Why Summer Programs Matter

High school summers used to be about part-time jobs, family trips, or downtime with friends. But in recent years, they’ve also become a critical window for students who want to explore their academic interests, gain hands-on experience, and even boost their future college applications.

Summer programs can take many forms: intensive research opportunities at top universities, immersive experiences in STEM or the arts, leadership training, or even internships that mimic real-world careers. What they all have in common is the chance to step outside the classroom, build new skills, and meet peers from across the globe.

For students who are thinking ahead — whether it’s applying to competitive universities, exploring career paths, or simply finding a community of like-minded peers — the right summer program can be transformative. They provide a taste of independence, exposure to advanced subjects, and often, a powerful story to tell in future applications or interviews.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best summer programs for high school students in 2025. These opportunities range from Ivy League pre-college courses and STEM research at MIT to unique pathways in journalism, climate studies, and beyond. Each one offers something different, so you can choose based on your academic goals, passions, and budget.

1. Harvard Pre-College Program

• What it is: A two-week residential program at Harvard University, where students dive into college-level courses ranging from politics to computer science.

• Who it’s for: Rising 10th–12th graders worldwide.

• Why it’s great: Ivy League classroom experience plus the chance to live in Cambridge.

• Deadline: January–March (rolling admissions).

• Link: Harvard Pre-College

2. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

• What it is: A six-week summer research program hosted at MIT, combining lectures with hands-on STEM research under top scientists.

• Who it’s for: Exceptionally gifted rising seniors (competitive admission).

• Why it’s great: It’s free, prestigious, and considered one of the most selective STEM programs in the world.

• Deadline: December.

• Link: MIT RSI

3. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

• What it is: A three-week program offering courses across STEM, humanities, business, and the arts.

• Who it’s for: Students ages 14–17 from around the globe.

• Why it’s great: Small, interactive classes with Stanford instructors, plus networking with peers from 70+ countries.

• Deadline: Applications open December.

• Link: Stanford Pre-Collegiate

Featured: Delta Institute Summer Programs

• What it is: Hands-on work experience programs and project-based learning at global companies like AWS, Adobe, and Ferrari.

• Who it’s for: Ambitious high school students looking to strengthen their college applications.

• Why it’s great: Unlike traditional programs, students work on real-world projects with international mentors, and graduate with portfolio-ready outcomes.

• Deadline: Applications open year-round.

• Link: Explore Delta Programs

4. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

• What it is: An academic enrichment program where students explore global issues through seminars, simulations, and lectures at Yale University.

• Who it’s for: Rising 10th–12th graders worldwide.

• Why it’s great: Diverse student body from 150+ countries, with a focus on leadership and collaboration.

• Deadline: January.

• Link: YYGS

5. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

• What it is: A three-week introduction to computer science for high school seniors interested in pursuing tech.

• Who it’s for: Students from underrepresented groups in computer science.

• Why it’s great: Taught by Google engineers, with mentorship and exposure to industry projects.

• Deadline: Applications open early.

• Link: Google CSSI

6. Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains

• What it is: A two-week residential program in Vermont focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental leadership.

• Who it’s for: High school students passionate about the environment.

• Why it’s great: Run by Columbia University’s Climate School, with fieldwork and lab projects.

• Deadline: March.

• Link: Columbia Climate School

7. Princeton Summer Journalism Program

• What it is: A free, intensive program for aspiring journalists from low-income backgrounds.

• Who it’s for: Rising seniors in the U.S.

• Why it’s great: Students attend workshops with professional journalists and publish their work.

• Deadline: February.

• Link: PSJP

8. NASA High School Internship Program

• What it is: Summer internships at NASA centers across the U.S., focusing on STEM research and projects.

• Who it’s for: U.S. citizens, high school juniors and seniors with strong STEM backgrounds.

• Why it’s great: Hands-on research alongside NASA scientists and engineers.

• Deadline: March.

• Link: NASA Internships

9. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs

• What it is: Pre-college courses in computer science, design, drama, music, and more.

• Who it’s for: Rising juniors and seniors.

• Why it’s great: Students learn from Carnegie Mellon faculty and can earn college credit.

• Deadline: February–March.

• Link: CMU Pre-College

10. Oxford Summer School for High School Students

• What it is: A two-week academic and cultural program hosted at the University of Oxford.

• Who it’s for: High school students worldwide.

• Why it’s great: Tutorials in subjects like law, business, and medicine, plus the experience of living in Oxford colleges.

• Deadline: Varies by provider (often rolling).

• Link: Oxford Summer School

Summer 2025 offers opportunities across STEM, business, climate studies, journalism, and more. Whether you’re looking for a prestigious Ivy League experience, a fully-funded research program, or a hands-on internship, there’s something here for every student.

👉 Not sure which program fits your goals? At Delta Institute, we help students identify the right opportunities and prepare applications that stand out. Talk to us →