15+ Harvard Summer Programs : The Expert Guide for High School Students
Harvard summer programs are designed to inspire, challenge, and prepare students for both academic and personal success. These programs offer unique opportunities to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities while connecting with talented peers from around the globe. Whether you are looking to advance your academic interests, explore a new career path, or immerse yourself in a cultural exchange, Harvard summer programs can provide a life-changing experience.
Harvard Summer Programs
Academic Excellence at Harvard Summer Programs
Harvard summer programs offer rigorous, college-level courses taught by world-class faculty and renowned industry leaders. Here is what motivated participants can expect :
Rigorous Learning : Harvard summer programs feature academically challenging courses designed to push students beyond high school learning.
Wide Range of Subjects : From science and humanities to technology, business, and the arts, Harvard summer programs cover diverse fields.
Skill Development : Students in Harvard summer programs sharpen critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
Preparation for Higher Education : Every Harvard summer program equips participants with the tools needed for success in college-level academics.
Intellectual Growth : Harvard summer programs foster curiosity, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Harvard Summer Programs
15+ Harvard Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025
STEM Programs
1. From Stars to Planets: Are We Alone in the Universe?
Explore astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life through lectures, simulations, and 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.
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, guided by Harvard instructors.
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, exploring concepts like superposition through simulations and 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 Quantum Physics.
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
Humanities and Arts Programs
8. 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.
9. 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
10. 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
Harvard Summer Programs
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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
14. 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
Learn more about NYFA Filmmaking Camp.
Social Sciences and Business Programs
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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 Programs
Global Friendships and Cultural Exchange
One of the most enriching aspects of Harvard summer programs is the opportunity to connect with peers from around the globe while immersing yourself in an elite academic setting. These programs not only expand your knowledge but also broaden your perspective on the world. Here is how Harvard summer programs foster lasting global connections :
Meet students from around the world: Harvard summer programs attract participants from a wide range of cultural, social, and academic backgrounds.
Foster open-mindedness and teamwork : The learning environment encourages collaboration, respect, and understanding across different perspectives.
Build lasting friendships : Many students form strong bonds and professional networks that continue long after their time in the Harvard summer programs.
Experience rich cultural exchange : Academic projects, discussions, and social events provide opportunities to share traditions, ideas, and unique experiences.
Join a supportive global community : Harvard summer programs cultivate a vibrant atmosphere where diversity, respect, and shared ambitions thrive.
Personal Growth and Future Readiness
Beyond academics, Harvard summer programs place a strong emphasis on personal growth and future readiness. Students in these prestigious Harvard summer programs learn to manage their time effectively, adapt to new and challenging environments, and take on leadership roles that enhance their confidence and problem-solving abilities. The immersive learning experience in Harvard summer programs encourages participants to embrace challenges, develop creative thinking skills, and strengthen their ability to work independently and collaboratively.
These transformative experiences in Harvard summer programs help students build essential qualities such as confidence, resilience, adaptability, and independence, which are vital for long-term success in both higher education and future careers. By the end of their Harvard summer programs journey, participants leave with not only advanced academic knowledge but also a well-defined vision for their goals, a stronger sense of self, and the professional readiness needed to thrive in competitive global environments.
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.
