Summer Opportunities

Abbey Road 

Abbey Road Programs is a boutique overseas educator that specializes in the experiential, individualized teaching of language immersion, the arts, history, business, journalism and cultural studies in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, England, Greece and Canada. We additionally facilitate College/SAT/ACT preparatory and Diplomatic Leadership programs at Suffolk University in Boston. Abbey Road prides itself in its unique blend of quality, flexibility, safety, and innovation, and provides the perfect balance of learning and fun. You can learn more about their dates, tuition, and scholarship opportunities on their website.

American University Gap Year ProgramAmerican University Gap Year Program

For students who have just completed high school and are taking a year or semester off before starting college. A Global Business seminar is offered during the summer, and a Mentored Field Practicum and American Politics, Global Business & Trade, or International Affairs is offered in the fall and spring. At the end of the semester, students will have an American University transcript of credits earned, which can be used for college applications.

API Abroad

API abroad programs offer high school students opportunities to learn and develop relevant global skills through fun, enriching summer study abroad programs.

Whether it’s Spanish language and cultural immersion in Costa Rica or Spain, French immersion in Paris, Irish studies in Ireland, or Italian language culture and art, or soccer in Italy, Aspire students can develop their language, communication, social, and intercultural skills in an exciting international program geared to prepare students for a lifetime of global awareness and involvement.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation's Student Leaders Program

Five local student leaders will get a hands-on opportunity next summer to make an impact through an eight-week paid internship with a local nonprofit organization. In addition, the student leaders from the Twin Cities will join others from across the country at a week-long, all expense paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

Barnard College of Columbia University

Barnard College has a pre-college summer program for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Learn more on their website!

Berklee College of Music

Guitar Sessions, Vocal Summit, A Cappella Fesstival, Stage Performance and much more at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.

Boston College

For those who have completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, with outstanding academics, spend 6 weeks at a Jesuit University, June - August, take college courses, earn college credit, live in a dorm and discover Boston. Apply early spring.

Boston University

Many opportunities for 9-12 graders from 1 to 6 weeks. Subjects vary and can be focused in science and research, the humanities, communications, and many other options. 

California College of the Arts

For more than 25 years, CCA’s Pre-College Program has been an inspiring opportunity for high school students to study art, architecture, design or creative writing in an art school setting while earning 3 units of college credit.

Carleton College

Summer Writing Program for college-bound juniors with strong reading & writing skills:
Summer Quantitative Reasoning Institute: HS sophomores and juniors, use statistical tools and complete a collaborative social schiene project with a faculty mentor. Carleton Liberal Arts Experience: July, for college-bound sophomores in the top 25% of class. Accepted students receive FREE room, board, tuition and travel costs. Carleton Summer Science Institute for college bound sophomores and juniors. 

Carnegie Mellon

Summer Pre-college Programs: Pre-College Fine Arts: HS Game Academy (learn how to create video games), Architecture, Art, Design, Drama and Music

College of William and Mary

Pre-colliate summer program in Early American History for HS sophomores,juniors and seniors, earn four hours college credit, summer camp.

Colorado College

Choose from a full range of course offerings, experience the "Block Plan", earn college credit, each session is 3 weeks long, live in residence halls, participate in activities such as hiking and camping, ask about merit-based, scholarships. The Film Institute, Outdoor Leadership Institute (must be 17) Student Journalism Institute.

Columbia College Chicago, High School Summer Institute

A three-week, pre-college arts, media, and communication program open to creative students who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school.

Columbia University~Summer Programs

Programs are renowned for their academic rigor, instructional excellence, and the unique opportunity they provide for highly motivated students to experience college life at a world-class university, for students entering 9-12 grade.

Cornell University

Program open to students completing 10th, 11th or 12th grade, earn up to 6 college credits, make friends from around the world, choose from a wide variety of courses, three-, and six-week sessions. Offers online courses.

Denison University Young Writers Workshop

Eight-day residential summer program that offers a marvelous opportunity for high school students to work intensively with professional poets, fiction and nonfiction writers on Denison’s beautiful college campus in Granville, Ohio. If you’re currently a sophomore, junior, or senior, you are eligible to apply.

Drake University/Media Now  

Drake offers intense media training with MediaNow during a week in July for Journalism students in the areas of writing, photo, video, design and more.

Duke University Summer Session

Summer college for credit or summer academy for enrichment in a variety of areas. Application deadlines in April.  

Emory Pre-College Program

Science, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences: June-July. 2wk non-credit, 6wk credit courses + 3wk institutes.

Experience America (Project Fashion)

Project Fashion is a summer camp that give creative-minded students an opportunity to explore a career through classes taught by industry professionals, hands-on projects, and company tours. Both camps create an environment where students can discover what role suits them best and whether they truly want to explore their chosen field as a career before committing time and money to pursuits after high school.  If other Experience America summer camps are available besides Project Fashion, it can be found on their website. 

The Experiment in International Living

Challenging, three-to-five week summer abroad programs that focus on immersion, experiential learning and making meaningful connections. Reside in local homes, focus on language, ecology, arts and community service. Need based aid available.

French Speaking Immersion Program: Universite de Saint-Boniface

University located a 7 hour drive away in Winnipeg, Canada; will need a passport; must have completed 11th grade; levels of instruction from beginner-advanced language skills. Immersion program from two to five weeks in length. Socio-cultural programming such as sports, guided tours, concerts, films are included. 

Furman University Summer Programs

If you want to do something really incredible with your summer, come to Furman, stay on campus, and be a part of one of their summer programs. It's an opportunity for rising high school seniors and juniors to participate in classes and get a taste of college life. Deadline in early May.

The George Washington University Summer Scholars Program

Pre-college programs with a variety of options for freshman, sophomores, and juniors. Choose from business, crime and justice, robotics, social change and leadership, biomedical engineering and other courses for credit or simply enrichment.

Georgetown University

Live on campus, manage your own time, explore the rich culture of Washington. Apply for the wide variety of summer programs at Georgetown, enrollment is limited, sessions run from June through August.

Gettysburg College 

High school juniors and sophomores may attend academic camps over the summer months. Subjects include psychology, history, creative writing, piano, or information technology.  

Grammy Camp

For aspiring music industry professionals: hands-on career training, learn from industry experts, performance and music business tracks, financial aid available.

Harvard University

Harvard Summer School for HS sophomores, juniors and seniors. 200 courses to choose from. Special programs in Drama, Math, and Writing. Earn academic credit.

Hillsdale College

Summer Study Abroad Program, earn college credit while traveling in Italy, England or France. In addition, science and American Law camps at Hillsdale.

Independent Film and Photography

Summer camps in screenwriting, film making, documentary from pre-production to distribution, music video to digital photography. 

Junior Statesmen Foundation

Exciting and stimulating courses on the campuses of four of the nation's elite universities. Immerse yourself in politics and government while making new friends and developing leadership skills at either Georgetown, Yale, Stanford or Princeton campuses. 

Landmark College

Students with learning disabilities and AD/HD can choose from two programs: Three-week HS Junior Program rediscover an interest in college study and the tools to approach the college app process.

Lead America

Open to middle school and high school students, thru Lead America, students have the opportunity to attend spring or summer conferences on college campuses. Taught by college professors on a wide variety of subjects such as leadership, engineering and technology, medicine and national security. 

Lewis & Clark College

Fir Acres Workshop in Writing and Thinking, two week summer residency program for students completing grades 8 through 12, supervised college experience taught by college faculty. 

Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth

A summer enrichment program at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN where master teachers engage inquisitive minds for students currently in grades 7-12. 

Marist Summer Pre-College Program

Marist College consistently strives to foster an interactive learning environment and enhance the students' academic experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors to get a head start in college.

Maryland Institute College of Art

Two distinct pre-college studio residency programs: Baltimore (4-week) and Tuscany, Italy (3-week). College-level experience in 11 core courses such as fine arts, design, photo and digital art. Deadline in the spring. 

Miami University (Oxford, OH) Summer Scholars Program

The Summer Scholars Program at Miami University is a two-week summer experience for accomplished high school rising juniors or seniors in the fall. The program provides students with the experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for college and future success.

Michigan Tech

Three highly competitive summer programs: Women in Engineering Summer Youth Programs, National Summer Transportation Institute, and Engineering Scholars, for students in grades 9th-12th, gives students from all over the world hands-on exploration opportunities in math, science, engineering, arts and many other fields. Full scholarships available. 

Minneapolis College of Art & Design Pre-College Summer Session

MCAD’s Pre-College Summer Session is a highly structured and challenging classroom and studio-based experience developed to guide serious art students in the process of maturing as artists and individuals. This three week, fully residential program is geared toward committed art and design students who are currently in their sophomore, junior, or senior years of high school. Scholarships are available.

Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp

MN Ace Camp seeks high school aged students interested in aviation careers for two upcoming summer camps in the Twin City area. The students will learn many different careers through hands-on activities, tours, and industry speakers that visit us during camp. They also get to fly a single engine aircraft, helicopter, glider and even an airline simulator with FAA licensed instructors. Applications are due by April. Financial aid is available.

Minnesota Business Venture

MBV is open to all students completing grades 9-12. Learn how to plan for a successful future, develop a career focus, use teamwork, communication skills as well as leadership while living either at St. Cloud St. or St. John's U for a week long camp. Cost: $125 if applying before April 20.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Summer Academic Enrichment Program

If you are eligible for free or reduced price lunches and are in grades 3-11, apply for a stipend to attend a summer academic enrichment program. You must have either an overall "C" average or its equivalent for the most recently recorded academic term in the subject area applicable to the summer program you wish to attend.

Montana State University Summer Session

The MSU Summer Session program is committed to providing a variety of classroom, outdoor, and online opportunities for students to advance or complete their educational goals.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp

Volunteer opportunity to work as a companion and helper to an individual camper for a week and assist them with a variety of activities. Must be 16 years old by June 3. Will receive training prior to camp.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

They offer programs all over the world and domestically, focusing on Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, Archaeology & Ancient Culture, Film making, Creative Writing, and Climate & Geology.

National Student Leadership Conference

Students in grades 9-12 can participate in summer opportunities in the areas of Business, Leadership, Government & Law, STEM, and Art & Design.  

National Youth Leadership Forum:

Summer opportunities to gain experience in areas of interest such as: medicine, business, national security, law & CSI, advertising, film & journalism, engineering & technology, gaming & technology.

New York University Precollege Summer Programs

Earn college credit by taking courses with current NYU students, taught by NYU faculty. Immerse yourself in the college experience with a six-week program early July through mid-August, that provides intensive learning opportunities in STEM, journalism, and music & performing arts. Apply for scholarships by April 1.

NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)

At NOLS, we take people on real wilderness expeditions in remote areas.You'll learn to be a leader. You'll practice technical skills like summitting peaks and running rapids–all while earning college credit. Financial aid is also available. By the end of your course, you'll have the knowledge to travel responsibly and safely in the backcountry while leaving a minimal impact on the land.

Northeastern University Pre College programs

This year's offerings, Summer Design Studio and Summer Journalism Workshop, will provide an opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty and participate in unique, hands-on learning experiences.

Northwestern University-Summer Program/Center for Talent Development

Summer academic courses for students completing PreK through grade 12. Locations: Northwest University, Chicago Suburbs, Downtown Chicago. Financial aid is available, and there are special scholarship oportunities for students interested in taking technology (programming or web design) or engineering courses. Check out the Civic Leadership Insititute.

Northwestern University College Prep Program

Designed for students who want to experience a real college life before finishing high school. High school sophomores and juniors can take undergraduate courses for college credit, or enroll in a 2-week seminar in special topic area.

Pratt

Immerse yourself in Art and Design, Architecture, Creative Writing, and Cultural Studies located in Manhattan, NY. Sophomores, juniors and seniors at Brooklyn campus.

Princeton University~the W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Institute

Residential non-profit leadership development program for high-achieving high school students entering the tenth or eleventh grade in the fall.

Prism Volunteer (Minneapolis)

Social ministry, summer volunteer program located in Golden Valley for ages 12 - adult, variety of positions available from food shelf, clothes closet, birthday room, front dest, clerical and auto shop assistant. Minimum of 4 hours per week on a regularly scheduled shift. 

Putney Student Travel

Putney Student Travel offers a wide array of different kinds of programs for high school students, including Community Service in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, Language Learning in Europe and Latin America, Cultural Exploration, Global Awareness in Action in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Pre-College Enrichment programs in Europe and at Amherst College, and our Foundations programs in Costa Rica, Spain, and Australia for students completing 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

This nearly two-week-long summer program lets you experience college life, meet new friends, dive into cool STEM projects and basically have a blast. Rose-Hulman Summer Program is a combination of science, engineering and math, with layers of STEM opportunities. Rising high school seniors will reach into robotics, brew biodiesel, and make a machine from scratch.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University provides an opportunity for students ages 16-18 to explore their interests during one-and two-week residential academies. Additionally, high-achieving high school students ages 16 or older may take up to two introductory-level Rutgers University courses for credit.

Saint Mary's College in Indiana

High School Youth Theology Institute program at Saint Mary's of Notre Dame invites high school girls who will have completed freshman, sophomore, or junior year by this summer to take part in faculty lectures on the theology of creation, love of self, God, and neighbor, Catholic social justice, and the morality of social media. The theme of the program is Embody: Beauty, Justice, and Faith in Action and guides the liturgies, service work, and theological discussions throughout the week. 

Sarah Lawrence College

Live and Study at Sarah Lawrence, 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, New York, three or six-week sessions. Summer at SLC offers you a chance to enhance your academic experience and explore your passions in small classes, a hallmark of a Sarah Lawrence education. Our programs foster a supportive, non-competitive environment for academic and personal development. Students that choose to live on campus will be housed in single rooms in residence halls. 

Science Museum of Minnesota

Volunteer at the Science Museum. Requirements: be at least 13 yrs of age, attend training, communicate effectively, commit to one year of service, one four-hour shift every other month weekend or one four-hour shift of a weekday. 

South Dakota School of Mines

The School of Mines offers unique high-quality programming for middle- and high school students. Our goal is to turn young minds on to the astounding, challenging, and FUN worlds of science and engineering, and no one can do this better than the faculty and students of the School of Mines through hands-on activities and one-on-one interactions. 

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Program

An opportunity to explore and discover topics not typically taught in secondary schools. Students engage in small classes taught by Stanford instructors, hone their academic skills, and achieve academic excellence. Limited financial aid is available.

Stevens Institute of Technology

Summer programs where students get to create something from start to finish - a business plan, a video game, an investment portfolio, a short animation. 

St. John's College Summer Academy

A pre-college, residential program for high school students ages 15-18 that nurtures critical thinking and personal growth. Courses offered on the Santa Fe, New Mexico and Annapolis, Maryland campuses.

St. Norbert College

Summer Academy of Medicine at St. Norbert College, in a partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin, will be offering a Summer Academy of Medicine for interested high school students entering their junior or senior year. The Summer Academy of Medicine allows students to spend 3 and a 1/2 days on the St. Norbert College campus exploring careers in the medical field. They will have hands-on activities in our state-of-the-art laboratories and learn the educational paths, skills and personal qualities required for careers as a physician, scientist or researcher.

Tufts University

High school students can attend a variety of courses at Tufts University or online. View thier website for this year's course options.

Tulane University

Summer Enrichment Institute in Architecture, STEM, Women's Literature, and Science and Engineering for rising 6th through 11th graders.

UCLA Summer Institutes

Enrichment courses from Architecture to World Languages. Short term intensive, 5- and 6-week programs at UCLA.

United States Naval Academy

Summer Seminar: Six-day experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year, teaches you about life at the Naval Academy, registration opens in January.

University of Chicago

Unique programs for sophomores, juniors and seniors, college credit, select form more than 150 offerings.

University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Girls' Adventures in Math, Engineering, and Science (GAMES) is a week-long residential camp on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. GAMES is for rising 9th-12th grade girls and focuses on different areas within engineering. Camp dates for 2014 are July 13-19. This year, we will offer seven track options within GAMES: Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, and Robotics. Our camps offer an advanced curriculum and hands-on projects during the day, as well as fun social activities, like karaoke, swimming, and volleyball in the evenings.

University of Iowa Journalism Workshops

Workshops focused on Yearbook, Newspaper, Graphic design, Photojournalism, Broadcast and Website Design.

University of Massachusetts

Summer College Residential Programs for HS Students: offers one-six week residential academic programs from many majors, across the nine colleges that comprise UMass Amherst. 

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Pre-College delivers a true college experience on campus, abroad, and virtually for exceptional high school students! Students engage with dynamic Notre Dame faculty in exciting and challenging college level classes, grow in leadership through service, and connect with like-minded students from around the world.

University of Pennsylvania

Three week Summer Academy Applied Science and Technology Program: earn college credit in Biotechnology, Computer Graphics, Computer science, Nanotechnology and Robotics.

University of Southern California

High school students get a preview of "freshman year" through 4 & 2 week courses on the USC campus. Many different summer courses from Architecture to Writing. 

University of Vermont

Over 100 Dual Enrollment courses in English, math, languages, science and the arts.  Highly motivated students should look for more information on their website.

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, WI

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Pure and Applied Mathematics, May-July
Funded by National Science Foundation. Each participant will receive a travel allowance and a stipend, plus room and board.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Immersive college-prep programs for students completing grades 9-12. Students select a course or area of interest, explore campus and learn with their peers.

US Performing Arts Camps

Summer programs for ages 11-22, Acting, Animation, Film, Play/Screenwriting, Dance, Musical Theater, TV Sit Com and more. 

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt's summer programming provides accelerated classes for students entering 7 - 11th grade on Vanderbilt's campus. More information is available on their website.

Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program

Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to test drive their career goals during a 5 day experience. A variety of enrichment areas are being offered.  

Washington University in St. Louis

Explore all facets of college life in their High School Summer Scholars Program. Open to current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, their program options allow you to design a summer experience that meets your needs and interests.

Wharton, University of Pennsylvania

Variety of summer opportunities focused on finance, business, and sports management available on campus and online. 

Yale

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program is for outstanding current 10th or 11th grade students. It consists of a two-week academic and leadership experience.