Do you want to spice up your summer? Just enroll in these competitive summer programs for high school students and you will be on your way.
Are you tired of the same summer camps year after year? Are your summer programs filled with your classmates that you see all school year? Are you ready for some adventure? No worries! There are several unique and exciting summer programs, ranging from one week to six weeks, and some camps are residential or virtual. These camps will teach you new skills, expose you to your future career, and provide academic enrichment. We have compiled a list of the best competitive summer programs for high school students at colleges across the U.S.
List of Competitive Summer Programs for High School Students
Auburn University
Program: Aviation Camp
Description: Are you thinking about a career in aviation as a pilot? Engineer? Unmanned aircraft operator? Airport manager? Air traffic controller? Corporate aviation? If you are a rising 9th-12th grade student and you would like to learn more about these and other aviation career opportunities, we invite you to attend our Aviation Camp at Auburn University.
Auburn University has been a leader in aviation education since the early 1940s and is proud to offer this youth program to begin developing the next generation of global aviation leaders. Working with faculty and staff from Auburn’s Aviation Center and Auburn University Regional Airport, the College of Liberal Arts Department of Aviation, and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Department of Aerospace Engineering, participants will experience a fun-filled week of various hands-on activities and exploring the world of aviation. Field trips, guest speakers, simulators, aircraft, and flight line activities will provide a wide variety of new and eye-opening educational experiences. No prior preparation or classes are required.
Open to: Rising 9th-12th grade
Where: Auburn, AL
When: June 23-28 or July 7-12
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Auburn University
Program: World Affairs Youth Seminar
Description: World Affairs Seminar participants will attend lectures by faculty on international issues and get to experience campus life firsthand while residing in Auburn’s resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities. Camp participants will have 24/7 counselor supervision.
Students have the unique opportunity to participate in research with parental consent. This camp is associated with a research project run by Dr. Tirado and his colleagues that seeks to investigate how students learn about human rights and the international affairs. Participation is not required, and no personal information will be collected by the research team. We are just looking to learn more about how students grapple with learning about human rights and the world.
Open to: Rising 10th-12th
Where: Auburn University, AL
When: July 7-12
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Related Post: Best High School Summer Programs in 2024
Beacon College
Program: Summer for Success
Description: Our summer programs are about self-discovery, skills development, and confidence building. We promise students a great time as they discover how to become better learners while forging new friendships with fellow students from across the country.
Our summer program helps college-bound high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who learn differently build the skills, confidence, and preparation they need to successfully transition from high school. Students better understand their learning differences, recognize early stumbling blocks, and know what they need to succeed in their first year of college.
Open to: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors and have a diagnosed learning disability such as dyslexia, ADHD, or a related condition
Where: Leesburg, FL
When: July 14-August 2
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Belmont University
Program: Transformation: Acting is Believing
Description: Transformation! is a week-long advanced acting camp at Belmont University taught by university instructors and local professionals. During the week, students will explore vocal and physical communication, text analysis, stage combat, and improv, all in service of creating a role or roles in a showcase of their work on the final day.
Open to: Students entering grades 9-12th in the Fall
Where: Nashville, TN
When: June 10-14
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Clemson University
Program: Sports Analytics and Statistics
Description: In this course, students will be provided an introduction to basic statistical concepts and methods of statistical inference, while incorporating these concepts into sports-related topics. During this course, you will learn about data collection, organization and presentation of data. Along with learning how to calculate values by hand, you will be learning how to use JMP to compute these values and understand them in respect to sports analytics.
Open to: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Clemson, SC
When: June 2-7
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Related Post: 10 Noteworthy HBCU Summer Programs for High School Students (for a Productive Summer!)
Colorado State University
Program: Black Issues Forum
Description: A five-day program that gives participants the chance to interact with university faculty, staff, and current CSU students. Participants take part in meaningful conversation, enhance their leadership potential, and deepen their understanding of their cultural heritage while discussing issues facing today’s Black community at the local, state, national, and/or global levels.
Open to: Students finishing their junior year in high school
Where: Fort Collins, CO
When: June 11-15
Residential: No
Cost: No
Deadline: Until full
Columbia University
Program: NYC Residential Summer
Description: Residential students enjoy the convenience of being steps away from class and campus resources alike, and can easily attend a wide variety of daily activities and events—like lectures by our prestigious faculty, college prep workshops, community-building activities, and health & wellness programs.
More than half of the students choose to live on the Morningside Campus, where they can enjoy the excitement of New York City just as readily as any of the resources on our 36-acre campus.
Open to: Current high school students who are at least 16
Where: New York, NY
When: June 24-July 12 (3-week option) or July 16-August 2 (3-week option) or June 24-August 2 (6-week option)
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Cornell College
Program: One Course Summer Institute
Description: Cornell’s One Course Summer Institute is designed for you. You’ll learn alongside peers from across the country and discover what professors expect of college-level work—all while experiencing One Course At A Time firsthand.
Open to: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Where: Mount Vernon, IA
When: July 7-24
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 17
Dartmouth College
Program: Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth
Description: The Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth provides opportunities for high school students to explore different disciplines that contribute to the health care system. Participants have opportunities to interact with professionals working within the health care system such as: physicians and other direct care providers, research scientists, public health and health policy professionals.
Open to: Current high school students entering 11th & 12th
Where: Hanover, NH
When: June 24-29
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Drexel University
Program: Public Health Summer Institute
Description: Drexel’s Public Health Summer Leadership Institute was created to involve and support highly motivated high school students who wish to experience a pre-college program, academic challenge, and/or summer program. The goal for all participants is to explore the various aspects of public health, promoting health to all and creating a healthier Philadelphia! Students will explore all facets of public health from advocacy to policymaking, health administration and management, health prevention, the environment and its impact on health outcomes, and the fascinating world of epidemiologists (hint: you might have the opportunity to probe a mock disease outbreak and learn more about how the health departments and CDC protect the public!).
Day trips and visits in the field will be in Philadelphia and the surrounding city limits. Discussions will be led by public health experts and award-winning Drexel faculty. Students will experience site visits, such as a tour of City Hall, and introductions to policymakers, public health advocates, and public health students. They will also engage in lectures, hands-on problem-solving/collaborative projects, field trips, and presentations from a variety of speakers.
Open to: High school students entering junior and senior years
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: July 22-26
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 28
Drexel University
Program: Startup Summer Camp
Description: Get immersed in hands-on experiences while you hear from leaders in the field of social entrepreneurship (in which entrepreneurs create solutions that directly address social and environmental issues). Learn how to use AI and Influencer strategies to promote your idea. Also, learn how to develop and use an “entrepreneurial mindset”, leaving you with practical tools to solve problems and think creatively in the future. The week culminates with a team pitch presentation where you will present the results of your work and how you plan to take forward your idea.
Open to: High school students entering sophomore and junior years with an interest in entrepreneurship
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: July 15-19
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 15
Fairfield University
Program: Pre-College Nursing Immersion Program
Description: Students spend a week in the world of nursing, learning about the many opportunities available in this growing profession. Specific opportunities include the basics of first aid, CPR, and virtual classes in our state-of-the-art simulation lab. Students will come away with an understanding of the many possibilities a career in nursing holds with a targeted focus on their personal interests for their future in healthcare.
Students may be invited to campus for one day and class to visit and experience our state-of-the-art simulation lab in the Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. This on-campus visit is optional and virtual arrangements can be made.
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors ages 15 and older
Where: Online
When: July 8-12
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 21
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Program: Emerging Pharmacy Summer Camp
Description: Camp is designed to expose high school students, grades 10-12, to the role of a pharmacist and the requirements of this career path. Students will have the opportunity to discuss college plans with current pharmacy learners and pharmacists. This also serves as a recruitment tool for the College of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Institute of Public Health.
Open to: 10th – 12th high school students, Ages 15 – 18
Where: Tallahassee, FL
When: July 14-17
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: July 1
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Program: School of Architecture Engineering Technology Summer Camp
Description: FAMU’s Division of Engineering Technology is offering this summer program to demonstrate outstanding commitment to engagement of underserved minority students in learning opportunities and gauging and increasing their interest in the areas of Architecture, Construction, and Electronic Engineering Technology programs. The camp will include one week of curriculum and activities related to STEM education. These activities will be student-centered and make learning fun and engaging
Open to: 10th – 12th high school students
Where: Tallahassee, FL
When: June 17- 21
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 7
Fordham University
Program: Real Estate Institute Summer High School Program
Description: This summer, get a behind-the-scenes look at the many facets of the New York City real estate industry and learn what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced, high-income field. The Fordham Real Estate Institute offers high school students the opportunity to learn how real estate—the built environment in which we all live, work, and play—is designed, constructed, and developed.
Open to: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Where: Bronx, NY (Also Zoom options)
When: June 24-27, July 8-11, July 15-18, or July 22-25
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Georgetown University
Program: Medical Research
Description: Every vaccine, drug, and treatment used in medicine is the result of evidence-based research. For cancer therapy to succeed, medical researchers have to ask a question. Will it work? In this course, you will learn the process researchers use to formulate, conduct, and evaluate the evidence they gather. You will be tasked with developing your own study using professional methods. For any high schooler thinking about a future in STEM, medical research, pharmaceuticals or medical school, this course is for you.
Open to: Current high school students age 13 and up
Where: Online
When: June 2-16 or June 9-23 or June 9- July 7 (4-week option)
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Illinois Institute of Technology
Program: Mathematics Camp
Description: Many people see math as nothing but a subject with a lot of incomprehensible rules to remember. However, mathematics is not just about numbers, equations, and rules—it’s more than that. Yet most people have not seen a well-constructed mathematical proof on the infinitude of primes, or know how it can be used to solve problems ranging from optimizing web searches to taking a picture of a black hole in the center of the galaxy (M87). Changing the inaccurate perceptions of mathematics and introducing students to mathematics that are not typically seen in school are the main objectives of this program.
Open to: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Online
When: June 10-14
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Illinois Institute of Technology
Program: Understanding the Human Mind
Description: The psychology summer program is designed for high school students who want a glimpse into how psychology is a science. Learners will get a good idea of what the study of psychology is like at the collegiate level, how it can enhance the learner’s understanding of themselves, and some idea of how it feels to be a therapist. The week is split into five themes: introduction day; multicultural psychology day; psychology research and technology day; introduction to psychotherapy day; and careers and admissions day.
During multicultural day, students will learn about the rich Black cultural history of Illinois Tech’s neighborhood, Bronzeville, and the psychology of gentrification and the ways a local organization, Build Bronzeville, combats gentrification by visiting its headquarters, Incubator, as well as Boxville and the community garden. Another day is dedicated to each learner creating and conducting their own research project. Learners also get a chance to roleplay counselor and client on introduction to psychotherapy day.
Open to: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, must be at least 15 years old
Where: Chicago, IL
When: July 22-26
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Indiana University
Program: Hoosier Debate Camp
Description: Our camp is for students of all backgrounds and experience levels. If you are looking for a high impact, event filled, educational summer camp experience, that will help build your confidence and skills in speaking, argumentation, research, and more, our staff is here for you!
Since hosting the HDC in 2010, ~1000 students from over 20 states and three countries have attended and achieved consistent success in competitive debates in their regions, states, and at national tournaments. Our staff is here to give you the education you need to succeed at any level and style of debate.
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Bloomington, IN
When: June 22-29 (1-week option) or June 22-July 6 (2-week option)
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
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 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 college freshmen
Where: Bloomington, IN
When: July 8-12 or July 14-18
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Indiana University
Program: Screenwriting Academy
Description: Learn how to create scripts for film and television in one intensive week in our Screenwriting Academy. This incredible experience will be online and in-person simultaneously, so everyone will still have the incredible opportunity to collaborate, create, discuss and interact with some of Hollywood’s top filmmakers – and each other!
This five-day program will introduce you to the components of screenwriting, including character and story development. Learn industry techniques from the masters, including professional screenwriters and prominent academics, and analyze popular and critical cinematic work that shaped historical and contemporary screenwriting movements.
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Bloomington, IN
When: July 15-19
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Loyola Marymount University
Program: Beginning Screenwriting
Description: Recognized as one of the top 10 film schools in the U.S. by The Hollywood Reporter and located in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world, there’s no better place than the LMU School of Film and Television to cultivate your creative identity this summer. Under the guidance of full-time faculty, who are also professional screenwriters, students will broaden their writing skills, develop their unique voices, and learn the basic elements of screenwriting.
Structure, character development, dialogue, descriptive action, formatting, and genre will be explored and put into practice in a supportive workshop environment. Coupled with analytical viewings of popular movies – both classic and contemporary – students will have the chance to discuss the art, craft, and business of being a writer in the motion picture industry.
Ideal for the highly motivated, students should enter this program open to honest and meaningful collaboration with peers, a willingness to offer and receive constructive criticism, and the desire to learn while having fun. Students will leave the program with a short script.
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 23-July 6 or July 14-27
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Loyola Marymount University
Program: Global Sports and Entertainment Business
Description: This camp is a hands-on, didactic learning experience, students will receive first-hand instruction from world-class faculty and renowned Los Angeles area professionals from across the sports and entertainment industries, including law, technology, management and marketing. Included will be workshops on college admission, career and professional development, leadership, diversity, multiculturalism and negotiation.
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 23-July 6 or July 14-27
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Loyola Marymount University
Program: Intro to Entrepreneurship
Description: In this course, participants will receive an introduction into the exciting world of building a business from the ground up. Students will put their newfound skills to practice in personal projects as well as working groups aimed at developing their business ideas and will leave the two-week program having presented their work to local Los Angeles entrepreneurial leaders.
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: July 14-27
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
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
Deadline: Until full
Northwestern University
Program: Academic Summer Camps at Northwestern University
Description: Offers high-achieving, motivated middle and high school students the opportunity to receive high school, college-level and pre-professional instruction from master teachers and industry leaders. Fast-paced, intensive courses engage students in critical and creative problem solving as they grapple with advanced concepts in subjects from math and science to writing and technology to leadership and service-learning, producing products such as writing portfolios, original iOS apps, or community action plans.
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Evanston, IL
When: June 23-July 12 or July 14-August 2
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: After May 26, tuition increases by $100
Ohio University
Program: Arts Pre-College Program
Description: Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts Summer Pre-College Programs offer students aged 14–18 the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the fine arts, working with faculty and visiting artists to improve their skills and techniques, hone their creative vision, and create meaningful personal work––all while living on our beautiful campus in Athens, Ohio.
Students focus intently on one area of study, allowing them insight into the future of college life in the fine arts. In addition, full days on film sets, in studios, and on stage give a glimpse of the professional worlds that they might enter. All students enroll for college credit, which can apply toward an Ohio University degree or may be transferable to another post-secondary institution.
Open to: Students between the ages of 14 & 18
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 9-22 or June 16-22
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Rice University
Program: Aerospace Academy
Description: The Aerospace Academy is an immersive program designed specifically for students who are interested in pursuing careers in field of aerospace and want to be at the forefront of the developments and demands of the future. While staying on the campus of Rice University, you will enjoy daily forums from Rice’s renowned faculty and receive unparalleled exposure to industry and government space scientists through exclusive site visits, which will provide you with a glimpse into your future.
You’ll also hear from a NASA representative and former NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao, who will share his personal stories and lessons from spaceflight and experience in technology companies. Additionally, you’ll participate a visit to the Lone Star Flight Museum to attend flight ground school, complete in a flight prep simulation, learn the importance of flight planning, and then apply what you’ve learned to operate a flight simulator.
Open to: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Where: Houston, TX
When: June 13-24 or July 25-August 5
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Stanford University
Program: Intensive Law and Trial
Description: Intensive Law & Trial allows you to immerse yourself in the theory and practice of law and to develop a roadmap for becoming a lawyer. At this 10-day program, you’ll be exposed to the practice of law, legal rhetoric, and ethics from preeminent legal professionals, including Stanford Law School professors. You’ll also develop and practice essential legal skills, such as making impactful opening statements and closing arguments, preparing cases, and readying witnesses for cross-examination.
In a simulation endorsed by the American Mock Trial Association, you will prepare for a court case, just as any attorney does—you’ll practice the art of creating effective oral arguments, directly examine and cross-examine witnesses, gain an understanding of evidence and its integrity, and learn how to manage a courtroom. Powerful skills workshops will help you develop your own personal mission statement to set and attain your future academic and career goals.
Intensive Law & Trial can help you better understand what you might want to study in college and which schools make the most sense for you. Intensive Law & Trial can also help you to hone your leadership abilities to be more effective in college, career, and life.
Open to: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Palo Alto, CA
When: June 24-July 3 or July 6-15 or July17-26
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
University of California Los Angeles
Program: Game Lab Summer Institute Program
Description: During the two-week program, students will be introduced to the art and technology of game development through a four-course curriculum. These courses are designed to complement each other, providing students a comprehensive introduction to making games and games art. This includes learning the fundamentals of game design; creating characters and avatars that express personality and identity through animation or movement; building unique and compelling game worlds to navigate or explore; and developing programming skills to create interactive, gameplay experiences.
Open to: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and senior
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: July 8-19 (virtual) or July 21-August 3 (in-person) or August 4-17 (in-person)
Residential: Yes (Virtual sessions also)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 1
University of Colorado Boulder
Program: CU Science Discovery-Biomedical Research Bootcamp
Description: Do you have what it takes to be a biomedical scientist? Join us for a research-focused week at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Get a head start on your future coursework, internship, or research career with an introduction to biomedical laboratory techniques, visits to cutting edge facilities, exploring the ethics of biomedical research, learning about research careers, meeting scientists, and developing your own scientific research proposal.
Prior knowledge of cells, DNA, RNA, and protein is helpful for the labs, but not required. Students will need to follow safety guidelines, read and follow experimental protocols, and record data in lab notebooks. If you are ready to learn about how science solves health problems in a high-intensity workout for your brain, then this course is for you!
Open to: Current high school students in grades 10-12th
Where: Aurora, CO
When: June 10-21
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: May 31
University of Colorado Boulder
Program: CU Science Discovery-Computer Science & Robotics
Description: Through hands-on experiments, programming design and development, students will learn the basics of robot motion, sensors, and control. Students will have a chance to play with several robot platforms such as Cubelets, Sphero, Dot and Dash, Redbot, and more. Each student in the class will get to use and take home their own SparkFun XRP, which includes a robot platform with a Raspberry Pi® Pico W microcontroller.
Students will assemble their XRP robot and complete a set of experiments, ranging from learning how to maneuver their robot, to using sensors. Students will participate in group activities to design, build, and demonstrate their own robot projects. Upon completion of this course, students will understand complex robot motion, sensing and control as well as experience with mechanical and electrical design and construction of this unique robot.
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Boulder, CO
When: July 22-26
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: May 31
University of Connecticut
Program: Digital Animation & Motion Graphics
Description: Combining design, technology and the ever-expanding media, our Digital Animation and Motion Graphic course gives students the opportunity to dive into the complex world behind multimedia productions. This class aims to provide students with the conceptual and practical tools for understanding and creating the diverse range of time-based media that have come to be known as motion graphics and digital animation.
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Storrs, CT
When: July 21-27
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until Full
University of Connecticut
Program: VR and Video Game Design
Description: If you play games, chances are you’ve thought about creating them yourself. So come in and create a game from scratch using industry-standard tools and see if you like it! There are careers in art, programming, design, and business in the video game industry, which is bigger than the music, sports, or movie industry and is currently seeing huge growth in sales as entertainment focuses on esports and home entertainment.
By the end of this course, you will have created a virtual reality game as a portfolio piece for your future college applications and get feedback on your search. If you have a portfolio already, awesome! if you’re just getting started and are thinking “OMG where do I even start?” that’s ok, we can help get you on the right track. Whether it’s finding opportunities at video game companies that are looking for play-testers or making a series of game prototypes, let’s figure it out together!
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Storrs, CT
When: July 14-20 or July 21-27
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until Full
University of Houston
Program: From the Ground Up
Description: This SUMMER DISCOVERY PROGRAM IN ARCHITECTURE, is a multi-faceted introduction to architecture with hands-on studio, field trips, and portfolio workshop. From the Ground Up presupposes no prior knowledge of architecture, simply a visual awareness and willingness to learn. You’ll travel back in time to some of the most interesting buildings ever and also make the acquaintance of some of the most accomplished architects of all time as well as today.
You’ll visit extraordinary buildings and places in Texas, while also developing an appreciation for the architecture of the everyday landscape. Best of all, whether you decide to pursue architecture in college or not, you’ll gain a lifelong appreciation of the built world around you.
Open to: Entering grades 10, 11, or 12 next fall or who will have just graduated from high school this spring
Where: Houston, TX
When: June 17-July 19
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 1
University of Massachusetts
Program: Reading and Writing the Graphic Novel
Description: In this course, we will explore the diversity of graphic novels and learn how writers conceptualize their works, create stories and scripts, and work with artists. Reading will include graphic novels for younger readers and adults such as Raina Telgemeier’s Smile, Mariko and Jillian Tamaki’s This One Summer, and Art Spiegelman’s Maus. The course will also include works on how to create comics and graphic novels by Will Eisner, Scott McCloud, Matt Madden, and other artist-writer-educators in the field.
Students will analyze graphic novels, study the many methods for creating literary and visual stories, and learn how to create their own works. Also included are field trips to local arts venues that feature collections and other resources related to comics and graphic novels.
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Boston, MA
When: June 30-July 13
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
University of Massachusetts
Program: Sports Broadcasting
Description: Love sports? Love broadcast journalism? Then this 2-week hands-on sports broadcasting program at UMass Journalism will rock your world! Learn the basics of sports broadcasting in our new state-of-the-art broadcast studio with experienced UMass Amherst Journalism faculty as your teachers.
You will:
- Do a live-streamed sports talk show
- Anchor and report on a TV sportscast
- Learn how to generate story ideas, do interviews, write scripts, run camera, video/audio editing and on-air/on-camera presentation
- Cover actual sports stories in the Amherst area to gain experience in the field
- Learn how to use our cutting-edge cameras, editors and live-streaming equipment
- Have a great time with new friends in the process
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Amherst, MA
When: June 30-July 13
Residential: Yes (Commuter options available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
University of Massachusetts
Program: Sport Management & Leadership Academy
Description: Hosted by the #1 ranked Sport Management department, the McCormack Department’s Sport Management & Leadership Academy provides a platform for talented high school students to learn practical sport business applications and industry insights from our world-renowned faculty and industry-leading alumni.
During this two-week program, students immerse themselves in key segments and critical issues relevant to the highly competitive sports and entertainment industry, such as:
- Sport & Digital Media
- Sport Marketing & Sales
- Diversity & Inclusion in Sport Organizations
- Player Performance & Data Analytics
- Sports Economics & Market Research
The McCormack Department challenges students to apply a management lens to strategic decision-making in sports, offering a diverse and highly interactive approach to learning.
Open to: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Amherst, MA
When: July 14-27 (in-person) or July 15-26 (online)
Residential: Yes (Commuter options available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
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
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
Deadline: Until full
University of South Carolina
Program: Adventures in Medicine: Ultrasound
Description: Journey into the body in real time to watch the heartbeat! Using a handheld ultrasound probe and an ultrasound unit the size of a laptop, you will learn to scan the body in the same labs and with the same doctors as our medical students at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
Ultrasound allows physicians to determine what is going on inside the body in a non-invasive way. Using sound waves, it gives images of the inner workings of the body so that emergency room docs can make quick, lifesaving decisions and Orthopedists can decide where the proper injection in the joint should be.
Open to: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Columbia, SC
When: June 9-14
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
University of South Carolina
Program: Adventures in Nursing
Description: Nurses from the College of Nursing will help you develop the skills necessary to provide high quality patient‐centered health care, gain insight into the careers available within nursing, and gain hands-on-experience with the kinds of challenges nurses face daily.
You will train in our state-of-the-art Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning (SAEL), discovering techniques nurses use with their patients. You will also practice nursing skills such as hand hygiene, sterile technique, intravenous (IV) medications, injections, vital signs, assessments, practice using a stethoscope and other medical equipment, and many more real-life procedures. You will also tour a local hospital and see nurses at work!
Open to: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Columbia, SC
When: June 23-28
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
University of South Carolina
Program: Adventures in Sports Entertainment
Description: In this sports driven course, students will be introduced to the sport industry as a professional endeavor. The class provides a broad overview of sport management by presenting extensive discussions of the foundational aspects of the profession and current topics from the sport industry. Students will have an introduction to the following components of the sport industry: management, ethics, leadership, communications, marketing, finance, event management and entrepreneurship.
The course will include and combine theoretical foundations, exercises, activities, and projects designed for practical application of the leadership concepts. In addition, the students will be exposed to industry leaders and networking opportunities through a variety of site visits (virtual and actual) to sport organizations. Examples of organizations that may provide executives to speak to the students may include: NASCAR, Carolina Panthers, Columbia Fireflies, Charlotte Hornets, PGA, and USC Gamecock Athletics.
Open to: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Where: Columbia, SC
When: June 9-14
Residential: Yes (Commuter option available)
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
University of Virginia
Program: Summer Language Institute
Description: The Summer Language Institute (SLI) is rapid language acquisition. It offers eight-week Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish courses. Students attend classes five days a week and up to seven and a half hours a day. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed in a student-centered environment.
In just two months, students cover two years of language study (12 credits) in French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish and one year (8 credits) in the Chinese and Arabic programs. Whether you are preparing for an experience abroad, undertaking graduate research, pursuing an international career, or exploring a new language and culture, the SLI welcomes you this summer!
Open to: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Where: Charlottesville, VA
When: June 15-August 9
Residential: Not listed
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Wake Forest University
Program: Bioscience: An Inside Look at Infectious Disease
Description: Are you curious about how scientists study and treat infectious diseases at the very deepest level? Would you like to explore college majors and careers connected with this field? If you have a passion for understanding how diseases spring from nature to humans and then spread across our planet, this course is for you. We’ll take a deep dive into the causes and treatments of conditions such as Covid-19, tuberculosis, HIV and more. Ideal for anyone interested in pre-med, scientific research, global health, biology or chemistry.
Open to: Current high school students age 13 and older
Where: Online
When: June 9-23 or June 23- July 7 or July 7-21
Residential: No
Cost: Yes
Deadline: June 2
Wake Forest University
Program: Screenwriting Institute
Description: The Screenwriting Institute is a week-long program designed for high school students to gain an understanding of the art and craft of writing screenplays for film, television and/or video games. Students will learn how to write their own screenplay, meet with Screenwriting professionals, and create two short original screenplays by the end of the week.
Open to: Current high school students
Where: Winston-Salem, NC
When: June 23-28
Residential: Yes
Cost: Yes
Deadline: Until full
Why spend the summer on the living room couch scrolling social media when you can earn college credit, make new friends, and spend the summer on a college campus? If you don’t want to leave the comforts of your home you can attend a virtual camp or if you need a break from your parents you should consider a summer residential program. Yes, there are various competitive summer programs for high school students but the hard part is determining how many summer programs you can fit into your summer break. These programs are typically small and provide hands-on experience but fill up fast so don’t hesitate to apply.
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