Winter break is just around the corner, and we know how crucial it is for high-achieving students like you to make the most of this time.
We’re not talking about just sipping hot cocoa by the fire—although that sounds delightful! We’re discussing diving into programs that can supercharge your academic journey and give you a competitive edge.
From cutting-edge bioengineering tracks to immersive research opportunities, Impressive Teens has curated a list of the Top 15 U.S. Winter Programs for High School Students. Ready to transform your winter break into a stepping stone for your future?
Related: 10 Best Coding Camps For High School Students
1. UC San Diego Academic Connections Research Scholars: Bioengineering Focus
Unlock the scientist in you with UC San Diego’s Academic Connections Research Scholars program. This Bioengineering track is a triple threat—introductory courses, hands-on research, and a culminating internship.
You’ll even earn 3 pre-college credits. It’s not just a program; it’s a launchpad for your STEM career.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- Eligibility: Grades 10-12, min GPA 3.0
- Program Dates: January 14 – March 4, 2023
- Location: University of California San Diego, CA
- Fee: $2,500
Are you eager to snag a cool $1,000 merit-based scholarship money for 2023? Don’t miss your shot—apply now, and you could be our next big winner!
2. Burke Neurological Institute’s Introduction to Neuroscience Course
Elevate your understanding of the brain with Cornell University’s Burke Neurological Institute. This course is a neural network of knowledge, covering everything from brain control to Alzheimer’s effects.
It’s not just a class; it’s your gateway to college-level neuroscience.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2023
- Eligibility: Completed NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class
- Program Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 2 – March 28, 2023
- Location: Online
- Fee: $500. Full scholarship available
3. Ladder Internships
Step up your career game with Ladder Internships. This isn’t your average internship; it’s a coaching-plus-work model that catapults you into real-world projects across diverse fields.
With a Ladder Coach by your side, you’re not just working but evolving.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: November 26, 2023
- Eligibility: 10-20 hours/week commitment, open to high schoolers, undergraduates, and gap year students
- Program Dates: 8 weeks, starting December 18, 2023
- Location: Remote
- Fee: $1490, Financial Aid Available
4. Fox Chase Cancer Center Immersion Science Program
Unlock the secrets of biomedical research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. This isn’t just a program; it’s a Saturday sanctuary for young scientists.
With only 16 spots, you’ll be immersed in high-stakes research, culminating in a presentation day that could redefine your academic journey.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: October 30, 2023
- Eligibility: At least 16 years old, from the Philadelphia-Tri-State area
- Program Dates: January 9, 2023 – March 20, 2023
- Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, PA
- Fee: Free
5. Girls Garage Construction + Community Program
Girls Garage is more than a program; it’s a revolution in hard hats. This initiative, designed exclusively for girls and gender-expansive youth, fuses construction skills with community impact.
You’ll wield tools and ideas, crafting real-world projects that echo the program’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- Eligibility: All girls and gender-expansive youth in high school
- Program Dates: 3 weeks during fall, winter, and spring
- Location: Girls Garage, CA
- Fee: Free
6. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Lumiere isn’t just a program; it’s an intellectual odyssey. Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, it pairs high school scholars with Ph.D. mentors for a deep dive into university-level research.
Whether you’re into STEM or humanities, you’ll find a research avenue tailored to your academic ambitions.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Four cohorts throughout the year
- Eligibility: All high school students
- Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
- Location: Online
- Fee: Varies by program tier
7. Fralin Biomedical Research Mentorship
The Fralin Biomedical Research Mentorship at Virginia Tech is a hands-on, immersive experience in biomedical research.
Under the guidance of expert mentors, you’ll navigate from project inception to completion, diving deep into topics that range from neuroscience to cellular mechanisms.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Rolling applications
- Eligibility: Juniors and seniors
- Program Dates: Rolling dates
- Location: Virginia Tech, VA
- Fee: Not specified
Related: Top 10 Career Sites for High School Students Revealed!
8. UMBC Pre-College Winter Session
UMBC’s Pre-College Winter Session offers a dynamic blend of in-person, online, and hybrid courses, allowing you to earn college credits while still in high school.
The program is a smorgasbord of academic exploration, from biology to media studies, tailored for the intellectually curious.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: December 20, 2023
- Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
- Program Dates: January 2, 2023 – January 26, 2023
- Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD
- Fee: Ranges from $439 – $6,426
9. EnergyMag Research Internship
EnergyMag offers students a compelling, no-cost opportunity to delve into the renewable energy sector.
With a focus on real-world applications, you’ll analyze companies, technologies, or markets under expert mentorship, culminating in a publishable report.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Open all year round
- Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least one honors class
- Program Dates: Rolling dates
- Location: Online
- Fee: Free
10. Cornell Online Courses for High Schoolers
Cornell University offers high school juniors and seniors a prestigious online learning experience. With courses spanning various subjects, you can earn up to 8 college credits from your home.
The program offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning options for added flexibility.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- Eligibility: Juniors and seniors, at least 15 years old
- Program Dates: January 3, 2023 – January 20, 2023
- Location: Online
- Fee: $1,680 per credit
11. Veritas AI Programs
Veritas AI offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed for high school students eager to dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence.
The programs, curated by Harvard graduates, range from group learning to 1:1 mentorship and cover Python Machine Learning and AI model creation.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Cohorts throughout the year
- Eligibility: Ambitious high schoolers worldwide
- Program Dates: Rolling
- Location: Online
- Fee: Varies by program
12. SCAD Joint Enrollment Program
Unlock your creative potential with SCAD’s Joint Enrollment Program. This online program, designed for high school juniors and seniors, offers a rich palette of design, fashion, and art courses while earning college credit.
It’s a virtual classroom experience bringing university-level rigor to your screen.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Not specified
- Eligibility: Juniors and seniors, at least 16 years old
- Program Dates: January 9, 2023 – March 16, 2023
- Location: Online
- Fee: $2,285 for one class
13. Intern Over Winter Break
Craving real-world experience but short on time? Winter break internships offer a condensed yet impactful professional journey.
These short-term stints provide a unique opportunity to dive into your chosen field, gain valuable insights, and make lasting connections—all within the cozy span of your winter break.
It’s the perfect blend of learning and doing without the long-term commitment.
14. Visit Colleges Nearby
Why wait for spring when you can get a jumpstart on your college search this winter? Touring campuses during winter break offers a unique, less crowded experience, allowing for a more personal connection with your potential future alma mater.
It’s a savvy move for the forward-thinking student, blending holiday leisure with academic ambition.
15. Find a College Mentorship
Winter break is the perfect time to network, and what better way than finding a college mentor? A college mentorship isn’t just about career advice; it’s about life lessons from someone who’s been in your shoes.
Imagine having a guide who can offer insider tips on achieving college life, both academically and socially. It’s like a cheat code for your future.
Related: 10 Best SAT Tutoring Programs Online
Unlock Your Potential with Top Winter Programs: A Final Word from Impressive Teens
As winter break approaches, don’t just hibernate—innovate! From bioengineering to mentorship, these programs offer more than just a line on your resume; they offer a chance to discover your passions and hone your skills.
Impressive Teens is all about empowering you to seize these opportunities. So apply to that dream program and make this winter break a transformative experience.
Your future self will thank you, and so will we when you become the next impressive teen to watch!
Browse through Impressive Teens to discover a wide range of impressive extracurricular activities for your kids, tweens, and teens. Whether your child is interested in sports, music, art, or STEM, we have something for everyone. Our website is easy to navigate, and you can filter activities by age, location, and interest.
