Summer Programs for High School Students

What to Do With Your Summer

Choosing what to do over the summer is one of the most confusing decisions families face. There are tons of options to choose from, and it can be hard to tell what experiences would be the most helpful.

But the truth is simpler than it seems.

The best summer experiences are about fit: finding opportunities that align with a student’s emerging academic interests and allow them to do something distinct, meaningful, and authentic.

When you focus on high–major fit and low competition opportunities, you unlock pathways that stand out precisely because fewer students pursue them.

This guide will help you rethink summer planning through that lens, so each choice moves you closer to your college goals.

Our list of summer programs is split into several categories: STEM (CS and Engineering), STEM (Non-CS), Pre-Med, Business, Humanities, Pre-College Programs, Local to the Bay Area, Connecting with Community Institutions, and Independent Research Projects.

We do our best to maintain this list, but always check directly with the organization to confirm program details and application dates. Programs with asterisks (*) are the most selective.

STEM (CS & Engineering)

Summer STEM programs—whether hosted by universities, research institutes, or non-profit mission-driven organizations—offer students the chance to explore scientific fields in a structured, hands-on environment. These programs come in a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, physics, neuroscience, aerospace, biotechnology, environmental science, chemistry, and more. Many emphasize inquiry-based learning, team problem-solving, and exposure to real lab environments.

These experiences tend to work especially well for students who thrive with collaborative projects, benefit from faculty or graduate-student mentorship, and want some external structure. When weighing options, we encourage families to consider a program’s duration, selectivity, mentorship quality, and whether it enables students to produce something tangible (like a research poster, engineering prototype, or challenge submission) that can strengthen future applications.

Admissions Strategy
Because STEM programs vary significantly in rigor and reputation, their admissions value depends heavily on fit. A program can be especially valuable if you’re still clarifying which scientific fields you’re interested in or if you’re looking for accountability while building your technical skills.

More advanced programs, including research intensives, competitive engineering institutes, and selective lab placements, can meaningfully build on your narrative by deepening scientific practice and giving you rich experiences to write about in your applications.

ROAR Academy – UC Berkeley

Link: https://roar.berkeley.edu/roar-academy/
Typical Dates: Summer (July)
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
ROAR Academy offers online and on-campus summer courses in research, AI, and data science through UC Berkeley. Students learn to apply computational tools to real-world research questions. The program emphasizes mentorship and university-level rigor. It’s suited for students interested in computer science, engineering, or applied research.

Girls Who Code – Summer Immersion Program

Link: https://girlswhocode.com/programs/summer-immersion-program
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
Girls Who Code provides free summer programs that introduce high school students to computer science and coding. Participants learn programming languages, collaborate on projects, and explore careers in tech. The environment promotes inclusivity, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s a welcoming opportunity for students new to coding or tech.

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute*

Link: https://bwsi.mit.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March (but the online prep course registration typically opens in December)
MIT Beaver Works provides intensive project-based learning experiences in STEM disciplines. Students complete online preparatory coursework followed by hands-on labs in topics like robotics, AI, and engineering. The program encourages collaboration and creativity in solving complex problems. It’s ideal for students seeking advanced technical challenges.

MIT You GO Girl!

Link: https://outreach.mit.edu/program/you-go-girl/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Registration opens around April
This program introduces high school girls to engineering, computing, and design through hands-on workshops. Participants work with MIT mentors to complete creative technical projects. The experience highlights teamwork and confidence-building in STEM. It’s great for students exploring engineering and computer science in a supportive setting.

Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute

Link: https://coe.gatech.edu/future-engineers/k-20-initiatives/summer-engineering-institute
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
The Summer Engineering Institute introduces students to engineering design and innovation. Participants engage in hands-on projects that simulate real engineering challenges. The program encourages creativity, teamwork, and analytical problem-solving. It’s a strong starting point for students considering engineering degrees.

NASA Internship Programs & Other Opportunities*

Link: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
Typical Dates: Summer and Fall
Typical Application Due Date: February (Summer) and May (Fall)
NASA’s internship programs give students hands-on experience with research, engineering, and technology across NASA centers. Interns contribute to ongoing projects in space exploration and aeronautics. Programs vary in focus and duration. It’s one of the most recognized opportunities for students passionate about science and space.

NYU Machine Learning Program

Link: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/machine-learning.html
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: April
This NYU program introduces students to core principles of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Participants explore data analysis, algorithms, and real-world applications. Coursework emphasizes both coding and conceptual understanding. It’s suited for students with an interest in computer science and emerging technology.

NYU Tandon ARISE Program

Link: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/applied-research-in-science-and-engineering.html
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
ARISE offers high school students summer research experiences in NYU Tandon labs. Participants work with faculty mentors on engineering or science projects and attend workshops on college and career skills. The program emphasizes applied research and teamwork. It’s great for students aiming to experience authentic STEM research.

Northeastern University Young Scholars Program

Link: https://stem.northeastern.edu/summer/ysp/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
This program places high school students in research labs across Northeastern University to explore engineering and science topics. Participants work alongside faculty and graduate students on real projects. The experience includes seminars and professional development. It’s best suited for students ready for authentic research immersion.

United States Naval Academy Summer STEM Program

Link: https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php
Typical Dates: Summer (June)
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
The Naval Academy’s Summer STEM program introduces students to engineering, science, and technology through hands-on problem-solving. Participants work on design challenges, lab experiments, and team projects. The program encourages analytical thinking and leadership. It’s ideal for students interested in STEM fields and naval or military academies.

American Rocketry Challenge

Link: https://rocketrychallenge.org/
Typical Dates: March - May
Typical Application Due Date: December
The American Rocketry Challenge engages students in designing, building, and launching model rockets to meet specific altitude and flight-duration goals. Teams compete nationally, applying physics, engineering, and teamwork. The challenge emphasizes iteration and real-world aerospace principles. It’s ideal for students interested in engineering, physics, or aerospace design.

VEX Robotics

Link: https://www.vexrobotics.com/
Typical Dates: Dates Vary
VEX Robotics Competitions bring together teams of students to design, build, and program robots to complete specific engineering challenges. Participants develop coding, mechanics, and teamwork skills through iterative design. Competitions are held globally at local, regional, and national levels. It’s a premier platform for students interested in engineering and robotics.

USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)

Link: https://usaco.org/
Typical Dates: December - March
Typical Application Due Date: Free and open to all
USACO provides a series of competitive programming contests for secondary students. Participants solve algorithmic problems that increase in difficulty across divisions. The competition helps students master computational logic and efficiency. It’s widely respected for demonstrating technical skill and persistence in computer science.

University of Washington Center for Neurotechnology – Young Scholars Program (REACH)

Link: https://centerforneurotech.uw.edu/education/k-12/young-scholars-program-reach/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
The Young Scholars Program (REACH) introduces students to neural engineering and related STEM fields. Participants engage with curriculum and activities centered on brain–technology interfaces and research concepts. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and exposure to cutting-edge topics. It’s a strong option for students curious about neuroscience and engineering intersections.

NASA N3

Link: https://n3.sonoma.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
NASA N3 is put on through NASA’s Neurodiversity Network. Students explore STEM topics connected to planetary science, earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics, computer science, engineering, and biology and the physical sciences. The program offers experiences for neurodiverse students. They offer summer internships.

The Coder School – Tutoring

Link: https://www.thecoderschool.com/
The Coder School offers coding instruction for students through lessons and projects. Programs introduce or deepen skills in programming fundamentals and problem-solving. Students can build portfolio pieces while gaining confidence with code. It’s a good fit for beginners and developing coders alike.

The Coder School – Internship (UpCode, Palo Alto & San Ramon)

Link: https://www.thecoderschool.com/upcode-internship/
Typical Dates: Academic Year (unsure about summer)
Typical Application Due Date: Applications open in November for Spring
They have the UpCode internship for students in Palo Alto and San Ramon. The time commitment is 4–6 hours per week and lasts approximately from January to May. Students participate in an environment like tech consulting and have sprints, collaboration, and testing.

San Jose Tech Museum Tech Challenge

Link: https://www.thetech.org/education/tech-challenge/
Typical Dates: Showcase in April
Typical Application Due Date: Registration opens around November
The Tech Challenge is a hands-on engineering design program where student teams tackle a real-world problem with iterative prototyping and testing. Participants document their design process, build, test, and refine a solution, and present to judges. The experience emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and resilience through failure and improvement. It’s a solid entry point for students exploring engineering and design thinking.

Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program*

Link: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/careers/candidates/students-early-careers/high-school.html#lockheed-martin-space-high-school-internships
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: December
Lockheed Martin offers paid internships for high school students focused on aerospace, engineering, and computer science. Typically available in Sunnyvale, CA. Interns work with professionals on technical and project-based assignments. The program develops real-world problem-solving and teamwork. It’s well suited for students passionate about space, defense, and innovation.

Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship

Link: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/summer-research-internship
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
AIMI’s internship introduces students to research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and medical imaging. Participants collaborate with mentors on data-driven projects involving healthcare applications. The program emphasizes computational thinking and ethical AI in medicine. It’s excellent for students interested in computer science and biomedical innovation.

Stanford STaRS Internship (Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery)

Link: https://plasticsurgery.stanford.edu/content/sm/plasticsurgery/research/stars.html/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: November
STaRS provides research and shadowing experience in reconstructive surgery and biomedical engineering. Students work with faculty mentors and learn about innovation in medical technology. The program highlights the intersection of science, surgery, and design. It’s ideal for students drawn to both medicine and engineering.

Stanford Compression Forum – SHTEM Summer Internships

Link: https://compression.stanford.edu/outreach/shtem-summer-internships-high-schoolers-and-community-college-students
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Math) internships combine research and creative problem-solving. Students collaborate on interdisciplinary projects within Stanford’s Compression Forum. The program fosters innovation, communication, and critical thinking. It’s great for students interested in blending technology with broader human contexts.

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

Link: https://physics.stanford.edu/inclusion/spinwip
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
SPINWIP introduces high school students to experimental and theoretical physics through mentorship and research experiences. The program encourages female and gender-expansive students to pursue physics and related fields. Participants engage in projects and meet scientists in the Stanford community. It’s ideal for students curious about physics and research careers.

Synopsys Science Fair

Link: https://science-fair.org/
Typical Dates: February - March
Typical Application Due Date: November (SRC pre-approval) and January
The Synopsys Science & Technology Championship is a regional science fair that encourages student research and innovation. Participants design and conduct independent scientific investigations, presenting results to professional judges. Projects span categories from biology to engineering. It’s a strong entry point for students pursuing science competitions or research experience.

Santa Clara University – Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)

Link: https://www.scu.edu/engineering/beyond-the-classroom/outreach/summer-engineering-seminar-ses/
Typical Dates: July
Typical Application Window: Opens in December; closes in early spring
Santa Clara University’s Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) is a nationally recognized, weeklong residential program designed for high school sophomores and juniors interested in exploring the field of engineering. Hosted by SCU’s School of Engineering, SES provides an immersive introduction to multiple engineering disciplines through faculty-led lectures, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects. Participants live in campus residence halls, gaining firsthand experience of college life while connecting with university students, faculty, and industry mentors.

UC Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy (M.E.T.ia)*

Link: https://met.berkeley.edu/about-met/met-ia/
Typical Dates: Late June–Early July
Typical Application Due Date: December (Early Deadline)
The M.E.T. Innovation Academy at UC Berkeley is an intensive residential program designed for rising juniors and seniors who excel in STEM and are driven by entrepreneurial ambition. Hosted jointly by Berkeley’s College of Engineering and the Haas School of Business, the program blends hands-on engineering exploration with core entrepreneurial training. Students learn in a highly selective, fast-paced environment that mirrors the ethos of Berkeley’s elite Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology (M.E.T.) program. Participants develop prototypes at the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation, engage in workshops led by industry professionals, and build foundational skills in product development, design thinking, and business strategy. A highlight is the capstone project, where student teams pitch startup ideas to seasoned venture investors.

Berkeley Lab QCaMP

Link: https://quantumsystemsaccelerator.org/ecosystem/qcamp/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
QCaMP introduces students to quantum science concepts through lectures, projects, and interactive experiments. Participants learn directly from researchers in quantum physics and technology. The experience encourages inquiry and curiosity in emerging scientific fields. It’s ideal for students drawn to cutting-edge physics and computation.

Girls Garage – Summer Programs

Link: https://girlsgarage.org/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
Girls Garage provides design and building workshops that empower girls and gender-expansive youth. They have summer programs and after school programs. Students learn construction skills while working on meaningful community projects. The program emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and confidence-building. It’s an inspiring option for students interested in design, architecture, or hands-on creation.

Lawrence Hall of Science – Summer Teen Research Programs

Link: https://lawrencehallofscience.org/visitors/teen-research-programs/
Typical Dates: Dates Vary by Program
Typical Application Dates: Dates Vary by Program
The Summer Teen Research Programs at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science offer hands-on, weeklong STEM research experiences for students entering grades 7–12. Each program immerses participants in authentic, college-level science and engineering projects led by UC Berkeley educators and researchers. Teens explore topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, solar energy, animal behavior, marine biology, and field ecology, with opportunities to conduct experiments, analyze data, and present findings. Participants can choose between non-residential and residential options depending on the program.

Lawrence Hall of Science Camps & Teen Programs

Link: https://lawrencehallofscience.org/visitors/camps-classes/
Typical Dates: Year-Round (Summer, Winter, and Ongoing Teen Programs)
Typical Application Due Date: Varies by Program
The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley offers a diverse array of camps, classes, and teen opportunities designed to spark curiosity and deepen scientific understanding. Programs cover a wide range of STEM topics, from robotics and engineering to environmental science and hands-on experimentation. Whether a student is just beginning to explore science or already deeply passionate, The Lawrence provides experiences tailored to different ages and interests.

STEM (non-CS & Engineering)

Advanced STEM programs give you access to real scientific practice. These programs emphasize research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and field- or lab-based research projects. Many are led by university faculty, research scientists, or professional laboratories.

These opportunities are especially valuable for students who are intellectually curious, self-directed, and eager to experience the pace and rigor of a real lab. Whether through fieldwork on coastal ecosystems, molecular biology experiments in wet labs, or mathematical modeling alongside researchers, students gain exposure to both the methods and mindsets of working scientists.

When comparing programs, we encourage families to consider the depth of research and mentorship, as well as whether students will produce a formal deliverable such as a research paper or symposium presentation.

Admissions Strategy
Scientific research programs differ widely in competitiveness and scope. These experiences are most impactful when they meaningfully deepen your engagement with a specific scientific field and give you something concrete to write about in your essays.

Programs that provide direct mentorship from faculty, opportunities to contribute to authentic research, and structured chances to present your results often translate into compelling material for essays and recommendation letters.

Research Science Institute (RSI)*

Link: https://www.cee.org/programs/research-science-institute
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: December
RSI brings together talented high school students from around the world for an intensive summer research experience hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education. Topics include biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and humanities. Participants take college-level courses and conduct mentored research projects at MIT and nearby institutions. The program emphasizes independent investigation, analytical thinking, and scientific communication. It’s among the most prestigious high school research programs globally.

COSMOS – California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science*

Link: https://cosmos-ucop.ucdavis.edu/app/main
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Early February
COSMOS is a four-week residential program across several UC campuses that offers advanced coursework in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students join “clusters” focusing on specialized research themes led by faculty and graduate students. The program encourages inquiry, collaboration, and presentation of findings. It’s an excellent choice for California students seeking deep STEM exploration.

Science Summer Program (SSP) International*

Link: https://ssp.org/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January (international students) & February (domestic students)
The Summer Science Program is a five-week residential research experience at top universities where high school students conduct real scientific investigations using professional equipment and mentorship from leading scientists. Participants build lasting friendships, gain confidence and college readiness skills, and explore careers through guest lectures in fields like astrophysics and biochemistry. Beyond lab work, the program fosters community through inclusive learning, mentorship, and engaging social activities such as field trips and group events. Co-sponsored by MIT.

Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) – Iowa Belin-Blank Center

Link: https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/students/sstp/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
The Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) is a highly selective summer research experience for advanced 10th–11th graders, offering mentorship from top university faculty and hands-on participation in real research projects. Students live on campus, attend seminars, and gain both academic and personal growth in a supportive, college-like environment.

Duke University Marine Lab (DUML)

Link: https://learnmore.duke.edu/duke-university-marine-lab
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
DUML offers marine science programs where students study coastal ecosystems and marine biology. Participants conduct fieldwork, attend seminars, and engage in lab research. The program emphasizes ecological awareness and scientific inquiry. It’s perfect for students interested in ocean science and environmental sustainability.

University of Michigan Math and Science Scholars

Link: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mmss/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
This academic enrichment program provides intensive two-week courses in math and science topics. Students learn directly from university faculty and researchers in small-group environments. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. It’s suitable for students who want to explore advanced STEM topics in a collegiate setting.

UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute – Summer Youth Science Fellowship

Link: https://cancerresearch.uci.edu/education-and-training/high-school-students/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
This program invites high school students (juniors or seniors) to spend ~30 hours/week for five to six weeks working with faculty mentors in UCI cancer research labs. Students gain exposure to bench research, data analysis, and presentation of their work. It’s ideal for students interested in biomedical research, cancer biology, or lab-based STEM pathways. The mentoring and lab-placement nature make it strong for students wanting depth rather than survey-type programs.

UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP)*

Link: https://education.ucdavis.edu/ysp-about
Typical Dates: June – August (6 weeks)
Typical Application Due Date: March
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential research experience designed for high-achieving high school students interested in the biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. Each summer, about 40 participants conduct independent research under the mentorship of UC Davis faculty in cutting-edge university laboratories. Students develop a journal-quality research paper and present their findings at a formal symposium.

Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internships

Link: https://www.scripps.edu/science-and-medicine/translational-institute/education-and-training/student-research-internship/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
This program provides high school and undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research alongside Scripps scientists. Participants explore translational medicine and biomedical innovation. The experience includes mentorship, lab work, and exposure to medical research methods. It’s a top choice for students interested in biomedicine and life sciences.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)

Link: https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/high-school-students-ship
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) gives students the chance to work on research projects with scientists at a federal lab. Interns assist in data analysis, experiments, and technology development. The program emphasizes accuracy, integrity, and scientific communication. It’s a valuable research experience for aspiring scientists and engineers.

Boston University RISE Internship / Practicum*

Link: https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/rise-internship-practicum/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
BU’s RISE program offers two tracks: the Research Internship and the Practicum. Students either conduct research under faculty mentorship or complete a laboratory practicum focused on project-based work. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry, independence, and exposure to university-level research. It’s highly regarded for students pursuing careers in STEM.

MITES Summer Program*

Link: https://mites.mit.edu/discover-mites/mites-summer/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Early February
MITES Summer is a free, six-week residential program that provides rigorous STEM coursework and mentorship for rising seniors. Participants take classes in math, science, and humanities while exploring college and career pathways in STEM. The program promotes diversity, inclusion, and leadership in technology and engineering fields. It’s designed for high-achieving students seeking immersive academic growth.

NYU Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Link: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
STEP supports high-achieving students from historically underrepresented backgrounds through enrichment in science, math, and technology. Participants receive academic mentoring and hands-on STEM experience. The program fosters college readiness and career exploration. It’s designed for students seeking rigorous academic preparation in STEM.

University of Washington Youth & Teen Programs

Link: https://www.youth-teen.uw.edu/
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer options
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
The University of Washington offers enrichment programs for middle and high school students covering STEM, writing, and arts. Courses are taught by university instructors and emphasize creativity and critical thinking. Students can explore topics of interest while building academic skills. It’s an inclusive and flexible entry point to college-level study.

Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP)

Link: https://k12education.lbl.gov/programs/high-school/BLDAP
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
BLDAP pairs high school students with Berkeley Lab mentors for research and professional development. Participants gain exposure to lab environments and learn about STEM careers. The program emphasizes communication, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving. It’s a gateway into scientific research for motivated students.

Berkeley Lab Experiences in Research (BLER)

Link: https://k12education.lbl.gov/programs/high-school/experiences-in-research
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
BLER offers research opportunities for students to work with scientists and engineers at Berkeley Lab. Participants contribute to ongoing projects while developing lab and communication skills. The experience blends learning with professional collaboration. It’s excellent for students seeking early exposure to research careers.

Berkeley Lab / Joint BioEnergy Institute – Summer Science Intensive (ICLEM)

Link: https://www.jbei.org/education/research-experiences/iclem-program/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
ICLEM provides paid summer internships in bioenergy research for high school students. Participants learn biotechnology techniques and assist with experiments in professional labs. The program promotes scientific literacy, collaboration, and sustainability. It’s a strong fit for students exploring biology and environmental science.

Berkeley Lab – Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement (SAGE)

Link: https://k12education.lbl.gov/programs/high-school/sage
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
SAGE connects high school students with STEM professionals and hands-on learning at Berkeley Lab. Participants gain exposure to research environments and STEM career pathways. The program emphasizes mentorship and real-world context for scientific work. It’s a strong opportunity for students exploring STEM futures.

Exploratorium High School Explainers Program

Link: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/explainers/high-school
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year
Typical Application Due Date: Typically open in March (Summer) / July (School-Year)
The Exploratorium’s High School Explainers Program is a long-running youth development and workforce program that gives high school students ages 15–18 the opportunity to work as paid science educators at San Francisco’s world-renowned museum of science, art, and human perception. As part of the Exploratorium’s mission to foster inquiry and learning, Explainers engage visitors with exhibits, lead hands-on demonstrations, and support museum operations. Participants receive over 60 hours of training in science communication, exhibit facilitation, and career readiness, and many experience their first professional job through this program.

Marin Science Seminar

Link: https://marinscienceseminar.com/
Typical Application Due Date: Dates Vary (September for Fall Internships)
Marin Science Seminar hosts talks and learning opportunities connecting students with scientists and STEM professionals. Sessions expose students to current research and career paths. Only for students in Marin County. The format encourages curiosity, questions, and broader understanding of science in society. It’s helpful for students exploring STEM interests outside the classroom.

Bay Area Science Festival

Link: https://www.bayareasciencefestival.org/
Typical Dates: Fall
Typical Application Due Date: None (Public Event; Volunteer Deadlines Vary)
The Bay Area Science Festival is Northern California’s largest public STEM celebration, bringing together scientists, educators, universities, museums, corporations, and community organizations to spark curiosity and excitement about science. Organized by UCSF’s Science & Health Education Partnership, the festival features hands-on activities, demonstrations, workshops, and interactive exhibits designed to make science accessible and inspiring for learners of all ages.

NASA Internship Programs & Other Opportunities*

University of Washington Center for Neurotechnology – Young Scholars Program (REACH)

NASA N3

Synopsys Science Fair

Berkeley Lab QCaMP

Lawrence Hall of Science – Summer Teen Research Programs

Lawrence Hall of Science Camps & Teen Programs

Link: https://lawrencehallofscience.org/visitors/camps-classes/
Typical Dates: Year-Round (Summer, Winter, and Ongoing Teen Programs)
Typical Application Due Date: Varies by Program

The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley offers a diverse array of camps, classes, and teen opportunities designed to spark curiosity and deepen scientific understanding. Programs cover a wide range of STEM topics, from robotics and engineering to environmental science and hands-on experimentation. Whether a student is just beginning to explore science or already deeply passionate, The Lawrence provides experiences tailored to different ages and interests.

Girls Garage – Summer Programs

Pre-Med

Experiences include things like clinical shadowing, global health research, and interdisciplinary programs at the intersection of biology, data, and medicine. Many are run by major medical schools and research institutions (UCSF, Stanford, and UC health campuses, for example), which gives students the opportunity to learn directly from MDs, PhDs, and practicing clinicians.

Because many opportunities blend research with mentorship, seminars, and clinical exposure, they can help students clarify whether they are more excited by lab science, clinical practice, global health, or the growing intersection of AI and medicine.

When comparing options, we encourage families to consider whether a program offers hands-on clinical simulation, research responsibilities, structured mentorship, or opportunities to communicate findings through posters, symposia, or case-based presentations.

Summer programs are not the only way to prepare yourself for applying pre-med. Admissions officers also love to see students with practical experience like EMT or CNA work or volunteering in a hospital.

Admissions Strategy
Admissions officers respond best to evidence that you have meaningfully engaged with a healthcare topic over time, whether by contributing to research, exploring a clinical specialty, examining health disparities, or deepening your understanding of patient care.

The strongest programs are those that sharpen your sense of purpose, connect you with mentors, and result in substantive work or insight you can carry into essays and interviews. Deepening your own research or finding an interesting angle on your interests can help you stand out in admissions.

UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)

Link: https://summerstudents.ucsf.edu/
Typical Dates: Early June – Early August (9 weeks)
Typical Application Due Date: February–March
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) offers a rigorous nine-week research experience for high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences. Participants are matched with UCSF mentors—clinicians or researchers—who guide them through hands-on biomedical or clinical research projects. Alongside lab work, students attend seminars led by UCSF MDs and PhDs, engage in journal clubs, and participate in workshops, trainings, and networking events. The program culminates in a formal research symposium where participants present their findings to the scientific community.

UCSF AI4ALL – Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine Summer Program

Link: https://ai4all.ucsf.edu/
Typical Dates: July 8 – July 26 (3 weeks)
Typical Application Due Date: February–March
The UCSF AI4ALL program will be on hiatus in 2025, with plans to return in 2026. UCSF AI4ALL is a three-week, non-residential summer program introducing high school students to artificial intelligence with a focus on biomedical and healthcare applications. Through lectures, mentorship, and hands-on projects, participants explore how AI can transform biology, medicine, and clinical research. The program features instruction from UCSF faculty and professionals in the field, offering opportunities to learn coding, data analysis, and ethical AI principles while connecting with role models working at the intersection of technology and health.

Summer Researchers in Global Health (SRGH) – UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences

Link: https://globalhealthsciences.ucsf.edu/education/global-reach/summer-researchers-in-global-health/
Typical Dates: Six weeks, Summer (June–July)
Typical Application Due Date: April
The Summer Researchers in Global Health (SRGH) program, part of UCSF’s Global REACH initiative, is a six-week summer internship introducing rising high school seniors to global health research and real-world problem-solving. Hosted by the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences, SRGH pairs students from Bay Area high schools with expert global health practitioners and researchers across UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Merced.

Program for the Investigation and Training in Careers in Health (PITCH) – UCSF

Link: https://cseo.ucsf.edu/PITCH
Typical Dates: July 7 – July 25, 2025
Typical Application Due Date: March
The UCSF Program for the Investigation and Training in Careers in Health (PITCH) is a three-week summer experience designed to introduce first-generation and low-income high school students to the world of health and medical sciences. Hosted at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus, PITCH blends hands-on exploration, mentorship, and academic preparation. Participants engage with UCSF mentors to research critical health topics and present their findings at the PITCH Health Symposium.

Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center (CSSEC) Summer Internship

Link: https://med.stanford.edu/cssec/summer-internship.html
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
This program gives high school students exposure to cardiothoracic surgery through simulation and skill-based labs. Participants learn surgical techniques, anatomy, and teamwork in a clinical environment. The curriculum blends lectures with hands-on practice. It’s a rare and immersive experience for students interested in medicine or surgery.

Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences – Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNIX)

Link: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/CNIX.html
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
CNIX introduces students to neuroscience, mental health research, and clinical science. Participants attend lectures, engage in discussions, and gain exposure to psychiatric research. The program fosters scientific literacy and understanding of the brain-behavior connection. It’s suited for students exploring neuroscience, psychology, or pre-med interests. Virtual and in-person options.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

Link: https://med.stanford.edu/genecamp/process
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
GRIPS connects high school students with mentors in genomics research. Participants learn laboratory techniques, data analysis, and bioinformatics concepts. The program emphasizes teamwork and communication in scientific settings. It’s ideal for students interested in genetics, biology, or computational science.

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)*

Link: https://med.stanford.edu/pediatrics/education/pediatrics-internship-program.html
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
PIPS offers high school students exposure to careers in pediatrics through lectures, simulations, and mentorship. Participants learn about child health, medical ethics, and research. The experience emphasizes curiosity and compassion in clinical work. It’s an excellent introduction to pediatric medicine.

Stanford Anesthesia Summer Institute (SASI)

Link: https://med.stanford.edu/anesthesia/education/SASI/summer-internships.html
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: November (EDI), January (EDII)
SASI is a medical program introducing students to anesthesia, surgery, and related clinical fields. Participants observe demonstrations, attend workshops, and explore healthcare topics. The experience focuses on teamwork, physiology, and patient care principles. It’s designed for students with strong interest in medicine and health sciences.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Link: https://simr.stanford.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February
SIMR gives high school students the opportunity to conduct full-time research in Stanford’s medical labs. Participants are paired with mentors and work on projects across biomedical disciplines. The program includes seminars, networking, and final presentations. It’s one of Stanford’s most competitive and respected summer research experiences.

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (MedCSI)

Link: https://med.stanford.edu/medcsi.html
Typical Dates: Summer and Fall
Typical Application Due Date: February
MedCSI introduces students to clinical medicine through interactive workshops and hospital-based learning. Participants shadow physicians, learn diagnostic techniques, and attend lectures. The experience provides real insight into patient care and medical education. It’s ideal for students considering pre-med or health-related paths.

UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute – Summer Youth Science Fellowship

Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internships

UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP)*

UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)

UCSF AI4ALL – Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine Summer Program

Summer Researchers in Global Health (SRGH) – UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences

Program for the Investigation and Training in Careers in Health (PITCH) – UCSF

Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship

Stanford STaRS Internship (Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery)

Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship

Business experiences range from formal coursework at business schools to intensive startup incubators, global entrepreneurship challenges, leadership institutes, and hands-on investment competitions. Many are grounded in real-world problem-solving that include students pitching products, analyzing companies, collaborating on consulting-style projects, or working within simulated financial markets.

These programs are especially valuable for students who enjoy strategy, teamwork, and leadership. Because many experiences involve building something (a financial model, business plan, prototype, or pitch deck, etc.), they tend to attract students who thrive with applied learning and collaboration.

When comparing options, we encourage families to consider the topic of courses available and the opportunity to produce a tangible deliverable. The more interesting angles you have to write about in your essays, the better.

Admissions Strategy
Business is a broad academic and career interest, and selective programs can help students differentiate themselves. That said, the admissions value of these programs varies: some are academically rigorous and competitive (like Wharton’s programs or Berkeley Haas entrepreneurship), while others are accessible entry points that still allow students to explore business fundamentals.

Admissions officers respond well to experiences where students do something concrete—e.g., launch a project, compete in an investment challenge, conduct market research, or collaborate on a real project—rather than programs that simply “teach business.” The strongest programs help clarify your direction within business (entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, or social impact) and provide stories, skills, and accomplishments you can carry into essays, interviews, or future projects. Ultimately, what matters most is whether the experience deepens your intellectual or entrepreneurial curiosity and clearly advances your business narrative.

Wharton Summer Programs (including online options)

Link: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January (Priority) (select programs allow submission until March)
Wharton’s programs expose students to the fundamentals of business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Participants take courses taught by Wharton faculty and work on applied projects. The curriculum emphasizes analysis, leadership, and decision-making. It’s a respected academic experience for students exploring business education.

Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

Link: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/competitions/investment-competition/
Typical Dates: October - December
Typical Application Due Date: September
This is a free, hands-on investing challenge for high school students who work in teams with a teacher advisor to create and manage a virtual investment portfolio. Using the Wharton Investment Simulator, teams develop strategies and analyze companies to meet the goals of a fictional client over a 10-week period. Winners are chosen based on the strength of their strategy presentations rather than portfolio growth, with top teams advancing through semifinals to the Global Finale at Wharton in Philadelphia.

UCLA Anderson Summer Discovery Program

Link: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/media-entertainment-and-sports/student-experience/high-school-summer-discovery
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Varies By Program
Hosted by UCLA Anderson, this program focuses on business, media, and entrepreneurship. Students study leadership, marketing, and entertainment industry concepts through hands-on projects. The experience combines lectures with team challenges. It’s ideal for students interested in business strategy or media careers.

Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Link: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/diversity/business-opportunities-summer-session-boss
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
BOSS introduces high school students to college business programs and career pathways. Participants experience life at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, attending classes and workshops. The program focuses on leadership, teamwork, and academic readiness. It’s designed for students exploring business and management majors.

Berkeley Haas High School Summer Entrepreneurship – Berkeley Business Academy for Youth

Link: https://haas.berkeley.edu/business-academy/high-school-entrepreneurship/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth gives students a foundation in entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants learn from Haas faculty, collaborate in teams, and pitch original business ideas. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and creative problem-solving. It’s excellent for students eager to experience the Berkeley approach to business thinking.

Georgetown Entrepreneurship Academy

Link: https://summer.georgetown.edu/programs/SHS10/entrepreneurship-academy/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January (Early) or April (Final)
Georgetown’s Entrepreneurship Academy introduces high school students to startup culture and business strategy. Participants design ventures, develop pitches, and learn from Georgetown instructors. The program emphasizes collaboration and creativity. It’s great for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in innovation and social enterprise.

Babson Summer Study for High School Students

Link: https://www.babson.edu/high-school-programs/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February (Early Bird & In-Person) and March (Standard & Online)
Babson’s summer study program immerses students in entrepreneurship education through experiential learning. Participants identify opportunities, develop ventures, and collaborate with peers. The curriculum encourages creativity, leadership, and critical thinking. It’s a strong choice for students pursuing business or innovation-driven goals.

Lehigh Iacocca Global Entrepreneurship Intensive

Link: https://global.lehigh.edu/iacocca-institute/IGEI
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February (Priority) and rolling admissions after until spots are filled
This Lehigh University program teaches global entrepreneurship through project-based learning and cross-cultural collaboration. Students work in teams to design and pitch solutions to global business challenges. The experience blends leadership, innovation, and cultural awareness. It’s perfect for students interested in international business and teamwork.

Indiana University Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute

Link: https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/undergrad/pre-college/ywi.html
Typical Dates: Options in late Spring and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute introduces young women to business education and leadership. Participants take part in interactive workshops led by Kelley faculty and business professionals. The program fosters confidence, communication, and teamwork. It’s designed for students interested in leadership and gender equity in business.

Blue Ocean Global Student Entrepreneur Competition

Link: https://blueoceancompetition.org/
Typical Application Due Date: Submit pitch in February
The Blue Ocean Competition invites high school students to pitch innovative business ideas to a global panel of judges. Participants submit a video describing their idea and how it creates a “blue ocean” market—an untapped space in business. The competition emphasizes creativity, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurship. It’s a great opportunity for students interested in business innovation and presentation skills.

UT Dallas Stock Trader Competition

Link: https://jindal.utdallas.edu/top-trader-2/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: April / TBD
This competition challenges students to apply finance and investment concepts in simulated trading environments. Participants analyze markets, build portfolios, and compete for top performance. The experience highlights decision-making, quantitative skills, and risk management. It’s a good choice for students exploring finance, economics, or business careers.

LaunchX

Link: https://www.launchx.com/
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
LaunchX helps students create real startups through hands-on entrepreneurship training. Participants form teams, develop business ideas, and bring products to market with mentorship. The experience blends creativity, business fundamentals, and leadership. It’s a strong program for aspiring entrepreneurs who want practical startup experience.

Vogue Pre-College Programs

Link: https://www.voguecollege.com/academics/pre-college/
Typical Dates: Summer & Academic Year options
Typical Application Due Date: Dates Vary
Vogue’s pre-college offerings introduce students to fashion, design, and business fundamentals. Participants explore creative careers through classes on styling, visual merchandising, and brand management. The experience encourages artistic expression and industry awareness. It’s a solid option for students interested in fashion or creative entrepreneurship.

UC Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy (M.E.T.ia)*

Humanities & Social Sciences

Humanities and Social Science opportunities include writing, debate, philosophy, international relations, law, political science, languages, the arts, and community leadership. Many programs place students in intellectually rich environments where they read, debate big questions, analyze complex issues, and express themselves through writing, performance, or civic action.

These experiences are particularly valuable for students who thrive on discussion-based learning, enjoy synthesizing information from multiple perspectives, or want structured time to develop their voice.

Some programs emphasize rigorous academic inquiry through seminars and research; others focus on hands-on creative production, cultural immersion, or community engagement.

When weighing options, families should consider the level of academic challenge, mentorship opportunities, creative or research outputs (such as essays, projects, or performances).

Admissions Strategy
Humanities pathways are diverse and self-directed. Selective experiences—like TASS, NSLI-Y, SEGL, or competitive writing workshops—can show intellectual preparation, but community-based programs and volunteer roles can be just as powerful when they clearly align with a student’s narrative.

Admissions officers are looking for evidence of curiosity, reflection, communication skills, and the ability to grapple with complex ideas. Programs that help students produce tangible work (research papers, writing portfolios, debate records, policy projects, or community initiatives, etc.) often lead to strong essay material and sometimes compelling recommendations.

Ultimately, the most impactful experiences are those that deepen a student’s voice, broaden their worldview, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to understanding people, societies, and systems—and using those insights to contribute meaningfully to your community.

Research Science Institute (RSI)*

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)*

Link: https://www.nsliforyouth.org/
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year options; virtual options available as well
Typical Application Due Date: November
NSLI-Y offers fully funded summer and academic-year language immersion programs abroad for high school students. Participants study critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Russian while living with host families. The program builds cultural understanding and global competence. It’s a premier opportunity for students interested in language, diplomacy, and international relations.

Institute for Speech and Debate (ISD)

Link: https://ispeechanddebate.com/
Typical Dates: Summer, many different sessions
Typical Application Due Date: Register before the end of May to avoid a late registration fee
ISD provides summer debate camps across multiple locations, including Florida and North Carolina. Students train in public speaking, argumentation, and competitive debate. Sessions combine instruction, practice rounds, and feedback from experienced coaches. It’s a strong program for students looking to strengthen communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

NYU Tisch Future Artists

Link: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/tisch-future-artists.html
Typical Dates: January – May
Typical Application Due Date: November
Tisch Future Artists gives high school students the opportunity to study with NYU’s renowned arts faculty in film, drama, and visual storytelling. Participants complete college-level creative coursework and produce portfolio-ready projects. The program emphasizes experimentation and collaboration. It’s ideal for students passionate about performance, film, or visual art.

High School Law Institute (NYU)

Link: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/high-school-law-institute.html
Typical Dates: Academic Year
Typical Application Due Date: August
The High School Law Institute introduces students to legal concepts and courtroom procedures. Participants explore topics like constitutional law, criminal justice, and advocacy. Classes are taught by law students, providing peer mentorship and practical perspective. It’s ideal for students interested in law, debate, or policy.

UCLA Writing Project – College Ready Writers Camp

Link: https://centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/event/college-ready-writers/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
The UCLA Writing Project’s camp helps high school students develop college-level writing skills. Participants work on academic essays and personal narratives in a supportive workshop setting. The program encourages revision and creative expression. It’s a strong fit for students preparing for college applications and advanced writing.

The Encampment for Citizenship

Link: https://encampmentforcitizenship.org/efc-programs/summer-encampment/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
The Encampment for Citizenship is a residential summer program centered on social justice, democracy, and community action. Students from diverse backgrounds engage in workshops, discussions, and service projects. The environment fosters empathy, leadership, and collaboration. It’s ideal for students passionate about civic engagement and equity.

School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL)*

Link: https://schoolforethics.org/
Typical Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring options
Typical Application Due Date: February (Priority)
SEGL offers semester and summer programs that teach ethics, leadership, and policy analysis. Students live and learn in Washington, D.C., meeting with professionals and completing an Ethics and Leadership Action Project. The program emphasizes critical thinking and responsibility. It’s excellent for students drawn to ethics, government, or public service.

Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)*

Link: https://tellurideassociation.org/our-programs/high-school-students/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: December
TASS is a fully funded six-week humanities and social justice program for rising juniors and seniors. Students participate in college-level seminars and live in a self-governed community. The program develops intellectual curiosity, leadership, and collaboration. It’s one of the most selective and respected summer opportunities in the humanities.

Brown Leadership Institute

Link: https://precollege.brown.edu/programs/leadership-institute
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Rolling admission, May application deadline
The Brown Leadership Institute combines academic study with leadership training around issues like climate, race, and health equity. Students develop Action Plans to implement in their communities after the program. The experience blends classroom learning with practical change-making. It’s well suited for students passionate about social impact and community work.

Library of Congress High School Summer Internship*

Link: https://www.loc.gov/item/internships/high-school-summer-internship/?loclr=blogfam
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Ongoing
This internship offers students hands-on experience in library science, history, and archival work. Participants support ongoing projects at the Library of Congress. The experience emphasizes research, documentation, and public service. It’s a great fit for students interested in history, information studies, or government institutions.

Summer Senate Page Program*

Link: https://pageprogram.senate.gov/
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year
Typical Application Due Date: Varies by Session; Apply through your senator if available
The Senate Page Program allows high school students to assist in the daily operations of the U.S. Senate. Pages attend classes and witness legislative processes firsthand. The experience combines academics, civic learning, and professional exposure. It’s highly selective and suited for students interested in government or politics.

Yale Model United Nations (YMUN)

Link: https://ymun.org/
Typical Dates: January
Typical Application Due Date: Registration opens in June
YMUN brings together students from around the world to simulate the work of the United Nations. Delegates research global issues, debate policy, and draft resolutions in a collegiate setting. The experience builds diplomacy, teamwork, and public speaking. It’s one of the most respected Model UN conferences for high school students.

Scholastic Writing Competition (Scholastic Art & Writing Awards)*

Link: https://www.artandwriting.org/
Typical Application Due Date: Deadlines Vary by Region
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognize exceptional teen creativity across visual and literary categories. Students can submit original writing or artwork to compete for regional and national awards. The program values originality, skill, and personal voice. It’s one of the most prestigious creative competitions for high school students.

Civics Unplugged: Civic Innovator Fellowship for High Schoolers

Link: https://www.civicsunplugged.org/programs
Typical Dates: February
Typical Application Due Date: Opens in December
Civics Unplugged offers an 8-week virtual fellowship focused on civic innovation, leadership, and systems thinking. Students work collaboratively to identify community challenges and design actionable projects addressing real-world issues. The program emphasizes public speaking, creativity, and impact. It’s an ideal experience for students who want to move beyond classroom civics and build practical leadership skills.

Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops*

Link: https://kenyonreview.org/high-school-workshops/
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
This is a highly regarded creative-writing summer workshop for high school students, residential (and online options) where young writers work intensively in peer groups and instructors. The environment emphasizes craft, revision, and community rather than just surface exposure. It’s a strong fit for students whose major interest is writing, literature, or who want to develop a writerly voice.

Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (University of Iowa)*

Link: https://iyws.program.uiowa.edu/
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
The Studio offers both a 2-week residential summer program and 6-week online courses for high school students. Students choose core courses (fiction, poetry, etc.) taught by MFA-level instructors. It’s suited for students who take writing seriously and want specialized time to develop the craft.

Georgetown Hoya Summer Session

Link: https://summer.georgetown.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January (early bird) and April (final)
Georgetown offers a variety of pre-college courses and academies across disciplines including international relations, business, and law. Students experience college life while taking academically rigorous classes led by Georgetown faculty. The programs blend lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects. It’s a strong choice for students seeking early exposure to university-level learning in Washington, D.C.

Columbia Pre-College Program

Link: https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/programs/summer-programs
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
Columbia’s pre-college offerings allow students to take immersive, university-level courses across subjects such as writing, politics, and STEM. Participants engage in intensive seminars taught by Columbia instructors. The experience builds academic discipline and curiosity. It’s well suited for students who thrive in fast-paced academic environments.

Duke Pre-College Program

Link: https://learnmore.duke.edu/precollege
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year options
Typical Application Due Date: TBD
Duke’s pre-college program allows students to explore college-level topics in humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Participants take engaging courses led by Duke faculty and build critical thinking skills. The experience includes residential life and academic enrichment. It’s ideal for students wanting a well-rounded preview of college academics.

Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program

Link: https://summer.harvard.edu/high-school-programs/pre-college-program/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January (Early), February (Regular), and April (Late)
Harvard’s pre-college program offers two-week academic intensives in subjects ranging from law and philosophy to science. Students participate in seminars taught by Harvard instructors and live on campus. The program promotes academic curiosity and community building. It’s an excellent fit for students who want to experience Harvard’s academic environment firsthand.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Pre-College Program

Link: https://www.cmu.edu/pre-college/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: February (Early) or March (Final)
CMU’s pre-college programs give students access to university-level instruction in STEM, the arts, and the humanities. Participants can study computer science, design, drama, and more. Courses are taught by CMU faculty and mirror the rigor of college classes. It’s great for students interested in technical and creative disciplines alike.

Vanderbilt Summer Academy

Link: https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/for-students/vsa/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: January (Priority) but rolling admission continues for open spots
Vanderbilt Summer Academy offers academically gifted students advanced study in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Courses are led by university professors and focus on discussion-based, experiential learning. The program fosters intellectual exploration and personal growth. It’s ideal for curious and motivated learners.

UCLA Summer Opportunities (including online options)

Link: https://summer.ucla.edu/student-types/high-school-students/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
UCLA offers multiple summer opportunities for high school students, including academic courses, college-immersion programs, and creative workshops. Participants experience college life while earning credit. The programs emphasize learning by doing in a collaborative environment. They suit a wide range of academic interests and goals.

NYU High School Programs

Link: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs.html
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
NYU provides diverse academic and creative programs for high school students. Options include subjects such as the arts, engineering, humanities, and business. Participants study with NYU faculty and engage in college-style learning. It’s ideal for students who want to explore academic fields in a university setting.

Brown Pre-College Program

Link: https://precollege.brown.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Rolling, but final deadline in May
Brown’s pre-college program allows students to take rigorous courses in subjects across the arts, sciences, and social issues. The program promotes discussion, critical thinking, and independence. Students experience the open-curriculum style of Brown University. It’s suited for intellectually adventurous students who value academic freedom.

Dartmouth Pre-College Program (Online)

Link: https://precollegeonline.dartmouth.edu/
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
Dartmouth’s online pre-college courses provide interactive, flexible learning experiences in subjects such as economics, writing, and STEM. Students study under Dartmouth faculty through virtual seminars and projects. The format emphasizes engagement and accessibility. It’s an option for students wanting Ivy-level instruction remotely.

Rice Summer Programs

Link: https://summer.rice.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
Rice University’s summer offerings include academic courses and enrichment programs for high school students. Participants experience small-class learning and research-oriented instruction. The programs foster problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. They’re great for students seeking a rigorous yet supportive university environment.

University of Washington Youth & Teen Programs

Arizona State University Barrett Summer Scholars

Link: https://eoss.asu.edu/bss
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: April
Barrett Summer Scholars gives academically talented students a residential university experience. Participants take college-style courses taught by ASU professors and learn about the honors college environment. The program emphasizes academic growth, leadership, and campus engagement. It’s ideal for motivated students seeking a preview of honors-level education.

Barnard College Pre-College Programs

Link: https://precollege.barnard.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: December–Spring (Applications for Summer 2026 open December 1)
Barnard’s Pre-College Programs allow high school students to experience an immersive New York City summer rooted in intellectual exploration and independence. Participants can choose from multiple institutes spanning entrepreneurship, STEM, the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts. Courses are discussion-based, hands-on, and taught by Barnard faculty and experienced instructors. Students also engage directly with the city through fieldwork, workshops, and real-world learning. They have the Next Gen leadership institute and several specialized summer institutes, like the Athena Summer Innovation Institute or Sustainable Food Institute or the Health and Society Institute.

Carleton College Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI)

Link: https://www.carleton.edu/summer/
Typical Dates: July
Typical Application Due Date: February–March
The Summer Liberal Arts Institute at Carleton College gives academically motivated high school students an immersive introduction to the liberal arts. Participants live on Carleton’s residential campus, experience collaborative and hands-on coursework, and take part in structured social activities and field trips. The program emphasizes intellectual curiosity, community-building, and the chance to engage deeply with college-level material.

University of Chicago Summer Programs

Link: https://summer.uchicago.edu/pre-college/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
UChicago’s pre-college programs give students access to college-level courses in a range of subjects. Participants learn from university faculty and experience the rigor of Chicago’s academic environment. Some programs allow early applications for seniors. It’s ideal for students seeking a challenging and intellectually serious summer option. Participating in one of these programs may give you access to a special application round as a senior.

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)*

Link: https://cty.jhu.edu/
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer Programs
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
CTY provides academic programs for gifted students, both online and in-person. Offerings cover subjects from writing to STEM, emphasizing deep learning and exploration. Participants study with motivated peers and experienced instructors. It’s a strong enrichment opportunity for academically advanced students.

Stanford Compression Forum – SHTEM Summer Internships

Coro Northern California – Exploring Leadership (EL)

Link: https://coronorcal.org/program/exploring-leadership/#1509388358832-e0545695-d38e3525-e9a6
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: December (Priority) or January (Final)
Coro’s Exploring Leadership program combines an internship, a community action project, and leadership training. Participants gain direct experience in government or nonprofit settings while learning to drive community change. The program encourages reflection, collaboration, and civic responsibility. It’s particularly suited for Bay Area students interested in leadership and social impact.

Museum of American Heritage – Volunteer Opportunities

Link: https://www.moah.org/new-page-1
Typical Application Due Date: Rolling
The Museum of American Heritage welcomes student volunteers to help with exhibits and public programs. Volunteers assist in preserving and sharing historical artifacts related to innovation and technology. The program combines history, education, and community service. It’s a strong choice for students interested in museums, engineering, or local history.

Palo Alto Art Center – Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Link: https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Community-Services/Arts-Sciences/Palo-Alto-Art-Center/Volunteer/Teen-Service-Opportunities
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
The Art Center invites teen volunteers to assist with art education programs, exhibitions, and events. Participants support instructors, engage with younger students, and help with community outreach. The experience builds communication and organizational skills. It’s a great opportunity for students who love art and want to contribute locally. There are several programs available, so take a look.

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo – Teen Volunteer Program

Link: https://www.paloaltozoo.org/Get-Involved
Typical Dates: Academic Year and Summer
Typical Application Due Date: Rolling
The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo offers volunteer roles for teens interested in education, science, and animal care. Volunteers assist with exhibits, help staff programs, and support conservation education. The program encourages leadership, responsibility, and community involvement. It’s a fun and rewarding way for students to engage with STEM and service. Discovery Guide Volunteers must volunteer for one full year and be at least 15 years old.

HandsOn Bay Area – Volunteer Calendar

Link: https://www.handsonbayarea.org/calendar
Typical Dates: Varies Based on Program
Typical Application Due Date: Varies Based on Program
HandsOn Bay Area connects volunteers with community service projects across the region. Students can sign up for opportunities involving education, environment, health, and more. The platform provides flexible scheduling and direct local impact. You can look for organizations that suit your interests and needs.

Stanford Haas Center – Community Volunteering Resources

Link: https://haas.stanford.edu/resources/students/community-volunteering
The Haas Center for Public Service lists local organizations and resources for student volunteers. Opportunities include tutoring, mentoring, environmental projects, and civic engagement. The listings help students find causes that match their interests locally in Palo Alto. It’s a useful guide for ongoing service involvement and leadership development.

Peninsula Bridge

Link: https://www.peninsulabridge.org/
Peninsula Bridge provides academic programs and enrichment for students to support long-term educational success. Offerings include learning experiences and mentorship that help students build skills and confidence. The organization partners with families and schools to expand opportunity. It’s a good match for students seeking structured academic growth and support.

SF YouthWorks – Public Sector Internship Program

Link: https://www.jcycworkhub.org/programs/youthworks
Typical Dates: Summer and School Year Sessions
Typical Application Due Date: Spring (for Summer) / Fall (for School Year)
SF YouthWorks, part of the JCYC Workhub, offers paid internships that introduce San Francisco high school students to careers in local government and public service. Open to 11th and 12th graders who live in or attend school in San Francisco, the program provides hands-on experience at more than 30 San Francisco City departments, including the Public Utilities Commission, Public Library, and SF International Airport.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) – Internships and Youth Employment Programs

Link: https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/careers-sfpuc/internships-and-youth-employment
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year options
Typical Application Due Date: Varies by Program
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) offers multiple paid internship and youth employment programs designed to expose high school and college students to public service and STEM-related careers. Participants gain hands-on experience in fields such as engineering, environmental science, water and wastewater management, communications, finance, and information technology—all while working alongside professional mentors within SFPUC and other city departments.

California Volunteers – Youth Service Corps

Link: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/youth-service-corps/
Typical Dates: Year-round (varies by city or county program)
Typical Application Due Date: Rolling, depending on location
The Youth Service Corps, a statewide initiative led by California Volunteers in the Office of the Governor, engages young people ages 16–30 in paid public service opportunities that strengthen communities while building career pathways. It’s available in over 20 locations statewide—including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and Fresno. In partnership with local governments and community-based organizations across California, participants work on projects in three priority areas: public service, food security, and climate action.

Pre-College Programs

Pre-college programs offer structured, university-affiliated experiences that give students a firsthand look at college academics and campus life. Most include seminar-style classes taught by faculty or graduate students, opportunities to explore potential majors, and access to campus resources such as makerspaces, labs, and libraries.

These programs can be excellent tools for intellectual exploration. Families should evaluate offerings based on the academic experience: Does the curriculum help the student go deeper in an existing interest, test-drive a possible major, or explore a new field that meaningfully contributes to their academic narrative?

Admissions Strategy

Attending a pre-college program does not increase your admissions odds at that institution. The strength lies in the exposure, learning, and stories that might become college essays later on. Pre-college programs are especially helpful if a student (a) needs structured support to explore a potential major, (b) wants to deepen an existing area of interest, or (c) hopes to branch into a new academic direction in a way that complements their profile. Many students reference these experiences in essays about intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and community.

Georgetown Hoya Summer Session

Columbia Pre-College Program

Cornell Precollege Studies

Link: https://sce.cornell.edu/precollege
Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year
Typical Application Due Date: Based on Program Session
Cornell’s programs provide exposure to real-world problem solving and design. Students learn from faculty and current engineering students while participating in labs and team projects. Courses highlight critical thinking and collaboration. It’s a strong introduction to the mindset and methods of engineering study.

Duke Pre-College Program

Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Pre-College Program

Vanderbilt Summer Academy

UCLA Summer Opportunities (including online options)

UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)

Link: https://summer.ucla.edu/summer-programs/summer-college-immersion-program/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: April (International Students) and May (Domestic Students)
SCIP provides high school students with the opportunity to take college-level UCLA courses for credit during the summer. Participants join workshops, advising sessions, and community activities. The program emphasizes academic preparation and university life experience. It’s perfect for motivated students who want to test college coursework in a real campus setting.

NYU High School Programs

Brown Pre-College Program

Dartmouth Pre-College Program (Online)

Rice Summer Programs

University of Washington Youth & Teen Programs

Arizona State University Barrett Summer Scholars

Barnard College Pre-College Programs

Link: https://precollege.barnard.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: December–Spring (Applications for Summer 2026 open December 1)

Barnard’s Pre-College Programs allow high school students to experience an immersive New York City summer rooted in intellectual exploration and independence. Participants can choose from multiple institutes spanning entrepreneurship, STEM, the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts. Courses are discussion-based, hands-on, and taught by Barnard faculty and experienced instructors. Students also engage directly with the city through fieldwork, workshops, and real-world learning. They have the Next Gen leadership institute and several specialized summer institutes, like the Athena Summer Innovation Institute or Sustainable Food Institute or the Health and Society Institute.

Carleton College Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI)

Link: https://www.carleton.edu/summer/
Typical Dates: July
Typical Application Due Date: February–March

The Summer Liberal Arts Institute at Carleton College gives academically motivated high school students an immersive introduction to the liberal arts. Participants live on Carleton’s residential campus, experience collaborative and hands-on coursework, and take part in structured social activities and field trips. The program emphasizes intellectual curiosity, community-building, and the chance to engage deeply with college-level material.

University of Chicago Summer Programs

Stanford Summer Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Link: https://summerinstitutes.spcs.stanford.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March

Stanford Summer Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers academically rigorous, short-term summer courses for high school students. These programs allow students to explore advanced topics, experience college-style learning, and engage with peers from around the world. These programs are less selective than some of Stanford’s other summer opportunities, making them more accessible while still providing strong academic engagement.

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)*

Local to the Bay Area

Some of the most meaningful (and most overlooked) experiences for high school students are right outside their front doors. Getting involved in your local community means finding opportunities that are more accessible, authentic, and often more memorable than big-name national summer programs. Whether you’re volunteering at a neighborhood museum, working alongside researchers at Berkeley Lab, joining a community action project, or participating in a local engineering challenge, these experiences show colleges something incredibly valuable: that you’re a committed community member who contributes to the world around you.

Local involvement also lets students pursue highly niche interests that might not exist elsewhere. These programs and opportunities can become defining elements of a student’s academic or service identity, which often leads to richer essay topics, stronger recommendation relationships, and multi-year commitments that show your dedication to your interests.

Perhaps most importantly, colleges respond well to students who put in real work to make an impact, show responsibility, and engage with questions that are important to them. In many cases, it’s local experiences make that possible.

UC Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy (M.E.T.ia)*

Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP)

Berkeley Lab Experiences in Research (BLER)

Berkeley Lab / Joint BioEnergy Institute – Summer Science Intensive (ICLEM)

Berkeley Lab QCaMP

Berkeley Lab STEM Career Talks

Link: https://k12education.lbl.gov/programs/virtual/career-talks
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Registration Due Date: Register before the webinars to attend live
This is not so much a summer program as it is a way to explore different STEM careers. STEM Career Talks connect students with Berkeley Lab scientists through live and recorded presentations. Participants learn about different research careers, academic paths, and lab work. The sessions provide insight into professional life in STEM. It’s a flexible, accessible opportunity for students exploring scientific careers. Watch past recordings here.

Berkeley Lab – Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement (SAGE)

Girls Garage – Summer Programs

Exploratorium High School Explainers Program

Link: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/explainers/high-school

Typical Dates: Summer and Academic Year
Typical Application Due Date: Typically open in March (Summer) / July (School-Year)
The Exploratorium’s High School Explainers Program is a long-running youth development and workforce program that gives high school students ages 15–18 the opportunity to work as paid science educators at San Francisco’s world-renowned museum of science, art, and human perception. As part of the Exploratorium’s mission to foster inquiry and learning, Explainers engage visitors with exhibits, lead hands-on demonstrations, and support museum operations. Participants receive over 60 hours of training in science communication, exhibit facilitation, and career readiness, and many experience their first professional job through this program.

Lawrence Hall of Science – Summer Teen Research Programs

Coro Northern California – Exploring Leadership (EL)

Peninsula Bridge

Marin Science Seminar

Museum of American Heritage – Volunteer Opportunities

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo – Teen Volunteer Program

Palo Alto Art Center – Teen Volunteer Opportunities

HandsOn Bay Area – Volunteer Calendar

Stanford Haas Center – Community Volunteering Resources

Stanford Summer Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Link: https://summerinstitutes.spcs.stanford.edu/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March

The Coder School – Internship (UpCode, Palo Alto & San Ramon)

San Jose Tech Museum Tech Challenge

UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)

UCSF AI4ALL – Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine Summer Program

Summer Researchers in Global Health (SRGH) – UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences

Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program*

Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship

Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center (CSSEC) Summer Internship

Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences – Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNIX)

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)*

Stanford Anesthesia Summer Institute (SASI)

Stanford STaRS Internship (Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery)

Stanford Compression Forum – SHTEM Summer Internships

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (MedCSI)

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

Synopsys Science Fair

Santa Clara University – Young Scholars Program

Link: https://www.scu.edu/ysp/
Typical Dates: Summer
Typical Application Due Date: March (Early) or April (Regular)
Santa Clara’s Young Scholars Program invites high-achieving students to take real undergraduate courses for credit. Participants engage with university professors and join a close academic community. The experience builds readiness for college coursework. It’s best for students seeking both challenge and transferable credit.

Program for the Investigation and Training in Careers in Health (PITCH) – UCSF

Santa Clara University – Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) – Internships and Youth Employment Programs

SF YouthWorks – Public Sector Internship Program

Link: https://www.jcycworkhub.org/programs/youthworks
Typical Dates: Summer and School Year Sessions
Typical Application Due Date: Spring (for Summer) / Fall (for School Year)

SF YouthWorks, part of the JCYC Workhub, offers paid internships that introduce San Francisco high school students to careers in local government and public service. Open to 11th and 12th graders who live in or attend school in San Francisco, the program provides hands-on experience at more than 30 San Francisco City departments, including the Public Utilities Commission, Public Library, and SF International Airport.

California Volunteers – Youth Service Corps

The Youth Service Corps, a statewide initiative led by California Volunteers in the Office of the Governor, engages young people ages 16–30 in paid public service opportunities that strengthen communities while building career pathways. It’s available in over 20 locations statewide—including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and Fresno. In partnership with local governments and community-based organizations across California, participants work on projects in three priority areas: public service, food security, and climate action.

Bay Area Science Festival

Link: https://www.bayareasciencefestival.org/
Typical Dates: Fall
Typical Application Due Date: None (Public Event; Volunteer Deadlines Vary)

The Bay Area Science Festival is Northern California’s largest public STEM celebration, bringing together scientists, educators, universities, museums, corporations, and community organizations to spark curiosity and excitement about science. Organized by UCSF’s Science & Health Education Partnership, the festival features hands-on activities, demonstrations, workshops, and interactive exhibits designed to make science accessible and inspiring for learners of all ages.

Lawrence Hall of Science Camps & Teen Programs

Link: https://lawrencehallofscience.org/visitors/camps-classes/
Typical Dates: Year-Round (Summer, Winter, and Ongoing Teen Programs)
Typical Application Due Date: Varies by Program

Connecting with Local Institutions

Students often underestimate the richness of opportunities available right in their own communities. Local libraries, museums, historical societies, symphonies, literary journals, arts organizations, and even retirement communities frequently offer internships, volunteer roles, or opportunities to design independent projects. These organizations are often delighted to work with motivated high school students.

Rather than slotting into a pre-designed national program with hundreds of other students, local opportunities allow you to build real relationships, create visible work, and contribute directly to your community. Students who think creatively about their local communities often uncover opportunities that perfectly match their emerging academic interests.

For example, a student interested in AI ethics might partner with a public library to run a community discussion series; a budding historian could help digitize oral histories for a local historical society; a biomedical student might create a health education workshop for a nearby retirement community. These are projects no one else has, and they’re only possible because they start locally.

Why Admissions Officers Value Local Work

When an admissions officer reads an application from a student who has invested deeply in their local community, the application signals a few things immediately:

You’re the kind of person who lifts communities up. Colleges look for students who will do the same on their campus.
Your work is visible and real. You’ve put in your own time and effort to make people’s lives better.
Your contributions are unique. The more niche or community-rooted the project, the more memorable it is in a competitive applicant pool. This can help you stand out.

Admissions officers consistently say that they are moved by students who demonstrate presence, show up for their community, build real relationships, and engage with the world around them in an intentional way. They know that students who contribute meaningfully in high school tend to become the culture-setters, leaders, and collaborators on their college campuses.

How to Find Local Institutions to Connect With

Finding local opportunities is easier than most students realize. You just need a simple strategy and a willingness to reach out.

1. Start With Your Interests

Begin by naming 1–3 areas you care about. Having a specific focus makes it much easier to identify the right organizations.

Ask yourself:

What subjects or problems excite me?
Which communities do I want to support?
What skills do I want to build or practice?
How might this connect to my academic interest?

2. Map Out the Organizations in Your Community

Almost every town or city has more opportunities than you think. Look for:

Libraries
Museums (art, science, local history)
Historical societies
Senior centers or retirement homes
Youth centers
Local nonprofits
Parks and nature preserves
Community theaters or arts organizations
Local symphonies or music groups
Literary magazines or writing groups
Local businesses with educational or outreach arms

Make a simple list of 5–10 places that match your interests.

3. Check Their Websites for Teen Programs

Many organizations already have structured opportunities for teens like internships, ambassador roles, research projects, event support, or volunteer programs. These are often under-enrolled and easy to join.

Look for sections like:

Volunteer
Youth Programs
Internships
Ambassadors
Education
Community Engagement

4. Reach Out Even If Nothing Is Posted

Some of the best opportunities come from emailing an organization to propose helping with something that matches their mission.

Your message can be simple:

Introduce yourself and place in the community
Explain your interest
Share one idea for how you could contribute
Ask if they’re open to student involvement

You’d be surprised how often organizations enthusiastically say yes, especially when your proposal shows genuine interest and low lift.

5. Look for Gaps You Can Fill

Sometimes organizations have big goals but not enough time, staff, or resources to implement them. That’s where you can help!

When reaching out to organizations, you should be polite and generous about what they do offer. But tactfully asking questions about gaps in their programming may also lead to inroads for you to help:

A local museum that doesn’t have teen programming
A library that wants more STEM workshops
A historical society with archives to digitize
A senior center that could use a reading or tech-help group
A community garden needing data collection or event help

If you can solve a small problem for them without much work on their end, they’ll probably say yes.

Independent Passion Project

An independent passion project allows students to design and execute their own work, like building an app, writing a novella, launching a tutoring initiative, training a machine learning model, producing a podcast, or conducting community-based research.

These projects often become the most authentic and differentiated parts of a student’s story because they demonstrate initiative, follow-through, creativity, and problem-solving.

An independent project needs to be meaningful and aligned with a genuine interest. The best projects solve a real problem, contribute something original, and show clear growth over time.

Admissions Strategy

Independent projects are one of the strongest ways to differentiate yourself in admissions. Admissions officers appreciate unique, memorable, even “weird” stories. They also really value tangible actions that help others. Passion projects allow you to do both. Ideas that combine topics in interesting ways (e.g., humanities and STEM), are usually the most compelling. Projects with authentic roots often lead to some of the best essays.

This section will help you start brainstorming passion projects. You’ll find places to download real data sets, citizen science opportunities, humanities and STEM resources, and more.

Datasets

Data.gov (U.S. Government Open Data Portal)

Link: https://data.gov/
This is not a summer program, but it’s a resource that may help you think of your own independent project. Data.gov is the United States government’s central open data repository, offering hundreds of thousands of public datasets across fields such as health, climate, education, economics, transportation, and technology. Students can freely explore, download, and analyze these datasets to support independent research, data science projects, policy investigations, competition submissions, or personal passion projects.

Our World in Data (OWID) – Global Research & Open Data Platform

Link: https://ourworldindata.org/
Our World in Data is a free, open-access research platform that compiles high-quality global datasets on topics such as climate change, energy, health, economics, demographics, food systems, and inequality. Students can browse curated charts, download source datasets, and explore interactive visualizations. OWID is ideal for independent research because each dataset is accompanied by detailed documentation, citations, and ready-to-use CSV files. It’s an excellent resource for starting data-driven projects in public policy, global development, environmental science, machine learning, or social sciences.

Google Dataset Search

Link: https://datasetsearch.research.google.com/
Google Dataset Search functions like a search engine exclusively for datasets, indexing millions of publicly available datasets from universities, government agencies, research labs, and organizations worldwide. Students can find data on everything from wildfire patterns and genomics to economics, social surveys, and satellite imagery. It’s a powerful entry point for students who have a topic in mind but need to locate reliable, project-ready data to begin independent research or analysis.

Harvard Dataverse – Open Social Science & Research Repository

Link: https://dataverse.harvard.edu/
Harvard Dataverse hosts one of the largest archives of social science research data, including studies on education, political science, sociology, public health, psychology, and economics. Many datasets come from peer-reviewed papers, making them ideal for students who want to replicate, extend, or reinterpret real academic research. It’s a great starting place for independent projects involving statistical analysis, policy research, or humanities-adjacent social science work.

ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research)

Link: https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/
ICPSR provides access to thousands of high-quality datasets used by social scientists, covering topics such as youth behavior, criminal justice, education, health, civic engagement, and elections. Many datasets include codebooks and documentation that help students understand variables and replicate empirical studies. It’s especially useful for students interested in political science, sociology, psychology, or public policy who want to develop rigorous, data-driven independent projects.

National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA NCEI) – Climate & Environmental Data

Link: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/
NOAA’s NCEI provides one of the world’s largest archives of environmental and climate data, including temperature records, severe weather events, ocean conditions, atmospheric chemistry, and satellite imagery. Students interested in climate science, environmental research, or sustainability projects can download data directly and build analyses, predictive models, or policy-focused research. It’s ideal for students who want to explore long-term climate trends or real-world environmental questions.

UN Data – United Nations Global Statistics Platform

Link: https://data.un.org/
UN Data aggregates international statistics from UN agencies, covering population, health, environment, labor, energy, education, gender, and economic development. Students can easily extract cross-country data for comparative studies or global policy research. This resource is especially suited for projects exploring development economics, public health trends, or international policy issues.

UCI Machine Learning Repository – Classic ML Datasets

Link: https://archive.ics.uci.edu/
The UCI ML Repository is a long-standing archive of hundreds of machine learning datasets used in academic research. Students can download structured datasets on topics like biology, imaging, text analysis, sensor data, and social behavior. It’s an excellent starting point for independent ML research, algorithm exploration, or model-building projects.

Citizen Science

Zooniverse – Online Citizen Science Research Platform

Link: https://www.zooniverse.org/
Zooniverse is the world’s largest platform for online citizen science projects, enabling students to participate in real research across fields such as astronomy, ecology, biology, climate science, history, and the humanities. Students can help classify galaxies, transcribe historical documents, identify wildlife from camera traps, or process medical images. Many students use Zooniverse projects as the foundation for independent investigations or research questions they later pursue more deeply.

SciStarter – Citizen Science Project Hub

Link: https://scistarter.org/
SciStarter aggregates thousands of citizen science projects from universities, nonprofits, and government agencies. Students can filter by topic, required skill level, and whether projects are online or in-person. Topics range from water quality monitoring and meteorology to neuroscience and digital archiving. SciStarter is an excellent place to find an accessible, structured starting point for a research question or ongoing independent project.

U.S. Citizen Science Opportunities (Federal & State Projects)

Link: https://www.usa.gov/citizen-science
The U.S. government’s citizen science portal connects students with real-world scientific and research projects across federal agencies. Also known as participatory science, these opportunities allow volunteers to contribute meaningful data, support active research, and engage with scientific fields ranging from climate and ecology to health, space, and digital archiving. Projects are available nationwide and often require no prior expertise, making them accessible entry points for students interested in hands-on, impact-driven learning.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Project Gutenberg (Literary & Historical Texts Archive)

Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/
Project Gutenberg offers over 70,000 free digitized books—novels, essays, historical documents, poetry, and primary sources. Students can explore early literature, compare historical writing styles, conduct textual or thematic analyses, or create creative projects inspired by classic works. It’s ideal for humanities-focused independent projects in literary analysis, philosophy, history, or creative writing.

Library of Congress – Digital Collections

Link: https://www.loc.gov/collections/
The Library of Congress provides extensive digital archives including photographs, newspapers, letters, maps, sound recordings, films, and rare manuscripts. Students can build independent research projects using primary sources—such as analyzing propaganda posters, studying migration patterns through maps, or creating documentaries using historical footage. It’s a treasure trove for history, journalism, art, and cultural research.

NYPL Digital Collections (New York Public Library)

Link: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/
NYPL’s digital archive includes artwork, photography, fashion sketches, historical atlases, sheet music, posters, and ephemera. Students can use these materials for creative history projects, fashion analysis, design inspiration, or multimedia storytelling. The visual resources make it ideal for students exploring arts, history, or cultural studies.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) – Open Mapping & Cartography Platform

Link: https://www.openstreetmap.org/
OSM is a crowdsourced global map that students can edit, analyze, or build projects on. This is ideal for geography, urban planning, environmental studies, or civic project students. They can map local features, identify accessibility issues, or create map-based community solutions. It’s a great creative alternative to traditional data analysis.

Smithsonian Learning Lab & Digital Collections

Link: https://learninglab.si.edu/
The Smithsonian offers digitized artifacts, research guides, museum collections, lesson plans, and interactive exhibitions. Students can explore aviation history, Indigenous arts, biodiversity, photography, space exploration, and more. Projects can range from museum-style curation to historical analysis or STEM-inspired builds.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP)

Link: https://plato.stanford.edu/
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy offers rigorously peer-reviewed articles on philosophical concepts, thinkers, and debates. Students can explore topics in ethics, logic, metaphysics, AI ethics, political philosophy, or the philosophy of science. Each article includes citations, making it a powerful starting point for independent philosophical essays, debate research, or interdisciplinary projects involving ethics and technology.

AI Ethics & Society Resources (AIES Conference + Papers)

Link: https://www.aies-conference.org/
AIES is one of the leading conferences exploring the societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Students can access published papers on fairness, bias, accountability, privacy, and the philosophical foundations of AI. It’s an excellent starting point for interdisciplinary projects that combine computer science with ethics, sociology, or public policy.

Harvard's “Science & Society” Initiative – Resources & Case Studies

Link: https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/
Harvard provides accessible articles and case studies that connect scientific research to social, political, and ethical dimensions. Topics include CRISPR ethics, climate justice, health disparities, and algorithmic bias. These articles are an excellent source for generating complex, interdisciplinary research questions.

Data Feminism (MIT Press Open Access)

Link: https://data-feminism.mitpress.mit.edu/
Data Feminism introduces students to the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of data science, highlighting issues of bias, power, and representation. The book is fully open access and provides frameworks for students interested in projects at the intersection of data science, sociology, and ethics.

UNESCO – AI, Ethics, and Human Rights Guidelines

Link: https://www.unesco.org/en/artificial-intelligence
UNESCO offers globally recognized frameworks for ethical AI, digital inclusion, algorithmic governance, and human rights in tech. These resources help students situate technological innovation within global policy debates and justice frameworks—excellent for globally minded interdisciplinary projects.

Science History Institute – Digital Collections

Link: https://digital.sciencehistory.org/
This archive includes documents, images, oral histories, and artifacts related to chemistry, medicine, physics, and engineering. Students can study how science evolves culturally and ethically, or build projects exploring the history and societal impact of a particular technology or discovery.

Volunteer Organizations

HandsOn Bay Area – Volunteer Calendar

Link: https://www.handsonbayarea.org/calendar
HandsOn Bay Area connects volunteers with community service projects across the region. Students can sign up for opportunities involving education, environment, health, and more. The platform provides flexible scheduling and direct local impact. You can look for organizations that suit your interests and needs.

Stanford Haas Center – Community Volunteering Resources

California Volunteers – Youth Service Corps

Link: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/youth-service-corps/

STEM

Synopsys Science Fair

Instructables – DIY Engineering & Maker Projects

Link: https://www.instructables.com/
Instructables is a community-driven platform of buildable projects in engineering, robotics, crafting, cooking, design, and tech. Students can follow step-by-step tutorials or remix ideas to create original works—such as custom robotics builds, wearable tech, environmental sensors, or art installations. It’s perfect for hands-on passion projects that blend creativity and engineering.

Raspberry Pi Projects – Official Raspberry Pi Tutorials

Link: https://projects.raspberrypi.org/
Raspberry Pi’s project library includes step-by-step builds involving coding, AI, computer vision, robotics, cybersecurity, digital fabrication, and environmental sensing. Students can extend these tutorials into full engineering or computer science projects. The platform is excellent for students wanting to build technical passion projects on a budget.

Make: Magazine – DIY Engineering & Maker Projects

Link: https://makezine.com/
Make: publishes DIY engineering builds, electronics instructions, maker tutorials, and inventive STEM challenges. Students can learn fabrication techniques, explore creative engineering approaches, and gain inspiration for independent hardware projects. It’s a strong platform for students who enjoy tinkering, prototyping, and hands-on experimentation.

CERN DIY Physics & At-Home Experiments

Link: https://education.cern/
CERN’s education resources include hands-on physics activities, particle physics simulations, and practical experiments students can do from home or school. It’s a unique resource for students wanting to explore physics beyond the textbook and develop physics-based independent projects.

PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder)

Link: https://phet.colorado.edu/
PhET offers interactive simulations in physics, chemistry, math, earth science, and biology. Students can run virtual experiments to test hypotheses, model physical phenomena, or build conceptual research projects. This is especially useful for students who want a STEM project without needing lab access.

MIT Edgerton Center – Engineering, Optics, & High-Speed Photography Projects

Link: https://edgerton.mit.edu/
The Edgerton Center shares hands-on engineering experiments, high-speed photography challenges, and optics-based explorations. Students can replicate famous MIT labs at home and adapt them into independent projects in physics, engineering, or creative STEM imaging.

Passion Project Support

Polygence

Link: https://www.polygence.org/

Polygence is a 1:1 research and passion-project mentorship platform that pairs high school students with academics and industry experts. Students work directly with a mentor to design and complete an original project—anything from a machine learning model to a psychology paper to a public policy brief. The experience is flexible, intellectually serious, and personalized. For students who want the depth of a research program without the barriers of traditional lab access, Polygence provides a structured path to producing real, meaningful work.

Lumiere

Link: https://www.lumiere-education.com/

Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers academically rigorous, individualized research experiences guided by PhD mentors from top universities. Lumiere focuses on helping students create high-quality research papers, policy analyses, or technical projects that can be submitted to journals, conferences, or competitions. It’s particularly strong for students who want to pursue university-level research independently and produce a meaningful product.

Other Resources

There are TONS of summer programs and resources out there. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in this document, talk with your consultant and take a look at the resources and tips below.

Tips

Start close to home. Google colleges, universities, or organizations near you. Use keywords related to your interests. Often these will be the easiest to find and connect with.
Follow the problem. Instead of searching “summer program + [interest],” search the problem you care about (e.g., wildfire prevention, food insecurity, AI safety, coral reef decline). Then look for summer programs, organizations, labs, or nonprofits working in that area.
Reverse-engineer a project. Google researchers, professors, or professionals who work on your niche interest. Read what projects they publish or organizations they’re involved with. See if they work with high school students, or use their experiences as inspiration for your own project.
Blend two interests. Many of the most interesting projects sit at the intersection of fields. Try combining keywords like: “computer science + music” or “psychology + sports” or “art + sustainability.” These hybrid searches often lead to unique summer programs, local orgs, or niche nonprofits.
Look for gaps in your community. Sometimes the best opportunities aren’t listed anywhere. They come from noticing what’s missing. Is there a local issue nobody is addressing? A population that needs support? A problem that could use data, design, research, or engineering help? Searching for “reports,” “needs assessments,” or “[your city] youth services” can be a place to start.

Other Places to Look for Bay Area Opportunities

Children Now Database

Bay Area Teen Science (BATS)

Stanford Tips for Finding Volunteer Internships

San Francisco United School District - Summer Opportunities

Pathways To Science

UC Berkeley STAR: STEM Training, Activities, and Resources

Examples

Reading examples can help you come up with your own ideas. Take a look at the “out-of-the-box” ideas for some inspiration. Then, scroll down to read how one student’s summer activities led to an awesome supplemental essay.

Out-of-the-Box Summer Examples

Build an algorithm that detects bias in classic literature and share your findings with English teachers or a library literacy program.
In partnership with your local museum or historical society, create a digital humanities map showing how tech companies changed your city’s culture.
Code a visualization tool that tracks climate change through historical poetry references and collaborate with an environmental nonprofit or arts center to display it.
Analyze gender representation in STEM textbooks using NLP and present the results to your school district’s curriculum committee.
Build a website archiving the oral histories of engineers and scientists from your community, working with a local library or history museum.
Create a short documentary on “the invisible infrastructure” (water, internet, power) in your city and screen it at a local community center.
Partner with your city’s historical society to digitize and geotag old engineering blueprints or infrastructure plans for public access.
Design an interactive AR exhibit for a local museum showing how past industries shaped your city’s geography.
3D-print ancient tools or local artifacts and exhibit them with historical context at a museum or public library.
Write code to visualize patterns of migration, inequality, or resource access over time, then share the map with local policymakers or nonprofits.
Work with the parks department to build a data model predicting which trees are most at risk from drought or disease.
Create an online accessibility map for public spaces (ramps, sidewalks, elevators) in your town and share it with city planners.
Develop a chatbot for the local library or community center that answers common questions about resources and programs.
Build a digital database for a small museum to catalog its STEM-related artifacts (old lab equipment, early tech).
Collaborate with a local newspaper to analyze neighborhood representation in articles and present a report on media bias.
Create a network of low-cost air-quality sensors across neighborhoods and share data with a public health office or advocacy group.
Partner with a transit planner to collect and visualize bike and pedestrian data for safer infrastructure design.
Develop a flood-risk or wildfire-risk visualization for a city councilmember working on climate policy.
Work with a community arts nonprofit to build a “digital memory wall” archiving local stories tied to historic buildings or industries.
Map the digital divide in your area — WiFi access, devices, broadband speed — and publish it as a tool for school boards or local government.
Collaborate with your local power utility to model peak energy usage and design educational materials for energy conservation.
Partner with a housing nonprofit to build an interactive dashboard of rent trends and affordability zones.
Create a “tech timeline” for your city, mapping how innovation hubs and startups evolved geographically over time.
Design a public-facing dashboard for the school district showing disparities in technology access or internet bandwidth.
Develop an AI model that summarizes city council meeting transcripts to identify residents’ most common concerns.
Work with the local chamber of commerce to build a “STEM careers from our town” digital archive to inspire younger students.
Create an educational website comparing your city’s infrastructure (power, water, transit) to similar-sized cities worldwide.
Build an interactive AR walking tour that overlays historic photographs and data on your current streets.
Digitally reconstruct lost architecture or demolished buildings in 3D and create a virtual exhibit for a museum or library.
Use machine learning to analyze local news coverage of climate or technology topics and present a report to civic leaders or journalists.

How Summer Activities Translate to Your Application

After all this talk about summer programs, you’re probably wondering what your summer programs actually look like in your college application.

They may appear on your resume, but the most important place they can appear is in your essays.

Take this student as an example:

Maya is a curious, hands-on learner with a deep interest in how technology shapes our understanding of the past. After volunteering at her local museum and noticing how few visitors interacted with certain historical displays, she began 3D-printing ancient tools and reconstructing them using open-source archaeological scans. She built tactile, durable replicas that could be handled by museum guests—especially children—and designed accompanying information cards explaining the objects’ historical context.

The next summer, Maya decided that she wanted to better understand how people learn in public spaces. So she joined the Exploratorium High School Explainers Program, where she worked as a paid science educator. There, she learned science communication, exhibit curation, and how to guide visitors through inquiry-based learning.

As an aspiring engineer, Maya deeply appreciates the relationship between humans, technology, and the past. The combination of her technical work and public-facing educational experience strengthened her interest in engineering as a tool for expanding access to knowledge.

Now, take a look at what these experiences might look like in a college supplemental essay:

Cornell University: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering? (200 word max)

A little boy picked up the model of a carved stone pestle I had reconstructed from a 3-D archaeological scan. He turned it over clumsily then gripped it the way it would have been used thousands of years ago. “So this is how they cooked?” he asked. My replica was a bridge between a visitor and a world they couldn’t otherwise access.

My project started with a practical challenge: ancient tools are too fragile to touch, so how do you create a tactile experience for museum goers? I taught myself Blender, corrected distortions in scanned meshes, and iterated through materials until I found a way to keep details sharp while making the pieces durable.

Working at the Exploratorium as a High School Explainer deepened that perspective. Guiding visitors through exhibits taught me how hands-on engagement encourages people to connect with science. I began seeing engineering as communication.

At Cornell Engineering, I’m drawn to the culture of building things that serve people, from collaborative project teams to the emphasis on human-centered design. I want to study engineering in a place where solving a technical problem is inseparable from understanding the human problem behind it.

Have questions about your own summer plans? Reach out to schedule a free intro call with our team.

Table of Contents

Summer Programs for High School Students

What to Do With Your Summer

STEM (CS & Engineering)

STEM (non-CS & Engineering)

Pre-Med

Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship

Humanities & Social Sciences

Pre-College Programs

Local to the Bay Area

Connecting with Local Institutions

Why Admissions Officers Value Local Work

How to Find Local Institutions to Connect With

1. Start With Your Interests

2. Map Out the Organizations in Your Community

3. Check Their Websites for Teen Programs

4. Reach Out Even If Nothing Is Posted

5. Look for Gaps You Can Fill

Independent Passion Project

Datasets

Citizen Science

Humanities & Social Sciences

Volunteer Organizations

STEM

Passion Project Support

Other Resources

Examples

Out-of-the-Box Summer Examples

How Summer Activities Translate to Your Application

"Just a 15-minute chat with Ben completely changed how I saw my application strategy."