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Free and low-cost summer 2027 programs for high schoolers

Here are 27 summer 2027 programs for high school students, all with a posted 2027 deadline: 18 free or paid with a stipend, then 9 that charge tuition but offer financial aid. Each section is sorted by deadline, soonest first, and we checked each on its official page on Nov 4, 2026.

Last checked Nov 4, 2026. Deadlines and rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.

How to choose

  1. Eligibility: Check the grade in the application year, age cutoffs, citizenship and state residency. Many programs on this list take juniors only.
  2. Cost and stipend: Free can still mean you pay travel. Some programs pay a stipend, and others charge tuition with aid.
  3. Deadline: Note the time zone and any separate recommendation deadline. Ask letter writers weeks ahead.
  4. Dates: Make sure the full dates fit your summer, including any virtual days before the program starts.
  5. What you'd do: Lab research, classes, writing workshops and language study abroad make very different summers. Pick the one you would gladly spend weeks on.

Free or paid (stipend)

18 programs that cost nothing to attend or pay you, sorted by deadline.

1. NSLI-Y Summer Abroad 2027

U.S. Department of State (NSLI-Y)

  • Deadline: November 12, 2026, 4 pm EST (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: U.S. citizens living in the U.S., ages 15 to 18 at program start, grades 9 to 12, GPA 2.5 or higher.
  • Cost and stipend: Merit scholarship. Covered items listed include tuition, academic program costs and a stipend for local transportation and incidentals.
  • Dates: 6 to 7 weeks; the page says summer programs typically begin mid to late June.
  • Format: Overseas, host family stay for all or part
  • What you do: A State Department scholarship for summer language study abroad. Students get intensive classes in a language such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean or Russian, plus cultural activities and a host family stay. It suits a student ready to live overseas for several weeks and work hard at a new language.
  • Homeschool: Yes. The eligibility FAQ says home-schooled students are eligible and uses a separate transcript form.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.nsliforyouth.org

2. Tennessee Governor's School for Computational Physics 2027

Austin Peay State University

  • Deadline: November 20, 2026 (student portion); recommender portion December 11, 2026 (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Rising 11th and 12th graders in Tennessee, nominated by high school faculty (state page).
  • Cost and stipend: APSU says admission is free with eligible applications.
  • Dates: June 7 to July 2, 2027 (check in June 6)
  • Format: Residential (APSU residence hall)
  • What you do: A residential summer school at Austin Peay State University. Students get weeks of daily computational physics programming and field trips. It suits a Tennessee student who likes physics and wants to code every day.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.apsu.edu

3. LEDA Scholars Program (Summer 2027)

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America

  • Deadline: December 9, 2026 (Part I) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Juniors at U.S. public high schools graduating in 2028; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 3.5+ unweighted GPA; household income $90,000 or below.
  • Cost and stipend: Completely free.
  • Dates: Five weeks in summer 2027 (exact dates not posted)
  • Format: Residential at Princeton and Yale
  • What you do: A residential summer at Princeton and Yale. Students get college prep academics, leadership training, college guidance and SAT/ACT prep. It suits a student planning for a selective college who wants guidance through the whole process.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on ledascholars.org

4. Research Science Institute (RSI) 2027

Center for Excellence in Education, at MIT and Stanford

  • Deadline: December 11, 2026, 11:59 pm (no time zone given) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: High school juniors. Seniors are not eligible.
  • Cost and stipend: Cost-free to students.
  • Dates: Summer 2027 (exact dates not posted)
  • Format: Residential
  • What you do: A residential summer research program from the Center for Excellence in Education. Students get a week of STEM classes, a five-week research internship with a mentor, then a week of written and oral presentations. It suits a student who wants to do real research and present it.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.cee.org

5. KEYS Research Internship 2027

University of Arizona BIO5 Institute

  • Deadline: December 17, 2026 (recommenders by January 7, 2027) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Arizona high schoolers 16+ by June 7, 2027; U.S. citizen or permanent resident with one year of Arizona residency.
  • Cost and stipend: No cost to participate; 3 units of MCB credit.
  • Dates: June 7 to July 23, 2027
  • Format: In person in Tucson; students from outside Tucson are housed in dorms
  • What you do: A research internship at the University of Arizona BIO5 Institute. Students get seven weeks of bioscience research with University of Arizona mentors, ending in a research showcase. It suits an Arizona student drawn to biology who wants time in a working lab.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on keys.arizona.edu

6. MIT Women's Technology Program, Mechanical Engineering (WTP-ME) 2027

MIT

  • Deadline: December 21, 2026 (teacher forms December 23) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Students in the summer after 11th grade (see the application page for full rules).
  • Cost and stipend: Free to apply. Free to attend under $120,000 family income; sliding fees above (FAQ).
  • Dates: June 26 to July 24, 2027
  • Format: Residential at MIT, 4 weeks
  • What you do: A residential summer program at MIT. Students get hands-on mechanical engineering classes and workshops. It suits a student curious about how machines are designed and built.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on wtp.mit.edu

7. Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) 2027

The Rockefeller University

  • Deadline: January 4, 2027, 5 pm ET (including recommendation letter) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Current high school juniors or seniors, 16 or older by the start.
  • Cost and stipend: No fee to apply; free to attend. Transit card provided; need-based stipends possible, not guaranteed.
  • Dates: June 21 to August 5, 2027, full time
  • Format: Commuter, New York City
  • What you do: A full-time commuter research program at The Rockefeller University in New York City. Students get team lab research with scientists, ending in a poster symposium. It suits a student who can get to the city each day and wants to work alongside scientists.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.rockefeller.edu

8. NCSSM Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics 2027

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

  • Deadline: January 5, 2027 (application questions); transcripts and evaluations February 28, 2027 (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: North Carolina students in their second or third year of high school.
  • Cost and stipend: Cost-free to accepted students; housing and meals on campus included.
  • Dates: Four weeks; applicants must be available mid-June to early August 2027
  • Format: Residential on a UNC campus
  • What you do: A residential summer program on a UNC campus. Students get hands-on science research with faculty. It suits a North Carolina student who wants a month of research on a university campus.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.ncssm.edu

9. UT Southwestern STARS Summer Research Program 2027

UT Southwestern Medical Center

  • Deadline: January 22, 2027 (opens November 16, 2026) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: High school juniors 16+ by June 1; aimed at North Texas students; U.S. citizens, nationals or those eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Cost and stipend: Stipend paid.
  • Dates: Eight weeks, summer 2027 (exact dates not posted)
  • Format: Non-residential, Dallas
  • What you do: A paid summer research program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Students do research in a lab with a faculty host, then present their results at summer's end. It suits a student in North Texas interested in medical science.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.utsouthwestern.edu

10. Princeton Summer Journalism Program 2027

Princeton University

  • Deadline: Last Monday in January (January 25, 2027); opens mid-November (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Current juniors with a permanent U.S. address, 3.5 unweighted GPA, meeting income criteria.
  • Cost and stipend: Free; travel, housing and meals covered.
  • Dates: Online classes from June/July, then 10 days at Princeton late July to early August 2027
  • Format: Hybrid (online plus residential)
  • What you do: A hybrid journalism program from Princeton University. Students get reporting work, newsroom visits, the chance to publish the Princeton Summer Journal and college advising. It suits a student who loves to write and report.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on psjp.princeton.edu

11. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) 2027, high school track

National Institutes of Health

  • Deadline: January 26, 2027, noon ET (references February 2) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: High school seniors 18 by Sept 30, 2027 (17-year-olds must live within 40 miles of an NIH campus); U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Cost and stipend: Stipend paid; no housing provided.
  • Dates: Between May 10 and August 31, 2027, set with the mentor
  • Format: In person at NIH, commuter
  • What you do: A paid internship at the National Institutes of Health. Students do full-time biomedical research in an NIH lab. It suits a student who lives near an NIH campus and wants a full summer in a research lab.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.training.nih.gov

12. Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) 2027

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Deadline: January 31, 2027, 11:59 pm EST (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Pennsylvania residents who are rising seniors.
  • Cost and stipend: No cost; housing, meals and tuition covered.
  • Dates: June 27 to July 31, 2027
  • Format: Residential at CMU, 5 weeks
  • What you do: A residential summer school at Carnegie Mellon University. Students take courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, math and physics, a lab course and a team research project presented at a symposium. It suits a Pennsylvania student who enjoys many sciences.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.cmu.edu

13. MITES Summer 2027

MIT

  • Deadline: February 1, 2027, 11:59 pm PST (recommendations February 15) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: High school juniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Cost and stipend: Free; students pay travel only.
  • Dates: Six weeks, late June to early August (2027 dates TBD)
  • Format: Residential at MIT
  • What you do: A residential summer program at MIT. Students take five courses over six weeks. It suits a student who wants a demanding STEM summer, and the FAQ says homeschooled students are eligible.
  • Homeschool: Yes. The MITES FAQ says homeschooled students are eligible.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on mites.mit.edu

14. CMU Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) 2027

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Deadline: February 1, 2027, 11:59 pm EST (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: 16 by June 26, 2027; in 11th grade at application; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Cost and stipend: Fully funded except travel; financial documentation required.
  • Dates: Virtual June 21 to 22, then June 26 to August 7, 2027
  • Format: Residential in Pittsburgh
  • What you do: A residential summer program at Carnegie Mellon University. Students get STEM courses, a research project, a symposium and a for-credit college course. It suits a student who wants research and college credit in one summer.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.cmu.edu

15. CMU CS Scholars 2027

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Deadline: February 1, 2027, 11:59 pm EST (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Rising juniors (between 10th and 11th grade in summer 2027), 16 by June 26, 2027; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Cost and stipend: Fully funded (tuition, housing and more); limited travel help.
  • Dates: June 26 to July 24, 2027
  • Format: Residential in Pittsburgh, 4 weeks
  • What you do: A residential computing program at Carnegie Mellon University. Students get college-level computing courses, group projects, a final symposium and industry engagement. It suits a student who likes programming and working in a team.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.cmu.edu

16. CMU AI Scholars 2027

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Deadline: February 1, 2027, 11:59 pm EST (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Rising seniors (between 11th and 12th grade in summer 2027), 16 by June 26, 2027.
  • Cost and stipend: Fully funded (tuition, housing and more); limited travel help.
  • Dates: Four weeks ending July 24, 2027
  • Format: Residential in Pittsburgh
  • What you do: A residential AI program at Carnegie Mellon University. Students get college-level AI and computing courses, research and group projects, and a final symposium. It suits a student curious about artificial intelligence.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.cmu.edu

17. Clark Scholars Program 2027

Texas Tech University

  • Deadline: February 15, 2027, 11:59 pm CT (opens January 2, 2027) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: 17 by the start, graduating 2026 or 2027 per the page; U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Cost and stipend: $25 application fee; no program fees; room and meals provided; $750 stipend after the research report.
  • Dates: Seven weeks, summer 2027 (dates not posted)
  • Format: Residential at Texas Tech
  • What you do: A residential research program at Texas Tech University. Students do research with a Texas Tech faculty mentor in a group of about 12 scholars. It suits a student who wants to work closely with a faculty mentor in a small group.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.depts.ttu.edu

18. Seattle Children's Research Training Program 2027

Seattle Children's Research Institute

  • Deadline: March 8, 2027, 5 pm PT (opens January 4; letters March 29) (source (opens in a new tab))
  • Who can apply: Current 10th or 11th graders attending high school in Washington state, able to commute to downtown Seattle.
  • Cost and stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend.
  • Dates: July 12 to August 6, 2027, weekdays 8:30 am to 3 pm
  • Format: In person, commuter (no housing)
  • What you do: A paid commuter program at Seattle Children's Research Institute. Students get lab training such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, immunoassays and gene editing. It suits a Washington student who can commute to downtown Seattle and wants hands-on lab skills.
  • Checked: Nov 4, 2026 on www.seattlechildrens.org

More for high schoolers

If a program asks for a school transcript or counselor letter and the official page does not mention homeschoolers, email the program and ask what it accepts. See also high school programs and contests open now (November 2026), free and cheap college credit for homeschoolers and high school curriculum.

Each listing was read on its official page on Nov 4, 2026. No affiliate links on this page.

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