In high school, time outside the classroom can feel like a pause from structured learning, but it can also become a bridge to what comes next. That’s why career readiness programs for high school students exist. They offer students the chance to move beyond theory and start developing practical skills that schools often don’t have the space to teach. 

Imagine working alongside peers on business challenges, contributing to research initiatives, or learning how global teams collaborate across industries. In-person career readiness programs often blend skill-building with immersive environments. You’ll experience professional settings, structured schedules, and collaborative work similar to what they may encounter in university or the workplace. Many programs also emphasize global perspectives, helping students understand what it means to work across cultures, industries, and borders.

Even if you already have a clear academic interest, participating in a career readiness program can add clarity and confidence. You gain insight into workplace expectations, experience learning beyond textbooks, and better understand whether a field truly aligns with your long-term goals.

What kinds of career readiness programs are available for high school students?

Finding the right program can be challenging, especially when opportunities vary widely in depth, structure, and focus. Some programs prioritize skill development and mentorship, while others emphasize industry exposure or university-style learning environments. That’s why guidance is important, so you can identify the best programs.

The most effective programs offer a balance of hands-on experience, guided learning, and meaningful insight into future academic and professional pathways. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world exposure, you’ll begin to understand how academic interests translate into professional pathways. 

To help you navigate your options, we’ve curated a list of 15 career readiness programs for high school students. They’ve been selected for their educational value, experiential learning, and ability to prepare students for life beyond high school.

15 Career Readiness Programs For High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Summer School

Location: London, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students all over the world aged 15-18

The Career Insights Program by Immerse Education offers you the chance to explore diverse career pathways within major global industry hubs through structured, in-person learning and is one of the most immersive career readiness programs for high school students available internationally. Immerse Education works together with professionals from established organizations to provide project-based learning designed to reflect real industry challenges.

This program consists of interactive workshops and site visits to offices/factories/headquarters, allowing you to observe how different industries operate in practice. You’ll also take part in weekly one-on-one career coaching sessions, where you receive personalized guidance on your academic profiles and resumes. By the end of the experience, you’ll present your work to industry experts and gain insight into potential college and career trajectories.

Why it stands out? Students gain early exposure to university-level concepts in fields such as medicine and psychology, clarifying the academic routes behind real-world careers.

2. Year 10 Insights Summer School

Location: UK
Cost/Stipend: Free for selected participants, excluding travel fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 29th July – 1st August
Application Deadline: 11th March
Eligibility: High school students in grade 10 from the U.K.

The Insights Summer School is divided into two streams: the science stream and the engineering stream. Each stream will have a separate schedule and timetable. On the first day, you will be guided into settling in with programs such as icebreakers to get to know your group and mentor. Days two and three are packed with activities related to their stream of choice.

On the final day, you will attend an academic-style conference where you’ll work with your group to prepare a poster explaining the concept you have been learning. This poster will be presented in front of your peers, workshop leaders, and invited guests. Not only busy with projects in their streams, but you will also get the chance to mingle and network during social events that take place in the evening.

Why it stands out? You’ll get to experience college-level science, work with undergraduate mentors, and learn how to present at a poster conference.

3. Brookes Engage (previously known as Oxford Brookes University Summer School)

Location: Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 30th June – 2nd July for Biomedical Science, Architecture, Business School Experience, and Creative Industries streams. 7-9 July for Computer Science, Adult and Children’s Nursing, and Law streams.
Application Deadline: Different per streams
Eligibility: High school students studying at a non-selective state school or college in England in year 12 or the first year of college; must live in England

The Brookes Engage program is designed for high school students who are preparing for college and seeking clarity about their academic direction. As part of a year-long pathway that begins in January, you’ll explore your chosen subject through a combination of academic engagement, masterclasses, and structured mentorship. The program supports participants as they navigate the university application process while developing confidence in their academic interests.

During the summer phase, you’ll continue your studies on campus at Oxford Brookes University and gain familiarity with life in the city of Oxford. After returning to school in September, the program continues online with guided academic support. The experience concludes with a mini-graduation held at Oxford Brookes University the following March.

Why it stands out? Its program is focused on providing university-style practical work and subject tasters, so you’ll be in a better position to make academic decisions for your future.

4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free (there’s a USD 25 application fee), and upon completion, each student will receive a USD 750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 12 students
Dates: June 21st – August 6th
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: Must be 17 years of age by the program start date, and must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective research-based career readiness program for high school students, with a history spanning over three decades. You’ll conduct intensive research across a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, engineering, humanities, and fine arts. Hosted at Texas Tech University, the seven-week program admits only twelve students each year, allowing for close faculty mentorship and focused academic work.

You’ll live on campus and receive meals, accommodation, and weekend activities at no cost. While there is a non-refundable application fee of USD 25, the program itself is fully funded. Upon completion, you’ll also receive a USD 750 stipend in recognition of your research contributions.

Why it stands out? It offers one-on-one mentorship with Texas Tech faculty, so you’ll be able to deepen your subject understanding and craft a better research project report.

5. Young Scholars Program Northeastern University

Location: Boston (MA)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: June 22nd – July 30th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: High school students entering year 12 in the fall (public, private, homeschooled) who live within commuting distance to Northeastern University. Students must be US citizens or Permanent Residents.

If you’re a high school student living in Massachusetts and looking to enrich your education experience with programs focusing on science and engineering, enrolling in YSP by Northeastern University might be the perfect option for you. During this program, you get to work within the labs of Northeastern University’s colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. These labs offer you real datasets and college-level mentorships that aren’t typically available to high school students.

You will also join seminars around engineering subjects with topics regarding environmental issues, chemical engineering, robotics, etc. During the YSP program, you’ll join field trips to visit corporate and government sites, as well as experience college life and have access to the University Library and the Curry Student Center.

Why it stands out? Its R1 status would translate into you working in cutting-edge labs with access to real datasets, ongoing experiments, and graduate-level mentorship that is not typically available to high school students.

6. Research Science Institute

Location: Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free, application fee USD 75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 100 students
Dates: Not disclosed
Application Deadline: mid-December
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school juniors

If you deeply love math, science, and engineering, one amazing opportunity to dive deeper in the summer is by applying to the Research Science Institute at MIT. The RSI is a six-week summer program that allows you to conduct your own research as preparation for college and is widely regarded as one of the most competitive career readiness programs for high school students in STEM. Participating students spend their time attending lectures, working with mentors, and doing research projects or housework.

In the first week, you will be assigned a mentor, and that mentor will assign research projects. From the second week onwards, you will work in laboratories to complete these projects. Outside of a rigorous schedule, you can also enjoy cultural trips and explore Boston and its surroundings, such as a weekend trip in New England or joining Boston’s July 4th celebration.

Why it stands out? You’ll have the opportunity to complete actual research projects at RSI’s cutting-edge labs that are ordinarily inaccessible to high school students.

7. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Location: California
Cost/Stipend: $8850. Financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: 21st June – 10th July (Session One), 12-31 July (Session Two)
Application Deadline: 2nd February
Eligibility: High school students worldwide in grades 10 and 11

The summer career readiness program is an intensive three-week program for high school students to explore the heart of the humanities through seminars led by Stanford distinguished professors. During these weeks, you’ll get to dive deeper into topics such as Ancient Rome, Ancient Greeks, Bollywood culture, and Magical Realism, through a series of seminars, discussions, and coursework.

You will be housed with other students in the undergraduate residences, allowing them to get a glimpse of Stanford residential life. You will join co-curricular activities outside the classroom and participate in weekend field trips. In the last week of school, you will have to produce original research projects based on the classes they have taken as part of a graduation project.

Why it stands out? You’ll be engaging with various topics in depth and interacting with influential professors, making this a good choice if you are interested in writing, analysis, or academic inquiry.

8. Emory University Pre-College Program

Location: Atlanta
Cost/Stipend: Non-credit courses range from USD 4000, and credit courses start from USD 6500. USD 70 application fees and USD 350 enrolment fee. Click here for more details about the fee.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average class size is 14 students per class
Dates: Different programs ranged from May to August
Application Deadline: May 1st, April 24th, June 5th. Different deadlines for different programs.
Eligibility: Open for both US and international high school students in their sophomore and junior years of high school.

The Emory University Pre-College Program offers high school sophomores and juniors an introduction to undergraduate academic and residential life. You can choose from over 100 college-level courses across disciplines such as health, science, business, humanities, and psychology. Academic instruction takes place through Enrichment Sessions taught by Emory faculty, providing insight into university-style learning.

You will also interact with students and staff from different schools within Emory, including Emory College of Arts and Sciences and the Rollins School of Public Health. Beyond academics, the program includes mentorship, social activities, and excursions that support student engagement and community building. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. 

Why it stands out? You’ll connect with professors who are renowned in their field and have access to Emory’s long-standing networks in healthcare, academics, and nonprofit domains.

9. Tisch Summer High School

Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: Varies per program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited number of students, with a quota ranging from 16 to 30 students for different programs.
Dates: Not disclosed.
Application Deadline: Not disclosed.
Eligibility: At least 15 years old by the time of your application, sitting in sophomore or junior year with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Open for US and non-US students.

The Tisch Summer High School Program provides students with an intensive introduction to the performing and visual arts within a university setting. Over four weeks, you’ll focus on one artistic discipline, such as animation, drama, dance, film, photography, or game design. The curriculum is modeled after Tisch School of the Arts’ undergraduate programs and emphasizes hands-on projects, collaboration, and professional training.

You’ll spend your days in structured classes that mirror the pace and expectations of college-level arts education. The program culminates in final presentations and showcases attended by peers and invited guests. Participants live in NYU residence halls located in Greenwich Village or Brooklyn, allowing them to experience campus life in New York City.

Why it stands out? You’ll gain access to industry-level studio time, critique, and professional networks in the heart of NYC’s creative community.

10. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) Pre-College Summer Studios

Location: Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: $3905 (On-site), $3550 (Virtual), $615 for a for-credit fee (students have the option to choose credit or non-credit course)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 21st July – 15th August
Application Deadline: 12th May
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors all around the world

The Massachusetts College of Art and Design Pre-College Summer Studios program is designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing visual arts at the college level. This four-week program is offered both on campus and online, allowing you to choose a format that suits your needs. You’ll complete three required foundational courses: 2D Fundamentals, 3D Fundamentals, and Issues and Images, focused on developing critical thinking and artistic skills.

In the third week, you’ll select an elective, with options such as animation, illustration, mixed media, or printmaking. On-campus classes take place at MassArt’s Boston campus, providing access to college-level studios and facilities. If you’re interested in residential housing, you can consult the program website for accommodation support. 

Why it stands out? Its faculty involves practising artists and designers, giving you a view of both life as a practicing artist and living at art university campuses.

11. University of Pennsylvania’s Pre-College Program

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; please refer to this website for details.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 30th June – 8th August (Residential Program), 26th May – 1st July and 2nd July – 7th August (Online Program)
Application Deadline: Admissions on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Current year 10 and year 11 students, international students are welcome (need F1 visa).

This two-month program allows students to enroll in undergraduate-level courses taught by Penn lecturers and visiting scholars. Once accepted, you can choose one out of four challenging courses: one college-level credit course unit, Biology 101 with lab, two college-credit courses, or Biology 101 with lab and one second college credit course.

Residential Program students get to stay in the residence areas of UPenn and have access to residential halls, lounges, gyms, dining halls, and libraries when classes are not in session. There will also be programs to boost camaraderie so you can get to know other students, such as trivia/arts and craft nights or weekend trips. Both Residential and virtual program students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Why it stands out? It’s home to the Wharton School and Perelman School, making it especially rewarding if you’re looking to study business, finance, or medicine at the university level.

12. Oxford Said Future Entrepreneurs Summer School

Location: London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Starting from GBP 8995. Optional add-ons are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 2-15 August
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-18 years old with at least an English language ability level B2 on the CEFR framework

The Oxford Said Future Entrepreneurs Summer School is a good option if you want to polish your business skills with programs developed by a world-class university. This program gives you the opportunity to develop essential entrepreneurial skills, learn via engaging discussions, and collaborate with peers to tackle real-world challenges. You will also have fun and connect with your classmates through weekend activities and city explorations.

You will learn through hands-on workshops, project-based learning, and a pitch competition. You will study and stay in the heart of Oxford, allowing you a full immersion in Oxford student life. At the end of the summer school, you will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Oxford as proof that you have finished the course.

Why it stands out? You will have the unique opportunity to pitch your idea to existing startup founders, learn through educational visits, and give a TED-style talk.

13. Royal Veterinary College Pre-Vet Summer School

Location: University of London, UK
Cost/Stipend: GBP 3700. Scholarships are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: 2-14 August
Application Deadline: April 2026
Eligibility: Students 16+ years old. There is no maximum age; international students are welcome to apply

Students who are interested in becoming a veterinarian can kickstart their path by joining the Royal Veterinary College’s Pre-Vet Summer School. You’ll develop academic knowledge, develop personal and professional skills, and join a passionate community of like-minded peers. You’ll also participate in work experience, like practical animal handling, that can be used for your college application. University lectures will take place at both RVC campuses in Camden Campus (London) and Hawkshead Campus (Hertfordshire), where you will conduct a research project, attend group-led classes, and solve a real-life veterinary case.

Meanwhile, work placements will take place in sites such as Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, and Equine Referral Hospital. To support the curriculum, you’ll also go on field trips, attend a West End show, and experience fun activities like bake-offs or students’ night.

Why it stands out? You’ll experience life at a top-ranked vet school and learn what a real veterinary career involves.

14. NUS College (NUSC) Summer School

Location: Singapore
Cost/Stipend: SGD 4905 (international students), SGD 2180 (Singaporeans & PRs), SGD 3815 (ASEAN country citizens). Financial aid is only available for Singaporeans.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 22-28 June
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Pre-university students or high school students aged 16 to 18 years old from all over the world.

The National University of Singapore Summer School offers high school students an opportunity to experience university life in Southeast Asia while engaging in interdisciplinary academic study. Over the course of one week, you’ll take part in faculty-led classes, hands-on projects, and interactive workshops. Students select two courses from a range of academic options, allowing them to explore potential areas of interest at the college level.

Days are structured around lectures and collaborative work, while evenings include residential activities designed to foster community. You’ll live at a residential college on NUS’s Kent Ridge campus, with access to dining halls, libraries, and shared facilities. The program concludes with group project presentations and a closing dinner.

Why it stands out? You’ll attend various classes modeled after undergraduate learning and interact with global peers, giving you an understanding of what studying at a modern-day, globally diverse university involves.

15. Greenheart Travel Japanese Language Camp

Location: Fukuoka or Kyoto, Japan
Cost/Stipend: $5500 (Fukuoka), $4070 (Kyoto for 2-week program), $5950 (Kyoto for 4-week program), $300 for application fee, and $300 down payment to secure the spot
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 5th & 19th July and 2nd & 16th August for Kyoto, 5th July for Fukuoka
Application Deadline: 1st March
Eligibility: Teens around the world aged 14-17 years old at the time of travel

In this camp, for two or three weeks, you’ll get to learn and practice Japanese and live with local Japanese families in cities like Fukuoka or Kyoto. Students need to take a placement test, and based on the result of the test, they will be placed into one of the 12 skills of the language camp. Placements will include complete beginner, beginner 1, beginner 2, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced levels.

Classes are taught in the morning or in the afternoon by professional native Japanese teachers with no more than 8 students. You’ll attend 20 hours of Japanese classes weekly, and spend the remaining time with your family host or taking part in the school’s activities, such as day trips, movie nights, or cultural events. At the end of the language camp, students will receive a certificate of completion to be used in college applications.

Why it stands out? It is one of the few travel camps that is globally known and offers college credit for participating students.

From Curiosity to Career Confidence

Career exploration does not start with having all the answers. It begins by testing ideas, building skills, and learning what genuinely motivates you beyond the classroom.

Career readiness programs for high school students provide that opportunity. They bridge academic learning with practical experience, helping you understand workplace expectations, collaboration, and professional environments.

Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and exposure to real industries, these programs turn uncertainty into informed direction. You gain confidence not just in what you enjoy, but in how you work and grow.

If you’re ready to keep exploring what comes next, visit our Career Exploration blogs for insights, pathways, and guidance to help you shape your future with clarity and purpose.