Some high school students use the summer to take a break from their schoolwork. After being locked in a school building for months reading books and solving problems, they just want to relax in the sun or lounge in front of the television.
Other high school students, however, have even more ambitious plans for their vacations. They want to not only get away from the daily grind of high school but also to pursue their passions and prepare for their future careers.
Colleges across the country provide rigorous summer programs for these top-performing high school students. These programs allow kids to take real college classes with university teachers.
Summer programs for high school students 2024
1. Cornell University Summer Residential Program (Ithaca, NY)
High school students all throughout the world aspire to attend Ivy League universities. The Cornell University Summer Residential Program allows high school students to experience Ivy League living before graduation.
Cornell University provides three or six-week college courses to high school students. These are actual courses for which they will earn college credit that can be transferred to other institutions. Architecture and business are among the subjects covered, as well as social sciences and hospitality.
Students take these courses on campus, sitting in Cornell’s historic halls and classrooms. Even better, they get to live on campus, interacting with Ivy League students and forming essential connections.
Even better, Cornell’s summer program helps students prepare for college admissions. They’ll learn how to create a strong application, including essay prep.
They’ll also build contacts for strong letters of reference that are sure to impress any admissions committee.
2. Princeton University Summer Journalism Program (Princeton, NJ)
Few professions are as exciting or important as journalism. Journalists are the backbone of American democracy, seeking out the truth and revealing it to an informed audience.
Journalism, despite its importance, is one of the least misunderstood fields. Because of this, Princeton University offers a Summer Journalism Program.
The PSJP is one of the country’s only journalism-focused summer programs, offering free training to talented high school juniors from low-income families.
The ten-day program brings together 40 students from throughout the country, connecting them with Princeton academics and students.
Participants attend workshops and are mentored by professionals with real-world experience. Even better, they collaborate to construct the Princeton Summer Journal, a student-run publication.
The summer program empowers children to find their voices and engage in real-world concerns. They learn not only about the requirements of journalism school but also about the opportunities in this important sector.
3. Texas Tech University Anson L. Clark Scholars Program (Lubbock, TX)
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at TexasTech University is for students who aren’t interested in a specific area but want to experience college life.
The Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week college intensive designed for high-achieving Honors Students.
During those seven weeks, students will spend all of their time on the Texas Tech Lubbock campus. They will attend classes with actual instructors and live in dorms with other participants.
Students will go on field trips to university museums and labs, as well as participate in spirit events such as games and concerts.
Students receive not just college credits but also a $750 stipend and a $500 food card.
The Clark Scholars Program is an unquestionably appealing offer, but it is highly selective, accepting just twelve of the brightest high school seniors and juniors.
4. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars (Notre Dame, IN)
The Leadership Seminars at the University of Notre Dame are a competitive ten-day program that exposes high school students to the best of the school’s historic past.
Accepted students will join 120 of their peers to earn college credit and experience the life of a Notre Dame student. In addition to attending classes and socializing with Notre Dame teachers, students can reside on campus in the dorms with current Fighting Irish students.
Even better, accepted students have their tuition and food paid for by the university, allowing them to enjoy a full college experience for free.
Surprisingly, such a first-class product is difficult to obtain. The application process is demanding, and it must be completed by October 18th of the previous year.
However, for those who are accepted, the Notre Dame Leadership Seminars provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a historic institution prior to high school graduation.
5. NYU High School Summer Art Intensive (New York, NY)
New York University is internationally famous for its arts education. Some of the greatest filmmakers, painters, and fashion designers have passed through the school’s hallowed halls, changing our perspective on the world.
NYU’s summer arts intensive is open to the most gifted and adventurous high school students.
The program invites accepted students from all around the world to New York City, where they stay on the NYU campus and collaborate with outstanding lecturers and students.
The program, while intended for students with a specific creative ability or passion, also serves as an introduction to college life. Participants take classes in a variety of disciplines and learn study methods for future success.
However, this does not preclude people from participating in the arts. Regular studio and museum trips allow participants to immerse themselves in NYU’s renowned artist life.
6. Lowa Young Writers Studio (Iowa City, Iowa)
The writing program at the University of Iowa has had such an impact that the term “Iowa School” has come to refer to some of the most prominent authors in American literature.
Writers like John Cheever and John Irving polished their distinct voices at Iowa before going on to captivate readers all around the world.
The Iowa Young Writer’s Studio gives high school students the opportunity to create their own literary paths. Writers from all over the country travel to Iowa’s campus for an intensive two-week program, whether they are interested in prose, poetry, drama, or television/film.
Participants not only learn from experienced mentors but also have the opportunity to workshop their most recent projects with other students.
The Iowa Young Writers Studio helps high school students take their first steps toward carrying on a literary tradition.
7. Leadership Institute—Brown University
The Brown Leadership Institute stands out due to its emphasis on social justice and leadership. It provides students with a unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on leadership training, with a focus on active listening, public speaking, and problem-solving skills.
The curriculum is created for students who are enthusiastic about making a difference in their communities and beyond, and it equips them with the tools they need to become successful advocates for social justice.
8. Pre-College Program at Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program provides a thorough exploration of STEM areas, allowing students to pursue their academic interests through lab work, research seminars, and STEM workshops. It provides students with the opportunity to participate in college-level coursework and research while being guided by renowned teachers.
9. Pre-College Students – University of Chicago
The University of Chicago’s summer research program is well-known for its challenging academic curriculum and cutting-edge research possibilities. It is intended for students who want to pursue intellectual interests beyond their high school curriculum, with access to world-class facilities and staff.
10. Davidson Research Initiative
The Davidson Research Initiative offers students a unique opportunity to participate in collaborative research projects over the summer. It is intended for those who want to perform independent or faculty-assisted research and provides stipends to help them with their work.
11. Summer Sessions, Duke University
Duke University’s Summer Session allows students to receive college credit for a variety of courses in the arts and sciences. This program is especially advantageous for individuals wishing to expand their knowledge of STEM disciplines in a college setting.
12. Emory Summer College, Emory University
Emory Summer College provides a mix of for-credit and non-credit college-level courses in both online and on-campus settings. Students interested in STEM disciplines can participate in the program, which provides an overview of college residential life and academic rigor.
13. Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI at MIT is one of the most distinguished summer research programs open to high school students. It combines STEM courses with the ability to perform original research under the supervision of top scientists and engineers.
14. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
SSP is an immersive program in which students collaborate in teams to accomplish a hands-on research project in either astrophysics or biochemistry. It is well-known for its tough curriculum and for creating a close-knit community of peers who share similar interests.
15. Programme in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
PROMYS is a six-week summer program at Boston University that emphasizes in-depth mathematical exploration. It’s aimed for students who have a strong interest in mathematics and want to challenge themselves with hard mathematical ideas and problems.
Conclusion
Summer programs can give you the opportunity to pursue your academic interests or take a class in a subject not offered at your high school. You can also meet new people, get a taste of college life, and decide whether or not to attend a particular institution.
