Summer Programs

Why Summer Programs?

Summer programs are fantastic ways to explore your passion and gain experience in your fields of interest while making a favorable impression on college admissions. Colleges often take great interest in how students choose to spend their summers. It’s smart to participate in summer programs that align with your own interests and career aspirations. Some of the summer programs can be highly competitive and many programs require essay submissions, which provides excellent preparation for the college or job application process. Overall, choosing programs thoughtfully can enrich your summer but also contribute to your overall self development.

What are some things you should consider?

Here is a list of things you should consider before applying to summer programs.

1. Application deadline/process
2. Age requirements
3. Tuition fee/cost of attendance

Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application and prepare in advance as your summer schedule could be impacted greatly.

Most Prestigious Summer Programs for Highschoolers

1. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar is a six-week program that allows high school sophomores and juniors with diverse backgrounds from around the world to study how power and privilege shape social structures through courses in humanities and social sciences. Attendees are intellectually curious and motivated learners who commonly go on to attend some of the country’s finest colleges and universities.

TASS is completely free, including the cost of tuition, books, room and board, and even travel if necessary—eliminating any financial barriers that may prevent the brightest minds from attending.

2. Research Science Institute (RSI)

The Research Science Institute gathers 100 of the world’s most outstanding high school students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a free, five-week program where they can experience the research cycle in its entirety. Combining on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research, RSI students produce individual projects guided by experienced scientists and researchers, culminating in written and oral presentations of their projects.

Interested in learning more about research and RSI? Check out our article How to Get a Research Assistant Position in High School.

3. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

Founded in 1989, PROMYS is a six-week residential program enrolling approximately 80 carefully chosen, mathematically-gifted high school students who are at least 14 years old and have completed ninth grade.

Attendees of PROMYS are not treated as students; rather, PROMYS participants are thought of as mathematicians. Throughout the program, these young mathematicians explore the field supported by their peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and research scientists.

PROMYS costs $6,500, however, the program is free for domestic students whose families make under $80,000 per year.

Learn more about PROMYS with our article A Guide to PROMYS.

4. The Summer Science Program (SSP)

The SSP is a 60-year-old program designed to help future scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs realize their full potential. By providing the role models, intellectually-equivalent peers, challenge, and inspiration that SSP participants often find lacking in their schools, the program immerses talented rising seniors from across the globe in experimental science.

Throughout the intensive 39-day program, students conduct a research project from beginning to end, take field trips, listen to guest speakers, and, most importantly, partake in a life-changing experience.

The SSP practices need-blind admissions—that is, an applicant’s ability to pay for the program isn’t factored into admission decisions. The cost of the program is scaled based on family income, with students from more affluent families paying more and those from lower-income families paying less, if anything at all.

5. Boys State/Girls State

Boys State was founded in 1935 by two Illinois Legionnaires and the first Girls State was held three years later in 1938—these two summer programs teach high school juniors about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, along with the structure of city, county, and state governments.

This intensive one-week program divides students into parties, elects officials, and works to carry out basic functions such as writing, proposing, and passing bills. Other Boys/Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses, and recreational programs.

In most instances, Boys State and Girls State are free for participants.

6. Boys Nation/Girls Nation

Since 1946, Boys Nation has convened each summer to form a Senate in Washington, D.C., made up of representatives from the 49 Boys States (every U.S. state is represented except Hawaii). The first Girls Nation gathered the following year in 1947.

Each state sends two students (who have completed their junior year and have at least one semester of high school remaining) to act as Senators representing their state. Throughout the week-long program, students gain first-hand experience of the inner workings of government, listen to lectures, participate in forums, and visit notable D.C. sites. The highlight of the program for many Boys/Girls Nation senators is the opportunity to meet with elected officials from their home states.

Read more about Boys/Girls Nation in our article Girls and Boys Nation-An Extension of Boys and Girls State.

7. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

RISE is a six-week summer program at Boston University (BU) for the nation’s best and brightest scientifically minded high school juniors. Participants in the RISE program are afforded two tracks: internship and practicum.

Students opting for the internship track will gain hands-on experience with research projects and work under the mentorship of distinguished faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students with opportunities in fields such as astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and public health.

The practicum track is focused on computational biology and follows a set syllabus, making it an ideal choice for students who prefer more structured study.

While RISE is prestigious, it’s also expensive. The cost of the tuition alone is $5,100 while room and board options range between $2,988 and $3,288.

8. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

MITES is a residential program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) aimed at students interested in pursuing a degree—and subsequently a career—in the STEM fields. Program participants are academically talented and come from diverse, underrepresented, or underserved backgrounds.

Throughout this six-week residential program, high school juniors develop the skills necessary for success in STEM fields while learning about the value and reward of acquiring advanced technical degrees.

MITES is free—the only expense students need to cover is their transportation to and from MIT.

Discover six other super summer programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in our blog 7 Summer Programs at MIT for High Schoolers.

9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

SUMaC is a residential program at Stanford University for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors seeking to be challenged in mathematics and with a desire to learn about the latest in mathematical research and the application of mathematics across scientific fields.

Throughout the camp’s four weeks, participants learn about advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. SUMaC also provides students with a sample of a college-level workload—delivering rigorous coursework along with challenging assignments to complete outside of meeting times.

Find more great summer math programs in our article How to Spend Your Summer As a Prospective Math Major (And Why Math is a Great Career Path).

10. Science Internship Program (SIP)

The SIP at the University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) gives approximately 325 high-achieving and driven students the rare chance to work and learn at a premier research institution. Projects are available in fields such as astrophysics, biology, computer science, physics, and psychology.

Now in its 15th year, this ten-week internship allows students to spend their summer working on authentic open-ended science research projects while being mentored by UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. The program is open to high schoolers in grades 9 through 12 and presents a fantastic opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in a STEM field to see scientific research “in action.”

The academic program fee for SIP is $4,000, but full and partial need-based scholarships are available.

11. Economics for Leaders (EFL)

This week-long program occurring at colleges and universities across the country (as well as virtually) gives future leaders hands-on experience using economics in the decision-making process. EFL seeks to make budding leaders more effective by showing them how to use economic analysis when considering public policy choices while also creating a deeper understanding of leadership and building leadership skills.

EFL is open to high school sophomores and juniors and is extremely competitive, with two applicants for every available space. The in-person program costs $2,100; it costs $800 to participate in the virtual program. Scholarships are available based on financial need, leadership activities, and academic and extracurricular achievement.

12. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

SAMS is a five-week residential program at Carnegie Mellon University for current high school juniors age 16 or older interested in pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree. Participants in SAMS develop a deeper knowledge and a better understanding of a variety of STEM fields through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and consistent engagement with faculty and staff mentors.

SAMS aims to provide STEM opportunities to students from underrepresented backgrounds. Admission to the program and participation is free.

13. The Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)

Entering its 51st year, HCSSiM is a residential six-week advanced mathematics program held at Hampshire College in which talented students from around the world spend a large portion of their days engaged in mathematics—not just the results of math problems.

HCSSiM’s mission is to prepare and motivate high school students to pursue degrees, and ultimately careers, in mathematics. HCSSiM offers participants unparalleled access to faculty in classrooms, at mealtimes, and in the dorms.

Only a small number of burgeoning mathematicians attend the program annually—just 46 students participated in 2022. The cost of the program is $5,780, although the program is free for domestic students from families with household incomes less than $68,000.

14. JCamp

Founded in 2001 to address the lack of diversity in the media, JCamp brings high school first-year students, sophomores, and juniors from a wide variety of cultural, racial, religious, and political backgrounds (to name a few) together for six days of intense journalism training.

Participating in sessions and workshops led by journalists employed by top media companies, students get hands-on training in broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, photojournalism, and online media—and produce media packages for the program’s news site.

JCamp is free if selected; the program covers the cost of everything from airfare to housing to meals.

Planning on pursuing a career in journalism? Learn about some of the extracurricular activities that can put you on the path to a job in the media in our article 7 Extracurricular Ideas for the Aspiring Journalist.

15. MathILy

Serious mathematics infused with levity, MathILy is a marvelous five-week residential program at Bryn Mawr College. Led by mathematicians possessing PhDs and supported by graduate and undergraduate students, MathILy participants learn to improve their problem-solving ability, hone their critical thinking skills, meet other incredibly talented other young mathematicians, and work on lots of advanced math problems.

When not tackling topics such as combinatorial optimization, generating functions, information theory, knot theory, and Markov chain modeling, students will participate in program-wide discussions about college choices and career possibilities inside and outside of mathematics.

Only about 45 students are selected to participate in MathILy annually and preference is given to students between the ages of 14 and 17. The cost of the program is $4,950 and need-based financial aid is available.

16. High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)

Since 1988, HSHSP has given students entering their senior year of high school the opportunity to gain first-hand research experience in a university environment. Drawing talented and driven students from across the United States and its territories to Michigan State University, this seven-week residential program allows students to make connections with like-minded students from diverse backgrounds, build friendships, and increase their knowledge of science and mathematics while fostering a passion for the field.

The cost of HSHSP is $4,000 and scholarships are available based on financial need.

17. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

The distinguishing characteristic of the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is that it’s open to students in a wide range of fields—from biology to computer science to history. Coming from across the globe to Texas Tech University, participants are afforded the unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in their field while working one-on-one with faculty over the program’s seven intense weeks.

Many Clark Scholars use the experience to shape their future college and career goals. The Clark Scholar Program is free for chosen applicants—the only cost students are responsible for is their transportation to and from the program. This program is open to high school juniors and seniors and is extremely selective; only 12 students are chosen each summer.

Think you have what it takes to be one of the next 12 Clark Scholars? Check out this article from Forbes, Texas Tech Dean Gives Insider Advice How To Get Accepted To The Competitive Clark Scholars Program.

18. Notre Dame Summer Scholars

During an intense two weeks, rising juniors and seniors enrolled in the Summer Scholars program are given a taste of life on a college campus. Participating in one of 31 fields of study ranging from accounting to world politics and power, Summer Scholars get a preview of college academics while earning one college credit for completing the program.

Of course, there is much more to college than just the classroom—summer scholars are encouraged to work together on coursework outside of class and ample time is provided to sample the social side of college life.

The cost of the Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program is $4,475 and a limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available.

19. Hk Maker Lab

This free four-week summer program at the Columbia University School of Engineering allows students to tackle a hands-on design project under the guidance of the university’s renowned faculty and present it to the community. The program is for New York City high school juniors and seniors from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM and with financial need.

20. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Students are invited to perform basic research on a medically focused project through the eight-week-long SIMR. The program aims to help students gain a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted, introduce them to careers in the biological sciences and medicine, and increase diversity in the field.

There are eight areas of research available for students to participate in: immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics and genomics.

The program is open to all domestic high school juniors and seniors, however, priority is given to Bay Area students. Students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research are encouraged to apply. Not only is SIMR free, but students receive a stipend for their participation.

22. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program

This six-week program for academically-talented students teaches research techniques, experimental protocols, making predictions, and testing hypotheses. Participants will leave the program with a completed research project that they can enter in local and national science competitions.

The program is open to students age 16 and older and is free, however, participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Tufts campus in Medford, Massachusetts, and housing is unavailable to out-of-state students.

23. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

PAYS helps prepare talented local high schoolers—rising sophomores through rising seniors—for admission to some of the country’s best colleges and universities. Up to 90 students (30 sophomores, 30 juniors, and 30 seniors) are selected annually to participate in the four-week residential program, where they engage in a variety of activities, including classwork, cultural events, workshops, projects, and field trips.

PAYS is free and aimed at students traditionally underrepresented in higher education, such as students who are the first in their family to attend college, from low-income families, and from racial/ethnic groups like African American, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander.

24. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement

Just 26 students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses are selected to participate in this prestigious summer program. The program exposes participants to college-level work while helping them develop a better understanding of the role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.

Program participants also build valuable skills like writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography while exploring career paths in media and journalism.

The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a free program.

25. Lehigh University Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)

SEI is aimed at rising juniors or seniors from underrepresented groups or future first-generation college students. The two-week residential program provides an immersive STEM experience as it draws topics, activities, and projects from a variety of fields, such as 3D printing, robotics, nanoscience, earthquake mitigation, bioengineering, environmental remediation, and computer science.

Approximately 100 high school juniors and seniors participate in the program yearly. The program is free and is offered both in-person and virtually in 2023.

26. Broad Summer Scholars Program

This six-week program is perfect for rising Massachusetts high school seniors with an interest in science. Participants are paired with scientists to conduct original cutting-edge research projects in fields like cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, and infectious disease.

In addition to performing research, participants will present their findings at a scientific poster session, attend a college fair, meet like-minded students, and have fun. Not only is the Broad Summer Scholars Program free, but participants receive a $3,600 stipend at its conclusion.

Summer Camps and Programs in California

1. TIP: The Intern Project

Cost: You get paid!

The Intern Project works to partner high school students across LA County with companies in arts, media, engineering, business, government, sports, and healthcare fields. Priority is given to students identified as high-need, and students must be high-achieving in school. Students are eligible in their sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school. This program will help students learn valuable job skills and begin building a resume. It can also set students apart in their college applications!

2. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

Cost: No cost

This five-week, in-person program admits around 24 students. These students will receive a $1200 clinical research stipend, spending approximately 30 hours per week in the program, Monday through Friday. Students participate in Stanford faculty lectures covering health science, public health, and medicine; engage with a group research project to improve health and health access in all communities; attend professional development workshops; and develop lasting relationships with their peers.

3. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

Cost: No cost

Pomona College’s PAYS program provides over 90 students from local high schools with preparation for admission into some of the country’s most selective colleges and universities. Admission is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors from groups traditionally underrepresented on college campuses, like first-generation students, low-income students, and students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. Students will live in a dorm on Pomona’s campus while taking math and critical inquiry courses taught by Pomona professors. Senior students are able to work on a research project with a Pomona faculty member- this research has the potential to be published in academic journals.

4. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

Cost: $4,770

COSMOS allows students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to explore STEM topics; work with renowned faculty at campuses including UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz; and conduct research in state-of-the-art facilities. This is an intensive, four-week summer residential program aimed at academically gifted and talented students- the typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above. Students participate in “clusters” addressing various advanced topics in STEM fields, with like-minded peers.

5. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

Cost: $4,250

Founded by the California state legislature in 1987, CSSSA provides support for future artists and creates a pipeline of talent for the state’s entertainment industry. An intensive, four-week residential program, students are provided the opportunity to explore a variety of fields, including music, theater, visual arts, dance, writing, and animation. There is financial aid available should students need it.

6. Engineering Possibilities in College (EPIC)

Cost: $1,850

A residential program at California Polytechnic State University, EPIC provides rising 9th through 12th graders the chance to experience college life while exploring engineering fields and meeting like-minded peers. Participants take a daily engineering class, sit for a series of talks on topics ranging from trouble-shooting college admissions to the different types of engineering programs. There is also a wide variety of social activities hosted on campus.

7. UCLA Summer Writing Program

Cost: TBD

This program is open to students who will be in the 10th and 11th grades in Spring of 2023. Students have the opportunity to take 2 units of UCLA credit either in-person or online- their course will be ENGL COMP 50. This is a basic introduction to critical reading and academic writing for aspiring college students. Also covered in the program is how to approach writing a college essay and the college application process.

8. SAGE Camp at SLAC

Cost: No cost

SAGE, or Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement in STEM, is a free, one-week residential camp for public school students from all backgrounds. Students are able to make professional connections, learn about scientific discoveries and engineering processes, and explore STEM careers in the future. Students are encouraged to leave expensive devices at home, and limit cell phone use while at camp.

9. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

Cost: $5,500

Students attending SMYSP will attend in-person sessions at Stanford University including lectures in Medical School classrooms. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students will not be residing on campus, instead preference being given to students residing in the immediate area for admission. Students will attend lectures from 9am to 12 noon, and skills sessions from 1pm to 4pm, Monday through Friday. They will gain valuable skills in lab work, ranging in topic from cardiothoracic surgery to physiology. There are scholarships available based on need.

10. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA)

Cost: No cost

AYA is a free, four-week summer intensive academy that accepts 26 high school students from the surrounding community. Students will strengthen their skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography. They get an understanding of USC Annenberg’s undergrad programs and possible careers, as well as the opportunity to meet the school’s innovative scholars advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. They will complete college-level course work and have access to college advising and essay prep from the USC College Advising Corps.

11. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

Cost: Online: $3,550; In-person: $8,250

SUMaC is a chance for mathematically-gifted students from around the world to explore math beyond what is typically taught in the classroom. Students should expect a heavy workload and variety of engaging assignments outside of class time. Both the online and residential options have equal levels of rigor, with the online sessions providing virtual social opportunities with peers, guest speakers, and teaching assistants. The residential program serves 40 participants, while the online programs will serve 64. The residential will last for four weeks, while the online portion is a faster-paced, three-week curriculum. There is financial aid available for students who may need it.

12. CAMP CHLA

Cost: Free

Camp CHLA provides freshmen, sophomores, and juniors the chance to explore careers in healthcare and meet similarly interested peers. Over the camp’s five days, students will have the opportunity to learn, observe, and participate in a variety of daily activities at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, meet medical professionals, and gain first-hand experience in the field of healthcare.

13. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Cost: Free

Started in 1969, the Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program was designed to encourage high school students to choose careers in medicine—the program is often described as a medical mentorship. Open to students from Los Angeles and its surrounding counties, participants attend daily sessions, presentations, and interactive lessons hosted by professionals in the medical field, including:

• Surgeons
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Dietitians
• Ophthalmologists
• Radiologists
• Therapists (physical, speech, occupational, or cognitive)

14. CCA Pre-College Program

Cost: $4,000

California College of the Arts’ pre-college program is designed to allow high school students at all artistic levels to explore the arts. They will have access to all studios available on campus, including in fields such as animation, architecture, fashion design, film, interior design, photography, and sculpture. They have the opportunity to earn three college credits for their work during the program, as well as optional evening and weekend activities for residential students.

15. UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies

Cost: Commuter: $2,300; Residential: $7,699

UCSB’s summer research academies are open to current high school students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.6, that are able to comply with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. Scholarships are available to students who may need them. Students will earn four college credits by taking a research course that will teach fundamental concepts in whichever track they choose. They will learn how to compose a formal research report and gain key communication skills to present their findings. There are ten tracks to choose from, with an offering for any student interests.

16. University of the Pacific Summer Camps

Cost: $3,300

The University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential summer program designed to immense students in the college lifestyle through experiences in the school’s labs, studios, fields, and makerspaces. The courses offered span five categories: Performing and Visual Arts, Health and Science, Engineering and Technology, Business and Society, and Athletics. Students live in dormitories, eat in dining halls, and learn in the school’s state-of-the-art library. They also have access to a variety of extracurricular social activities to meet and form bonds with their peers.

17. YMCA Give Summer Program

Cost: No cost

Check with your local YMCA Regional Teen Director to get involved with a Give Summer program. These programs allow teen volunteers to serve their communities, gain valuable leadership skills, and work together with their peers on a group project.

18. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs

Cost: No cost

Both Girls Who Code summer programs are available to high school students who identify as girls or non-binary, with or without computer science experience. The virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a live, 2-week introductory course for students aged 14-18. It is focused on game design, and offers an inside look into the tech industry through company partners. The Self-Paced program is a 6-week course for students aged 14-18 in which students can earn beginner-level badges in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript programming languages, as well as an intermediate badge in Python.

19. AstroCamp

Cost: Early Bird (1/31) Tuition: $3,350; Regular Tuition: $3,550

At AstroCamp, students between the ages of 12 and 17 live in a residential program where they are able to choose from over 40 science, creative arts, and mountain adventure activities. While the camp has a focus on STEM, they also offer social events, like a carnival, renaissance festival, and talent show on the 100-acre facility.

20. Meta Summer Academy

Cost: Students will receive a stipend upon completion of the program.

Meta Summer Academy externs learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s most prominent social media companies up close and personal. Over the course of the six-week program, students will build work experience and bolster the skills needed for a successful career in tech. This opportunity is open to high school students who live in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required to participate in the program.