11 Fabulous Free Summer Programs for High School Students

We love summer planning at College MatchPoint. It’s the best time of year for students of all ages to dig in and explore their interests and passions by trying on activities, volunteering, taking classes, or participating in a summer program. Though summer vacation is still a few months away, summer programs often fill up quickly, and deadlines are approaching. Below, we’ve rounded up 11 summer programs across all subjects that are also free! Read on for our summer program spotlight, and be sure to take note of any upcoming application deadlines! 

Business

UT McCombs Summer High School Programs 
Rising juniors and seniors with strong academic records and an interest in business can apply for
UT McCombs Summer High School Programs. Over the course of these one-week residential programs, students will network with industry professionals, engage in case competitions, and learn from world-renowned faculty and speakers. Programs include McCombs Future Executive Academy and Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers, both in June. Underrepresented and first-generation students are encouraged to apply.  Final Deadline: April 1 


WashU: Olin Fleischer Scholars Program 
In the
WashU: Olin Fleischer Scholars Program, students will spend a week connecting with business professionals and developing a business idea to present to a panel of judges. The program is open to rising juniors and seniors who will be first-generation college students, are underrepresented students of color, or come from low-income households. Preference is given to students from the Midwest.  Final Deadline: March 8 


IU: Meet Kelley
(Business)
Rising seniors from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply to
IU: Meet Kelley, a one-week residential program exploring business opportunities at Indiana University. Students will team up with each other to create and present a business plan while attending classes and learning from Kelley faculty. Final Deadline: May 1 


TCU: Supply Chain Business Technology Camp
Rising juniors and seniors from underserved communities in the Fort Worth area can apply to this three-day residential program at TCU. Students will explore how various industries leverage and use technology – including AI, machine learning, and automated vehicles – to drive innovation in the global supply chain. Deadline: TBD. 

Application will open late February 2023. 


Liberal Arts 


Library of Congress: High School Summer Internship 
High school students interested in the liberal arts should check out virtual internships available through the
Library of Congress. Over the course of 4 weeks, students will assist the Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement. While this is not a paid internship, students may arrange with their school in advance to earn community service hours. A resume, writing sample, and statement are interest are required with the application. Final Deadline: April 28


Engineering 


MIT: Beaver Works Summer Institute 
The
MIT: Beaver Works Summer Institute is a virtual opportunity for future engineers to take online project-based courses exploring subjects such as autonomous air vehicle racing, cyber ops, and quantum software. Students must apply and complete courses during the spring in order to be eligible for the summer team-based virtual program. Courses open on February 1, and students must show progress by March 31 to continue into the summer portion of the program. 


MIT: Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers 
The
LLRISE Program at MIT is an opportunity for rising seniors who are passionate about STEM to attend a two-week radar-building workshop in July. Students will work together on building a Doppler and range radar while learning from talented scientists and engineers. The program is residential and will be held both on the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA and in Lexington, MA at the Lincoln Laboratory. Final Deadline: March 10


Medical Research 


Stanford Institutes of Medicine: Summer Research Program (Research, Pre-Med)
Rising seniors (and new high school graduates) who are from diverse backgrounds and are hoping to explore research in the biological sciences and medicine can apply for
Stanford Institutes of Medicine: Summer Research Program. Over the course of eight weeks, students will work with Stanford faculty, researchers, students, and postdoctoral fellows on a medically-oriented project. While participants will receive a minimum $500 stipend, there is no housing provided. Final Deadline: February 25


Scripps Research Translational Institute Student Research Internship
 
Highly motivated high school students who are interested in exploring medical research can apply for the
Scripps Research Translational Institute Student Research Internship, a 10-week residential program in which selected interns work with mentors to create and present an independent project relating to translational medical science. Interns must be at least 16 years old and interested in genomics or mHealth translational research. While the internships are unpaid, students may receive school credit if arrangements are made in advance. Final Deadline: March 28


Science 


NASA Internships and Fellowships 
NASA offers hundreds of opportunities for internships at four campus locations – Greenbelt, Maryland; Wallops Island, Virginia; New York City; and Fairmont, West Virginia. Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old may apply to participate in either research or other experiential learning. Internship opportunities are ongoing! 


IU: Project STEM: High School Summer Research Program 
This two-week residential program in June 2023 will allow students to experience college-level research first-hand. Applicants must have completed 2 semesters of high school science and at least one semester of chemistry, and a recommendation from a science teacher is required. 
Final Deadline: April 1




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