11 Best Summer Programs for College-Bound High School Students
If you’re a college-bound high school student, chances are that you’re constantly looking for ways to advance your knowledge and experience. Since summer is usually a time when you have a little more free time, a summer program can be an effective way to continue growing.
When many students and parents think about summer programs, they might think first of special programs, often held at college or university campuses, which can get pricey.
However, you’d be surprised to learn that not all summer programs are expensive. Though they may be selective, certain programs offer a summer experience for high school students free of charge or at the cost of an affordable stipend.
Keep in mind, though, you should be seeking a summer program that enhances your learning in some way. You don’t need to just add any summer program to your college application; rather, choose a summer program that will augment your education in a field of study that interests you most or will help you learn more about your intended career.
That said, you can find plenty of summer programs by searching online, all offering different specializations. Here are 11 of those options, in no particular order. Many (not all) are free or offer some sort of financial aid for eligible students.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Description
This summer science and engineering program is cost-free to students and offers on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus science and technology research. This seven-week program allows students to first immerse themselves in a week of intensive STEM classes taught by accomplished professors, then a week of research in which they conduct individual projects under the supervision of experienced researchers and scientists. During the final week, students prepare written and oral presentations to present their research findings.
Cost
The cost of this program is free for 80 chosen students.
2. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Description
This summer program geared toward STEM scholars who are current sophomores or juniors in high school gives students an opportunity to broaden their knowledge in STEM fields, develop necessary skills for success in STEM, and meet fellow committed students. The 2021 full curriculum is a 3-part program that will last from July 3 through December 2021, though the summer program lasts 6 weeks.
From July 3 to August 6, students will complete two online seminars complete with online instruction, mentoring, and college preparation information. From August 8 to August 14, students will attend a 5-day conference that culminates in the SAMS Symposium where students present their project. Then, from August through December, students will continue to engage with CMU online and find out more about STEM opportunities.
Cost
For students who participate in just the 6-week summer program, the cost requires just a $100 deposit and the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and recreational expenses.
The pre-college summer session costs more, but scholarships are available.
3. Yale Young Global Scholars
Location
Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut
Description
YYGS is an academic enrichment program that admits outstanding high school students from over 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states to participate in an interdisciplinary, two-week session at Yale. For summer 2021, Yale is offering three sessions, ranging from June 21 to July 31.
Cost
$6500
4. Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Location
University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana
Description
This 10-day program on Notre Dame’s campus is open to academically talented students who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their communities. Notre Dame accepts about 90 students to Leadership Seminars each year, so it is quite a selective program. However, students can receive one college credit upon completion of the program, and the University pays for tuition, housing, and meals for those who are admitted.
Cost
Though the University pays for most of the program, students must pay a $50 application fee, $150 enrollment fee, and cost of travel to and from Notre Dame.
5. Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)
Location
This program takes place on various college campuses around the United States.
Description
Though the Telluride Association has suspended its 2021 summer programs, students should look out for more information on 2022 offerings and beyond. This 6-week program is for high school juniors only and is designed to bring young people together from around the world who share a passion for learning. Students will be challenged through discussions with renowned faculty and fellow students. Students who apply should be seeking an intellectually stimulating and challenging experience for the purpose of learning, as they will not receive college credit.
Cost
This program is completely free to erase barriers to entry. The program will even pay for travel expenses for students who need the cost covered.
6. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Location
The NSLI-Y programs provide intensive language immersion in a variety of locations around the world, offering Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish.
Description
This 6 to 7-week program is a U.S. government initiative, hosted by the U.S. Department of State to foster international cooperation by ensuring that Americans have the necessary linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to communicate effectively on a global scale. Students can learn one of eight less frequently taught languages in immersion programs around the world. Students live with host families and participate in cultural activities.
Cost
This program is free for students who are accepted, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location
This program takes place at a nonprofit organization’s location in your area and in Washington, D.C. for a one-week summit.
Description
This 8-week program seeks to train community-minded high school juniors and seniors in the leadership skills they need to be successful in the workforce. Bank of America chooses 300 students to undergo paid summer internships with local nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club of America and Habitat for Humanity, as well as attend a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost
The program is free and includes a paid internship.
8. Young Women’s Institute
Location
Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
Description
This selective one-week program is open to women who are finishing their junior year of high school and are rising seniors with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The program seeks to introduce young women to the college experience and possible business career opportunities.
Cost
The cost to selected students is free, but students need to cover their transportation costs and personal expenses.
9. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location
Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey
Description
This 10-day residential journalism and college prep institute is meant for high achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. Up to 40 students from across the United States are chosen each year to explore world affairs and current events through lectures and workshops led by Princeton professors, professional journalists, and alumni on campus. The program culminates in the publication of the student-produced Princeton Summer Journal. After the program, students will be matched with a personal college advisor to help them with the college application process during their senior year.
Cost
This program is free for students who are chosen.
10. Student Conservation Association National Crews
Location
This program takes place in national parks and on public lands across the United States.
Description
This 2 to 5-week program allows students aged 15 to 19 the opportunity to work on trail maintenance and parks restoration projects in crews of 6 to 8 students while living in tents, cooking their own food, learning outdoor skills and gaining important knowledge about the environment and ecology.
Cost
This particular program costs $500.
11. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
Location
University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa
Description
This 2-week residential program accepts 144 students who each choose a single Core Course of study among Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Writing to pursue while at the University of Iowa. Students immerse themselves in the creative process, meeting fellow writing-enthusiasts along the way in the writing mecca of Iowa City.
Cost
The program costs $2450 with a $50 deposit, but financial aid is available on the basis of need.
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Don’t see a program that interests you on this list?
You can find plenty of other summer program opportunities by searching online. You’ll find a program for virtually any and every interest!
These are just some of the top programs available to high school students at relatively low costs.
About NSHSS
Since 2002, NSHSS has supported young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. The mission behind NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor high-achieving students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career and community. In doing so, NSHSS connects members with global events, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership programs, partner discounts, and more. Discover what makes NSHSS worth it to student members and how you can get involved.
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