Amazing Summer Programs for High School Students
Looking for something to fill your summer with? These summer programs for high school students will give you a ton of great options!
While it’s tempting to spend all summer soaking up the sun or binge-watching your favorite shows, there’s a whole world of opportunities out there waiting to be explored! Summer is the perfect time to try something new. You can dive into your passions and even get a head start on future goals.
Whether you're into science, the arts, business, or social justice, there’s a summer program designed just for you. These programs offer a chance to step out of your comfort zone. You'll be able to make new friends, and discover what truly excites you. Plus, you’ll gain skills that look great on college applications and might even help you decide what you want to do after graduation.
So, if you’re ready to make the most out of your summer, this post is for you. Here's a breakdown of the best summer programs out there for high school students. This is what they offer and how they can help you grow both academically and personally.
This post is all about summer programs for high school students.
Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Telluride Association Summer Seminar
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a free, highly selective program designed for intellectually curious high school sophomores and juniors. It's for students who have a passion for critical thinking, discussion, and social justice.
TASS offers two different programs: TASS-Critical Black Studies and TASS-Critical Futures. They both focus on different themes centered around race, identity, culture, and history. Participants engage in college-level seminars led by university faculty. These seminars dive deep into topics that challenge conventional thinking and explore societal issues from multiple perspectives.
What makes TASS especially appealing is that it is completely free for accepted students. This includes tuition, room, and board, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from attending. However, the application process is highly competitive. It requires essays and recommendations, reflecting the program’s commitment to attracting motivation. It's important to show that you're an engaged learner who is ready to think critically and lead with empathy and understanding.
2. Stanford Pre-College Programs
Stanford Pre-College Programs offer high school students the chance to experience the academic rigor and vibrant campus life of Stanford University. The program provides various options, including residential and online summer courses. These courses cater to a wide range of interests from humanities and social sciences to STEM fields. Students can choose from diverse subjects such as computer science, philosophy, creative writing, and more, all taught by Stanford faculty and graduate students. The program is designed to give students a taste of college life. It also encourages them to explore new disciplines, develop their academic skills, and meet like-minded peers from around the globe.
The downside of the Stanford Pre-College Programs is the cost. However, there are many ways to apply for scholarships and grants to cover the costs of summer programs. Additionally, Stanford does offer a limited number of scholarships and financial aid options. This can help mitigate costs for those who qualify.
3. New York Time Pre-College Programs
The New York Times Pre-College Programs offer a unique opportunity for high school students to learn from the renowned journalists and experts of The New York Times. These programs are perfect for students interested in journalism, media, communications, and writing. Participants can choose from a variety of course topics. These range such as investigative journalism to opinion writing, and documentary filmmaking. The topics are all designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a strong journalistic voice.
The programs are held online, making them accessible to students worldwide, and are typically structured around interactive seminars, guest lectures, and real-world reporting projects. Participants engage in discussions on current events, ethics in journalism, and the evolving role of media in society.
While the program is highly enriching, it is expensive. However, financial aid is available to ensure that talented students from diverse backgrounds can participate. The New York Times Pre-College Programs provide amazing opportunities to learn from the best in the field. Especially for students passionate about storytelling and interested in a career in journalism or media.
4. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Programs
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers a range of summer programs designed for academically advanced students from grades 2-12. CTY’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of gifted students who thrive in a challenging academic environment. If you're eager to delve into subjects beyond the standard school curriculum, it's for you. For high school students, CTY offers both online and residential programs that cover a broad spectrum of disciplines. This includes advanced mathematics, science, computer science, writing, and social sciences. These programs are known for their rigorous coursework, small class sizes, and dedicated instructors who are experts in their fields.
CTY provides an opportunity for students to explore their interests in a focused, intensive setting, often leading to significant academic and personal growth. Participants are surrounded by peers who share their enthusiasm for learning, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. The cost of CTY programs can be a barrier for some families, but Johns Hopkins offers financial aid and scholarships to ensure that talented students have the chance to attend, regardless of their financial background. CTY’s commitment to academic excellence and fostering a love for learning makes it a standout choice for high school students.
5. Duke University Summer Session Online
Duke University Summer Session Online offers high school students a chance to experience college-level coursework from the comfort of their homes. This program provides a range of courses across various disciplines. It includes science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, all designed to introduce students to the rigor and expectations of college academics.
The online programs allow students to learn from Duke’s esteemed faculty while interacting with peers from around the world. The courses often include a combination of live lectures, interactive discussions, and independent projects, providing a comprehensive educational experience.
Duke's online program is ideal for students who want the flexibility to pursue academic interests without the need to travel or live on campus. Overall, the program is an excellent opportunity for high school students. Especially those looking to enhance their academic skills, prepare for college, and learn from one of the nation’s top universities.
6. Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
The Notre Dame Leadership Seminars is a competitive, all-expenses-paid program that invites high-achieving high school juniors to explore pressing global issues through a leadership lens. The program offers three unique seminars focusing on global issues, such as environmental sustainability, cultural conflict, and policy-making.
Students participate in intensive discussions, collaborative projects, and guest lectures led by Notre Dame faculty and other experts, all designed to develop critical thinking and leadership skills. The program aims to inspire students to become compassionate, informed leaders who are prepared to tackle complex global challenges.
Since the program is fully funded, including travel, room, and board, it’s accessible to talented students regardless of their financial situation.
7. Summer Academy for Math and Science
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University is an intensive, six-week program aimed at cultivating the interest and abilities of high school juniors and seniors in STEM fields.
SAMS is particularly focused on supporting underrepresented and underserved students who demonstrate a strong aptitude in math and science. The program provides a rigorous academic curriculum, including coursework in calculus, physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering, taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty.
The program is free of charge, including room, board, and instructional materials, ensuring that talented students have the opportunity to participate regardless of financial background. SAMS is an excellent choice for students looking to deepen their STEM skills, experience a supportive academic community, and gain a competitive edge in their college applications.
8. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week program designed to close the gender gap in technology by empowering high school girls with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in computer science.
The program provides an introduction to computer science through project-based learning, covering topics such as web development, robotics, and cybersecurity.
Girls Who Code partners with tech companies and universities to offer these programs, giving participants the unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals and explore potential career paths in technology. The program also includes mentorship from women working in the tech industry, providing valuable role models and networking opportunities.
For young women interested in tech, the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program offers an inspiring and supportive environment to start their journey into computer science.
9. Student Conservation Association National Crews
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) National Crews program is an excellent opportunity for high school students who are passionate about the environment and conservation. The program places students in teams to work on conservation projects in national parks, forests, and urban green spaces across the United States.
Projects can include trail building, habitat restoration, and resource management, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. In addition to practical conservation work, the SCA National Crews program emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and environmental education. Participants live and work in outdoor settings, often in remote locations, fostering a deep connection to nature and an appreciation for the outdoors.
The program is open to students from diverse backgrounds, and while there is a fee, scholarships are available to help offset the cost.
Local Things to Do During the Summer
There are so many things you can find to do in your communities during the summer. Here are some quick ideas that you can research in your neighborhood for summer.
- Volunteer at a local community center or shelter
- Start a neighborhood club - it can be about anything that you are passionate about/ enjoy doing
- Learn a new skill. Anything from coding to graphic design to a foreign language
- Plan and set up a community art project
Grants for Summer Programs
If you're looking to try one of the more expensive summer programs and are stressed about how expensive they can be, there's a lot you can do about it. You can apply for many grants that will cover the cost of summer programs. It's a good idea to look up whether the program has a program-specific grant you can apply for. If not, there are a ton of summer scholarships you can find on websites like scholarships.com or scholarships360.com.
This post was all about summer programs for high school students.
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