Extracurriculars & Programs in Connecticut for High School Students

Connecticut's anchor is Yale — its summer programs and research openings — plus a strong prep-school competition circuit in debate, math, and science.

14 verified programs match this page; 5 of the featured listings are completely free; 2 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 14+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors — Yale School of Drama: Develop advanced acting skills in Yale’s intensive summer program for high school students. Build confidence, gain hands-on experience, and stand out
  • Coast Guard Academy AIM — U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Week at Coast Guard Academy. Leadership and maritime missions.
  • Yale Young Global Scholars - Biology & Biomedical Sciences — Yale University: 2-week intensive in biology and biomedical sciences at Yale.
  • Yale Model Government Europe (YMGE) — Yale International Relations Association: Simulate European parliamentary government at Yale's premier international affairs conference. Debate real EU policy issues alongside 800+ students fr
  • Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) — Yale University: Explore astrophysics in an immersive summer program for high school students. Gain hands-on research, Python skills, and a standout boost for college
  • Yale Invitational Debate Tournament — Yale University: Compete in the prestigious Yale Invitational Debate Tournament! High school students sharpen public speaking, critical thinking, and boost college app
  • Yale Young Global Scholars - Application Portal — Yale University: Official application portal for YYGS residential sessions.
  • Yale Bulldogs Investment Fund — Yale University: Student-managed investment fund experience at Yale. Learn portfolio management from Yale finance community.
  • Yale Model Government — Yale University: Join a competitive high school government simulation to enhance debate, policy, and leadership skills. Perfect for college prep and hands-on civic exp
  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy AIM — U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Explore leadership, service, and engineering in this selective summer program for high school juniors. Gain hands-on experience and boost your college
  • Yale Model United Nations (YMUN) — Yale International Relations Association: Develop leadership, debate, and policy skills at Yale’s flagship Model UN conference. Perfect for high school students seeking hands-on experience and
  • Yale Young Writers' Workshop — Yale Summer Session: Elevate your creative writing skills in this online summer program with Yale-affiliated authors. Build your portfolio and gain a competitive edge for
  • Hotchkiss Summer Portals — The Hotchkiss School: Summer programs at The Hotchkiss School in CT. Academic enrichment and outdoor education.
  • Yale Pathways to Science — Yale University: Explore free STEM labs, lectures, and master classes at Yale, gaining hands-on research experience and mentorship to boost college applications. Perfe

Frequently asked questions

How many connecticut programs are listed for high school students?

ExtracurricularHub currently lists 14 verified connecticut opportunities for high school students, each with cost, eligibility, deadline, and an official application link.

Are any of these connecticut programs free?

Yes — 5 of the programs featured on this page charge no participation fee. Free programs are often funded and can be more selective, so apply early.

Which deadlines are coming up soonest?

The next deadlines: Yale Invitational Debate Tournament (September 25, 2026); Yale Model Government Europe (YMGE) (October 15, 2026); Yale Model Government (January 3, 2027). Deadlines change every cycle — always confirm on the program's official site.

Do I have to live in Connecticut to participate?

Most in-person programs based in Connecticut accept applicants from anywhere, though some give preference to local students. Residential summer programs typically accept students nationwide — check each listing's eligibility.