Best summer programmes for talented young people
When most people hear “summer”, they think of ice cream, picnics, beach trips and, in some cases, ill-advised beach picnics. If “summer” makes you think of late-night hackathons, finding your tribe, or finally getting to the list of things you want to build, then this is the post for you.
We've pulled together the best free summer programmes open to talented young people anywhere in the world:
Entrepreneurship
YC's Startup School
Offers a free online course providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. Participants learn from experienced entrepreneurs and receive guidance on starting and scaling their businesses.
Location: online
Eligibility: open to aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages.
MIT LaunchX
Offers a free summer program for high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Participants work in teams to develop a business idea, receive mentorship from MIT students and alumni, and pitch their ideas at the end of the program.
Location: Ann Arbor, Bay Area, and online
Eligibility: open to high school students (15-19yrs) interested in entrepreneurship.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Offers a free seven-week summer program designed for high school girls interested in technology and entrepreneurship. Participants learn coding skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership through hands-on projects and mentorship.
Location: online
Eligibility: open to high school girls (15-19yrs) interested in technology and entrepreneurship.
Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Offers free programs for aspiring entrepreneurs in various locations worldwide. Participants receive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop their business ideas.
Location: Paris
Eligibility: open to aspiring entrepreneurs from 18-35yrs.
STEM
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Offers rising high school seniors the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside leading scientists.
Location: MIT (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Eligibility: open to rising high school seniors (16-18yrs)
Summer Science Program
Offers high school students professional scientific experience. Guest lecturers have included Nobel Laureates Richard Feynman, David Politzer and Eric Cornell.
Location: Purdue University, Indiana University, Georgetown University, and more.
Eligibility: open to high school students (15-19yrs)
Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
Offers high school students the chance to explore mathematical concepts through experimentation, discussion, and collaboration with peers.
Location: Boston University, Oxford University, and the Indian Institute of Science
Eligibility: open to high school students (15-19yrs)
The European Summer Program on Rationality (ESPR)
https://espr.camp/
An immersive workshop for mathematically talented students with a desire to understand themselves and the world. The goal of the program is to help students hone rigorous, quantitative skills as they acquire a toolbox of useful concepts and practical techniques applicable in all walks of life.
Location: Oxford
Eligibility: open to 16-19 year olds.
If you made it this far, you probably already know what Patch is. But just in case…
Patch is a free summer programme for talented young people who want to work on impactful projects and creative business ideas. You’ll spend seven weeks working on your chosen project, getting to know a group of like-minded peers, and learning from brilliant mentors. After the summer, you’ll join the Patch alumni community and gain access to exclusive events, targeted mentorship, and ongoing career support.
