Top 10 Programs for High Schoolers
Top 10 Programs for High Schoolers
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Published on
Published on
High school programs offer students the chance to explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience before college. Whether you’re interested in research, entrepreneurship, STEM, the humanities, or experiencing university life, there are plenty of programs to help you grow academically and personally.
Here are the top 10 programs for high schoolers to consider, including opportunities at top universities, hands-on research experiences, and career-focused programs.
If you’re interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), the Research Science Institute (RSI) is a great program to consider. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RSI combines advanced coursework with independent research projects. During the 6-week program, you’ll attend seminars taught by technology and science leaders before completing your own research projects under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers.
You’ll also spend your time conducting hands-on research in the laboratory, going on field trips to nearby cultural attractions, and visiting local science and technology facilities. At the end of the program, you’ll present your written and oral presentation to an outside panel of academic and corporate scientists from Boston.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: December (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors globally
The Delve Work-Experience Program by Delta Institute is a virtual work experience designed for high schoolers who want hands-on experience in their field of interest, with more than 15 programs available across fields like technology, engineering, business, finance, and healthcare. Students will spend 4 to 5 weeks collaborating with peers, industry mentors and professionals from globally recognized organizations like Ferrari, Adobe, the Financial Times, Stripe, and more to solve real-world challenges.
Students will work as a team to complete a project that addresses these challenges, and they will pitch it to company representatives at the end of the program. They will receive valuable feedback they can use to enhance their project and include it in their portfolio. They will also receive a completion certificate and an exclusive letter of recommendation from the company.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: July 31 (final summer deadline)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Global Entrepreneurship, Innovation & AI for Young Leaders program is a three-week online certificate program for high schoolers offered by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) in partnership with Delta Institute. The program teaches students about entrepreneurship, innovation, and artificial intelligence through live instruction, hands-on projects, self-guided work, and collaboration with peers from around the world.
Participants learn from Penn faculty and industry experts while developing skills like entrepreneurship, AI application, product design, social innovation, and business strategy. At the end of the program, you’ll have a Penn Certificate of Completion, a real product you built that you can include in your portfolio, and a personalized entrepreneurial mindset profile highlighting your strengths and growth areas.
Cost: $5,000 (early launch discount), otherwise: $7,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: July 31
Program Dates: August 8 to 23
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
High schoolers who want a taste of university life can experience it at Stanford University with the school’s Summer Session. You can choose from over 100 university-level courses in 7 interest areas: Natural Sciences, Creativity and Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Math and Data Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Personal Development, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Writing and Public Speaking.
Each course is different, but each one allows students to explore their academic interests, develop new skills, and experience Stanford’s campus while learning alongside students from around the world. For the full experience, you can even live on campus and immerse yourself in student life while participating in academic activities, social events, and exploring everything Stanford has to offer.
Cost: From $8,226 for commuters and $18,771 for residential students
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Another program that lets high schoolers explore their interests and get a taste of university life is Brown University’s Summer@Brown. The Ivy League offers over 230 non-credit courses, covering almost any subject you can think of, like psychology, writing, medical sciences, performing arts, literature, engineering, and technology. The program allows students to explore their interests, think independently, and experience university-level learning without the pressure of formal grades.
You’ll attend lectures, join workshops and activities, and connect with peers from around the world while developing skills needed for university life. Outside of class, you can participate in Student Life activities and events to network and socialize. Summer@Brown offers both on-campus options, with sessions ranging from 1 to 5 weeks, making it easier to fit the program into your busy schedule.
Cost: $3,096 to $6,520
Location: Virtual or on campus in Providence, Rhode Island
Application Deadline: May (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12
Carnegie Mellon University offers a range of programs for high schoolers interested in experiencing university-level courses before they graduate, including its Summer Session. The program offers 25 courses to choose from, such as accounting, social psychology, neurobiology, astronomy, and philosophy. The curriculum mirrors Carnegie Mellon’s regular courses, with lectures taught by university professors and faculty members and the same college-level work.
Residential students must complete two courses over the 6-week program, while local commuters can take 1 to 2 courses. Upon completion of the program, students receive college credit, which can be transferred to other institutions that accept Carnegie Mellon University credit.
Cost: $7,409 to $14,688, $50 application fee
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The MIT PRIMES-USA (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science) is a highly selective, year-long research program for students with outstanding mathematical ability. The program pairs students with mentors from MIT and other leading universities to investigate unsolved problems in pure and applied mathematics, theoretical computer science, and computational biology.
You’ll collaborate with your mentor remotely (or in-person if local mentors are available) through weekly meetings, while also conducting independent study, progressing from advanced reading to original research. At the end of the program, you’ll present your final project at the annual PRIMES conference and write a research paper that can be submitted to science competitions or academic journals.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual or in-person with local mentors
Application Deadline: December (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: January to December
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores in the United States
Chicago-based high schoolers interested in a more in-depth learning opportunity can apply for the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program. This 3-year program helps high schoolers prepare for admission to highly selective colleges. During the academic year, students participate in workshops and activities focused on topics like leadership development, civic engagement, cultural exploration, financial literacy, and the college application process.
Then each summer, students take college-level courses in humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science taught by University of Chicago faculty and advanced graduate students. Throughout the program, students also build research skills, connect with mentors and industry professionals, and gain firsthand experience in a university environment.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: 3 academic years
Eligibility: Current 9th grade students attending a Chicago public school
The Vanderbilt Summer Institutes is a two-week residential summer program for academically advanced high school juniors and seniors who want an immersive introduction to college-level learning. There are a range of courses available led by Vanderbilt faculty and scholars, including chemical engineering, sports economics, game theory, neuroscience, and physics. Courses are accelerated to meet the needs of gifted students, so applicants must submit eligibility materials to ensure they’re a good fit for the program.
Outside of the classroom, students will experience campus life by living in Vanderbilt’s first-year residence halls, eating in campus dining facilities, and connecting with peers from around the world. There’s also a wide range of evening and weekend activities like field trips, talent shows, and sports to keep you busy.
Cost: $5,750
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who meet academic requirements
Harvard University’s Pre-College Summer School Program is a 2-week residential summer experience for high school students who want to explore college-level learning and campus life. Students can choose from nearly 30 non-credit courses across 6 subject areas: Speech, Writing, and Literature; Psychology, Medicine, and Public Health; Law, Politics, Philosophy, and History; Business and Leadership; Race, Gender, and Ethics; Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
Taught by Harvard instructors, classes emphasize discussion, collaboration, and intellectual exploration in small groups, with an average class size of 15 students. Beyond academics, students can participate in daily life on Harvard’s campus through creative and social programs.
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16 and 19 during the program
High school programs offer students the chance to explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience before college. Whether you’re interested in research, entrepreneurship, STEM, the humanities, or experiencing university life, there are plenty of programs to help you grow academically and personally.
Here are the top 10 programs for high schoolers to consider, including opportunities at top universities, hands-on research experiences, and career-focused programs.
If you’re interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), the Research Science Institute (RSI) is a great program to consider. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RSI combines advanced coursework with independent research projects. During the 6-week program, you’ll attend seminars taught by technology and science leaders before completing your own research projects under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers.
You’ll also spend your time conducting hands-on research in the laboratory, going on field trips to nearby cultural attractions, and visiting local science and technology facilities. At the end of the program, you’ll present your written and oral presentation to an outside panel of academic and corporate scientists from Boston.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: December (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors globally
The Delve Work-Experience Program by Delta Institute is a virtual work experience designed for high schoolers who want hands-on experience in their field of interest, with more than 15 programs available across fields like technology, engineering, business, finance, and healthcare. Students will spend 4 to 5 weeks collaborating with peers, industry mentors and professionals from globally recognized organizations like Ferrari, Adobe, the Financial Times, Stripe, and more to solve real-world challenges.
Students will work as a team to complete a project that addresses these challenges, and they will pitch it to company representatives at the end of the program. They will receive valuable feedback they can use to enhance their project and include it in their portfolio. They will also receive a completion certificate and an exclusive letter of recommendation from the company.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: July 31 (final summer deadline)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Global Entrepreneurship, Innovation & AI for Young Leaders program is a three-week online certificate program for high schoolers offered by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) in partnership with Delta Institute. The program teaches students about entrepreneurship, innovation, and artificial intelligence through live instruction, hands-on projects, self-guided work, and collaboration with peers from around the world.
Participants learn from Penn faculty and industry experts while developing skills like entrepreneurship, AI application, product design, social innovation, and business strategy. At the end of the program, you’ll have a Penn Certificate of Completion, a real product you built that you can include in your portfolio, and a personalized entrepreneurial mindset profile highlighting your strengths and growth areas.
Cost: $5,000 (early launch discount), otherwise: $7,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: July 31
Program Dates: August 8 to 23
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
High schoolers who want a taste of university life can experience it at Stanford University with the school’s Summer Session. You can choose from over 100 university-level courses in 7 interest areas: Natural Sciences, Creativity and Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Math and Data Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Personal Development, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Writing and Public Speaking.
Each course is different, but each one allows students to explore their academic interests, develop new skills, and experience Stanford’s campus while learning alongside students from around the world. For the full experience, you can even live on campus and immerse yourself in student life while participating in academic activities, social events, and exploring everything Stanford has to offer.
Cost: From $8,226 for commuters and $18,771 for residential students
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Another program that lets high schoolers explore their interests and get a taste of university life is Brown University’s Summer@Brown. The Ivy League offers over 230 non-credit courses, covering almost any subject you can think of, like psychology, writing, medical sciences, performing arts, literature, engineering, and technology. The program allows students to explore their interests, think independently, and experience university-level learning without the pressure of formal grades.
You’ll attend lectures, join workshops and activities, and connect with peers from around the world while developing skills needed for university life. Outside of class, you can participate in Student Life activities and events to network and socialize. Summer@Brown offers both on-campus options, with sessions ranging from 1 to 5 weeks, making it easier to fit the program into your busy schedule.
Cost: $3,096 to $6,520
Location: Virtual or on campus in Providence, Rhode Island
Application Deadline: May (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12
Carnegie Mellon University offers a range of programs for high schoolers interested in experiencing university-level courses before they graduate, including its Summer Session. The program offers 25 courses to choose from, such as accounting, social psychology, neurobiology, astronomy, and philosophy. The curriculum mirrors Carnegie Mellon’s regular courses, with lectures taught by university professors and faculty members and the same college-level work.
Residential students must complete two courses over the 6-week program, while local commuters can take 1 to 2 courses. Upon completion of the program, students receive college credit, which can be transferred to other institutions that accept Carnegie Mellon University credit.
Cost: $7,409 to $14,688, $50 application fee
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The MIT PRIMES-USA (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science) is a highly selective, year-long research program for students with outstanding mathematical ability. The program pairs students with mentors from MIT and other leading universities to investigate unsolved problems in pure and applied mathematics, theoretical computer science, and computational biology.
You’ll collaborate with your mentor remotely (or in-person if local mentors are available) through weekly meetings, while also conducting independent study, progressing from advanced reading to original research. At the end of the program, you’ll present your final project at the annual PRIMES conference and write a research paper that can be submitted to science competitions or academic journals.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual or in-person with local mentors
Application Deadline: December (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: January to December
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores in the United States
Chicago-based high schoolers interested in a more in-depth learning opportunity can apply for the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program. This 3-year program helps high schoolers prepare for admission to highly selective colleges. During the academic year, students participate in workshops and activities focused on topics like leadership development, civic engagement, cultural exploration, financial literacy, and the college application process.
Then each summer, students take college-level courses in humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science taught by University of Chicago faculty and advanced graduate students. Throughout the program, students also build research skills, connect with mentors and industry professionals, and gain firsthand experience in a university environment.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: 3 academic years
Eligibility: Current 9th grade students attending a Chicago public school
The Vanderbilt Summer Institutes is a two-week residential summer program for academically advanced high school juniors and seniors who want an immersive introduction to college-level learning. There are a range of courses available led by Vanderbilt faculty and scholars, including chemical engineering, sports economics, game theory, neuroscience, and physics. Courses are accelerated to meet the needs of gifted students, so applicants must submit eligibility materials to ensure they’re a good fit for the program.
Outside of the classroom, students will experience campus life by living in Vanderbilt’s first-year residence halls, eating in campus dining facilities, and connecting with peers from around the world. There’s also a wide range of evening and weekend activities like field trips, talent shows, and sports to keep you busy.
Cost: $5,750
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who meet academic requirements
Harvard University’s Pre-College Summer School Program is a 2-week residential summer experience for high school students who want to explore college-level learning and campus life. Students can choose from nearly 30 non-credit courses across 6 subject areas: Speech, Writing, and Literature; Psychology, Medicine, and Public Health; Law, Politics, Philosophy, and History; Business and Leadership; Race, Gender, and Ethics; Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
Taught by Harvard instructors, classes emphasize discussion, collaboration, and intellectual exploration in small groups, with an average class size of 15 students. Beyond academics, students can participate in daily life on Harvard’s campus through creative and social programs.
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16 and 19 during the program
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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