Summer Programs

Had enough of the same routine? Whether it’s distance learning, socially distanced visits with friends, or missing out on that special summer adventure, most of us can agree: it’s time for a change.

If you want to spend your summer coding, learning a new language, or embracing your inner-self, then check out some of these (still open) summer programs we list below. We went further to break them down by category and whether they are in-person, virtual, or both.

• A Bit of Everything
• Academics
• Arts
• Business
• Career Exploration
• Community Service
• Language
• Leadership
• Mental Health & Well-Being
• STEM
• Writing and Journalism

Be sure to check out their websites for the latest information on the status of the programs and to find out more about cost, dates, and how to sign up. Does the program sound perfect but you just missed the window or have something else planned? Check out our latest Guide to Summer Programs.

A Bit of Everything

Looking for a summer program with a wide range of opportunities? Whether you want stimulating academics, an inspiring arts camp, a physical challenge, or the chance to build up your sense of self, the following programs offer that and more. These summer programs are still open and are open for in-person (U.S.) and in-person/virtual.

In-Person (U.S.) Programs

Auburn Youth Programs Summer Camps

Auburn Youth Programs is an extension of University Outreach that sponsors and executes over 100 summer programs designed to educate and inspire youth in a variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular endeavors. Participants have the opportunity to further their education and develop skills while making new friends and experiencing life at Auburn University!

Registration is still open for a few camps available in-person this summer such as World Affairs Youth Seminar, Emergency Medical Responder Camp, Musical Theatre Camp, and Creative Writing Studio. Registration for these camps closes 2 weeks prior to the first day of each program.

Auburn Youth Programs also offers a variety of virtual camps and programs that are available throughout the summer for students of all ages! For more information, please visit our website.

Brehm’s Summer Program

Brehm Summer Program is a holistic, four-week, co-ed boarding program for ages 11-18, designed to advance students’ academic, social, and emotional skills, by helping them acquire a better understanding of themselves, their peers, and the world around them. Team-building exercises inspire camaraderie and self-confidence as students engage in learning experiences.

Students who enroll in their summer program face challenges to their academic, social, or emotional success. This can include challenges like ADHD, communication disorders, anxiety, and more. While students live on-campus in a residence hall, they will receive 24/7 support from staff and are encouraged to navigate living with roommates and college life.

Missouri Military Academy

MMA’s Summer Academy has two tracks – the Middle School Program (grades 7-8) and the High School Program (grades 9-12) – each designed to simultaneously challenge students academically and physically so they may hone their academic abilities and learn good studying practices while building their confidence by expanding on their range of life experiences. Dates: June 20 – July 16, 2021. Applicable Grades: 7-12. Residential experience for boys; day camp available for boys and girls. Cost: $3,950 for residential experience (boys); $950 for day experience (co-ed).

In-Person (U.S.) and Virtual Program

University of Georgia: Summer Academy Camps

Summer Academy at UGA is an exciting series of face-to-face and virtual specialty summer camps for middle school and high school students who want to do amazing things. Whether your child dreams about becoming a film director, doctor, scientist, or artist, we have a summer camp just right for them. Our summer camps are designed to let students live out their dreams.

Students can immerse themselves in any world they choose, from photography to video game design to comic book art. Students will work with experts in the field to get practical, hands-on experience and receive helpful advice on how to get where they want to go. Check out our wide variety of camp offerings.

Academics

Summer offers the chance for students to focus more on their passion projects and subjects. But if you’re looking for a wide variety of classes that cover a range of topics, then a specialized summer program may not be right for you. The following programs offer classes that focus on offering a range for different ages, abilities, and interests. The following programs are only available online/virtually.

Purdue University: Summer Program at GER²I

Every summer, for over 40 years, GER²I has engaged gifted, creative, and talented students from across the country and around the world in residential camps designed to stimulate their imagination and expand their abilities.

This year, their program is offered virtually with two sessions (each session is three hours) offered daily along with one hour for small group activities. Classes are held Monday to Friday for two weeks. Groups are broken up by grades: 5th to 6th (Comet), 7th to 8th (Star), and 9th to 12th (Pulsar). Check out their website for more information about the classes offered for Summer 2021.

Syracuse Pre-College Summer: Online

For more than 60 years, Syracuse University has been providing exceptional and transformative pre-college experiences to high school students from around the world. In Summer College – Online, students have the unique opportunity to explore potential majors and academic interests in 70+ credit and noncredit courses in ten of Syracuse University's schools and colleges.

Students participate in high-level instruction, have access to virtual campus offerings, and are welcomed into an engaging and supportive online community. After successfully completing the course, students earn a Certificate of Completion from Syracuse University.

UC Davis Pre-College Program

Teens can keep learning this summer with remote courses from the UC Davis Pre-College Program. Their online programs give junior high and high school students a chance to get ahead during summer break. They're offering a variety of remote courses to help students build strong study skills, explore a major or test drive the career of their dreams.

These are some of the available courses: Equine Science, Coastal & Marine Sciences, College Readiness for Junior High School Students, and more! Check out their website for the latest information and details.

Wake Forest University: Pre-College Programs

Calling all high school students! Do you have questions about the 2021 Online Summer Immersion Program that are holding you back from applying? Discover any of our 20 Institutes: Biosciences Institute; Business Institute; Debate and Public Advocacy Institute; Digital Photography Institute; Entrepreneurship Institute; Film Institute; Finance and Investing Institute; Health and Exercise Science Institute; Health and Wellbeing Institute; Law Institute; Leadership Institute; Medicine Institute; Neuroscience Institute; Poly and Politics Institute; Psychology Institute; Sports Marketing Institute; Sports Medicine Institute; Technology Institute; Virtual Reality Institute; and Writing for Life Institute.

Also, Wake Forest Summer Exploration Programs invites all Middle School Explorers to check out our 5 Summer Adventures: “Cracking the Code”; “Disease Detectives”; “Go for Gold!”; “STEM Exploration”; and “STEM from the Roots”.

William & Mary: Pre-College Program in American History

The National Institute of American History & Democracy’s Pre-College Program in American History offers college credit from William & Mary to high school students from across the country and around the world. During Summer 2021 their courses, Race & Freedom in Williamsburg (HIST 211) and Founders & Foundings (HIST 212), will be virtual.

Students will investigate and discuss key issues in American History through virtual visits to museums and historic sites, conversations with curators and historians, and in-depth discussions with their Instructor and members of their seminar group. Application deadline is June 18th; please visit their website for information.

Arts

Quarantine and social isolation have given us the time for self-reflection and contemplation. We are encouraged to find different avenues for expression and to connect with those around us in new ways.

While we are finding ways to stay connected, with ourselves and others, a summer arts program can be a unique opportunity for students to forge lifelong friendships. The following programs are offered in-person in the U.S., virtually, and both virtual and in-person.

In-Person (U.S.) Programs

Berridge Programs

Berridge Programs has a few spaces still remaining on our SPOTLIGHT ARTS PROGRAM at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA this summer. The program is open to students ages 14-19 interested in building arts-based skills and connecting with like-minded creative teens in a supportive, non-competitive environment. This 3-week arts program offers the opportunity to build core skills and learn new techniques and approaches in Acting, Musical Theatre, Writing or Filmmaking.

The program is led entirely by working artists and industry professionals who represent decades of experience in Filmmaking, Directing, Acting, Choreography, Producing and Writing for screen and stage. Write, shoot, direct and edit your own film from start to finish, build your acting or singing technique, write and perform your work, or build your college audition repertoire. Whatever your college and career goals are in the arts, you can reach them at Berridge this summer!

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts: Junior Training Dance Program

Are you ready to dance your day away? Here is your chance! Each day dancers will warm up in a ballet class; build foot and ankle strength in pre-pointe; dabble in different theory classes such as dance history, composition (choreography), and theatre; and round out their dance experience with a “genre of the day” class, including jazz, modern, musical theatre, and hip hop.

Each day will end with a rehearsal in preparation for a final showcase for up to two family members per dancer. Dress rehearsal and performance schedules, July 16-17 may vary from the above times, but will be communicated in advance. No auditions are required, but it is recommended that dancers have at least three years of training and must be 9-18 years old. Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is located in Winona, MN. A host family may be available for out of town students.

New England Music Camp

Located in the beautiful Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, NEMC has been enriching the lives of young musicians ages 11-18 for 85 years. The 4-week Core NEMC program consists of high-quality intensive music education blended with traditional camp recreation and social activities. Orchestra, Band, Choir, Jazz, Musical Theater!

Openings available in all studios - especially looking for cello, bass, trombone, horn and euphonium. Weekend performances at our outdoor amphitheater, the Bowl in the Pines. Scholarship and F/A available. Play music, swim, sail, have fun, make memories, and repeat!

YPI Summer Camp for the Creative Arts

At its core, YPI is an annual retreat, a home base, a welcoming environment for the curious mind. YPI is a place for inquisitive young people like you. It’s a place for those whose interests in the written, visual, and performance arts set them apart in their school system. It’s a cooperative learning environment for young people where creative expression is the ultimate goal.

The two-week-long YPI summer camp was founded in 1981 and is housed at the Suffield Academy in Suffield, Connecticut. YPI exists to create a safe and inspirational environment where young people, ages 10-18 of diverse backgrounds and skill levels, can feel free to create, explore, grow, and share their talents under the thoughtful guidance of professional artists and caring staff.

Virtual Programs

ArtsBridge Summer

Spend two weeks with faculty from top college and conservatory voice programs concentrating on solo classical vocal skills within the art song repertoire. The ArtSong curriculum focuses on vocal technique, diction and language, repertoire, acting, and performance and audition skills as well as guest master classes and workshops on a range of musical topics and college/conservatory auditions.

ArtSong is ideal for rising high school seniors and open to rising juniors and sophomores looking to get a head start in preparing for college auditions. Applications are open now on a rolling basis until the program is filled. This summer ArtSong will be online: July 24 - August 6, 2021.

Sotheby’s Summer Institute

Sotheby’s Summer Institute invites high schoolers (ages 15-18) who are curious and passionate about the arts to immerse themselves in different facets of the art world. From learning the intricacies of running galleries and museums to exploring painting and drawing techniques throughout history, these two-week online courses are designed to engage, inspire, and fuel creativity.

Taught by leading scholars and professionals in the field, each online course draws on the global expertise of Sotheby's Institute of Art and brings students unrivaled access to the people who drive the international art world forward. Two-week online courses are available throughout June and July. The next application deadline is June 10th.

Tufts University: SMFA - Studio Art Intensive

Join Tufts Pre-College Programs and the SMFA at Tufts this summer to become part of a community of artists and makers, and build a portfolio of new, inspired artwork. This three-week intensive program for high schoolers includes classes in the foundations of drawing, painting, digital media/animation and sculpture.

Their faculty and staff will guide you on integrating different media into your art while advising you on portfolio development. Applications close June 15th, so don't miss out and apply today. To hear from the instructors themselves, visit the SMFA - Studio Art Playlist on YouTube.

In-Person and Virtual Program

UT Austin: ST.ART Pre-College Art + Design

The University of Texas at Austin’s Zip ST.ART (one-week) programs still have spots available! Whether you're interested in drawing, wearable art, graphic design, animation, photography or sculpture – you can grow your creative practice and take a step towards college with ST.ART Pre-College.

Designed for flexibility, Zip ST.ART, invites rising 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th graders to dive deeper into a subject area that interests you. Check out our 2021 offerings for teen artists below. For more information about day-to-day program itineraries and to register, visit our website.

Business

Now, more than ever, students are realizing that financial literacy is a key life skill that is often ignored. High school graduates will know how to solve for “x” but not understand how to budget or account for taxes. These business programs are designed to help students understand their finances, whether it’s for their personal or professional benefit. These programs are in-person in the U.S. and virtual.

In-Person (U.S.) Program

University of Maryland: Sports and Entertainment Business Program

You do not need to be an athlete or performer to have a great career in sports and entertainment. The Smith Sports and Entertainment Business Program (SEBP) is a five-day virtual program providing rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders an overview of careers in the sports and entertainment industries.

Students will learn first-hand from career professionals in interactive sessions designed to teach topics such as management, law, negotiation, personal branding, and leadership as it relates to the sports and entertainment industries. SEBP students develop lifelong relationships with fellow participants, undergraduate student mentors, faculty and staff fostering a strong foundation for their future.

Virtual Programs

Teach Me Wall Street: Budgeting & Beyond

Looking for students who are planning for college and future careers. Kids who are always asking for money. Learn How to Manage Your Money. Do Real Life Scenario Planning that you can live well. Avoid financial pitfalls. Develop a Money Mindset and skills necessary to “life plan” your money successfully.

This boot camp teaches valuable life skills in matters of personal finance and money management. BUDGETING – Learn the purpose and process of creating a budget. FINANCIAL PITFALLS – Find out how to identify and avoid hazardous financial traps. REAL LIFE – Learn about bank accounts, 401Ks, taxes and insurance, and find out how to manage and use credit cards responsibly.

Career Exploration

Summer break is also a great opportunity for students to learn more about different careers. Want to learn about a future in medicine, law, science, or anything else in between? Then these two, unique programs will give you a chance to explore a future in a wide range of career paths. One program offers in-person (U.S. based) opportunities and virtual opportunities, and the other option only offers virtual learning.

In-Person (U.S.) and Virtual Program

Envision Experience

Envision your future this summer. As things slowly return to normal, this summer offers an exciting opportunity to get out of the house, learn something new, and make new friends. Envision by WorldStrides high school programs provide hands-on career experience and crucial success skill development. Some of these programs are fully virtual, so students who don’t yet feel comfortable with travel can still benefit.

Subjects include: Aerospace & Aviation Academy; Game & Technology Academy; Virtual Culinary Academy; and so much more! Check out our website to find out details and the latest information.

Virtual Program

World Scholars Academy

Explore a risky subject without fear of failure. Ever wonder if you might love a career as an orthopedic surgeon or tech wizard? Maybe you might delight in working as a trial lawyer or NASA engineer. The only way to find out is to try it out. At World Scholars Academy you’ll experience a high-level introduction into your chosen discipline from a world-leading professional scholar.

Whether your heart is already set on a career in Business, Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Computer Science, or whether you’d prefer to just get a taster of each subject on our Career Exploration course, World Scholars Academy will energize your summer, enhance your college applications, and supercharge your future. Discover more about their elite summer courses for ages 12-18 by checking out their website.

Community Service

Want to spend your summer giving back to your community and the world? Then a community service program could be a great way to explore, get out of the house, and make a positive impact. These open summer programs that are focused on community service take place in-person in the U.S., in person abroad, and in-person in both.

In-Person (U.S.) Program

Global Routes

Global Routes is excited to offer in-person programs for Summer 2021! The New York Times calls GR “one of the most respected organizations in the field.” Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of experiential education programs for high school students.

Established in 1967, their transformative program model combines meaningful community service, authentic community stays, cultural immersion, and unparalleled adventures off-the-beaten-track. Summer 2021 Programs space available in Hawaii: Big Island. Students can earn college credits on all summer programs!

In-Person (U.S. and Abroad) Program

Kaya Responsible Travel: Under 18 Volunteer Abroad

If you are still looking for travel options this summer, Kaya has 10 destinations where you can still responsibly travel and get involved in some impactful community and environmental projects abroad. Join us on projects in: Belize, Costa Rica, Morocco, Jamaica, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, South Africa, Ecuador, and even a Ghost town in the USA! Check out our website to find out the latest information on these unique opportunities.

In-Person (Abroad) Program

Projects Abroad: Volunteer Abroad for High School Students

Ready to make up for lost time and go further than ever before? With the support of Projects Abroad, one of the most experienced and trusted meaningful travel specialists in the world, the possibilities are endless.

In June, you could find yourself: helping to build a classroom for Masaai children in wild Tanzania, providing much needed medical care to disadvantaged communities in lively Ghana, learning how to breathe underwater on a Marine Conservation internship in the crystal-clear waters of Baja Mexico, protecting Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos Islands or gazing at the stunning views from Machu Picchu in Peru.

With 20 safe and exhilarating High School programs running this Summer, there’s something for everyone. Contact one of their Project Experts today to discover what you are capable of!

Mental Health & Well-Being

Summer break is often used as an opportunity for students to rest, recharge, and refocus their energy so they can tackle the fall semester with enthusiasm. But some students need more than a day at the beach and a nap in the sun. For those looking for a guided, hands-on approach to revitalizing their mental health, then this virtual opportunity might be what you’re looking for.

Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme): Mindfulness Summer Retreat

The day flows between guided meditation practices, workshops, mindful movement + yoga, small group conversations, wisdom talks + free time. Participants can expect to learn more about: meditation, yoga + movement practices, mindful walking, how to navigate difficult emotions, mindful communication, mindful eating, how to use technology + social media wisely, practices for kindness, compassion + self-awareness, and apply mindfulness to daily life.

Parts of the day are silent; other parts of the day are interactive. The retreat is held online via zoom with portions both on and off screen. You’ll have the chance to turn your video camera off and just listen with headphones for parts of the retreat. Other times, you’ll have the video on so you can see + connect with your peers. Make sure you participate in their online dance party! Get the chance to dance and be weird without worrying what other people think.

Language

Take this summer as an opportunity to learn a new language! Immerse yourself in another culture and with different voices, abroad or virtually, by signing up for any of these open language programs listed below.

In-Person (Abroad) Programs

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Study Spanish in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Learn about the “pura vida” lifestyle while taking morning Spanish classes, living with a homestay, and participating in engaging cultural activities and excursions.

Program applications are accepted up to 4 weeks prior to the July 17 start date. This program is ideal for those students eager to improve their Spanish and immerse themselves in the language and lifestyle of Costa Rica! The Arcos program is located in the picturesque town of Atenas in the verdant hills of the Central Valley. Apply today!

CESA Languages Abroad Program for Teens

There are a wealth of language courses aimed at teenage students on offer this summer. France, Spain and Germany are the main destinations, offering course dates from June to August. Combine language study and activities with host or residence accommodation and share the experience with other international students.

Ideally, participants should be on a course for two weeks or longer (you’ll get so much more out of this linguistically) but they also offer one week course options, for those with little time to spare. CESA offers language courses in fabulous locations, with good weather and you will have a fun sociable experience too! Structured language lessons are offered across a range of language levels, so whether you have studied a language for a few years or have already gained a passion for the language – they have a class that is right for you.

Tico Lingo Spanish School

Combining intensive Spanish classes, daily cultural activities, homestay accommodation, and weekend adventure tours, the 3-week Teen Spanish Immersion Camp fully immerses students in Costa Rican culture and language. The camp emphasises studying and acquiring Spanish through cultural immersion. Advance your Spanish speaking skills with natives and meet other students from around the world.

During the week, students live and connect with a non-tourist city in Costa Rica. On weekends, students explore the rainforest, go white water rafting, and visit animal refuge centers where they can see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, and much much more.

Due to popular demand, their June Camp is selling out and limited space is left for their July! In response, they’ve recently decided to launch an August Teen Spanish Camp! Visit their website to learn more.

Virtual Program

LanguageBirdⓇ - Accredited Language Courses

LanguageBird® is the premier online world language program for middle and high school students. They are the first accredited online provider specializing in a one-to-one, 100% live experience in 14 world languages. LanguageBird® is the world language expert providing an unparalleled experience for teens online. All of their lessons are taught by connecting students to fascinating people from around the world.

LanguageBird believes learning a language is about creating connections and relationships not logging into software. Their courses are 100% live instruction via video chat. Students can start anytime, go at their own pace, and earn high school credits from anywhere in the world. They offer very beginner to the most advanced levels of study in 14 languages. Students connect globally and engage in cultural studies with a native speaker increasing their digital citizenship skills and offering them the opportunity to practice speaking comfortably, fluidly and confidently.

Leadership

Leadership is a learned skill that is developed over time and with practice. It almost seems like every college and job application wants you to mention leadership experience and your strengths/weaknesses as a leader. The following programs give students the chance to work on those leadership skills and qualities, whether it’s through entrepreneurship or social impact. Check out these in-person and virtual opportunities.

In-Person (U.S.)

Summer at Brandon Hall: Global Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship

Do you have the skills, vision, and focus to make a positive impact on your community and the world? Are you a budding entrepreneur with the next million dollar idea? Join their June or July leadership boot camps located on the serene Brandon Hall campus. Day and Boarding available.

This program is all about you, your idea, your initiative. Brandon Hall wants you to be at your best so that you can be the trailblazer this world needs. There are limited "Lead the Way" scholarships available for their 3 week experiences. Join students from around the globe and be part of a cohort that empowers, supports, and challenges you. The world needs leaders...the world needs YOU!

Virtual

Impact: Justice and Equity Summer Program

This virtual program will help high school students consider the changes you would like to see in our society! With your peers across the country, you will examine issues of justice and equity, deepen your understanding of issues and root causes in your community as you hear inspiring stories from other young activists, and work together to create meaningful solutions. This program is perfect for young activists, eager to become more involved in their communities!

Outdoor Adventure

If you’re like most people who are sick of being inside, then an outdoor adventure program might be exactly what you need! The following in-person programs are still accepting applications/participants, with programs operating in-person in the U.S., in-person abroad, and in-person for both.

In-Person (U.S.) Program

YMCA Camp Lakewood: East Camp

Located in Potosi, MO. YMCA Camp Lakewood has availability in Sessions 4 and Sessions 7-11 (for ages 13 to 16). East campers’ days are filled with lots of camp games and activities, friendship and fun, while under the watchful eye of YMCA Camp Lakewood staff. Their goal is to help campers grow into great individuals while learning about the core values of character development.

Although this is a time to make an impact on a teenager’s life, it is also a time to relish the joys of being carefree and young. Campers have the opportunity to have as much fun as they possibly can. Your teen will stay in the original rustic, non-temperature controlled camp cabins and use a centralized bathhouse with restrooms and showers. Each cabin will also venture into the outdoors for an overnight where they sleep under the stars.

In-Person (Abroad) Program

Outward Bound Costa Rica

Spend this summer rainforest trekking, whitewater rafting, surfing, scuba diving, volunteering, and more! Choose any one of Outward Bound Costa Rica's four summer courses or combine them to craft an ideal two-week to eight-week summer adventure. These summer courses are for students who want to become more knowledgeable about themselves and the world around them.

All courses include opportunities to volunteer, build life and leadership skills, experience adrenaline-packed adventure activities, and learn from local cultures. These programs have been adjusted given COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of staff and participants. Please visit the OBCR website for more information.

In-Person (U.S. and Abroad) Program

Abbey Road Programs

Founded by Stanford alumni two decades ago, Abbey Road continues to provide premium educational and recreational summer programs for high school students from the United States and all over the world for more than 20 years now. Emphasizing fun, experiential learning, top quality, and authenticity, as well as attention to safety, they have been able to give thousands of teenage students a life-changing summer experience.

They have limited spots left on several programs: Hawaiian Adventure program in Honolulu, Hawaii; Spanish Language and Culture Immersion program in Cadiz, Spain; French Language and Culture Immersion program in Nice, France; Italian Language and Culture Immersion program in Florence, Italy. Join them for a trip of your dreams and let them guide you on your journey!

STEM

STEM-based programs are some of the most popular summer programs. Students interested in a future in science can spend their summer focusing solely on their passion, without having to juggle multiple other subjects and a packed school schedule. These programs cover a wide range of STEM topics, like coding to medicine. There are also a mix of in-person programs based in the U.S., virtual opportunities, and both.

In-Person (U.S.) Programs

MSU: High School Engineering Institute

HIGH SCHOOL ENGINEERING INSTITUTE: This virtual program is designed to give in-depth experiences in various engineering majors. Each day students will learn about a major and spend time with an engineering faculty member, a graduate student, or an undergraduate student engaged in short lectures, demonstrations, hands-on activities, team-based problem solving, and virtual tours.

MAKING A GAME OF IT: This virtual program facilitates students' technological growth and provides computer software skills that are directly applicable to STEM related professions. Students participating in this program will develop software in Python, design a video game, and be prepared to enter MSU’s Computer Science degree granting program! Application Deadlines: June 14th, 2021

Pathways to Stem Cell Science: Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling

The Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling Program is an advanced ten-day course aimed at science enthusiasts who are interested in taking their education to the next level with hands-on training in research-level techniques. Participating students learn the technical process for deriving human induced pluripotent stem cells from skin cells then converting them into heart cells that beat in the culture dish.

Through the combined use of college-level lectures and laboratory classes, students receive comprehensive training in modern research techniques, working with sophisticated laboratory equipment alongside industry scientists in a professional biotech research laboratory.

In addition to hands-on skills, course participants learn the complexities of forging a bioscience career during career education seminars, led by academic and industry scientists. They also plan and implement their own real-life experiment focusing on stem cells, their differentiated derivatives or the process of cellular reprogramming.

In-Person (U.S.) and Virtual

National Computer Camps

America's original computer camp since 1977. They offer virtual online camps in June and July and also in-person day camps in Fairfield, CT. The focus of NCC is coding, 2D and 3D video game design, Android App programming, web page design, and software applications.

We offer all levels of programming beginner to advanced in Python, Basic, C++, Java, Assembler, HTML, XML, Open-GL and JavaScript. What distinguishes NCC from other computer camps is that NCC aims to teach coed campers ages 6-18 life-long computer skills by providing a solid foundation in programming.

Virtual

The Champlain Game Academy

Middle school and high school students experience what it is like to work in a game studio and learn how to make games. Experience their unique virtual game development academy brings a variety of benefits: students will be able to experience what it's like to work in a game studio and they can do it from wherever they are. Students get first-hand experience in what it is like to study game development in college and work directly with Champlain College faculty.

UC San Diego Extension Pre-College Summer Programs

UC San Diego Extension’s Pre-College Programs provide 3rd–12th-grade students opportunities to become immersed in intellectually and academically enriching experiences that leverage the power of an internationally ranked public university. Enrollment is still open for all our summer programs.

The "Academic Connections" students engage high school students with some of the most exciting fields of research UC San Diego has to offer in physical and social sciences, engineering, and arts and humanities. In our "Research Scholars" program, high school students become researchers, fully immersing themselves in projects that have real-world applications.

Participants leverage the intellectual capital of an internationally ranked research university and gain highly sought-after skills that make students more competitive candidates for college admissions and internships.

"Sally Ride Science Junior Academy" offers fascinating and fun STEAM workshops for students entering grades 3–12. Embracing the roles of space explorer, ocean engineer, computer scientist and more, they immerse themselves in hands-on projects.

Writing and Journalism

Writing is a time-honored method of self-expression. Writing and poetry have given creative minds a way to escape the confines of their rooms and disappear into a world of their design. Journalism is also an old profession that is evolving every day to combat misinformation and keep up with the lightning fast speed of the Internet.

These virtual writing programs can give young minds the opportunity to learn more about their craft and themselves, as they help future writers and journalists find their voice and the courage to use it.

Creator School

Finish that college essay or start that creative writing project! Creator School is offering their popular writing classes virtually this summer, including College Essay Camp, Creative Writing Camp, Writer's Playground, and the Messy Middle: Novel Revision Workshop. All of their classes are small, positive, and taught by experienced teachers who are experts in their craft. Make the most of your summer!

The School of the New York Times: Summer Academy

It's time to explore the issues that impact the world, make headlines and are important to you. Every summer, high school students (ages 15-18) from around the world join The School of The New York Times for a journey of exploration and discovery. With an emphasis on interactive online learning, Summer Academy students are encouraged to pursue their passions, challenge their perspectives, embrace new adventures and think critically and creatively about the world.

Online courses are taught by New York Times journalists and other experts in the fields of journalism, media, politics, technology, arts, culture, sports, business, fashion and more. Two-week online courses are available throughout June, July and August. Next application deadline is June 10.

Juniper Institute for Young Writers - Writing Packages

Juniper Young Writers Online offers self-directed Writing Packages for a week of twice-daily Write-alongs; themed, synchronous Craft Sessions with creative writing instructors; and inspiring Writer's Life talks with authors.

Participants at JYWO join a vibrant online writing community, gaining insight and inspiration from instructors and fellow young writers as they write and learn together. Registration for Writing Packages is open through June 28th; program runs July 12-16th.

Looking for More Information?

Want to learn more? Please visit our latest issue of Guide to Summer Programs.