eligible to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent research under the mentorship of Ph.D. scholars. The program is remote, open to students worldwide, and does not require prior knowledge in the field. The summer cohort runs from June to August, and full financial aid is available to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS)
SAAMS at Morgan State University is a free six-week program designed to encourage high school students to pursue careers in mathematics, actuarial science, and computer science. The program includes academic enrichment, professional development, and field trips, culminating in a competitive stipend for participants. The modality is primarily virtual, but the final week is held on campus with room and board provided.
Horizon
Horizon is a virtual research program for high school students offering qualitative and quantitative research opportunities. Students work on a 20-page research paper with mentorship from Ph.D. scholars or professors. The program offers flexible dates and tracks in data science, political theory, biology, and more. Tuition is $5,950, but automatic need-based financial aid is available for qualifying students. A 3.6 GPA is required.
Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
BRBT is a paid, in-person summer research program for Baltimore City high school students at Johns Hopkins University. Participants work in state-of-the-art labs, learning microbiology techniques and DNA protein engineering. The program pays $15 per hour for five weeks of hands-on research experience.
WIE Rise Summer Research Program
The WIE Rise Summer Research Program at the University of Maryland is a free, virtual program for rising 9th–12th graders interested in engineering. The week-long program introduces students to different engineering fields and allows them to engage with current research labs. Hosted by Maryland Engineering students, the program is designed to be accessible and engaging.
NIH High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
HiSTEP is a paid biomedical research internship for high school juniors from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia within 40 miles of the NIH campus in Bethesda. Participants engage in research, lectures, and professional development sessions, with a stipend of up to $2,840.
ASPIRE Program
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins University offers both in-person and virtual research experiences for high school juniors and seniors in the Washington-Baltimore area. This free program allows students to work on collaborative projects in a wide range of technical fields, though placement in preferred projects is not guaranteed.
ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
The ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program at the University of Maryland is a free, four-week engineering research program for rising seniors. Participants conduct research projects, complete literature reviews, and receive college preparation and career readiness training. The program promotes engineering among underrepresented students. This summer the program will be for commuters only, in-person only with no housing available.
Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
SARE at Johns Hopkins University is a free, commuter-only program for high school students from low-income households. Participants engage in biomedical research, scientific writing, and bioethics over eight weeks. The program aims to enhance students' academic skills while providing a stipend upon completion.
HCC’s Hospitality Management Apprenticeship Programs
HCC’s Hospitality Management Apprenticeship Programs offer hands-on training for students pursuing careers in hospitality. Open to students 18 years or older (or 16 with parental consent in certain cases), the program combines classroom instruction with practical experience, offering paid apprenticeships in food service and hotel management.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program empowers high school students to work with nonprofits on community projects while attending a leadership summit. The program includes an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit and a week-long summit in Washington, D.C. All expenses are covered.
The Big Picture
Don’t focus so much on impressing higher-ups that you overlook the value of connecting with your peers. The meaningful relationships you build with people in your stage of life can take you far. Your classmates today could be your colleagues—or even your bosses—tomorrow.
Act accordingly.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program offers coding lessons and career insights in technology through real-world projects. Participants gain computer science skills to prepare for tech careers. The program is free and offers both a two-week Summer Immersion Program (game design) and a six-week Self-Paced Program (exploring tech topics independently).
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
YYGS is a rigorous academic program at Yale University that brings together high school students from around the world. Participants engage in college-level seminars, workshops, and leadership-building activities. Financial aid is available, but the program is not fully funded. Students are responsible for transportation costs, though financial aid covers up to the full cost of tuition.
The Octavia Project
The Octavia Project is a free summer program based in Brooklyn for young women and trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming youth (ages 14-18) interested in science fiction, creative writing, art, science, and technology. The 5-week program runs from July 15 to August 15, 2024, at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Participants gain skills in digital media, art, writing, and STEM, and have access to professional mentors.
FIRE Free Speech Leadership Summit
The FIRE Free Speech Leadership Summit is a free, week-long summer program for rising 9th–12th graders interested in free speech. Participants gain a thorough understanding of free speech, leadership skills, and advocacy. The summit includes academic rigor, immersive activities, and hands-on projects. Students are responsible for travel arrangements, but transportation to and from Temple University is provided. Meals are included. Scholarships for travel assistance are available.