Guide to 2026 Summer Programs

As summer approaches, one of the best ways we as students can take advantage of our summers is to spend them conducting research, interning at a new business, and exploring our future career interests. Partaking in summer programs shows a genuine interest in learning and initiative, as well as forcing us to step out of comfort zones; a lot of what college admissions officers look at when applying to colleges. Not only this, but they provide exposure for the field and career you may, or may not, become interested in. 

Many of the most competitive and prestigious programs open their applications early in the year, and that is why it is so important to start applying now. Below is a curated guide to national high-school summer programs with applications currently open. 

Why apply?

Internships, programs, and projects offer experiences that we cannot get simply through our respective high schools. The learning we do in these experiences goes beyond the classroom, so it is important we use the opportunities we have now. 

Not only are we able to work alongside or as mentees to scientists, engineers, artists, policymakers, professors, and more, but by doing so, we are able to gain first-hand exposure to professional environments and college-level experiences. Additionally, we are able to build resumes, gain admirable reference we could request recommendation letters from, and overall, build our own confidences in academic settings as a student. 

Truly, as students, these programs can be transformative. 

1. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center SHIP

Overview: A competitive, paid, 8-week, full-time internship designed for students lacking extensive research experience. Interns participate in hands-on laboratory training, research seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities amongst peers and teams.

Eligibility: Students between 11th and 12th grade.

Location: Greater Seattle or surrounding areas. 

Dates: Monday, June 22 - Friday, August 14. 

Cost: Paid; Amount N/A. 

Application Deadline: Friday, March 13 @ 11:59pm.

2. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

Overview: An outreach program exhibiting full-time, free research experience in the sciences or engineering fields. Students are included in current, ongoing research by Princeton faculty and research staff. 

Eligibility: 16 years old by June 25, 2026; U.S. citizens attending a local NJ high school.  Location: Princeton University. 

Dates: Varies per program. 

Cost: Free; Unpaid. 

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026. 

3. VOA Internship Program By USAGM 

Overview: A hands-on internship for motivated and hard-working high school students, providing opportunities to participate in daily and long-term news and media production projects. 

Eligibility: Outstandingly qualified high school student 16+ years of age; U.S citizens. 

Location: Washington D.C. 

Dates: 2 summer months, 40+ hours a week. 

Cost: Free; Unpaid. 

Application Deadline: January-February. 

4. USITC Internship Program

Overview: Designed to provide students with opportunities to work in agencies and explore federal careers. 

Eligibility: Enrolled in an accredited high-school. 

Location: Washington D.C. 

Dates: 3-4 months. 

Cost: N/A

Application Deadline: N/A

5. National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Summer High School Internship Program

Overview: Internships allow for work in various departments within NMNH, exploring both science and non-science related museum work. Learn how to effectively engage public audiences and peers on various museum works, go on field-trips, behind-the-scenes tours, and develop skills to help with job-skill preparation. 

Eligibility: High school attendees, ages 15-18/grades 9-12; Write/converse fluently in English. 

Location: Washington D.C. 

Dates: June 23, 2026 - August 14, 2026. 

Cost: $5,600 Stipend. 

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 @ 11:59pm. 

6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship

Overview: Offers opportunities for students to connect with art, museums, and creative professionals as they themselves develop professional skills, network, and gain work experience. 

Eligibility: In grade 10 or 11, residing/attending a high school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. 

Location: New York. 

Dates: N/A. 

Cost: $1,100 Stipend. 

Application Deadline: TBD in February. 

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Due to the high competitiveness of a lot of programs, it is crucial to know how to effectively prepare for success. Start early, and don't cram it all into the night before. We want your application to be the highest caliber as possible, in order to give yourself the best chance. Gradual, progressive work is best in developing your application, especially because you will likely have to prepare several materials. Your resume, transcript, personal statements, and recommendation letters all need time to be processed and sent over; not only from yourself, but your school as well. Don't give your guidance counselors or supervisors less than a week to complete such tasks, because more likely than not, they will not be completed. 

Our Tips

• Start early. Don't wait until the last minute. 

• Prepare your materials. Make your application the best quality it can be. 

• Don't use AI. In most cases, your entire application will be completely terminated. 

• Tailor applications to the program's mission. Align your statements and supplementals with the missions of each program to show initiative and interest. 

• Apply broadly. Don't limit yourself; apply to multiple programs across different fields. We're young and still narrowing our future desired career paths, so don't set limitations.