Best Spring Programs for High School Students in 2026

Spring might seem like it’s a world away, but think again. The applications for next semester’s extracurricular activities open soon–some as early as October–which means prep season is now. From alternative spring break programs and pre-college courses to lofty internships that last from February to May, there are many spring programs for high school students to participate in. 

Check out these extracurriculars that expose young scholars to multicultural learning, international travel, specialized career training, and more.

International Medical Aid’s Global Healthcare Internships for High School Students

Applications open year-round

International Medical Aid invites high school students aged 16 and over to join comprehensive healthcare internships that help them develop as future healthcare leaders and offer personalized mentorship. Students interested in medical and public health careers will enter underserved communities in Africa, South America, and other high-impact locales to experience clinical shadowing, community outreach, and cultural immersion.

Programs last 2 to 12 weeks, and interns attend global health lectures, participate in weekend excursions, and rotate through hospital departments like surgery, emergency care, pediatrics, and general medicine. IMA programs are excellent additions to any college application, and students typically walk away with certificates of completion, letters of recommendation, and ongoing access to IMA’s advising network.

Rustic Pathways’ “Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture” Spring Break Program

Application deadline is November 1, 2025

Rustic Pathways is a student travel company that specializes in educational, multicultural, and adventurous trips for teens worldwide. With nearly 40 countries to choose from, young volunteers can journey to communities around the world to make a positive impact. For one week in March 2026, students can travel to Belize and learn from the locals how to be better environmentalists and make the world safer for elephants, sea turtles, birds, and everything in between.

However, the summer programs offer more options, including trips to Portugal, Italy, Japan, Greece, Korea, and Thailand.

Dartmouth College's Community High School Program (CHSP)

Applications open February 6, 2026

High school students within a 50-mile radius of Dartmouth College may be eligible to attend the school’s Community High School Program free of charge. The program, which is open to seniors in the fall, winter, and spring, and juniors in the winter and spring, is designed to benefit pre-college students who’ve run out of opportunities to pursue their interests at their high schools but still want to further their education ahead of graduation.

CHSP students must be recommended to the program by a counselor, principal, or other school official. They can select one course per term and choose from a vast array of advanced subjects to study, including African American Studies, Chemistry, Astronomy, Linguistics, Public Policy, and so much more.

NYU Precollege Programs

Applications open November 1, 2026

These pre-college programs invite high school students to earn college credits, enhance their skills, and–for those who join in person–immerse themselves in the dynamic, fast-paced culture of New York University’s campus. Participants can take undergraduate courses that run the gamut of Arts and Media, Business, STEM, and the Humanities and Social Sciences.  

Columbia University’s College Edge Program

Application deadline is December 2, 2025 

The College Edge: Academic Year program allows 11th and 12th-grade students to earn college credit, receive academic advisement, and participate in professional development opportunities on Columbia’s Morningside campus. High school students can take undergraduate courses and study alongside college students while they attend seminars, workshops, and lectures that are all designed to prepare them for university life.

International Volunteer HQ’s Teen Volunteer Programs Abroad

Application deadlines vary

IVHQ’s highly affordable volunteer abroad programs are fully hosted, meaning the program fees–which start at just $20 per day–cover lodging, meals, airport pickup, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support. With more than 17 destinations to choose from across Africa, the Middle East, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, 16- and 17-year-olds can assist with a variety of volunteer projects, including childcare, rainforest conservation, education, construction, turtle conservation, and more. 

NYU Tisch’s The Future Artists High School Programs

Application deadline is November 10, 2026

NYU Tisch offers free Saturday workshops to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from February to May. The courses cover drama, dance, recorded music, dramatic writing, filmmaking, photography, game design, and cinema studies. Each workshop is committed to specific goals that nurture the next generation of artistic talent, and these programs are best for students who can commute to New York City on the weekends.

Medical Immersions Scholars Academy (MISA) Spring Programs

Applications open October 14, 2025

MISA offers the ideal spring break alternative for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. With this 5-day program, high school students in Oakland, California, can engage in hands-on activities that are perfect for future healthcare professionals, such as clinical simulations, phlebotomy training, and other exercises that take a “learning by doing” approach. Through real-world practice, participants learn essential skills in collaborative environments wherein they can earn official certifications and make lasting connections with like-minded team members.

The extracurricular activities presented here represent only a small portion of the opportunities available for students worldwide. Be sure to do your own research as you prepare for spring, but keep in mind that the most successful students are strategic about their activities beyond the classroom and strive to stay one semester ahead of every opportunity that comes their way.