Are you struggling to find the best summer activities for high school students? This list contains the best high school summer programs at colleges nationwide.
Have you thought about attending a high school camp or a pre-college program? Great, we have you covered with online, commuting, and residential summer programs. There are a variety of summer programs for high school students, some of these programs will give you career exposure while others will let you explore your passions. This list of the best high school summer programs will enhance your summer to-do list.
Here are 25 of the Best High School Summer Programs
Columbia University
Program: Columbia Writing Academy Summer
Description: A two-week online course created and designed by Dr. Nancy Sommers to help students develop their own personal voice and style, and use those skills to craft a unique and impressive college admissions essay.
Open to: Students will explore each stage in the essay-writing process—brainstorming, drafting, revising—and will receive in-depth feedback from the teaching team throughout the process. Due to the importance of small-group workshops and 1:1 tutorials, this course is intended for students highly motivated to perfect their personal statement.
Where: Online
When: July 15-25, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm ET.
Cost: Yes
University of Alabama
Program: Communication and Media Preview (CAMP)
Description: A Five-day, four-night immersive experience at The University of Alabama. During CAMP, students will practice skills and improve knowledge related to the Fields of communication and media, develop connections with aspiring communicators, and become familiar with the college experience.
Open to: 10th – 12th
Where: Tuscaloosa, AL
When: June 10-15
Cost: Yes
Related Post: Awesome HBCU Pre-College Summer Programs (High School Edition)
Arizona State University
Program: Inspire – Access ASU
Description: A week-long college readiness program for American Indian high school students from Tribal Nations. INSPIRE students will participate in a variety of college going activities that will enhance their academic experience through culturally-relevant learning projects. They will be introduced to ASU student resources and will connect with ASU American Indian students, staff and faculty.
Open to: High school students
Where: Tempe, AZ
When: June 16-22
Residential: Not listed
Cost: No
Loyola Marymount University
Program: Journalism Workshop
Description: In this course, students will be introduced to how stories are discovered and written, the best ways to capture images on a phone, and using audio in stories and podcasts. Students will learn the ethics of journalism and explore the journalism industry.
Open to: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 23-July 6
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
UCLA
Program: The UCLA Musical Theater Summer Institute
Description: A three-week intensive, conservatory-style program for high school musical theater students encompassing acting, singing, dancing, and guest workshops which culminates in a final showcase. Students will also be introduced to the technical aspects of theater through master classes as it is an essential component of the learning process.
Open to: High school students
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: July 14-August 3
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
UCLA
Program: Political Science Summer Institute
Description: A 3-week program with introductory coursework in American Politics as well as career panel component, bringing special guests to speak on the field and various career paths one can take with a Political Science degree. Students will leave the program with a strong understanding of American Politics, five units of either letter grade or pass/no pass college credit to use towards their Bachelor/High School degrees, mentors in the grad and undergraduate levels, and an idea of how far-reaching political thought/influence is in our society.
Open to: High school students
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 23-July 13
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
UCLA
Program: UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute
Description: This week-long program is a great way to broaden your knowledge base, explore college and career options, boost your self-confidence and powers of persuasion – all while making new friends and having fun! Join us online to train with the National Champion UCLA Mock Trial Team Coach and Team Members! Learn effective trial advocacy techniques and improve your public speaking skills.
Open to: High school students (must be at least 15)
Where: Online
When: July 21-27
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
UCLA
Program: UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute
Description: Introduces high school students to game-making as a form of artistic practice, teaching them the techniques and tools that will help them develop analog and digital games that reflect their own creative voice and vision. No previous game-making skills are required, but students with an interest in games and in the visual arts, in particular, will find our institute especially stimulating and rewarding.
Students in the program develop a solid aesthetic and technical foundation in various aspects of game design–but just as importantly, they begin learning how to express their own, personal ideas through game-making and game art.
Open to: High school students (must be at least 15)
Where: Online
When: July 8-19
Residental: No
Cost: Yes
UCLA
Program: Film and Television Summer Institute – Writing for TV: Big Ideas for the Small Screen
Description: Introduce motivated high school students to writing for television in Hollywood. This track mirrors the practice of professional writers in the world of episodic television and digital media by teaching students how to develop original series concepts and how to navigate the contemporary marketplace. I
In the process, students learn how to identify and capture the tone, characters, dialogue, and themes that make their story unique while collaborating in a workshop environment with their peers. Previous experience in screenwriting is not required, just a passion for storytelling!
Open to: High school students (must be at least 15)
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 23-July 13 or July 14-August 3
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
UCLA
Program: Content Creation and Scriptwriting Summer Institute
Description: A two-week, UC credit-bearing intensive program for students interested in writing for the web, film and theater. This program provides opportunities to work with our distinguished faculty in classes such as webisode writing, screenwriting, playwriting, improv, and sketch comedy.
The combination of these courses will allow students to use their training to create stories that can be shared across all entertainment mediums. Students will learn the technical components of writing for the web, stage and screen while gaining hands-on experience in developing and completing three short form writing samples. Beyond the classroom, students will attend guest workshops and learn the art of collaboration.
Open to: High school students (must be at least 15)
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: July 14-26
Residential: Commuter
Cost: Yes
George Washington University
Program: Introduction to Medicine
Description: This course will introduce students to the didactic rigors of biology, genetics, physiology, and anatomy as well as teaching them the applications of these topics in clinical research and global health. Students will explore these concepts with help from guests from and visits to places such as the Red Cross and PanHealth. This course is a survey of topics related to medicine, designed to help students understand the variety of areas that medicine touches and give them the information to decide if a career in medicine is right for them.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: June 30-July 12
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
George Washington University
Program: Cybersecurity
Description: In the age of technology, the question stands: how secure are our systems? In this course, students will tackle that question through a highly technical, hands-on curriculum to learn the ins and outs of cyber challenges. Students will be able to merge research with current techniques and tools relating to cybersecurity.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: July 14-26
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
George Washington University
Program: U.S. Law: Exploring D.C. and Federal Courts
Description: Immerse yourself in the heart of the U.S. legal system with this hands-on course in the Nation’s capital. Over two weeks, students will delve into the core principles of the U.S. legal framework while engaging in interactive experiences, including participating in a mock trial and moot court, as well as visits to local government institutions and courts.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: July 14-26
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Georgetown University
Program: 3-Week Medical Academy
Description: You’ll register for one of three tracks (Anatomy & Physiology, Neuroscience, or Emergency Medicine), and get a snapshot of a first-year medical school curriculum while learning from Georgetown University School of Medicine faculty and medical students.
Throughout the program, you’ll investigate contemporary medical challenges facing society today, discuss the latest advances affecting the applied science of medicine, and interact with experts from the field to learn how to pursue a career in medicine. In each of the three tracks, you’ll delve into your chosen area of study, gaining a deeper understanding of the topic through classroom learning as well as hands-on projects, case studies, and, in most tracks, lab work. Reference the track descriptions for more information on what to expect.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: June 9-28
Residential: Yes (Commuter option)
Cost: Yes
Georgetown University
Program: Nursing Academy
Description: This summer, spend one week immersed in the fast-paced, challenging, and rapidly evolving world of nursing. Our Nursing Academy offers an introduction to the nursing field, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of the profession along with a variety of career paths and specializations, such as adult-gerontology, acute care, family practice, anesthesia, and women’s health. You’ll also examine topics ranging from ethics and cultural competencies to biological, physical, and social sciences. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in faculty-led instruction and hands-on clinical experiences using a lifelike patient simulator at Georgetown’s O’Neill Family Foundation Clinical Simulation Center.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: July 14-20
Residential: Yes (Commuter option)
Cost: Yes
Georgetown University
Program: Sports Industry Management Academy
Description: Georgetown’s Sports Industry Management Academy introduces you to the increasing career options in the sports industry—a $250 billion-a-year business that continues to be one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. You’ll get an inside look behind the scenes of the industry to explore how events on the field, in the front office, and behind the camera are intricately linked to boardrooms, retail locations, and homes around the country.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: July 7-19
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Georgetown University
Program: Forensic Science Academy
Description: You’ll gain a firsthand look at the world of forensic science from professionals in the field—including investigators, detectives, crime scene technicians, and pathologists. Topics covered will include crime scene diagramming, evidence collection, criminal investigative process, and video forensic analysis, to the ethical dimensions of issues faced by today’s criminal investigative professionals.
Various exercises, class interaction, case studies, lectures, discussions, mock crime scene creation, and examination have been developed to provide exposure to Criminal Forensic investigation. Test your critical thinking skills by identifying and interpreting the evidence as you explore the application of science and medicine in law enforcement.
Open to: High school students
Where: Washington, DC
When: July 28-August 9
Residential: Yes (Commuter option)
Cost: Yes
Northwestern University
Program: The Cherubs at Northwestern – Debate Division
Description: Northwestern University’s Debate Society has an unparalleled record of success based on the foundations, fundamentals and techniques taught at the Northwestern Debate Institute. Debate Cherubs learn the same principles that have led the Northwestern Debate Society to 15 NDT championships, 16 final round appearances, 12 top speakers – a record of success unmatched in college debate.
The limited lab size and low student to staff ratio throughout our program ensure that every student receives a personalized and engaged institute experience. Lab environments are designed to create the collegial atmosphere that allows intellectual risk taking and for students to truly explore the life of the mind. Debaters leaving the Northwestern Debate Institute have the best chance to excel as they return to their own high schools, having learned the upcoming topic and skills from the finest instructors around the country as well as those from the unsurpassed Northwestern University Debate Society.
Open to: High school rising sophomores, juniors and seniors
Where: Evanston, IL and Online
When: June 29-July 27 (4-week hybrid) or June 29-August 9 (6-week hybrid)
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Northwestern University
Program: The Cherubs at Northwestern – Film and Video Division
Description: The NHSI Film & Video Institute offers students the same quality of experience they will encounter at top collegiate film programs, including Northwestern’s Radio-Television-Film Department. “Collaboration” and “Story” are the pillars that guide our curriculum, with an emphasis on film-“making”. Students get to experience the world-class facilities at Northwestern University, get a taste of Chicago, and steep themselves in their art for five weeks. Students leave this program better filmmakers, communicators, and collaborators.
Open to: High school sophomores and juniors
Where: Evanston, IL
When: June 30-August 3
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Northwestern University
Program: The Cherubs at Northwestern – Theatre Arts Division
Description: The NHSI Theatre Arts Division offers a powerful exploration into stage performance and design. A rigorous combination of classes and rehearsals challenge students every day for five weeks, giving them a taste for what their college experience may be like should they pursue a degree in the field.
Working with professional theatre practitioners from around the country, students are exposed to a multitude of performance styles, receive extraordinary training in a collaborative and supportive environment, and get to take advantage of the world-class facilities offered at Northwestern. All students will perform in or stage manage a fully produced, 60 minute play directed by a professional director. Every student leaves with an expanded understanding of what is possible in Theatre.
Open to: Current high school juniors
Where: Evanston, IL
When: June 30-August 3 (5-week) or August 3-17 (2-week Musical Theatre extension)
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Indiana University
Program: High School Journalism Institute
Description: The High School Journalism Institute is a summer program inviting student journalists to the IU campus for a week of skill development. Our workshops provide you with a chance to connect with journalism professionals, meet student journalists and award-winning advisers, and produce engaging work.
Most days at HSJI will include small-group classes, individualized instruction, large-group lectures, and evening activities so you can meet others who share your passion for journalism. Workshops cover all areas of journalism, from documentary filmmaking to sports reporting and editing.
Open to: Rising high school freshmen through rising college freshmen
Where: Bloomington, IN
When: July 8-12 or July 14-18
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Purdue University
Program: Empowering Women in Business – First Session
Description: The Daniels School of Business Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business, in partnership with the Purdue University Summer College for High School Students, offers an annual exciting summer program for college credit. During the five-day experience on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus students live on campus while participating in full days that include hands-on activities designed to expose students to the array of opportunities in business while also developing team building and leadership skills, personal confidence, and key negotiation understanding.
The program will introduce students to the business principles of economics, strategy, marketing, supply chain and finance, while other fun and engaging activities provide a glimpse of life as a Purdue Boilermaker
Open to: Incoming juniors and seniors in high school
Where: West Lafayette, IN
When: July 14-19
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Purdue University
Program: Planning for Research in College: What You Can Do Now
Description: This course focuses on helping high school students prepare for research experiences they may pursue while in college. Conducting innovative research is a great addition to a college career. College students who engage in research are more likely to graduate, more likely to go on to graduate school, and have more successful careers after graduation. Undergraduate research in any discipline is a first-hand experience with discovering how experts advance knowledge.
As undergraduates, students develop valuable skills by engaging in cutting-edge research where they apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems under the guidance of Purdue mentors. Taking the time to prepare for research, before you begin your undergraduate career, can help maximize your Purdue experience.
Open to: High school students
Where: West Lafayette, IN
When: July 7-12
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
University of Notre Dame
Program: Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World
Description: What are the various types of social influences, and how do they affect our reality? How are our individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impacted by others? In this course, you will investigate the central and active role of personality and the ‘self’ as it relates to our understanding of the world. You will evaluate the biased manner in which we make judgments of others and ourselves, and analyze the connection between knowledge of ‘self’ and wellness.
Open to: High school students
Where: Online
When: July 7-July 21 July14-28 (2-week sessions) or July 7-August 4 (4-week session)
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
University of Notre Dame
Program: Business: From Startup to Success
Description: Launching a new business can be risky, but well worth the investment of time, money, and effort if you take the right steps. This course guides you through the fundamentals and exciting inner workings of the world of business. Analyze companies like Lululemon, Nike, and AT&T, and identify an opportunity of your own to create a hypothetical startup business. You’ll learn the basic legal, accounting, and tax considerations. You’ll practice reading financial statements, market insights, and apply growth strategies that will take you from startup, to established business, to going public.
Open to: High school students
Where: Online
When: July 7-July 21 July14-28 (2-week sessions) or July 7-August 4 (4-week session)
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Are you curious about college? This list of the best summer high school programs will give you a slice of college life, whether you enroll in a commuting, residential, or online summer program. The best high school summer programs tend to fill quickly so apply today!
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