Summer Programs for High School Students
Make your summer count - attend a summer program!
Elizabeth Hoyt
March 12, 2018
If you haven’t decided how to spend your summer, you may want to think about the possibility of participating in a summer program.
Not only is it an exciting way to spend your summer, but you’ll get to experience life on a college campus, explore new and exciting fields you may want to pursue as for college majors, make friendships with students from around the globe and, perhaps, even earn college credit for the courses you take.
If summer programs interest you, you should act soon! Application deadlines come early in the year.
To get you started on the process, check out the following directory of popular summer programs for high school students.
Keep in mind that, if you do not like any of the programs listed below, there’s no need to worry. There are hundreds of summer programs offered each year at colleges all over the country. No matter where you live or what your interests are, chances are that there’s a program offered at a college near you.
Summer Programs For High School Students:
Academic Connections at the University of California – San Diego
This three week program helps prepare high-achieving high-school students for success by allowing them to experience college-level academics. Students are able to immerse themselves in study of a particular academic subject taught by graduate students and/or renowned faculty researchers within the field of study.
The program is specific to college-bound high school students, so students must be in high school, grades 9-12, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above.
Learn more about Academic Connections at the University of California – San Diego.
American Collegiate Adventures
American Collegiate Adventures offers programs in both the United States and abroad. The programs range anywhere from one to five weeks, all of which are details on their web site (linked below).
Their 4-week program, for example, takes place over the summer in Wisconsin and details the college admissions process.
Learn more about American Collegiate Adventures.
Academic Enrichment by Westcoast Connection
Westcoast Connection offers Pre-College Enrichment programs for high school students, featuring an all-encompassing blend of interactive courses, engaging instructors combined with exciting day trips and excursions. With programs on the campus of UCLAin Los Angeles, McGill in Montreal, Barcelona and Florence, students have the opportunity to prepare for college and their future career path in an inclusive learning and social environment. Upon conclusion of summer courses, students will receive either a certificate of completion or college credit, which is available on select programs.
Students interested in exploring the executive, design and marketing aspects of fashion work towards becoming the next generation of industry professionals with Westcoast Connection’s Seventeen Fashion Experience in New York City.
Additionally, from Costa Rica to Spain, immersive language programs prioritize an emphasis on both classroom and experiential learning.
Discover why Westcoast Connection’s summer experiences are optimal for high school students in supporting their college preparedness.
Learn more about Academic Enrichment by Westcoast Connection.
Bentley University Summer Athletic Camps
Bentley University’s Summer Athletic Camps have earned the reputation as being one of New England’s the best teaching camps for athletics. The college offers summer athletic camps for high school students within the sports of basketball, volleyball, field hockey and more.
Providing both a fun and interactive setting, along with state-of-the-art facilities, Bentley’s camps offer students an opportunity to learn games strategies and skills from quality players and top coaches.
Learn more about Bentley University Summer Athletic Camps.
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) is a four-week summer residential program that gives high school students who have demonstrated skills within STEM subjects (science, technology, mathematics and engineering) opportunities to explore beyond their usual high school curriculum.
Students are able to work on advanced topics with renowned faculty members, scientists and researchers as well as experience state-of-the-art lab environments and facilities.
Participants will also have the opportunity to take university-level courses and gain an awareness of both educational and career options within the STEM fields.
The students attending the program live in campus housing with other program participants. Full and partial scholarships are available.
Learn more about California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science.
Carnegie Mellon University – Summer Programs for Diversity
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College programs allow students to explore college life both in the classroom and outside to see what’s going on outside of campus.
Students are able to mingle with people from all over the world and participate in exciting summer activities that include architecture, art, design, drama, music and even advanced placement and early admission.
The best part? There are no tuition housing or dining fees for students who are selected to attend the Summer Programs for Diversity!
Learn more about the Carnegie Mellon University – Summer Programs for Diversity.
Carnegie Mellon University – Summer Academy for Math + Science (SAMS)
The SAMS programs if for high school students entering their junior or seniors year of high school who are interested in math-based disciplines, such as engineering or science.
The hands-on six-week program takes place at Carnegie Mellon University and focuses on technical areas of study, building on both academic and personal skills which are required for admission to top colleges and universities.
Learn more about the Carnegie Mellon University – Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS).
Columbia College of Chicago – Summer at Columbia
Columbia College of Chicago’s Summer at Columbia offers college level courses to students who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior years of high school but have not yet attended college and are interested in the fields of art and communications.
The courses do transfer as electives to Columbia College of Chicago and to some other colleges or universities, depending on the discretion of the particular school.
Students even have the option of living on campus. If you would like to apply for housing, options are limited, so early application is encouraged. There is an extra cost for housing, which includes a meal plan.
Program participants are able to choose from a variety of courses, all of which take place in July.
Learn more about Columbia College of Chicago – Summer at Columbia.
Concordia Language Villages
Concordia Language Villages is a language and culture education program. Their mission is to prepare young people for responsible citizenship in the global community.
The villages have adopted an innovative approach using immersion techniques to teach language. Participants may choose from 15 world language programs: Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.
Programs are offered for every age and level of ability as well.
Learn more about Concordia Language Villages.
Cornell Summer College
Cornell Summer College offers both three- and six- week pre-college programs for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Program participants are able to earn anywhere from three to six college credits, work with world renowned Cornell faculty, attend college fairs, receive one-on-one admissions counseling and experience college life first hand.
Students are also able to experience living within a residence hall and a roommate, meeting other students from more than 40 countries and enjoy summer activities.
Learn more about Cornell Summer College.
Duke University’s TIP Academy for Summer Studies
Duke University’s TIP Academy for Summer Studies provides students with an academic and social experience so that they are able to experience both challenging coursework and build lasting friendships with other academically gifted students.
The program is available to the top five percent of students within a grade level and all courses were developed with gifted students in mind. Only students within grades 7-10 are eligible for the academy.
The summer studies take place at various sites including Rice University, University of Georgia, Wake Forest University and Duke University.
Learn more about Duke University’s TIP Academy for Summer Studies.
Experience Christendom Summer Program (ECSP)
The Experience Experience Christendom Summer Program (ECSP), is a program which attracts students from all across the country and various foreign countries.
Students attend the Front Royal, VA, campus for a week (Sunday through Saturday) and take part in academic, social, recreational, and spiritual activities, led by current students as counselors. They come away with a new appreciation for the Catholic faith and culture, and are exposed to the transformative power of a truly Catholic liberal arts education.
Each year, high school students spend a week on campus and, by the end of the week as “one of the best weeks of their lives,” and have ranked the program on average 4.75 out of 5 on a survey. Not just of the summer, but ever.
The program consists of an average of 45-50 students in each session and runs six of these one-week sessions.
The cost of the program fairly inexpensive and generous financial aid is given to students who request it/qualify. The program is for students who will be entering their senior year of high school in the fall.
Registration for the 2018 Experience Christendom Summer Programs is now open.
Note: the past three years have had waiting lists, so if you’re interested, don’t delay in signing up! Learn more about the Experience Christendom Summer Program.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs
Girls Who Code is “a national non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology.” Their Summer Immersion Programs combine project-based learning with aspects like networking and connecting with females at top tech companies.
The free, seven-week program is open to current high school sophomores and junior girls. During the summer programs, girls will learn coding and gain exposure to jobs in the tech industry. The programs are in various cities throughout the nation.
According to the site “The Summer Immersion Program is a FREE 7-week summer program for 10th-11th grade girls to learn computer science, get exposure to tech jobs and join a supportive sisterhood of thousands of girls across the US! It is an introductory computer science course and no previous experience is required. We welcome all eligible applicants who have an interest in technology and a willingness to learn!”
Applications for the 2018 Summer Immersion Program are open now so you can apply today.
The site also details that the application consists of one short answer question. Girls Who Code does not ask for your grades or any recommendations.
Learn more about the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs.
Harvard’s Pre-College Program & Secondary School Program (SSP)
If you’re wondering what college is like, Harvard offers college programs just for high school students who are curious.
Harvard’s high school programs allow you to take real courses along with college students and actually earn college credit.
You’ll be able to learn about subjects they don’t teach within your high school curriculum, study with Harvard faculty, have use of Harvard labs and other state-of-the-art libraries and equipment.
While you’re there, you’ll meet other students from around the work, attend college prep events and participate in fun and exciting activities.
The program is open to high school students who meet the application and admission criteria (see the web site for details; linked below).
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Learn more about Harvard’s High School Programs.
University of Florida – Humanities and the Sunshine State
Humanities and Sunshine State: (Re)Discovering Florida’s Waters is described as “a one-week residential academic program [in June] for rising high school juniors and seniors that explores what the humanities teach us about the cultural, social, and economic significance of water in Florida life.
Motivated students interested in learning beyond their traditional high school classroom are encouraged to apply. All high school academic concentrations and career interests are welcome.”
Support for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional funding from the Rothman Endowment of the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida.
Check the below website for program details, including application materials and costs. Need-based scholarships are available.
Learn more about Humanities and the Sunshine State: High School Summer Seminar .
Indiana University – High School Journalism Institute (HSJI)
Indiana University’s High School Journalism Institute (HSJI) was designed for high school students who would like to explore the field of journalism as an academic or career interest.
Students are able to participate in a series of five-day workshops (not for credit) that examine subjects involving the journalism field. Participants will examine the role of the media, analyze their own and other student publications, and develop the skills needed to produce quality publications.
Workshop participants will learn, develop and grow new skills or sharpen their existing talents. Additionally, some will even begin to prepare their own schools’ publications and media projects for the coming school year.
Learn more about Indiana University – High School Journalism Institute.
Miami University of Ohio – Summer Scholars Program
Miami of Ohio’s Summer Scholars Program is an intense two-week program providing an early college experience for academically gifted rising high school juniors and seniors.
Students who participate in the program can expect to become immersed within an academic setting focused around a specific topic of interest, learning alongside the college’s leading faculty and experts.
Additionally, participants will be provided with a complete collegiate experience through living in a residence hall, eating within a dining hall and enjoying access to all campus facilities.
Workshops on college processes such as the college admissions process, financial aid, test prep, college essay writing and applying for scholarships are also available.
Learn more about the Miami University of Ohio – Summer Scholars Program.
Mathcamp
Mathcamp is an intensive five-week summer program in which students are able to explore various principles of mathematics. Students are able to learn about undergraduate and graduate-level topics while bonding with a diverse group of people who share the common love of mathematics.
The program offers courses, problem-solving sessions and lectures by leading mathematicians. The program is open to students ages 13 to 18. A qualifying quiz is required of all applicants.
Mathcamp is free to students with qualifying family incomes. Financial aid is also available.
Learn more about Mathcamp.
National Youth Science Camp (NYSC)
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is an intense month-long camp for young scientists the summer after high school graduation.
Students must demonstrate academic proficiency in either mathematics or the sciences as well as other documented leadership skills.
Located within a rustic setting, students from around the country are challenged in lectures, hands-on studies and are able to participate in an outdoor adventure program.
Because special events are planned to surprise participants each day, the camp does not publish detailed program calendars.
Learn more about the National Youth Science Camp.
New England Center for Investigative Reporting
Now in its eighth year, the New England Center for Investigative Reporting will conduct three two-week sessions to teach teenagers, between the ages 14 – 18, the basic skills of investigative reporting and allow them the opportunity to work on reports to add to their portfolios.
The first session for the Investigative Reporting Summer Workshop starts at the beginning of the summer. Every summer, students have the opportunity to learn from award-winning journalists and hear from guest speakers such as Mike Rezendes of The Boston Globe who was played by Mark Ruffalo in the movie Spotlight.
Learn more about Investigative Reporting Summer Workshop.
New York Film Academy’s Summer Film and Acting Camps
These immersion workshops range from four-week programs to full-year programs. Programs are designed to introduce students of all ages to the creative and technical demands of telling stories with moving images.
Students have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot, edit and, even, star within short films, depending upon the student’s interest.
Award-winning instructors, abundant equipment and small classes provide students with the individual attention and support necessary to complete their own work.
Learn more about the New York Film Academy’s Summer Film and Acting Camps.
Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program (RISD)
The six-week RISD summer Pre-College Program introduces high school students to the focused curriculum of a college of art and design experience.
Program participants follow college-level studio curriculum are immersed in experiencing the elements of a complete RISD education in one of the school’s 21 majors.
Students live in residence halls, attend social activities and study a particular subject in the fine or visual arts. Participants must be high school students between the ages of 16-18 years old.
Learn more about the Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program.
Smith College Precollege Summer Programs
Smith College Precollege Summer programs offer intellectually stimulating and unique opportunities for high school girls and international students who wish to pursue their academic interests in the classroom and beyond.
Annually the programs offer around 200 young women the freedom to explore challenging and intriguing subjects to strengthen their college applications and increase exposure to undergraduate experiences.
Each summer, Smith welcomes young women from many nationalities and diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds that together form an extraordinary intellectual community. The learning environment is hands-on, collaborative, exploratory, challenging and rich in role models.
Professors who are excellent scholars offer personal attention in the classroom while encouraging students’ interests and passions, helping them to develop their academic skills.
Programs include Science and Engineering; Young Women’s Writing Workshop; Discovering Women’s History; Field Studies for Sustainable Futures and a College Admission Workshop.
Smith College is a place where young women are taken seriously and inspired to excel—as scholars, scientists and leaders.
Learn more about the Smith College Precollege Summer Programs.
Summer Study Programs
The Summer Study Programs at a variety of schools like, Georgetown, UCLA, and Cambridge, combine academically challenging courses with the fun and excitement of campus and study abroad life.
High school students can choose from a variety of programs, ranging from 2 to 6 weeks.
Learn more about the Summer Study Programs.
Summer Science Program (SSP)
For over fifty years, the Summer Science Program in Ojai, California, has enlightened selected high school students in advanced college-level topics in astronomy, physics, calculus and programming. In turn, students are able to develop both intellectually and socially while being challenged academically.
The program takes place on three campuses: at the New Mexico Institute of Technology in Socorro, University of Colorado, Boulder and Purdue University.
Learn more about the Summer Science Program (SSP) .
Summer Term @Ross
According to the site, Summer Term @Ross is a “world-class program located in safe, idyllic East Hampton, New York. Our unique offerings balance rigorous academic courses with relaxation and time at the beach, cultural events, shopping, and day trips to vibrant New York City. Studying at Ross while also exploring the Hamptons and surrounding areas is a fantastic and fulfilling way to make friends from around the world and get a head start on realizing your academic potential and preparing for your college experience!”
Programs offered for students ages 12-18 are Mandarin Immersion, Design and Invention, Marine Science, ESOL, Mathematics, and Tennis. They are designed for both day and boarding students, and will run for six weeks from July to August on the East Hampton campus.
Learn more about Summer Term @Ross.
Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP)
TASP is a six-week educational experience for high school juniors. Students participate in seminars led by college and university members and participate in educational and social activities outside the classroom.
Telluride Association seeks students from all kinds of educational backgrounds who share a passion for learning – students who attend want both a personal and intellectual challenge. The programs offer no grades or college credit.
Telluride Association Summer Programs are completely free; every student awarded a place in a TASP attends the program on a full housing, dining and tuition scholarship.
Learn more about the Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP).
Tufts Summer Study for High School Students
Tufts attracts top high school students who wish pursuing academic excellence while gaining a head start on their college career.
Tufts summer study programs offer benefits like small affordable tuition, small course sizes, financial assistance, college credit options and more.
The programs offered to high school students include: Tufts Summer Writing Program, Foundation of Law & Ethics, Health Science Honors, Biomedics Inquiry through Sequencing (BIOSEQ) and College Courses for Seniors.
Learn more about the Tufts Summer Study for High School Students.
University of Chicago – The Young Scholars Summer Program (YSP)
The University of Chicago’s Department of Mathematics offers an enrichment program, entitled the Young Scholars Program, which focuses on the subject of mathematics.
The Summer Program is a free four-week day camp; mainly for Chicago Public School students (select suburban and private school students are admitted) from 7th to 12th grade.
Students attend daily seminars given by University professors and solve mathematics problems based on these seminars. Topics include number theory, theory of field extensions, geometry and probability. Students also learn computer skills.
Tuition is free for those accepted.
Learn more about the University of Chicago – The Young Scholars Program.
University of Dallas High School Summer Programs
The University of Dallas’ programs use European travel to stimulate careful reading, writing and thinking about life’s most serious questions.
The programs offer college credit and are held on our main campus in Irving, TX and sister campus in Rome, Italy. They’re designed to show students the great and lasting pleasures that accompany a good educational experience.
Courses are led by experienced university faculty and staff.
Learn more about the University of Dallas Summer Study in Europe.
University of New Hampshire Upward Bound Summer Program
University of New Hampshire Upward Bound Summer Program was created to help eligible students achieve their goal of higher education through a free, federally funded, college preparatory program.
During their six-week summer residential program, students live on the campus of the University of New Hampshire and take academic courses, participate in enriching activities, receive tutoring as well as attend career workshops, college visits and help through navigating the college application process and financial aid system.
Learn more about the University of New Hampshire Upward Bound Summer Program.
University of Pennsylvania Programs for High School Students
Penn’s summer programs combine rigorous classroom and lab work with a wide range of social activities, trips and tours. Opportunities are available for those wishing to live on campus or commute.
Penn’s summer programs for high school students provide a college-level experience that eases the transition from high school to college.
Learn more about University of Pennsylvania Programs for High School Students.
Tulane University Emerging Scholars
Environmental Health Sciences Summer Research Academy
Tulane University’s accepts 11th and 12th graders to participate in a summer research academy which is focused on environmental health issues in the region of Southeast Louisiana.
Students are mainly recruited from local areas including: Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Jefferson parish public/charter/magnet high schools.
The program is funded as a result of the BP medical settlement, GRHOP.
Learn more about Tulane University Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Summer Research Academy.
