10 Tech Programs in the Fall for High School Students
If you’re a high school student keen on a career in the tech industry, you’re probably looking for programs that will help you explore your field of interests and bolster your college applications. Fall programs offer a distinct advantage with smaller cohorts, more personalized attention from faculty, and a focused environment conducive to deeper learning and skill development.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 tech programs for high school students in the fall. These programs not only immerse you in your chosen field but also provide opportunities to learn from expert faculty and demonstrate your readiness to college admission officers.
Veritas AI specializes in providing a platform for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. Their programs emphasize collaborative learning, hands-on project development, and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship. Led by Harvard graduate students and alumni, the program delivers an immersive educational experience. Central to Veritas AI’s offerings is their AI Fellowship program that offers students a 12–15-week journey dedicated to independent AI research projects. Find examples of previous projects here. Proficiency in Python is preferred, although completion of the AI Scholars program is also recommended. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration, empowering students to integrate AI with various fields.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $5400. Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI concepts or Python can apply.
MITES Semester (formerly MOSTEC) offers exploration of STEM disciplines, including rigorous online courses, webinars, and social events. Students delve into topics ranging from machine learning and data science to thermodynamics. The program includes two challenging courses: a project-based course, and a core course in subjects like calculus, physics, computer science, or science writing.
The STEM Immersion Phase (June–early August) features demanding courses and team projects, culminating in presentations at the MITES Semester Conference. This phase includes webinars, discussions, and social activities, fostering a supportive community. The College and Career Prep Phase (August–December) then prepares students for their academic journey with mock interviews, essay reviews, and workshops.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024.
Program Dates: June - December.
Eligibility: High school juniors, especially underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students can apply.
3. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
The NASA OSTEM provides high school students with internships to contribute to NASA’s research initiatives. Guided by mentors, interns collaborate on projects in space science, AI, computer science, data science, and more, offering a deep understanding of NASA’s research in a professional environment. During the internships, students tackle responsibilities like experiment design, analysis of space mission data, and the development of innovative technologies. Explore the full list of positions.
Location: NASA centers nationwide; virtual options available.
Cost: Free! Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: May 16, 2025.
Program Dates: Internships are available year-round. Fall internships are for 16-weeks, from late August to mid-December.
Eligibility: Full-time U.S. high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are at least 16 years old can apply.
The AI4ALL Open Learning Program provides high school students a self-paced, project-based learning approach to artificial intelligence. Designed to foster inclusivity, the program aims to introduce AI to students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. During the program, students undertake projects focused on solving real-world challenges using AI, gaining insights into both the technical mechanics and the ethical considerations of AI technologies. The program supports independent study, making it ideal for students eager to learn at their own pace.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Not specified.
Program Dates: Self-paced, typically 3–6 months.
Eligibility: Open to all, including high school students.
5. Girls Who Code - Self-Paced Program
Girls Who Code aims to narrow the gender gap in technology through their programs, offering hands-on projects and networking opportunities with women in the tech industry. Students looking for a fall tech program can apply to their 6-week self-paced experience. This virtual program allows high school students to explore web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or advanced applications of Python in cybersecurity or data science.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: Self-paced, typically 6 weeks.
Eligibility: Female and non-binary high school students can apply.
NYU Precollege offers rising 11th and 12th-grade students an opportunity to earn college credits, engage with NYU faculty and peers, and delve into subjects that can influence their academic paths. Fall courses can be taken in person or online, and include options like Introduction to Science and Technology Studies and Introduction to Computer Programming.
Location: New York University, NY. Virtual options are also offered.
Cost: $700 - $14,000 (varies depending on the number of courses).
Application Deadline: August 15, 2024.
Program Dates: September 3, 2024 - December 20, 2024.
Eligibility: Rising or current 11th and 12th graders with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
7. Columbia University - College Edge Academic Year Programs
The Columbia College Edge Academic Year program offers high school students the opportunity to attend Columbia University alongside undergraduates. Students can earn college credits by enrolling in various courses, including tech-related options such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, and General Physics. The program includes tailored workshops focusing on college readiness, career preparation, and leadership skills.
Location: Columbia University, NY.
Cost: $2,474 per point. Two courses are roughly 6 points which comes up to $14,844. Students are required to pay a non-refundable $80 application fee. Learn more about the additional fees here.
Application Deadline: June 27, 2024.
Program Dates: September 3, 2024 — December 20, 2024.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders can apply.
8.Stanford Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST)
FAST pairs Stanford University graduate students with high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Andrew P. Hill High School and James Lick High School. Meetings occur twice a month from September to February, where Stanford PhD students collaborate with students to brainstorm projects and develop experiments or prototypes. From late January to March, participants showcase their work at local and state science fairs, as well as at a Symposium hosted at Stanford University. FAST also provides online workshops aimed at assisting high school students in navigating the college application process.
Location: Stanford University, CA.
Cost: Not specified.
Application Deadline: Students can reach out to the program coordinators via email regarding deadlines.
Program Dates: September - February.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Andrew P. Hill High School and James Lick High School can apply.
9. UPenn’s Young Scholars High School Program
The Young Scholars High School Program invites students from local high schools to enroll in college courses, including tech, during the fall semester. This program offers an opportunity to extend learning beyond secondary school levels, fulfill college requirements early, or explore entirely new academic interests. Participants engage in a college classroom environment, gaining exposure to undergraduate-level courses facilitated by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, PA.
Cost: $4,382; tuition-free for Philadelphia public or charter high school students.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2024.
Program Dates: September - December.
Eligibility: Students in grades 11-12 for the 2024–2025 academic year.
10.UC San Diego FUTURES Program
The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Futures program offers high school students self-paced online courses in fields like Computer Science, Business Management, Design, and Life Sciences. The program covers diverse topics such as Android Programming, Digital Circuit Design, Front End Development, Machine Learning, iOS Programming, and Robotics with JavaScript, among others. Each course culminates in an Award of Completion issued by the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $350 per course.
Application Deadline: Open enrollment.
Program Dates: Self-paced, typically 3 months for the Fall quarter.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 can apply.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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