49+ Harvard Summer Camp : Experiences to Explore in 2025
Harvard Summer Camp 2025 Is More Than Just a Summer Program
If you are a high school student dreaming of spending summer at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the Harvard summer camp 2025 is your opportunity to make it happen. With over 49 experiences ranging from immersive academic courses to leadership workshops, college preparation sessions, and residential life activities, the Harvard summer camp offers more than just a glimpse into college. It delivers the full academic and campus experience. Whether you are interested in medicine, data science, philosophy, or creative writing, the Harvard summer camp equips students with real-world skills, academic confidence, and global connections that will stay with them long after the summer ends. The Harvard summer camp 2025 is not just a program. It is a launchpad for your future.
Harvard Summer Camp
What Is the Harvard Summer Camp?
The Harvard summer camp is not a typical camp, but an academically rich experience designed for high school students. Here's what makes it stand out:
Two official program tracks : The Harvard summer camp includes the Pre-College Program and the Secondary School Program, both offering immersive academic learning on campus.
Live and learn at Harvard : Students stay in Harvard dorms, attend classes on the historic Cambridge campus, and experience college life firsthand.
Study college-level subjects : Participants dive into subjects like neuroscience, creative writing, philosophy, economics, and global issues under expert faculty guidance.
Engage with top-tier faculty and peers : The Harvard summer camp brings together motivated students from around the world, creating a dynamic and intellectually charged community.
Experience academic growth and challenge : These programs are built for curious minds, offering a rigorous yet rewarding introduction to higher education.
49+ Harvard Summer Camps for High School Students in 2025
STEM Camps (1–20)
1. From Stars to Planets: Are We Alone in the Universe?
Explore astrophysics and the search for extraterrestrial life through lectures and simulations, diving into cosmic mysteries at Harvard’s Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 (includes tuition, room, meals) + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
2. Introduction to Coding and Statistical Analysis
Learn Python and statistical methods to analyze data sets, building data science skills in this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
3. Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
Build dynamic web applications using Python and JavaScript, gaining hands-on coding experience in this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
4. Introduction to Quantum Physics
Dive into quantum mechanics with simulations and experiments, exploring cutting-edge physics at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Quantum Physics.
5. Biology of Infectious Diseases
Study infectious diseases and their global impact through case studies at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Learn more about Infectious Diseases.
6. Data Science with R
Learn R programming for data analysis and visualization, ideal for aspiring data scientists at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
7. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Explore AI concepts and build machine learning models, gaining insights into this transformative field at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
8. Environmental Science and Sustainability
Analyze environmental challenges and solutions, fostering sustainability passion at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Environmental Science.
9. Introduction to Robotics
Design and program robots using Arduino, blending engineering and coding at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
10. Chemistry of Everyday Life
Explore chemical principles through real-world applications like cooking and medicine at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
11. Machine Learning Basics
Learn machine learning fundamentals with Python projects, preparing for advanced tech studies at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Learn more about Scikit-learn.
12. Introduction to Bioinformatics
Analyze biological data using computational tools, bridging biology and computer science at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
13. Engineering Design Challenges
Solve real-world engineering problems through team-based projects at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Engineering Design.
14. Astronomy and Astrophysics
Study celestial phenomena and use telescopes for observation at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
15. Introduction to Game Development
Create 2D games using Unity and C#, gaining game design skills at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
16. Neuroscience Fundamentals
Explore the brain and nervous system through lectures and simulations at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Neuroscience.
17. Introduction to Cybersecurity
Learn to protect digital systems from cyber threats with hands-on exercises at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Learn more about Cybersecurity.
18. Mathematics of Cryptography
Study the mathematical foundations of encryption at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Learn more about Cryptography.
19. Physics of Renewable Energy
Investigate the physics of solar, wind, and renewable energy sources at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Renewable Energy.
20. Introduction to Mobile App Development
Build a mobile app using Flutter, gaining app design skills at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Humanities and Arts Camps (21–35)
21. Creative Writing Workshop
Develop storytelling skills through writing short stories and poems at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Creative Writing.
22. The Power and Politics of Fairy Tales
Analyze fairy tales as cultural and political narratives at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
23. Introduction to Philosophy
Explore philosophical questions about ethics and existence at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
24. History of the American Revolution
Study the causes and impacts of the American Revolution at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Learn more about American History.
25. Digital Storytelling
Create multimedia stories using video, audio, and text at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Harvard Summer Camp
26. Introduction to Film Studies
Analyze films and their cultural significance at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Learn more about Film Studies.
27. Shakespeare’s Tragedies
Study Hamlet and Macbeth through discussion and performance at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
28. Art and Architecture of Renaissance Italy
Explore Renaissance artistic and architectural achievements at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Renaissance Art.
29. Writing for Social Change
Craft essays and speeches to advocate for social issues at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Writing for Social Change.
30. Introduction to Music Theory
Learn music composition and notation with hands-on exercises at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Learn more about Music Theory.
31. World Mythology
Compare myths from different cultures and their modern relevance at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
32. Public Speaking and Rhetoric
Develop persuasive speech and communication skills at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Public Speaking.
33. Modern Poetry Analysis
Analyze contemporary poetry and write original poems at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
34. History of Photography
Study the evolution of photography as an art form at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
35. NYFA Filmmaking Summer Camp at Harvard
Create short films under expert guidance at Harvard’s historic Memorial and Lowell Halls in this NYFA-hosted Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Ages 14–17
Program: NYFA Summer Camp (2–4 weeks, non-credit, residential)
Cost: Varies (contact NYFA for details)
Dates: Multiple sessions, June–August 2025
Application Deadline: Rolling, contact NYFA for specifics
Learn more about NYFA Filmmaking Camp.
Social Sciences and Business Camps (36–50)
36. Introduction to Psychology
Explore human behavior and mental processes through experiments at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
37. The Science of Politics
Analyze political behavior using data-driven methods at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Political Science.
38. Introduction to Economics
Study micro and macroeconomics with real-world applications at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
39. Entrepreneurship Essentials
Develop and pitch a business idea, gaining entrepreneurial skills at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Learn more about Entrepreneurship.
40. Game Theory and Strategic Decisions
Apply game theory to understand decision-making at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
41. Introduction to Sociology
Examine social structures and their impact at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
42. Marketing Fundamentals
Create a mock marketing campaign, developing business skills at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
43. Law and Philosophy
Explore the philosophical foundations of legal systems at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
44. Global Health Challenges
Study global health issues and propose solutions at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Learn more about Global Health.
45. Introduction to International Relations
Analyze global political dynamics and diplomacy at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Learn more about International Relations.
46. Financial Literacy and Planning
Learn budgeting and investing for personal success at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Financial Literacy.
47. On the Witness Stand: Scientific Evidence in Court
Examine the use of scientific evidence in legal proceedings at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Pre-College (2-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Dates: June 22–July 3, July 6–18, or July 20–31, 2025
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (early); April 9, 2025 (regular)
Learn more about Scientific Evidence.
48. Social Entrepreneurship
Develop business ideas addressing social issues at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (7-week, 8 credits, residential/online)
Cost: $14,950 (residential); $7,900 (online)
Dates: June 21–August 8, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Learn more about Social Entrepreneurship.
49. Psychology of Leadership
Study leadership theories and their psychological underpinnings at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 21, 2025
Program: Secondary School (4-week, 4 credits, residential)
Cost: $8,650
Dates: June 21–July 18, 2025
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Learn more about Leadership Psychology.
50. Harvard Model Congress San Francisco Youth Leadership Summer Camp
Develop leadership skills through politics and governance simulations, mentored by Harvard Model Congress at this Harvard Summer Camp.
Eligibility: Ages 14–18
Program: Leadership Camp (1-week, non-credit, residential)
Cost: $3,500–$4,000 (includes academic fee, hotel stay, meals)
Dates: June 22–29, July 6–13, or July 20–27, 2025
Application Deadline: Rolling, early application recommended
Harvard Summer Camp
Why Choose a Harvard Summer Camp Experience?
Choosing a Harvard summer camp experience means gaining more than just academic knowledge. Here’s what makes it such a powerful opportunity:
Build real-world skills : Students leave the Harvard summer camp with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
Experience true independence : Living on campus teaches students how to manage time, navigate challenges, and take ownership of their learning in a college-like environment.
Explore academic passions deeply : The Harvard summer camp allows students to take intellectual risks, ask big questions, and dive into subjects that inspire them far beyond the high school curriculum.
Live and learn in a world-class setting : Participants stay in Harvard dormitories, dine in historic halls, attend seminars, and experience college life in one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Join a global community of motivated peers : At the Harvard summer camp, students form lasting friendships and collaborate with other driven learners from around the globe in a supportive and stimulating atmosphere.
Harvard Summer Camp
How to Apply to the Harvard Summer Camp
Applying to the Harvard summer camp is a straightforward process for students who are motivated and ready to grow. Here are the key steps :
Show academic readiness : Submit strong academic transcripts that reflect your commitment to learning and curiosity about the world.
Secure a thoughtful recommendation : A teacher or mentor should write a recommendation letter that highlights your character and readiness for the Harvard summer camp experience.
Write compelling essays : Your essays should showcase your passions, goals, and reasons for wanting to join the Harvard summer camp program.
Provide English proficiency if needed : International students must submit proof of English skills, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Apply early and research course options : Admissions are competitive, so apply early and choose courses that align with your interests to make your application stand out.
Taking the time to prepare a strong application for the Harvard summer camp is well worth the effort. This is more than just a summer program; it is an opportunity to grow intellectually, connect with driven students from around the world, and experience life at one of the world’s top universities. By putting care into your application, you are taking the first step toward a summer that could shape your future in powerful ways. Students leave with more than just academic knowledge. They gain confidence, independence, and clarity about their goals. The Harvard summer camp experience can be a launching pad for lifelong learning, leadership, and personal growth.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10-session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.