Free Summer Programs That Help High School Students Soar

Looking for engaging and valuable summer programs for high school students — with a focus on academics, leadership, college preparation, research, and more — but that don’t cost a lot of money? Believe it or not, high school students will find many great summer programs that are free, helping ensure motivated students can make the most of summer, even without a big budget. In this post you’ll find out more about free summer programs, why they matter, what they offer, along with a curated list of free — and awesome — summer programs you'll love!

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Summer break offers high schoolers a welcome release from school-day routines, but those high school summers are also a once in a lifetime opportunity to stretch your wings and try new things.

To make your summer count — for you personally and also for enhancing your college applications down the road — we encourage you to set your sights on programs that offer one or more of the following:

• Personal and experiential growth
• Academic enrichment
• Academic or career exploration
• Leadership development or service opportunities
• Preparation and planning for college admissions and college life

In this post, we want to remind readers that a wide range of high-quality summer programs are completely free, putting outstanding summer programs within reach, whatever your budget.

Keep reading to find out more about the value these programs offer. Then, get a head start exploring your options with our curated list of free summer programs for high school students.

Dispelling the Myth: Prestige Doesn’t Always Mean a Big Price Tag

Seeking free summer programs for high school students doesn’t mean settling for programs that are second tier. Not only do many free summer programs offer great opportunities, some of them are actually among the most challenging, selective, and prestigious — programs that are ideal for students who enjoy challenges and are eager to build a standout profile for college applications down the road.

On the list below, watch for programs such as RSI (at MIT), SIMR (at Stanford), and TASS. The examples are a reminder that free summer programs include many that are highly respected and sponsored by top-tier universities and organizations.

Why Free Summer Programs Matter

For many families, cost is a barrier to participation in enrichment programs.

These programs want to make sure they don’t miss qualified applicants who might not apply because of the costs involved.

The result is a greater level of access and equity when summer rolls around — for all motivated students — regardless of family income and resources.

That means these “free” programs are typically not just “tuition free” but they level the playing field by:

• Offering full tuition coverage
• Including housing, meals, and even travel
• Providing stipends in some cases
• Offering encouragement to students with less resources — students who might otherwise assume that great summer experiences are out of reach due to budget

Featured List: Free Summer Programs for High School Students

The list below is curated to highlight a diverse range of opportunities, so students find programs that focus on STEM, humanities, leadership, and more.

An important thing to keep in mind is that some of the programs listed may require applicants to submit proof of financial need. This means students from more affluent backgrounds may not be eligible. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements on each program website before applying!

Free Summer Programs for High School Students

Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

A fully funded, six-week seminar in the humanities and social sciences held at Cornell, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan, for rising juniors and rising seniors, ages 15–18.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

An 8-week biomedical research program at Stanford for current high school juniors and seniors, ages 16+, and who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Free virtual 2-week program for rising 9th–11th grade girls and nonbinary students. Teaches computer science and connects with tech professionals.

NASA High School Internships

Nationwide summer internships in STEM fields with NASA mentors. Hands-on experience in space science and engineering. Highly selective, for US high school and college students, plus additional programs for international undergraduate and graduate students (participating countries only).

National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)

Residential STEAM program in West Virginia for top students. Two selected per state; selection process varies by state — see program website for details.

Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS)

For secondary students in Africa aspiring to go to college. Offers a 6-day online workshop, or a 9-day residential summit in Kenya (August 9–17). Focus on leadership development and college preparation and planning.

Research Science Institute (RSI)

Top-tier STEM research program at MIT for high school juniors (seniors are not eligible). Fully funded 5-week program, combining on-campus work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.

USC Bovard Scholars

Three-week residential program at USC for high-achieving rising high school seniors offering leadership development, college planning, admissions advising, and career exploration programs.

Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Intensive 7-week research experience at Texas Tech for 12 top juniors and seniors. Includes $750 stipend. Some expenses not covered.

Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Two-week residential summer program at Penn State for students interested in an opportunity to take college prep courses in business fundamentals taught by Penn State faculty.

JCamp (Asian American Journalists Association)

A national, multicultural, 6-day journalism training camp for current high school sophomores and juniors. Taking place in Seattle, Washington.

Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University

Selective 6-week STEM program for current high school juniors or seniors (age 16+). Students do hands-on research in teams, mentored by scientists.

NASA & UT Austin SEES Internship

National STEM internship with virtual and in-person components at UT Austin, open to motivated high school students. Students work with NASA scientists on data analysis and space research. Program is free, but there are only a limited number of scholarships to offset the cost of travel to Texas.

Meaningful Teens

Virtual volunteer program for students interested in an opportunity to do volunteering during the summer. Tutors provide English and literacy instruction to refugees and low-income youth.

Important Reminders:

⚠️ The programs listed, while having strong educational or experiential value, are free. However, in some cases there may be some costs associated with participation, such as incidental costs or a registration fee for all applicants.

💡 Students with less resources shouldn’t limit their search to just “free” programs —  many other good programs out there offer need-based financial aid to offset some or all of the program costs.

How Top Summer Programs Can Boost Your College Applications

Top universities get inundated with applications from high performing students, but most top schools only have spaces for a relatively small fraction of the many qualified young scholars who apply each year. That’s why admissions officers look for more than strong grades and test scores.

To stand out, applicants need to show qualities that truly set them apart and put them on a path to exceptional future accomplishments.

Summer programs offer great opportunities you can invest time in for your own benefits and, in turn, for helping your college applications stand out, showing:

• Intellectual engagement beyond the classroom
• Commitments to specific interests or potential majors
• Your willingness to seek out opportunities and take initiative

Stepping out and seeking some summer challenges can also build self-awareness — which will help you add depth and nuance to your college essays and gain greater confidence and clarity about what you want to achieve in college.

In addition to the programs listed above, we've got many other companion articles with valuable tips and resources for making your summer count!

Check out our posts on academic competitions, summer volunteering programs, summer academic programs, and summer tutoring opportunities. You'll even find an article focusing on summer programs for discovery, exploration, and adventure!

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Program

The list above is a powerful reminder that there really are some great free summer programs out there. But this this list is just a beginning. Remember to research additional opportunities, including in your local geographic area.

As you pick the best fit, here's a recap of tips to guide you — be sure to consider:

• Your academic and personal goals
• Whether you’re looking for research, career exposure, or creative enrichment
• The level of selectivity — more selective can be hard to get into but more impressive on your college applications
• The program format (e.g., virtual vs. residential)
• Dates, schedules, location...
• Eligibility criteria — including age/grade level criteria; language proficiency requirements, and academic expectations or prerequisites

Reminder: It’s okay to apply to more than one, and start early to have a bigger selection to choose from.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing the best summertime opportunities — even without a big budget to make it happen — is possible. And, your effort to pursue the best free programs out there will also demonstrate your dedication, initiative, and resourcefulness. 

We always encourage students to dream big and apply boldly and widely. Whether it’s for  getting into a top university or making the most of what summer breaks can offer.

Need help choosing the right summer path or building a standout application?

Our advisors are here to guide you when you’re ready, with a personalized, one-stop approach to admissions advising that’s proven highly successful.

Getting started is as easy as scheduling a free feedback session. A friendly advisor will be eager to hear about your college journey, offer some feedback on your next steps or decision points, and answer any questions you have about joining the Crimson network!

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Join our free webinars on US university applications
• Free eBooks and guides to help with the college application process