8 Career Exploration Programs for High School Students
8 Career Exploration 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
Although planning your future while you’re still in high school can seem scary, it’s the perfect time to discover your passions and strengths so you can find a college program that aligns with your interests. Completing a career exploration program allows you to do this, while providing hands-on experience, guidance from mentors, and exposure to in-demand industries to help you make informed decisions about your future.
Below are 8 career exploration programs for high school students that help students gain hands-on experience and find a career that suits their strengths and passions.
The Discover program by Delta Institute is a 4-week virtual career exploration program designed to help high school students explore in-demand industries and professions through group sessions and tailored coaching. You’ll use self-assessment tools to discover your strengths, values, and personality traits, then further develop them through hands-on activities that build in-demand skills like data analysis, coding, or creative writing. Then you’ll rotate through different career tracks such as business, technology, and healthcare, testing multiple interests before committing to one path.
The program offers 12 hours of group career coaching, 3 one-on-one sessions with expert career coaches, networking events, and skill-building workshops. By the end of the 4 weeks, you’ll have mastered job applications, gotten valuable interview practice, and received a report with your assessment results and recommended career paths.
Cost: $2,0000
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline:
Summer I: March 29
Summer II: April 26
Program Dates:
Cohort I: April 4 to May 10
Cohort II: June 20 to July 26
Cohort III: July 11 to August 16
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program offers students a chance to explore different majors and experience what college is like without the pressure of earning credit. Choose from 30 courses across majors like business and leadership, speech, writing, and literature, and psychology, medicine, and public health to discover your interests and find a potential career path.
You’ll spend 2 weeks taking classes with an average of 15 students, participating in social activities, and living on campus to experience life as a college student. At the end of the program, you’ll receive an evaluation from your instructor and a Harvard transcript to enhance your college applications.
Cost: $6,100, $75 application fee
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 21 to July 2
Session II: July 5 to July 17
Session III: July 19 to July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is ideal for students interested in careers related to subjects like literature, politics, history, and philosophy. In this 3-week residential program, you’ll choose from a range of unique humanities courses led by Stanford professors, such as Ancient Rome and Its Legacies, Books to Bollywood, and Magic Realism. You can apply for up to 3 courses, but you’ll only be admitted to 1, so rank your choices carefully.
You’ll also have the chance to meet like-minded peers interested in the humanities and develop your social skills through field trips and organized activities around the San Francisco Bay area on the weekends. You won’t get credit for this program, but you’ll gain valuable experience, deepen your understanding of the humanities, and build connections that can help guide your future academic and career decisions.
Cost: $8,850
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session One: June 21 to July 10
Session Two: July 12 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
MITES Summer is a highly competitive program that introduces students to STEM careers through rigorous coursework and hands-on projects. You’ll study five intensive courses in science, mathematics, and humanities, supplemented by electives like genomics, engineering, and machine learning. Beyond academics, the program includes interactive workshops, social events, mentorship, networking opportunities, and college preparation support, giving you a glimpse into life at MIT and the STEM community.
Throughout the 6 weeks, you’ll collaborate closely with instructors on homework, projects, and presentations, receiving personalized guidance and feedback. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation highlighting your strengths and growth areas and your contribution to the class.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Late June through early August
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
NYU’s High School Summer Art Intensive program is designed for students exploring careers in creative industries like fine arts, design, and media. You’ll take digital art, painting, and sculpture classes two days a week, led by NYU faculty. The rest of the program will consist of studio time, social events, and a seminar about the New York art world.
You’ll also learn about different career pathways in studio arts and learn what it means to be a working artist in the Big Apple, helping you decide if this is a path you want to pursue. You’ll live on campus at one of NYU’s residence halls, giving you a taste of college life in one of the country’s most vibrant and art-forward cities.
Cost: $7,360
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 6 to August 2
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students globally
John Hopkins’ Explore Engineering Innovation program introduces students to various engineering disciplines, including biomedical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Designed for students curious about STEM, this college-level summer program emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, creativity, and real-world applications.
Through interactive projects like building spaghetti bridges, programming memory games, and conducting chemical process experiments, you’ll develop critical thinking, collaboration, and technical skills that mirror what first-year engineering students experience at John Hopkins. With residential, commuter, hybrid, and virtual options available, you can choose a program that fits with your schedule.
Cost: Varies by format, but ranges from $4,225 to $10,190
Location: Virtual or in-person in Baltimore, Maryland
Application Deadline: Varies by format
Program Dates: June 15 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
USC’s Bovard Scholars Program focuses on college preparation and career exploration for high-achieving juniors. It provides personalized guidance through every step of the college application process, including admissions strategy, financial aid navigation, and test preparation. You’ll receive one-on-one support to highlight your achievements, convey your personal stories effectively, and maximize scholarship opportunities.
Beyond college readiness, the program emphasizes career exploration and leadership development by offering a behind-the-scenes look at innovative organizations, including Disney, Hulu, and the Los Angeles City Hall. By the end of the program, you’ll understand the college admissions and financial aid process better and have an idea of the career you want to pursue in the future.
Cost: Free
Location: Los Angeles, California
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 13 to August 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
Yale’s Young Global Scholars program is a two-week academic experience for high school students around the world. It gives students the chance to explore subjects like science and technology, politics, law, and economics, literature and culture, and solving global challenges through lectures, small seminars, discussions, and group projects. There are no grades or course credits, so you can pursue subjects you’re passionate about without pressure.
Beyond academics, the program offers workshops and seminars on leadership, college preparation, and career development. You’ll also get to interact with students from over 150 countries through social activities like a talent show and symposium.
Cost: $7,000
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 21 to July 3
Session II: July 5 to July 17
Session III: July 19 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students globally between the ages of 16 to 18 by the program start date
Although planning your future while you’re still in high school can seem scary, it’s the perfect time to discover your passions and strengths so you can find a college program that aligns with your interests. Completing a career exploration program allows you to do this, while providing hands-on experience, guidance from mentors, and exposure to in-demand industries to help you make informed decisions about your future.
Below are 8 career exploration programs for high school students that help students gain hands-on experience and find a career that suits their strengths and passions.
The Discover program by Delta Institute is a 4-week virtual career exploration program designed to help high school students explore in-demand industries and professions through group sessions and tailored coaching. You’ll use self-assessment tools to discover your strengths, values, and personality traits, then further develop them through hands-on activities that build in-demand skills like data analysis, coding, or creative writing. Then you’ll rotate through different career tracks such as business, technology, and healthcare, testing multiple interests before committing to one path.
The program offers 12 hours of group career coaching, 3 one-on-one sessions with expert career coaches, networking events, and skill-building workshops. By the end of the 4 weeks, you’ll have mastered job applications, gotten valuable interview practice, and received a report with your assessment results and recommended career paths.
Cost: $2,0000
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline:
Summer I: March 29
Summer II: April 26
Program Dates:
Cohort I: April 4 to May 10
Cohort II: June 20 to July 26
Cohort III: July 11 to August 16
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program offers students a chance to explore different majors and experience what college is like without the pressure of earning credit. Choose from 30 courses across majors like business and leadership, speech, writing, and literature, and psychology, medicine, and public health to discover your interests and find a potential career path.
You’ll spend 2 weeks taking classes with an average of 15 students, participating in social activities, and living on campus to experience life as a college student. At the end of the program, you’ll receive an evaluation from your instructor and a Harvard transcript to enhance your college applications.
Cost: $6,100, $75 application fee
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 21 to July 2
Session II: July 5 to July 17
Session III: July 19 to July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is ideal for students interested in careers related to subjects like literature, politics, history, and philosophy. In this 3-week residential program, you’ll choose from a range of unique humanities courses led by Stanford professors, such as Ancient Rome and Its Legacies, Books to Bollywood, and Magic Realism. You can apply for up to 3 courses, but you’ll only be admitted to 1, so rank your choices carefully.
You’ll also have the chance to meet like-minded peers interested in the humanities and develop your social skills through field trips and organized activities around the San Francisco Bay area on the weekends. You won’t get credit for this program, but you’ll gain valuable experience, deepen your understanding of the humanities, and build connections that can help guide your future academic and career decisions.
Cost: $8,850
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session One: June 21 to July 10
Session Two: July 12 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
MITES Summer is a highly competitive program that introduces students to STEM careers through rigorous coursework and hands-on projects. You’ll study five intensive courses in science, mathematics, and humanities, supplemented by electives like genomics, engineering, and machine learning. Beyond academics, the program includes interactive workshops, social events, mentorship, networking opportunities, and college preparation support, giving you a glimpse into life at MIT and the STEM community.
Throughout the 6 weeks, you’ll collaborate closely with instructors on homework, projects, and presentations, receiving personalized guidance and feedback. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation highlighting your strengths and growth areas and your contribution to the class.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Late June through early August
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
NYU’s High School Summer Art Intensive program is designed for students exploring careers in creative industries like fine arts, design, and media. You’ll take digital art, painting, and sculpture classes two days a week, led by NYU faculty. The rest of the program will consist of studio time, social events, and a seminar about the New York art world.
You’ll also learn about different career pathways in studio arts and learn what it means to be a working artist in the Big Apple, helping you decide if this is a path you want to pursue. You’ll live on campus at one of NYU’s residence halls, giving you a taste of college life in one of the country’s most vibrant and art-forward cities.
Cost: $7,360
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 6 to August 2
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students globally
John Hopkins’ Explore Engineering Innovation program introduces students to various engineering disciplines, including biomedical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Designed for students curious about STEM, this college-level summer program emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, creativity, and real-world applications.
Through interactive projects like building spaghetti bridges, programming memory games, and conducting chemical process experiments, you’ll develop critical thinking, collaboration, and technical skills that mirror what first-year engineering students experience at John Hopkins. With residential, commuter, hybrid, and virtual options available, you can choose a program that fits with your schedule.
Cost: Varies by format, but ranges from $4,225 to $10,190
Location: Virtual or in-person in Baltimore, Maryland
Application Deadline: Varies by format
Program Dates: June 15 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
USC’s Bovard Scholars Program focuses on college preparation and career exploration for high-achieving juniors. It provides personalized guidance through every step of the college application process, including admissions strategy, financial aid navigation, and test preparation. You’ll receive one-on-one support to highlight your achievements, convey your personal stories effectively, and maximize scholarship opportunities.
Beyond college readiness, the program emphasizes career exploration and leadership development by offering a behind-the-scenes look at innovative organizations, including Disney, Hulu, and the Los Angeles City Hall. By the end of the program, you’ll understand the college admissions and financial aid process better and have an idea of the career you want to pursue in the future.
Cost: Free
Location: Los Angeles, California
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 13 to August 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
Yale’s Young Global Scholars program is a two-week academic experience for high school students around the world. It gives students the chance to explore subjects like science and technology, politics, law, and economics, literature and culture, and solving global challenges through lectures, small seminars, discussions, and group projects. There are no grades or course credits, so you can pursue subjects you’re passionate about without pressure.
Beyond academics, the program offers workshops and seminars on leadership, college preparation, and career development. You’ll also get to interact with students from over 150 countries through social activities like a talent show and symposium.
Cost: $7,000
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 21 to July 3
Session II: July 5 to July 17
Session III: July 19 to July 31
Eligibility: High school students globally between the ages of 16 to 18 by the program start date
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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