20 Prestigious Summer Programs for High School Students
20 Prestigious 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 programs are a great way to make the most of your break. These programs are designed to provide early exposure to college and industry-relevant work while allowing you to develop practical skills and network with peers and mentors. Exploring summer programs in your field of interest can help you upskill, undertake real-world projects, and stand out in college applications.
To help you find the right fit for you, we have detailed 20 prestigious summer programs for high school students.
RSI is a research program geared towards STEM-focused high school students. As part of the program, you engage in scientific research at MIT. This highly selective program is hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education where each year, 100 students are selected to participate. You take part in on-campus coursework in scientific theory along with research in science and technology.
You will be part of intensive STEM classes with profrssors from MIT and spend five weeks conducting research under the guidance of experienced mentors who are scientists and researchers. By the end of the program, you will be expected to present your work through written and oral presentations.
Cost: $75 application fee
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December (based on previous years)
Program Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High School juniors who meet RSI’s academic requirements
Delta Launch’s AI & Code programs are designed for high school students who want to engage in practical, real-world learning. As part of the program, you partake in guided workshops and mentorship to build real, portfolio-worthy projects in AI, machine learning, and software development. Students are matched with mentors from leading tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and more.
The program offers two formats – cohort-based (5 weeks) and 1:1 mentorship (12 weeks) where you learn through hands-on, project-based learning that is tailored to your interests and skill level. By the end of the program, you will have finished a tangible project that you can showcase on college applications.
Cost: AI/Code Intensive (bootcamp) - $2,200 | AI/Code Immersive (1:1 mentorship) - $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (Summer deadline). Students can apply here
Program Dates: Varies by program. Flexible scheduling for the Immersive 1:1 mentorship programs
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
MITES is a 6-week, on-campus program that introduces high school students to college life at MIT. As part of the program, you will take five rigorous classes in math, science, humanities, participate in lab tours, social events, and benefit from college counseling.
The program is designed to give you insight into the value of STEM degrees and careers, while helping you build professional skills to succeed in future careers. As a participant, you also have the chance to build your network and interact with industry professionals and like-minded peers.
Cost: No cost
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: Late June to early August
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Delve is a 4-week virtual work experience program designed to give high school students the chance to work on industry-relevant projects with global companies like Ferrari, AWS, Adobe, NHS, Financial Times, and more.
As part of the program, students are guided by industry professionals and tackle real-world challenges, giving them a glimpse of what a professional career in their field of interest looks like. You can pick from different industries such as business/finance, tech, engineering, health/medicine, law, and journalism. Unlike traditional internships for high school students, Delve is structured to ensure that students are actively contributing to meaningful projects – making it a standout addition to college applications. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion and a recommendation letter from the company.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (Summer deadline)
Program Dates: 4 weeks (exact dates vary based on company)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers current high school students online courses in business, finance, and leadership. The program introduces students to key business concepts through case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects led by Wharton faculty. Teaching assistants from the Wharton School of Business will also lead daily skill-building workshops that give you a clearer understanding of what was covered in the lectures.
Depending on the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to explore topics like corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial decision-making.
Cost: $329 to $4,799 (depending on the program)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March (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
The Beaver Works Summer Institute, hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT’s School of Engineering offers STEM programs for high school students. As part of the program, you will engage in hands-on, project-based courses that encourage you to solve real-world problems in areas like AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and more. Some of the courses offered include autonomous cognitive assistance, autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, autonomous underwater vehicle challenge, basics of ASICs, cyber operations, quantum software, remote sensing for disaster response, and serious game development with AI.
The program is a good fit for you if you are a curious student interested in developing skills like critical thinking and teamwork, while working with cutting-edge technologies to succeed in your future studies and careers in STEM.
Cost: $2,350
Location: Online or at MIT, Cambridge, MA (depending on the course selected)
Application Deadline: March end (based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 6 - August 2
Eligibility: 9-11 grade students residing and attending a high school in the U.S.
Deepen is an 8-week, 1:1 mentorship program that pairs high school students with expert mentors and academics to help them build an advanced, independent project in their field of interest – whether that’s medicine, finance, sustainability, technology, or the humanities.
As part of the program, you will receive guidance from industry professionals and gain real-world work experience that is tailored to your specific interests, project, and goals. By the end of the program, you will have a completed, self-directed project that demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and depth – something that all universities are looking for.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (Summer deadline)
Program Dates: Flexible scheduling
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective research program at Texas Tech University for high school students. The program runs for 7 weeks in the summer and only 12 students are accepted. Through the program, you will conduct research in various fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, cancer biology, history, physics, and more.
As part of the program, you will participate in weekly seminars, field trips, discussions, and social activities. You will engage with faculty members on the general academic campus and the Health Science Center in a research-intensive setting.
Cost: Application fee - $25
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 21 - August 5
Eligibility: Students must be at least 17 years of age at the start of the program and be U.S. citizens/permanent residents
UChicago’s 3 Week Immersion is designed for students who want an intensive, workshop-driven college classroom experience. You take an undergraduate-level course with a fixed schedule, and a structure that blends discussion with hands-on activities such as projects, writing, and research-style work.
As part of the program, you complete a graded course that carries credit equivalent to an undergraduate quarter course.
Cost: $9,300 residential (commuter option: $6,100 for Chicagoland students)
Location: University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Application Deadline: March 12
Program Dates: Session 1: June 15 - July 2; Session 2: July 7 - July 23
Eligibility: High school students applying to Pre-College Summer Session (requirements include transcript + recommendation)
USC’s Summer Programs give you a college-style routine with real academic accountability. You take an intensive course, attend daily class meetings, and complete graded work on a schedule that simulates a college experience.
You earn university elective credit and finish with a transcript-level course experience to showcase on applications. It is also a great way to work on your time management skills and gain independence. The program allows for fast-paced learning and is best suited for students looking to apply to other credit-bearing, pre-college programs in the future.
Cost: Tuition/fees vary by course
Location: University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Deadline: May 8 (domestic); March 13 (international)
Program Dates: June 22 - July 17
Eligibility: Must have completed 9th grade by the start of the program
Rice Summer Scholars is a university-course option for high school students who want a real class and a real grade. You enroll in Rice summer courses and follow the same expectations that apply to a compressed college term: lectures, assignments, and assessments on a fixed schedule.
Since Rice uses multiple course blocks, the program can be easier to fit around other summer plans. The outcome is completed college-level work that helps you measure readiness for a demanding course load, and you gain experience communicating with instructors and meeting university deadlines.
Cost: $1,300 per credit hour
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Application Deadline: May 4
Program Dates: May 11 - August 14
Eligibility: High school students in the classes of 2026 or 2027
SAMS is a summer program geared towards high school students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in exploring STEM-related fields. As part of the program, you will have the chance to dive deep into STEM subjects through classroom teaching, immersive projects, and interaction with faculty members and experienced mentors.
The program consists of three parts – a virtual component, focused on skill-building, a 6-week, in-person program with courses and meetings, and networking opportunities. Given the university’s strong academic standing, this program is a good fit for you if you’re interested in diving into advanced coursework, research, collaboration with experts, and experiencing college life early on.
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 20 - August 1
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens/perman
UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program is built around doing actual research. You work with a mentor on a defined project in a field such as STEM, social sciences, or humanities, and learn how to move from a research question to evidence, analysis, and a defensible conclusion.
You present your work and practice explaining methods and results to an audience.
Cost: Not specified on the overview/admissions pages; need-based scholarships are available
Location: UC Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
Application Deadline: March 9
Program Dates: June 15 - July 31
Eligibility: Typically 10th - 11th grade (with limited exceptions); minimum GPA requirement listed by program
UPenn’s Pre-College Residential Program is for students who want the full campus experience – living on campus, taking a six-week course, and managing real college expectations. You enroll in a for-credit course that runs on a university schedule, with graded assignments and instructor feedback.
You earn Penn course credit and receive a university transcript, which is easy to showcase on applications. This is also a strong independence test, since you are balancing academics, dorm life, and time management in a real campus environment.
Cost: Application fee $100; tuition varies by course/program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: Typically current 10th & 11th grade students
UC Berkeley’s Pre-College Scholars program lets you take undergraduate-level UC Berkeley summer courses while still in high school. Depending on the track you choose, you can study on campus or enroll in online courses, usually alongside Berkeley students and other visiting learners.
You earn UC Berkeley credit with letter grades or Pass/No Pass, and students who earn passing grades can receive a letter of commendation.
Cost: $635 per unit + required fees (includes $585 registration fee and other listed fees)
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Application Deadline: To be announces
Program Dates: May 26 - August 14
Eligibility: High school students
NYU’s Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC) is an opportunity for high school students to learn the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. As part of the program, you will be mentored by professors from NYU Tandon’s Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and gain practical experience in robotics through classes, workshops, and access to innovative tools and software.
The 2-week program will introduce you to foundational programming skills, electrical and mechanical engineering, hands-on experience with robotics, and robot competitions and challenges.
Cost: $3,300
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Grade 9-12 students who have taken AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry. Preference for completion of PreCaclc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus
SRA is a track-based research model where students are placed in a mentor’s lab. As part of the program, you join a structured research academy and develop a research topic inside that track with an instructor guiding the process. While being research-driven, it’s built to feel more like an academic course with a research capstone.
The key outcome is a presentation that allows you to develop academic and professional skills and present your research in a capstone seminar.
Cost: Not specified
Location: UC Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
Application Deadline: March 23
Program Dates: June 26 - July 24
Eligibility: High school students
EFL is a program designed to equip high school students with leadership skills and the ability to apply economic analysis to public policy decisions. As a participant in the program, you are introduced to economics concepts, reasoning, and leadership skills. The goal of the program is to prepare the next generation of leaders who are able to deal with complex public policy challenges.
EFL is a selective program, with 35-40 students accepted at each of their locations. Selection to EFL is a great way to stand out on college applications and showcase your leadership skills.
Cost: Residential - $2,800; Virtual - $900
Location: Online or in-person at one of their locations here
Application Deadline: Varies based on location/program selected
Program Dates: Various based on location/program selected (multiple sessions from June to early August)
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school
SSP is a STEM research program designed with the goal of equipping high school students with the tools for scientific inquiry. Students can choose from different fields of study such as astrophysics, bacterial genomics, cell biology, biochemistry, and synthetic chemistry. Through the 5-week program, you will work in groups of three to dive into college-level scientific research with mentorship from leading scientists, researchers, and educators.
Cost: $9,800
Location: Multiple university campuses across the U.S.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the field of study
Program Dates: Varies depending on the field of study
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
SUMaC is designed for talented high school students interested in advanced math. As part of the program, you will engage in an intensive study of math, attend lectures, work on a guided research paper, and work on problem sets with peers. This program is a great opportunity for students wanting to engage in college-level math while still in high school, and are able to manage advanced coursework and assignments.
The program is offered virtually (3-weeks) and in-person (4-weeks) and consists of daily lectures, problem-solving sessions, and concludes with a final research project presentation.
Cost: $3,750 (online); $8,950 (in-person)
Location: Virtual or in-person (Stanford University, San Francisco, CA)
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June - July
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11
Summer programs are a great way to make the most of your break. These programs are designed to provide early exposure to college and industry-relevant work while allowing you to develop practical skills and network with peers and mentors. Exploring summer programs in your field of interest can help you upskill, undertake real-world projects, and stand out in college applications.
To help you find the right fit for you, we have detailed 20 prestigious summer programs for high school students.
RSI is a research program geared towards STEM-focused high school students. As part of the program, you engage in scientific research at MIT. This highly selective program is hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education where each year, 100 students are selected to participate. You take part in on-campus coursework in scientific theory along with research in science and technology.
You will be part of intensive STEM classes with profrssors from MIT and spend five weeks conducting research under the guidance of experienced mentors who are scientists and researchers. By the end of the program, you will be expected to present your work through written and oral presentations.
Cost: $75 application fee
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December (based on previous years)
Program Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High School juniors who meet RSI’s academic requirements
Delta Launch’s AI & Code programs are designed for high school students who want to engage in practical, real-world learning. As part of the program, you partake in guided workshops and mentorship to build real, portfolio-worthy projects in AI, machine learning, and software development. Students are matched with mentors from leading tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and more.
The program offers two formats – cohort-based (5 weeks) and 1:1 mentorship (12 weeks) where you learn through hands-on, project-based learning that is tailored to your interests and skill level. By the end of the program, you will have finished a tangible project that you can showcase on college applications.
Cost: AI/Code Intensive (bootcamp) - $2,200 | AI/Code Immersive (1:1 mentorship) - $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (Summer deadline). Students can apply here
Program Dates: Varies by program. Flexible scheduling for the Immersive 1:1 mentorship programs
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
MITES is a 6-week, on-campus program that introduces high school students to college life at MIT. As part of the program, you will take five rigorous classes in math, science, humanities, participate in lab tours, social events, and benefit from college counseling.
The program is designed to give you insight into the value of STEM degrees and careers, while helping you build professional skills to succeed in future careers. As a participant, you also have the chance to build your network and interact with industry professionals and like-minded peers.
Cost: No cost
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: Late June to early August
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Delve is a 4-week virtual work experience program designed to give high school students the chance to work on industry-relevant projects with global companies like Ferrari, AWS, Adobe, NHS, Financial Times, and more.
As part of the program, students are guided by industry professionals and tackle real-world challenges, giving them a glimpse of what a professional career in their field of interest looks like. You can pick from different industries such as business/finance, tech, engineering, health/medicine, law, and journalism. Unlike traditional internships for high school students, Delve is structured to ensure that students are actively contributing to meaningful projects – making it a standout addition to college applications. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion and a recommendation letter from the company.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (Summer deadline)
Program Dates: 4 weeks (exact dates vary based on company)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers current high school students online courses in business, finance, and leadership. The program introduces students to key business concepts through case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects led by Wharton faculty. Teaching assistants from the Wharton School of Business will also lead daily skill-building workshops that give you a clearer understanding of what was covered in the lectures.
Depending on the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to explore topics like corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial decision-making.
Cost: $329 to $4,799 (depending on the program)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March (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
The Beaver Works Summer Institute, hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT’s School of Engineering offers STEM programs for high school students. As part of the program, you will engage in hands-on, project-based courses that encourage you to solve real-world problems in areas like AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and more. Some of the courses offered include autonomous cognitive assistance, autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, autonomous underwater vehicle challenge, basics of ASICs, cyber operations, quantum software, remote sensing for disaster response, and serious game development with AI.
The program is a good fit for you if you are a curious student interested in developing skills like critical thinking and teamwork, while working with cutting-edge technologies to succeed in your future studies and careers in STEM.
Cost: $2,350
Location: Online or at MIT, Cambridge, MA (depending on the course selected)
Application Deadline: March end (based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 6 - August 2
Eligibility: 9-11 grade students residing and attending a high school in the U.S.
Deepen is an 8-week, 1:1 mentorship program that pairs high school students with expert mentors and academics to help them build an advanced, independent project in their field of interest – whether that’s medicine, finance, sustainability, technology, or the humanities.
As part of the program, you will receive guidance from industry professionals and gain real-world work experience that is tailored to your specific interests, project, and goals. By the end of the program, you will have a completed, self-directed project that demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and depth – something that all universities are looking for.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (Summer deadline)
Program Dates: Flexible scheduling
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective research program at Texas Tech University for high school students. The program runs for 7 weeks in the summer and only 12 students are accepted. Through the program, you will conduct research in various fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, cancer biology, history, physics, and more.
As part of the program, you will participate in weekly seminars, field trips, discussions, and social activities. You will engage with faculty members on the general academic campus and the Health Science Center in a research-intensive setting.
Cost: Application fee - $25
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 21 - August 5
Eligibility: Students must be at least 17 years of age at the start of the program and be U.S. citizens/permanent residents
UChicago’s 3 Week Immersion is designed for students who want an intensive, workshop-driven college classroom experience. You take an undergraduate-level course with a fixed schedule, and a structure that blends discussion with hands-on activities such as projects, writing, and research-style work.
As part of the program, you complete a graded course that carries credit equivalent to an undergraduate quarter course.
Cost: $9,300 residential (commuter option: $6,100 for Chicagoland students)
Location: University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Application Deadline: March 12
Program Dates: Session 1: June 15 - July 2; Session 2: July 7 - July 23
Eligibility: High school students applying to Pre-College Summer Session (requirements include transcript + recommendation)
USC’s Summer Programs give you a college-style routine with real academic accountability. You take an intensive course, attend daily class meetings, and complete graded work on a schedule that simulates a college experience.
You earn university elective credit and finish with a transcript-level course experience to showcase on applications. It is also a great way to work on your time management skills and gain independence. The program allows for fast-paced learning and is best suited for students looking to apply to other credit-bearing, pre-college programs in the future.
Cost: Tuition/fees vary by course
Location: University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Deadline: May 8 (domestic); March 13 (international)
Program Dates: June 22 - July 17
Eligibility: Must have completed 9th grade by the start of the program
Rice Summer Scholars is a university-course option for high school students who want a real class and a real grade. You enroll in Rice summer courses and follow the same expectations that apply to a compressed college term: lectures, assignments, and assessments on a fixed schedule.
Since Rice uses multiple course blocks, the program can be easier to fit around other summer plans. The outcome is completed college-level work that helps you measure readiness for a demanding course load, and you gain experience communicating with instructors and meeting university deadlines.
Cost: $1,300 per credit hour
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Application Deadline: May 4
Program Dates: May 11 - August 14
Eligibility: High school students in the classes of 2026 or 2027
SAMS is a summer program geared towards high school students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in exploring STEM-related fields. As part of the program, you will have the chance to dive deep into STEM subjects through classroom teaching, immersive projects, and interaction with faculty members and experienced mentors.
The program consists of three parts – a virtual component, focused on skill-building, a 6-week, in-person program with courses and meetings, and networking opportunities. Given the university’s strong academic standing, this program is a good fit for you if you’re interested in diving into advanced coursework, research, collaboration with experts, and experiencing college life early on.
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 20 - August 1
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens/perman
UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program is built around doing actual research. You work with a mentor on a defined project in a field such as STEM, social sciences, or humanities, and learn how to move from a research question to evidence, analysis, and a defensible conclusion.
You present your work and practice explaining methods and results to an audience.
Cost: Not specified on the overview/admissions pages; need-based scholarships are available
Location: UC Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
Application Deadline: March 9
Program Dates: June 15 - July 31
Eligibility: Typically 10th - 11th grade (with limited exceptions); minimum GPA requirement listed by program
UPenn’s Pre-College Residential Program is for students who want the full campus experience – living on campus, taking a six-week course, and managing real college expectations. You enroll in a for-credit course that runs on a university schedule, with graded assignments and instructor feedback.
You earn Penn course credit and receive a university transcript, which is easy to showcase on applications. This is also a strong independence test, since you are balancing academics, dorm life, and time management in a real campus environment.
Cost: Application fee $100; tuition varies by course/program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: Typically current 10th & 11th grade students
UC Berkeley’s Pre-College Scholars program lets you take undergraduate-level UC Berkeley summer courses while still in high school. Depending on the track you choose, you can study on campus or enroll in online courses, usually alongside Berkeley students and other visiting learners.
You earn UC Berkeley credit with letter grades or Pass/No Pass, and students who earn passing grades can receive a letter of commendation.
Cost: $635 per unit + required fees (includes $585 registration fee and other listed fees)
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Application Deadline: To be announces
Program Dates: May 26 - August 14
Eligibility: High school students
NYU’s Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC) is an opportunity for high school students to learn the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. As part of the program, you will be mentored by professors from NYU Tandon’s Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and gain practical experience in robotics through classes, workshops, and access to innovative tools and software.
The 2-week program will introduce you to foundational programming skills, electrical and mechanical engineering, hands-on experience with robotics, and robot competitions and challenges.
Cost: $3,300
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Grade 9-12 students who have taken AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry. Preference for completion of PreCaclc and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus
SRA is a track-based research model where students are placed in a mentor’s lab. As part of the program, you join a structured research academy and develop a research topic inside that track with an instructor guiding the process. While being research-driven, it’s built to feel more like an academic course with a research capstone.
The key outcome is a presentation that allows you to develop academic and professional skills and present your research in a capstone seminar.
Cost: Not specified
Location: UC Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
Application Deadline: March 23
Program Dates: June 26 - July 24
Eligibility: High school students
EFL is a program designed to equip high school students with leadership skills and the ability to apply economic analysis to public policy decisions. As a participant in the program, you are introduced to economics concepts, reasoning, and leadership skills. The goal of the program is to prepare the next generation of leaders who are able to deal with complex public policy challenges.
EFL is a selective program, with 35-40 students accepted at each of their locations. Selection to EFL is a great way to stand out on college applications and showcase your leadership skills.
Cost: Residential - $2,800; Virtual - $900
Location: Online or in-person at one of their locations here
Application Deadline: Varies based on location/program selected
Program Dates: Various based on location/program selected (multiple sessions from June to early August)
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school
SSP is a STEM research program designed with the goal of equipping high school students with the tools for scientific inquiry. Students can choose from different fields of study such as astrophysics, bacterial genomics, cell biology, biochemistry, and synthetic chemistry. Through the 5-week program, you will work in groups of three to dive into college-level scientific research with mentorship from leading scientists, researchers, and educators.
Cost: $9,800
Location: Multiple university campuses across the U.S.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the field of study
Program Dates: Varies depending on the field of study
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
SUMaC is designed for talented high school students interested in advanced math. As part of the program, you will engage in an intensive study of math, attend lectures, work on a guided research paper, and work on problem sets with peers. This program is a great opportunity for students wanting to engage in college-level math while still in high school, and are able to manage advanced coursework and assignments.
The program is offered virtually (3-weeks) and in-person (4-weeks) and consists of daily lectures, problem-solving sessions, and concludes with a final research project presentation.
Cost: $3,750 (online); $8,950 (in-person)
Location: Virtual or in-person (Stanford University, San Francisco, CA)
Application Deadline: February (based on previous years)
Program Dates: June - July
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11
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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