Free and Low-Cost Summer 2026 Youth Programs at Columbia University

Though summer still feels far away in these cold winter months, now is the time to get ahead on the summer program application season.

Summer programs can be enriching, life-changing experiences for young students. But, oftentimes, they can be hard to find or financially out of reach. Some students may find out about an opportunity long after the deadline has passed.

Columbia Neighbors has compiled a list of free and no-cost summer programs available here at Columbia University and throughout Upper Manhattan to help students and families prepare for application season. 

Summer program information is being updated all the time, so we've only included programs with active applications at this time. If you know of a program that should be included that is not listed here, please send us an email at [email protected].

For any questions about the following opportunities, please reach out to the program contact directly. 

Summer Programs at Columbia University

Double Discovery Center Summer Academy

Deadline: April 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Price: Free for eligible 9th and 10th graders enrolled in DDC
Location: Columbia University's Morningside Heights camps

The Double Discovery Center (DDC) at Columbia University's Summer Academy is a four-week academic enrichment commuter program for current 9th and 10th-grade New York City high school students. Students are provided an immersive college campus experience, with academic enrichment courses emphasizing reading, writing, and research skills, as well as wellness-focused workshops that provide socio-emotional support. Students commute to campus throughout the program. Academic programming occurs Monday through Thursday, with trips being held on Fridays.

Full instructions and frequently asked questions are available here. You can reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Engineering the Next Generation

Deadline: Foundations of Research (January 16, 2026) or Center for Smart Streetscapes (March 1, 2026) 
Price: Free
Location: Columbia Engineering: 500 W. 120th St.

Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) is a six-week summer research program at Columbia Engineering for academically competitive NYC high school juniors and seniors. Student researchers are matched with mentors and supervised by Columbia faculty members and graduate students. 

For any questions, please reach out to the ENG program at [email protected]. 

Freedom & Citizenship

Final Deadline: March 31, 2026 (application opens early February)
Price: Free
Location: Center for American Studies: 1130 Amsterdam Ave.

Beginning in June and running through May of the next year, Freedom & Citizenship requires its students to commit to a four-week intensive summer seminar on political philosophy, followed by a year-long civic leadership program. 

The program prepares juniors in high school for college and life beyond, supplying them with college application guidance and supervision from professors and undergraduate teaching assistants. First-generation college-bound students from low-income backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. 

Check out the FAQs or contact [email protected] with any additional questions.

Little Lions Summer Camp

Deadline: Rolling
Price: Varies (scholarships available)
Locations: Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus and Baker Athletics Complex in Inwood

Little Lions Camp is a kid-centered, fun-based day camp for children entering grades 1-7, with a focus on keeping kids physically and creatively active. Programming features an ever-changing combination of classic games, backyard favorites, sports, and special surprises to keep kids happy, active, and engaged. Learn more about the program.

General summer camp applications for Summer 2026 open January 30, 2026. You can find the general application here. Weekly tuition for the camp ranges between $300 and $600, depending on how many days a week.

Families living in Manhattan Community District 9 can apply for the Little Lions Camp scholarship lottery through the West Harlem Development Corporation. The program helps ensure that local children can participate in summer recreation and enrichment opportunities at no cost. The application is available until March 4, 2026, on the WHDC's website here.

Families living in Manhattan Community District 12 can also apply for full scholarships to three different camps at Baker Athletics Complex, including Little Lions. The application can be found here, and you can sign up to be notified about when applications open here.

Next Generation of Hudson River Educators

Deadline: March 1, 2026
Price: Free
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY

The Next Generation of Hudson River Educators program is a six-week summer program specifically designed to broaden the connection of high school students and their communities to the Hudson River. Students learn from the Hudson River through field work and data collection, and then work in teams to create their own communication tools and scientific research posters designed to engage a broad and multi-generational audience.

For any questions, please contact Marisa Annunziato, Education & Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].

Secondary School Field Research Program

Deadline: March 2, 2026 
Price: Free
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY

The Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) brings high school students, undergraduate students, and science teachers to the Lamont campus each summer for six weeks of field and laboratory research. Students and teachers collaborate with Lamont researchers on a scientific research project in a tiered mentoring system. 

To request the application, please contact Magdaly Sevilla, [email protected].

Science Honors Program 

Deadline: April 15, 2026
Price: $450 per semester
Location: Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus

Though not specifically a summer program (it runs throughout the academic year), the deadline to apply for the Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is in the spring.

SHP is a Saturday morning program specifically designed for high school students in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. The program is highly selective for high school students who have a strong interest in the sciences and mathematics. Courses are primarily in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences; and instructors are scientists and mathematicians who are actively engaged in research at the University. Classes are held on the Morningside Campus from September to May.

For any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Scientific Enrichment Month

Deadline: June 19, 2026 (application opens March 2)
Price: Free 
Location: Virtual

Is your child interested in cancer research? The Scientific Enrichment Month program, held at Columbia's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), is a free virtual program taking place in July for high schoolers as well as undergraduate college students. This month-long program focuses on cancer education, scientific enrichment, and professional development. 

See the Scientific Enrichment Month program website for contact information.

State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) 

Deadline: April 15, 2026 (application opens March 1)
Price: Free
Location: Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons: 630 W. 168th St.

The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a free high school and college preparatory program for students interested in medicine or related STEM fields. S-PREP has both a summer and an academic year session. See the Columbia University Irving Medical Center website for more details.

Students who participate in S-PREP during their academic year are eligible to apply for The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships program (BRAINYAC). 

For any questions, please reach out to the S-PREP program at [email protected]. 

Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)

Deadline: March 2, 2026
Price: $6,250-$11,500 (full-cost, need-based scholarships available)
Location: Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus

Columbia Engineering's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a pre-college program for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates. SHAPE is geared toward students with a curiosity for STEM. Each 3-week session offers college-level, project-based courses in engineering taught by a diverse group of faculty at Columbia University.

More information, including application information, is available here. Email [email protected] if you have questions.

Upper Manhattan-based Summer Programs

Advancing the Community of Tomorrow’s Summer Camp

Deadline: Rolling. Financial Aid (April 1, 2026). 
Price: $720/week (financial aid available)
Location: Morningside Heights

The nonprofit Advancing the Community of Tomorrow hosts a Morningside Heights-based summer camp for youth aged 3 to 14. Every week, the camp focuses on a specific theme youth can learn about through a lineup of fun-filled activities, including outdoor sports sessions, art workshops, water games, team-building exercises, and more. The program aims to encourage children to build connections with their peers while immersed in the fun of the summer season. You can learn more about the program dates here.

BioBus Harlem Junior Scientist Internships 

Deadline: March 15
Price: Free (paid internship program)
Location: Harlem and Lower East Side

BioBus Junior Scientists are high school and college students who receive training and mentorship from research scientists, while developing their own independent projects and co-teaching BioBus programs for younger students. Junior Scientists gain research experience, develop lab skills, and learn science communications.

For any questions, please reach out to the contact for the area most relevant to you at biobus.org/internship.

Girls Who Code Summer Pathways

Deadline: Early application: Feb. 25, 2026; General application: April 10, 2026
Price: Free
Location: Virtual

Girls Who Code will offer the Pathways program this summer from June to August. This seven-week program is a free, flexible online learning opportunity for students who want to learn coding at their own pace. Learn more about the programs at the Girls Who Code website.

Harlem School of the Arts | Harlem Summer Arts Experience

Deadline: 20% early bird discount (March 16, 2026), 10% discount (April 17, 2026), financial aid application (May 1, 2026), last day to register (June 14, 2026)
Price: Varies (financial aid available)
Location: Harlem

Harlem School of the Arts' Harlem Summer Arts Experience program (for youth ages 5 through 14) consists of learning new concepts, exploration of artistic disciplines, field trips, and community building. The summer program is comprised of three two-week sessions and financial aid is available. You can request information about the summer program here. 

Harlem YMCA Summer Camps

Deadline: Early bird discount: April 18, 2026
Price: Varies (financial aid available)
Location: Harlem YMCA: 180 W 135th St.

The Harlem YMCA camp continues to give students of all ages the opportunity to make the most of their summers through sports programming, project-based learning, and so much more. Not only is it a great way for youngsters to stay active this summer, but also to build community and make long-lasting friendships. 

For any questions, please contact Daneka McRae at [email protected].

Urban Leadership Fellows Program

Deadline: February 25, 2026
Price: Free (paid internship)
Location: Various 

The Urban Leadership Fellows Program by Futures and Options is a paid summer internship program for graduating seniors interested in business, finance, government, and public policy. Fellows will be placed at prestigious firms around New York City, gaining valuable hands-on work experience and training in the municipal finance industry.

For any questions, please reach out [email protected].