21 Free Summer Programs for High School Students

Summer is the perfect time for high school students to explore new interests, gain new skills, and broaden their horizons. With various summer programs available, students can choose from various options that cater to their specific interests and goals. From science and technology to the arts, sports, and leadership, these programs provide students with a unique and valuable experience they will never forget.

This blog post will explore some of the best summer programs for high school students and provide an overview of what each program has to offer. So whether you’re looking to boost your college applications or have a fun and productive summer, there is a summer program that is perfect for you.

Free Summer Programs for High School Students in 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions on Free High school for Summer Programs
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Free Summer Programs for High School Students in 2024

It is not only exciting to spend your summer, but you will also experience life on a college campus. You will explore new fields you might want to pursue as a college major.

In the same vein, you can also avail yourself of the fantastic opportunities for Free-sponsored online Summer Programs and the Best Summer Jobs for students by clicking on any of the links.

The following is a list of free summer programs for high school students in 2024. You can also check out Online colleges that pay you to attend

#1. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement

The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week intensive summer academy for 26 talented high school students from the communities surrounding the campus of USC University and the health science campuses.

Students are exposed to the equivalent of freshman university courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role played by media and journalism in the formation of civic and innovative thought leaders. The program is not residential.

This is one of the best summer program for high school students.

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#2. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State

BOSS offers a two-week residential summer program for high school students interested in obtaining a business education in college. It is an opportunity for these students to take college preparatory courses and business fundamentals taught by Penn State faculty.

Participants will also be able to see what college life is like by living in a dorm during their two-week stay at the University Park campus at Penn State.

#3. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Opportunities for Access and Inclusion

Their summer programs offer young people and seniors the opportunity to focus on creativity and problem-solving in a challenging and supportive environment, which provides essential elements for future studies in a rigorous university environment.

The course selection includes STEM, Fine Arts, Artificial Intelligence fields, and more. There will be no tuition, room, or board fees for students selected to attend these programs.

#4. American Collegiate Adventures

American Collegiate Adventures offers programs both in the United States and abroad. The programs range from one to five weeks, all of which are detailed on the website.

Your 4-week program, for example, takes place during the summer in Wisconsin and details the university’s admission process.

#5. Cornell University Curie Academy

Curie Academy is a one-week residential program for high school girls who excel in math and science.

Older people on the rise (class of 2024) who are African-American, Latino, Native American / Alaska Native, or Pacific Islander and the first generation who meet the requirements will automatically be considered for an exemption of the full enrollment for the CURIE 2024 Academy.

#6. Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP)

TASP offers a six-week summer experience for high school students. Students participate in seminars led by college and university members and in academic and social activities outside the classroom.

The Telluride Association seeks students of many educational backgrounds who share a passion for learning; the students who attend want a personal and intellectual challenge. The programs do not offer grades or college credits.

#7. Inspiring Girls Expeditions

Inspiring Girls Expeditions offers wildlife expeditions without registration in Alaska, Switzerland, Canada, and other places for young women.

Each year they select expedition teams of 8-9 teenage girls and 3 instructors to spend 12 days exploring and learning about a remote and wild environment.

Through scientific field studies with her team of professional scientists, artists, and wildlife guides, the girls will develop critical thinking skills, gain self-confidence and make lasting friendships.

#8. Bentley University Summer Athletic Camps

Bentley University offers free high school summer programs. The Summer Athletic Camps of Bentley University have earned a reputation as one of the best teaching fields for athletics in New England. The university offers summer sports camps for high school students in basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and more.

Bentley camps allow students to learn strategies and game skills from quality players and first-class coaches, providing a fun and interactive environment and state-of-the-art facilities.

#9. University of Pennsylvania Programs for High School Students

Penn’s summer programs combine rigorous work in the classroom and the laboratory with a wide range of social activities, trips, and excursions. Opportunities are available for those who wish to live on campus or travel daily.

Penn’s free summer programs for high school students provide a college-level experience that facilitates the transition from high school to college.

#10. University of New Hampshire Upward Bound Summer Program

The University of New Hampshire Upward Bound Summer Program was created to help eligible students achieve their higher education goals through a free, federally funded college preparatory program.

During their six-week summer residential program, students live on the University of New Hampshire campus and take academic courses, take part in enrichment activities, receive tutoring and attend career workshops and college visits, and help navigate through the university’s application process.

#11. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

This six-week program allows students to live on the MIT campus while taking five courses (physics, calculus, life sciences, humanities, and a STEM elective class), each with homework and exams.

Students will also participate in social events during the program and build a community with their peers. Our sponsors generously covered all educational, food, and boarding costs. Students only pay for transportation to and from MIT.

#12. Girls Coding Summer Immersion Programs

Girls Who Code is “a national non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology.” Their summer immersion programs combine project-based learning, networking, and connecting with women in high-tech companies.

The free seven-week program is open to current high school sophomores and high school girls. During summer programs, girls will learn to code and get exposure to jobs in the technology industry. The programs are in several cities in the nation.

#13. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

PAYS offers 90 local high school students the opportunity to participate in a combination of courses, cultural events, workshops, projects, and field trips during the intensive 4-week residential program and throughout the academic year.

Pomona College covers all costs, including lodging, food, activities, and transportation to excursions. Students must only bring basic school supplies, such as pencils and paper.

#14. Mathcamp

Mathcamp is an intensive five-week summer program in which students can explore several principles of mathematics. Students can learn about undergraduate and graduate subjects by linking with a diverse group of people who share a common love of mathematics.

The program offers courses, problem-solving sessions, and lectures by outstanding mathematicians. The program is open to students from 13 to 18 years old. A qualification questionnaire is required for all applicants.

#15. National Youth Science Camp (NYSC)

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is an intense one-month camp for young scientists the summer after graduating high school. Students must demonstrate academic competence in math or science and other documented leadership skills.

Located in a rustic setting, students from across the country are challenged in conferences and field studies and can participate in an outdoor adventure program.

#16. Summer Study Programs

The Summer Study Programs at various schools such as Georgetown, UCLA, and Cambridge, combine academically challenging courses with the fun and excitement of campus and life abroad.

High school students can choose from programs ranging from 2 to 6 weeks.

#17. Princeton Summer Journalism Program

The PSJP offers students from historically underrepresented backgrounds with an interest in journalism a 10-day summer program where they expose students to the variety of opportunities available in journalism;

present them with the basic skills they need to inform your newspaper and
produce a short documentary,
Take them to visit the main news media in New York and present different perspectives on the post-secondary preparation required for the job.

All travel costs, lodging, food, and supplies during the summer program are paid, although students are encouraged to bring money to buy souvenirs or treat off-campus.

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

California State Math and Science Summer School (COSMOS) is a four-week summer residential program that provides high school students who have demonstrated skills within STEM subjects (science, technology, math, and engineering) opportunities to explore beyond their usual secondary school curriculum.

Students can work on advanced topics with faculty members, renowned scientists, and researchers and experience cutting-edge laboratory environments and facilities.

Participants will also take university-level courses and learn about educational and professional options in the fields of STEM.

#19. Sadie Nash Summer Institute

The Summer Institute is an award-winning 6-week summer program for self-identified young women currently attending high school in New York / Newark, NJ.

All participants receive a weekly stipend and unlimited MetroCard. The program includes social justice classes, field trips, workshops, and meetings with women leaders.

You can check out Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for High School Students 2024

#20. Carnegie Mellon University – Summer Academy for Mathematics + Science (SAMS)

SAMS programs are for high school students who enter their high school or high school year and are interested in mathematics-based disciplines, such as engineering or science.

The six-week practical program takes place at Carnegie Mellon University and focuses on the technical areas of study, and is based on the academic and personal skills required for admission to the best universities.

#21. USC Bovard Scholars

USC Bovard Scholars offers a three-week summer residency on the USC campus where students will experience college life first-hand.

Once the summer program ends, students will work with a dedicated admissions coach throughout the application process to the university.

The program is free for students or families. USC will pay for transportation to and from the campus for students outside of Southern California.

Conclusion

Remember that participation in any of these free summer programs for high school students in 2024 is not essential to get admission to a selective university.

However, it is recommended that students looking for an exciting summer experience outside their area while improving their student applicant profile explore the above-listed free summer programs for high school students in 2024.

If you want to do your Summer Program abroad, You might get a chance to make it happen by accessing the Affordable Summer Study Abroad through the link. You can also learn a second language during a summer holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions on Free High school for Summer Programs

How do I get into a High School of your choice?

Below are some ways to get into the High School of your choice
1) Get good grades in your classes in the 3-4 years before high school.
2) Take practice exams to score well on standardized tests.
3) Attend all of your classes to show your commitment to learning.
4) Get involved in activities outside of class.

What activities can high school students take part in during the summer?

1. Below are some activities, high school students can do in the summer:
2. Take part in a specialized high school program.
3. Take a college class.
4. Find a summer program at a local school or community college.
5. Get involved with research.
6. Create your own project.
7. Get a job.
8. Be an entrepreneur.

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