49+ Harvard Summer Program : Experiences for High School Students in 2025
The 49+ Harvard summer program is not your average summer experience. In 2025, high school students from across the world will come together at Harvard’s historic Cambridge campus to participate in the Harvard summer program, one of the most enriching pre-college opportunities available. This prestigious Harvard summer program allows students to explore college-level academics, engage with passionate faculty, and begin shaping their futures in a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment.
With over 49 diverse academic and enrichment offerings, the Harvard summer program opens doors to subjects ranging from neuroscience and philosophy to leadership and global studies. Students are invited to step into a world of challenge, growth, and global community. The Harvard summer program gives high school students the chance to experience campus life, form lifelong connections, and develop the confidence needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Harvard Summer Program
What Is the Harvard Summer Program?
The Harvard summer program refers to Harvard University’s official summer programs for high school students, offering world-class academic opportunities in a college setting. Here's what it includes :
Pre-College Program : A two-week non-credit experience designed to sharpen critical thinking through small, discussion-based seminars that reflect Harvard’s liberal arts approach.
Secondary School Program : A more immersive academic track lasting 4 to 7 weeks, where students take real Harvard courses for credit and receive an official transcript.
Academic Exposure : Both programs offer access to Harvard faculty, college-level resources, and intellectually enriching classroom environments that go beyond typical high school learning.
College Readiness : Participants in the Harvard summer program develop essential skills like independence, time management, and academic confidence while living on campus.
Global Learning Community : Students become part of an international cohort, making the Harvard summer program a unique opportunity to build friendships and expand worldviews in an elite academic setting.
49+ Harvard Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025
STEM Programs (1–20)
1. From Stars to Planets: Are We Alone in the Universe?
Explore astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life through lectures, simulations, and access to Harvard’s astronomical resources.
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
Master Python and statistical methods to analyze data sets, building foundational skills for data science through hands-on projects.
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, JavaScript, and Flask, gaining practical coding experience under Harvard’s expert guidance.
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 concepts like superposition and entanglement.
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 pathogens and their global impact through case studies, focusing on epidemiology and immune responses.
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, tackling real-world data sets for aspiring data scientists.
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 like machine learning and neural networks, building models with hands-on coding projects.
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 sustainable solutions through field studies and policy discussions.
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 in hands-on projects.
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 in daily life, from cooking to medicine, through engaging lab experiments.
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, applying algorithms to real-world problems.
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.
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 collaborative, team-based projects using design thinking.
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 like black holes and galaxies, with telescope observations at Harvard’s facilities.
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#, mastering game design and programming fundamentals.
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, focusing on neural signaling.
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, covering encryption and network security.
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, applying number theory to secure communication.
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 through hands-on experiments.
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 mobile apps using Flutter, focusing on user interface design for iOS and Android platforms.
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
Harvard Summer Program
Humanities and Arts Programs (21–35)
21. Creative Writing Workshop
Develop storytelling skills through writing short stories and poems, guided by Harvard’s acclaimed writers.
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, from Grimms to modern adaptations.
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 through Socratic seminars and classic texts.
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 using primary sources and debates.
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, mastering digital storytelling techniques.
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 Adobe Express.
26. Introduction to Film Studies
Analyze cinematic techniques and cultural significance through screenings and discussions.
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, exploring themes of power and tragedy through discussion and performance.
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 masterpieces by Michelangelo and others through virtual tours and art analysis.
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, with peer reviews and expert feedback.
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 through hands-on exercises in harmony and melody.
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 across cultures and their modern relevance, analyzing their roles in literature.
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 through debates and expert coaching.
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, guided by Harvard’s literary scholars.
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, from daguerreotypes to digital media.
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 in Harvard’s historic halls, learning directing and editing with NYFA instructors.
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
Harvard Summer Program
Social Sciences and Business Programs (36–50)
36. Introduction to Psychology
Explore human behavior and mental processes through experiments on memory and perception.
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, with case studies on elections and policy.
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, applying concepts to real-world markets and policies.
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 business ideas, learning startup strategies from Harvard Business School mentors.
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 in business and politics through simulations.
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 inequalities, with discussions on race, class, and society.
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 mock marketing campaigns, learning branding and consumer behavior strategies.
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 through texts and case law analysis.
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 like pandemics and propose solutions through policy-focused projects.
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 through simulations of UN debates.
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
Master budgeting and investing through practical exercises in personal finance.
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 forensic science in legal proceedings through mock trials and case studies.
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, guided by Harvard Business School frameworks.
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 team dynamics through role-playing and psychological analysis.
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.
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 Program
Why Choose a Harvard Summer Program Experience?
The Harvard summer program offers much more than traditional academics. It is a transformative experience for high school students. Here are key reasons to consider the Harvard summer camp :
Live Like a College Student : Students in the Harvard summer program live in real Harvard dormitories, giving them a true taste of college residential life and campus independence.
Dine in Historic Settings : Enjoy meals in Harvard’s iconic dining halls, a part of the full Harvard summer campexperience that makes students feel immersed in university culture.
College Readiness Workshops : The Harvard summer program includes sessions on college admissions, personal growth, and academic goal setting to prepare students for higher education.
Global Peer Collaboration : Participants in the Harvard summer camp work alongside students from around the world, building cross-cultural friendships and collaborative skills.
Academic and Social Growth : The Harvard summer program fosters a supportive yet challenging environment that enhances intellectual curiosity and builds lifelong confidence.
How to Apply to the Harvard Summer Program
Getting into the Harvard summer program is a rewarding process that helps determine whether students are ready for a transformative academic experience. Here are the key steps to apply to the Harvard summer camp:
Submit Academic Transcripts : The Harvard summer program requires applicants to provide recent school transcripts that reflect strong academic performance and consistency.
Obtain a Letter of Recommendation : Applicants must submit a teacher or counselor recommendation that highlights their academic curiosity and suitability for the Harvard summer program.
Write Personal Essays : The Harvard summer camp asks for short essays where students can showcase their goals, passions, and reasons for joining the program.
Provide English Proficiency (If Needed) : International applicants to the Harvard summer program need to submit standardized test scores (like TOEFL or IELTS) to prove English fluency.
Demonstrate Readiness for College-Level Work : A successful Harvard summer camp application shows emotional maturity, independence, and the motivation to thrive in a rigorous academic setting.
Taking the time to prepare a thoughtful and well-rounded application to the Harvard summer program is a crucial first step. The Harvard summer camp is not just about gaining academic exposure but also about developing real-world skills, confidence, and a stronger vision for the future. A compelling application can open the door to an unforgettable summer at one of the world’s top universities. Students in the Harvard summer program gain access to cutting-edge resources, mentorship from renowned faculty, and an environment that pushes them to grow. By committing to the process, applicants set themselves up for success not only during the Harvard summer camp, but far beyond it.
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.
