The Young Scholars High School Program allows outstanding students attending a local high school within commutable distance to the University to take college courses in the fall and spring semesters. In the Young Scholars Program, you can pursue your discipline beyond the level offered in secondary schools, get a head start on your college requirements, or explore a brand-new field that interests you. It’s an exciting chance to explore new ideas and experience life in a college classroom.
Young Scholars Program students can choose from a variety of courses at the undergraduate level offered by the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Topics offered include anthropology, economics, English, math, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and many more. Enrollment is subject to the approval of the program director, and registration in a desired course is not guaranteed. All classes are only offered in an in-person format.
Explore exciting topics in college-level courses
Penn undergraduate courses are taught by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars. Most classes meet two to five times weekly, Monday through Friday, and assign homework, research papers, midterms, and/or finals. Textbooks and additional course materials may be required for a class. All students (regardless of the semester or school district) are responsible for any other fees associated with attending courses, which may include textbooks, laboratory fees, course materials, etc.
Take advantage of the University’s world-class resources
In addition to Penn’s remarkable libraries and expert faculty instructors, Young Scholars Program students can access academic support at the Marks Family Writing Center, the Mathematics Department, and the Weingarten Learning Resources Center.
Earn academic credit from the University of Pennsylvania
Young Scholars Program students are evaluated by the same academic standards and procedures as Penn undergraduates. Students earn one course unit* (1 c.u., the equivalent of 4 college credit hours) for each course taken. Upon successful completion of the program and all coursework within, students may request official transcripts from Penn’s Registrar (fee-based).
Students planning to transfer these grades to their future undergraduate record or institution should be aware that transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the institution, including the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Penn’s transfer credit policies for pre-baccalaureate coursework.
Young Scholars High School Program tuition
During the fall and spring semesters, students attending City of Philadelphia public and charter schools are eligible for tuition-free participation in the program. Once admitted to the program, students take one course in the fall and spring semesters tuition-free.
See if your school qualifies you for tuition-free participation:
