15 Online Summer Programs for High School Students
15 Online Summer Programs for High School Students
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Published on
Published on
Summer is the perfect time for high school students to explore new subjects, gain college experience, and develop skills that can set them apart when applying for college or future careers. The best way to do all this is by taking an online summer program, allowing students to engage in rigorous coursework, collaborate with peers from around the world, and learn directly from university faculty from the comfort of home.
Here are 15 online summer programs for high school students covering a range of subjects, including AI, math, biology, arts, and more.
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes are designed for students who want to explore 1 of 75 specialized subjects in depth and get a taste of college life at Stanford. Choose from subjects like artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, business strategy, and game design.
Classes are small and discussion-based, allowing you to interact closely with your peers and instructors throughout the 2-hour daily lesson. You’ll also complete assignments, attend office hours if you need extra assistance, and engage with your peers through seminars, workshops, and activities.
Cost: $3,200
Application Deadline: March 13
Program Dates:
Session One: June 15 to June 26
Session Two: July 6 to July 17
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 8 to 11
The Delve Work-Experience Program by Delta Institute gives high school students the chance to gain professional experience with global companies like Ferrari, AWS, Adobe, Stripe, NHS, and more. You’ll work on real projects based on your interests, choosing from six fields: healthcare & medicine, business & finance, technology, engineering, international relations & law, and journalism.
You’ll spend 4 weeks working with a team and a dedicated mentor to create a project that solves industry challenges while attending technical, networking, and professional development sessions. At the end of the program, you’ll pitch your project to company representatives and receive a completion certificate and letter of recommendation.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29 (Summer I), April 26 (Summer II)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Delta Launch offers high school students the opportunity to create meaningful projects while working alongside industry experts. Choose from two distinct programs: Delta AI or Delta Code, depending on your interests. In both programs, the curriculum will be tailored to you as you take part in either a cohort-based class or a 1-to-1 mentorship with professionals from companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Canva, and OpenAI.
In Delta AI, students explore the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence through masterclasses, technical workshops, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Delta Code focuses on building practical programming skills through guided coding pathways.
Cost: AI/Code Intensive (cohort-based) - $2,200; AI/Code Immersive (1-1 mentorship) - $4,800
Application Deadline: March 29 (Summer I), April 26 (Summer II). Students can apply here
Program Dates: Varies by program
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers online courses focused on business, finance, and leadership for current high school students. These programs introduce students to key business concepts through case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects led by Wharton faculty.
Teaching assistants from The Wharton School will also lead a daily skill-building workshop that will give you a deeper understanding of each lecture’s content. Depending on the program you choose, you’ll explore topics like corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial decision-making.
Cost: $329 to $4,799, depending on the program
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9 to 12 with a minimum 3.3 GPA
Deepen is a 1-1 mentorship program for high school students interested in going deep in a field of their interest. As part of the program, you will be paired with an industry expert in your chosen field and receive personalized guidance. Over 8 weeks, you’ll complete a unique, independent project in a subject you’re passionate about, helping you develop advanced, industry-relevant skills and enhance your portfolio.
At the end of the program, you’ll present your project, receive in-depth feedback from your mentor, and leave with a strong letter of recommendation.
Cost: $6,500
Application Deadline: March 29 (Summer I), April 26 (Summer II)
Program Dates: Flexible start dates available throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Harvard Secondary School Program allows high school students to take real Harvard courses for credit online during the summer. You can choose from over 200 courses from 5 fields: arts, writing, and the humanities, computer science, math, and engineering, foreign languages and literatures, sciences, and the study of societies, past and present.
Not only are lectures held online, but there are Secondary School Program Activities available virtually as well, like an open mic night, journal club, and painting night so you can connect with students from around the world.
Cost: $4,180 to $8,160, $75 application fee
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: June 20 to August 8
Eligibility: High school students between 16 and 19 years old
Columbia University’s online summer programs give high school students the chance to explore more than 40 courses over 1 or 2 weeks. There are 16 subject areas to choose from, including technology, politics, journalism, and creative writing. You’ll attend seminars, workshops, and lectures throughout the day, with the option to participate in student life activities and college success events as well.
At the end of the program, you’ll receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter that you can use to set yourself apart when applying for college.
Cost: $2,867 to $4,017
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates:
Session AA: June 22 to June 26
Session A: July 6 to July 17
Session B: July 20 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students globally who are 15 or older
The John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers online courses for academically advanced students who want to study challenging topics. Courses cover subjects like history and social sciences, language arts, robotics and technology, and science and engineering, led by expert instructors from John Hopkins CTY. The online program is available year-round, making it more accessible to students around the world.
Cost: Varies depending on the program
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Advanced students in grades 2 to 12
Georgetown University’s Summer College gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through virtual courses taught by Georgetown faculty. During the 8-week online session, you can take classes that mirror the content and academic expectations of the school’s on-campus courses, ranging from topics like psychology, computer science, and calculus. You’ll learn about these subjects through lectures, discussions, and interactive assignments, and when you complete the course, you’ll receive an official transcript from Georgetown University.
Cost: $7,113 per class
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: June 1 to July 24
Eligibility: Students in grade 10 or higher
The Brown Pre-College Online program lets you engage in college-level coursework without the stress of formal grades or credit. These virtual sessions last 2 to 6 weeks, covering topics like engineering and technology, medical and health studies, and psychology and social sciences. The program is a blend of asynchronous content, like written discussions or peer review sessions, and optional live sessions, so you can complete it in your own time.
Outside of class, you’ll have access to virtual writing support and interactive webinars covering topics like writing a college essay or financial aid.
Cost: $3,364 to $6,520
Application Deadline: May 8
Program Dates: June 15 to July 24
Eligibility: Current high school students
UC Berkeley’s Summer Sessions give high school students the chance to take real Berkeley courses online over the summer in 6- or 8-week sessions. You can choose from over 100 lower-division courses like American folklore, digital media, astronomy, and data science.
You’ll learn from Berkeley instructors while completing college-level assignments and projects, giving you a glimpse into the academic expectations of a major university. At the end of the program, you’ll receive official college credit and a Berkeley transcript, which can be useful for future college applications.
Cost: $635 per unit, $585 registration fee
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: May 26 to August 14
Eligibility: High school students globally over the age of 16
If UC Berkeley’s summer courses didn’t entice you, you may have more success with UCLA’s Summer Sessions. UCLA offers courses like critical reading and writing, introduction to black studies, human evolution, and propaganda and media. Like Berkeley’s program, students take real university classes taught by UCLA faculty and complete college-level assignments.
You can take a maximum of 10 credits, which will be shown on your UCLA transcript at the end of the program.
Cost: $420, $350 registration fee
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: June 22 to August 21
Eligibility: High school students globally over the age of 15
Get a taste of what the Ivy League will be like with Cornell University’s pre-college online program. You’ll get to take regular undergraduate courses taught by Cornell instructors in subjects like international relations, veterinary medicine, and business management, giving you the chance to explore different majors and career paths.
Some courses feature live classes, while others are pre-recorded so you can choose one that suits your schedule and interests. The program is also available in winter if you have a busy summer coming up. At the end of the program, you’ll receive real credits and a Cornell transcript that can be applied toward your undergraduate degree.
Cost: $1,940 per credit
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: June 1 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising and current high school juniors and seniors ages 15 to 19
The NYU Precollege program offers high school students the chance to experience college life and earn credit through rigorous courses in subjects like arts and media, STEM, humanities, social sciences, and business. You’ll engage with award-winning NYU faculty, learn alongside undergraduates and peers from around the world, with classes available online and in person. The program also includes access to College 101, a series of workshops and sessions designed to prepare you for college by covering topics like financial aid, the college admissions process, and study skills.
Cost: $700 to $16,000
Application Deadline: March 13 (international students), June 15 (U.S. students)
Program Dates: July 1 to August 12
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th grade students globally with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Another Ivy League university offering online summer sessions to high school students is Yale. Courses are taught by Yale faculty in small, interactive classes and combine pre-recorded lectures with live discussions and seminars over Zoom.
Choose from subjects like sports and media, discrete mathematics, digital photography, and American Sign Language. Each course runs for 5 weeks and awards one Yale College credit, which will be on your Yale transcript if you order one for a fee.
Cost: $5,480 to $10,705
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Session A: May 25 to June 26
Session B: June 29 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 to 18
Summer is the perfect time for high school students to explore new subjects, gain college experience, and develop skills that can set them apart when applying for college or future careers. The best way to do all this is by taking an online summer program, allowing students to engage in rigorous coursework, collaborate with peers from around the world, and learn directly from university faculty from the comfort of home.
Here are 15 online summer programs for high school students covering a range of subjects, including AI, math, biology, arts, and more.
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes are designed for students who want to explore 1 of 75 specialized subjects in depth and get a taste of college life at Stanford. Choose from subjects like artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, business strategy, and game design.
Classes are small and discussion-based, allowing you to interact closely with your peers and instructors throughout the 2-hour daily lesson. You’ll also complete assignments, attend office hours if you need extra assistance, and engage with your peers through seminars, workshops, and activities.
Cost: $3,200
Application Deadline: March 13
Program Dates:
Session One: June 15 to June 26
Session Two: July 6 to July 17
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 8 to 11
The Delve Work-Experience Program by Delta Institute gives high school students the chance to gain professional experience with global companies like Ferrari, AWS, Adobe, Stripe, NHS, and more. You’ll work on real projects based on your interests, choosing from six fields: healthcare & medicine, business & finance, technology, engineering, international relations & law, and journalism.
You’ll spend 4 weeks working with a team and a dedicated mentor to create a project that solves industry challenges while attending technical, networking, and professional development sessions. At the end of the program, you’ll pitch your project to company representatives and receive a completion certificate and letter of recommendation.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29 (Summer I), April 26 (Summer II)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Delta Launch offers high school students the opportunity to create meaningful projects while working alongside industry experts. Choose from two distinct programs: Delta AI or Delta Code, depending on your interests. In both programs, the curriculum will be tailored to you as you take part in either a cohort-based class or a 1-to-1 mentorship with professionals from companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Canva, and OpenAI.
In Delta AI, students explore the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence through masterclasses, technical workshops, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Delta Code focuses on building practical programming skills through guided coding pathways.
Cost: AI/Code Intensive (cohort-based) - $2,200; AI/Code Immersive (1-1 mentorship) - $4,800
Application Deadline: March 29 (Summer I), April 26 (Summer II). Students can apply here
Program Dates: Varies by program
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers online courses focused on business, finance, and leadership for current high school students. These programs introduce students to key business concepts through case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects led by Wharton faculty.
Teaching assistants from The Wharton School will also lead a daily skill-building workshop that will give you a deeper understanding of each lecture’s content. Depending on the program you choose, you’ll explore topics like corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial decision-making.
Cost: $329 to $4,799, depending on the program
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9 to 12 with a minimum 3.3 GPA
Deepen is a 1-1 mentorship program for high school students interested in going deep in a field of their interest. As part of the program, you will be paired with an industry expert in your chosen field and receive personalized guidance. Over 8 weeks, you’ll complete a unique, independent project in a subject you’re passionate about, helping you develop advanced, industry-relevant skills and enhance your portfolio.
At the end of the program, you’ll present your project, receive in-depth feedback from your mentor, and leave with a strong letter of recommendation.
Cost: $6,500
Application Deadline: March 29 (Summer I), April 26 (Summer II)
Program Dates: Flexible start dates available throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Harvard Secondary School Program allows high school students to take real Harvard courses for credit online during the summer. You can choose from over 200 courses from 5 fields: arts, writing, and the humanities, computer science, math, and engineering, foreign languages and literatures, sciences, and the study of societies, past and present.
Not only are lectures held online, but there are Secondary School Program Activities available virtually as well, like an open mic night, journal club, and painting night so you can connect with students from around the world.
Cost: $4,180 to $8,160, $75 application fee
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: June 20 to August 8
Eligibility: High school students between 16 and 19 years old
Columbia University’s online summer programs give high school students the chance to explore more than 40 courses over 1 or 2 weeks. There are 16 subject areas to choose from, including technology, politics, journalism, and creative writing. You’ll attend seminars, workshops, and lectures throughout the day, with the option to participate in student life activities and college success events as well.
At the end of the program, you’ll receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter that you can use to set yourself apart when applying for college.
Cost: $2,867 to $4,017
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates:
Session AA: June 22 to June 26
Session A: July 6 to July 17
Session B: July 20 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students globally who are 15 or older
The John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers online courses for academically advanced students who want to study challenging topics. Courses cover subjects like history and social sciences, language arts, robotics and technology, and science and engineering, led by expert instructors from John Hopkins CTY. The online program is available year-round, making it more accessible to students around the world.
Cost: Varies depending on the program
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Advanced students in grades 2 to 12
Georgetown University’s Summer College gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through virtual courses taught by Georgetown faculty. During the 8-week online session, you can take classes that mirror the content and academic expectations of the school’s on-campus courses, ranging from topics like psychology, computer science, and calculus. You’ll learn about these subjects through lectures, discussions, and interactive assignments, and when you complete the course, you’ll receive an official transcript from Georgetown University.
Cost: $7,113 per class
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: June 1 to July 24
Eligibility: Students in grade 10 or higher
The Brown Pre-College Online program lets you engage in college-level coursework without the stress of formal grades or credit. These virtual sessions last 2 to 6 weeks, covering topics like engineering and technology, medical and health studies, and psychology and social sciences. The program is a blend of asynchronous content, like written discussions or peer review sessions, and optional live sessions, so you can complete it in your own time.
Outside of class, you’ll have access to virtual writing support and interactive webinars covering topics like writing a college essay or financial aid.
Cost: $3,364 to $6,520
Application Deadline: May 8
Program Dates: June 15 to July 24
Eligibility: Current high school students
UC Berkeley’s Summer Sessions give high school students the chance to take real Berkeley courses online over the summer in 6- or 8-week sessions. You can choose from over 100 lower-division courses like American folklore, digital media, astronomy, and data science.
You’ll learn from Berkeley instructors while completing college-level assignments and projects, giving you a glimpse into the academic expectations of a major university. At the end of the program, you’ll receive official college credit and a Berkeley transcript, which can be useful for future college applications.
Cost: $635 per unit, $585 registration fee
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: May 26 to August 14
Eligibility: High school students globally over the age of 16
If UC Berkeley’s summer courses didn’t entice you, you may have more success with UCLA’s Summer Sessions. UCLA offers courses like critical reading and writing, introduction to black studies, human evolution, and propaganda and media. Like Berkeley’s program, students take real university classes taught by UCLA faculty and complete college-level assignments.
You can take a maximum of 10 credits, which will be shown on your UCLA transcript at the end of the program.
Cost: $420, $350 registration fee
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: June 22 to August 21
Eligibility: High school students globally over the age of 15
Get a taste of what the Ivy League will be like with Cornell University’s pre-college online program. You’ll get to take regular undergraduate courses taught by Cornell instructors in subjects like international relations, veterinary medicine, and business management, giving you the chance to explore different majors and career paths.
Some courses feature live classes, while others are pre-recorded so you can choose one that suits your schedule and interests. The program is also available in winter if you have a busy summer coming up. At the end of the program, you’ll receive real credits and a Cornell transcript that can be applied toward your undergraduate degree.
Cost: $1,940 per credit
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Program Dates: June 1 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising and current high school juniors and seniors ages 15 to 19
The NYU Precollege program offers high school students the chance to experience college life and earn credit through rigorous courses in subjects like arts and media, STEM, humanities, social sciences, and business. You’ll engage with award-winning NYU faculty, learn alongside undergraduates and peers from around the world, with classes available online and in person. The program also includes access to College 101, a series of workshops and sessions designed to prepare you for college by covering topics like financial aid, the college admissions process, and study skills.
Cost: $700 to $16,000
Application Deadline: March 13 (international students), June 15 (U.S. students)
Program Dates: July 1 to August 12
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th grade students globally with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Another Ivy League university offering online summer sessions to high school students is Yale. Courses are taught by Yale faculty in small, interactive classes and combine pre-recorded lectures with live discussions and seminars over Zoom.
Choose from subjects like sports and media, discrete mathematics, digital photography, and American Sign Language. Each course runs for 5 weeks and awards one Yale College credit, which will be on your Yale transcript if you order one for a fee.
Cost: $5,480 to $10,705
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Session A: May 25 to June 26
Session B: June 29 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 to 18
About the Author
George Gatsios holds a BA and MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and is the founder of Delta Institute. He leads the organisation’s global strategy, overseeing programme design, partnerships, operations, and product innovation across education, career development, and technology. His work centers on building scalable, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world industry exposure and future-ready skills. Alongside his leadership at Delta Institute, George serves as a Research Assistant in Economics at the University of Cambridge and London Business School, contributing to research at the intersection of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy. He is an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and a strong advocate for lifelong learning and internationally minded education.
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