The transition from high school to college is a pivotal time for students, filled with opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and lay the groundwork for future academic and career paths.
Academic summer programs hosted by colleges and universities offer a unique platform for high school students to immerse themselves in collegiate-level studies, research, and creative exploration. These programs span a wide range of disciplines, including STEM, humanities, arts, leadership, and social justice, providing students with the chance to delve into their passions, engage with world-class faculty, and experience life on a college campus.
Whether students are looking to strengthen their academic foundations, explore new areas of interest, or gain hands-on experience in a field, these summer programs offer invaluable opportunities to enhance their education, build their resumes, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of higher education.
Leadership and Social Justice
1. Leadership Institute – Brown University
The Brown Leadership Institute stands out for its focus on social justice and leadership. It offers students a unique blend of academic rigor and practical leadership training, emphasizing active listening, public speaking, and problem-solving skills. The program is designed for students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and beyond, providing them with the tools to become effective advocates for social justice.
| Detail | Format | Cost | Program Dates | Application Deadline(s) |
| Leadership Institute – Brown University | Onsite + Online | Onsite: $5,498; Online: $5,314 | Onsite: June 23 – July 5, 2024; July 14 – July 26, 2024; Online: June 24 – July 29, 2024 | Friday, May 10, 2024 |
STEM and Research
2. Pre-College Program – Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program offers a deep dive into STEM fields, allowing students to explore their academic interests through lab work, research seminars, and STEM workshops. It’s an opportunity for students to experience college-level coursework and research under the guidance of esteemed faculty.
3. Pre-College Students – University of Chicago
The University of Chicago’s summer research program is renowned for its rigorous academic courses and cutting-edge research opportunities. It’s designed for students eager to pursue intellectual passions beyond their high school curriculum, offering access to world-class facilities and faculty.
4. Cornell University – Summer Online Program
Cornell’s Summer Online Program allows high school students to experience Ivy League academics from anywhere in the world. The program offers a range of courses, including STEM subjects, taught by top faculty members. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to earn college credit and explore potential career paths.
5. Davidson Research Initiative
The Davidson Research Initiative provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in collaborative research projects over the summer. It’s designed for those interested in conducting independent or faculty-assisted research, offering stipends to support their work.
6. Summer Session – Duke University
Duke University’s Summer Session gives students the chance to earn college credit through a variety of courses across the arts and sciences. This program is particularly beneficial for students looking to deepen their understanding of STEM subjects in a collegiate environment.
7. Emory Summer College – Emory University
Emory Summer College offers a blend of for-credit and non-credit college-level courses in both online and on-campus formats. The program includes options for students interested in STEM fields, providing a glimpse into college residential life and academic rigor.
8. Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI at MIT is one of the most prestigious summer research programs available to high school students. It combines coursework in STEM disciplines with the opportunity to conduct original research under the mentorship of leading scientists and engineers.
9. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
SSP is an immersive program where students work in teams to complete a hands-on research project in either astrophysics or biochemistry. It’s known for its challenging curriculum and for fostering a close-knit community of like-minded peers.
10. Program In Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
PROMYS is a six-week summer program at Boston University focused on the deep exploration of mathematics. It’s designed for students who show a strong interest in mathematics and are eager to challenge themselves with complex mathematical concepts and problems.
11. Mathily
Mathily offers an intensive, residential summer program for students with a strong interest in mathematics. The curriculum focuses on discrete mathematics and includes topics chosen based on class interest and direction, promoting creative and enthusiastic learning.
12. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Mathcamp is an intensive 5-week program for mathematically talented high school students. It offers a unique environment where students can explore undergraduate and graduate-level topics in mathematics and engage in problem-solving activities.
13. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
SUMaC provides students with an opportunity to delve into pure mathematics, offering two distinct academic tracks. Participants engage with Stanford faculty and graduate students, attending lectures and working on challenging mathematical problems.
14. Summer Science & Engineering Program – Smith College
Smith College’s Summer Science & Engineering Program is a unique opportunity for young women in high school to explore science, engineering, and mathematics in a supportive, female-centered environment. Participants engage in hands-on research projects, work closely with Smith faculty, and explore potential career paths in STEM fields. This program empowers students to pursue their passions and build confidence in their abilities.
| Detail | Format | Cost | Program Dates | Application Deadline(s) |
| Pre-College Program – Carnegie Mellon University | Onsite | Varies by program ($6,000 – $10,000) | June 22 – August 3, 2024 | March 1, 2024 for Domestic; February 1, 2024 for International |
| Pre-College Students – University of Chicago | Onsite and Online | Immersion: $8,600; Other Programs Vary | Various dates in June and July 2024 | Early Action: January 18, 2024; Regular: March 5, 2024 |
| Cornell University – Summer Online Program | Online | $1,750 per credit | June 3rd, 2024 to August 6, 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
| Davidson Research Initiative | Online and In-Person | $1000 for travel/supplies. | N/A | January 17, 2024 |
| Summer Session – Duke University | In-person | Varies by course ($700 – $3,635) | July 1 – August 11, 2023 | June 17 |
| Emory Summer College – Emory University | Onsite and Online | Varies by program ($3,000 – $5,000) | Various dates in June and July 2024 | Various deadlines in May and June 2024 |
| Research Science Institute (RSI) | Onsite | Free | June 23 to August 3, 2024 | January for US citizens and March for international students |
| The Summer Science Program (SSP) | Onsite | $8,800 | Mid-late June | February 16, 2024 |
| Program In Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) | Onsite | $6,100 | June 30 – August 10, 2024 | March 1, 2024 at 11:59 EST |
| Mathily | Onsite | $5,300 | June 30 – August 3, 2024 | Applications before April 30, 2024 |
| Canada/USA Mathcamp | Onsite | Varies, up to $5,000 | June 30 – August 4, 2024 | March 6, 2024 |
| Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) | Onsite and Online | Online: $3,550; Residential: $8,250 | Session One: June 17 – July 5, 2024 (Online); June 23 – July 19, 2024 (Residential) | February 1, 2024 |
| Summer Science & Engineering Program – Smith College | Onsite | Tuition: $4,745 (2 weeks), $8,082 (4 weeks) | Session 1: July 6–19, 2024; Session 2: July 21–August 3, 2024 | May 2024 |
Arts and Humanities
15. RISD Pre-College – Rhode Island School of Design
RISD Pre-College provides students with a college-level curriculum in art and design, including studio classes and visits to the RISD Museum. It’s an opportunity for students to build their portfolios and explore their creative potential under the guidance of award-winning instructors.
16. Summer Writing Residency – University of Iowa
The Summer Writing Residency at the University of Iowa, home to the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, offers students the chance to learn from world-class faculty in one of the premier writing communities. Participants engage in workshops, lectures, and public readings, honing their craft in a supportive environment.
| Detail | Format | Cost | Program Dates | Application Deadline(s) |
| RISD Pre-College – Rhode Island School of Design | Onsite | Residential Program: $11,350; Commuter Program: $8,715 | June 29–August 3, 2024 | Scholarship Application Deadline: February 8, 2024 |
| Summer Writing Residency – University of Iowa | Online | $2,200 | July 8–26, 2024 | Applications are reviewed in the order they are received; seats are limited. Apply now to secure your spot. |
Business and Entrepreneurship
17. Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&Tsi) – Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
M&Tsi provides a rigorous exploration of the integration between technology and business principles. Students work on developing a high-tech venture, receiving feedback from Penn faculty and seasoned entrepreneurs.
18. LaunchX – Online Entrepreneurship
LaunchX empowers high school students to become entrepreneurs, teaching them to collaborate, innovate, and build their own startups. This program is known for its global reach and emphasis on real-world business challenges.
| Detail | Format | Cost | Program Dates | Application Deadline(s) |
| Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&Tsi) – Wharton, University of Pennsylvania | Onsite | $9,000 Onsite Program Fee; $100 Non-Refundable Application Fee | July 7-27, 2024 | Early Action Deadline: February 1, 2024; Regular Admission Deadline: April 1, 2024 |
| LaunchX – Online Entrepreneurship | Online | $6,500 | June 17th – July 19th, 2024 | Rolling Application. Apply before all spots are taken. |
General Academic Enrichment
19. Pre-College – Northwestern University
Northwestern University’s Pre-College programs provide high school students with the opportunity to take college-level seminars and courses, offering insights into potential career paths and preparing them for the academic rigor of college.
20. Yale Summer Session for Pre-College Students – Yale University
Yale’s Summer Session offers high school students the chance to take college courses for credit, engage in the Yale Writer’s Workshop, and explore a wide range of academic interests in a prestigious university setting.
21. Summer Session – Stanford University
Stanford Summer Session combines academic coursework for college credit with a selection of extracurricular activities, offering students a taste of life on the Stanford campus and fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence.
22. Pre-College – University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s Pre-College programs allow students to experience college-level study in a variety of academic fields, earn transferable college credit, and gain insights into university life and academics.
23. UCLA Pre College Summer Institutes – University of California at Los Angeles
UCLA’s Summer Institutes provide immersive study in specific subjects, incorporating real-world experience into their studies with hands-on projects, field visits, and guest lecturers.
24. Vanderbilt Summer Academy – Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt Summer Academy offers academically advanced students a challenging curriculum and a community-driven residential experience, fostering success in product creation and innovation.
25. Telluride Association (Taos/Tass/Tasp)
Telluride Association offers programs in Critical Black Studies or Anti-Oppressive Studies, focusing on developing critical reading and writing skills and exploring the principles of democratic community living.
26. Summer Institute for The Gifted
SIG offers programs for gifted students in a wide range of subjects, emphasizing creative thinking across multiple disciplines and providing a stimulating environment for intellectual and personal growth.
27. Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program – West Virginia Wesleyan College
Wesleyan’s program offers courses in mathematics, physics, computer science, creative writing, history, and environmental science, aiming to increase verbal skills and foster in-depth academic exploration.
| Detail | Format | Cost | Program Dates | Application Deadline(s) |
| Pre-College – Northwestern University | Onsite and Online | Varies by program | Various dates in June and July 2024 | April 1, 2024 |
| Yale Summer Session for Pre-College Students – Yale University | Onsite and Online | Varies by course | Session A: May 27 – June 28, 2024; Session B: July 1 – August 2, 2024 | Online Courses: May 10, 2024 (Session A), June 14, 2024 (Session B); On Campus: April 1, 2024 (Session A), May 6, 2024 (Session B) |
| Summer Session – Stanford University | Onsite | Commuter Costs Start At $4,926; Residential Costs Start At $17,328 | June 22 – August 18, 2024 | January 16, 2024 by 9 p.m PST |
| Pre-College – University of Notre Dame | Onsite | Enrollment Fee: $300; Tuition/Room and Board Balance: $4,725 | Summer Scholars Session 1: June 8 – June 22, 2024; Session 2: June 29 – July 12, 2024 | February 20, 2024 |
| UCLA Pre College Summer Institutes – University of California at Los Angeles | Onsite and Online | Varies by program | Various dates in June and July 2024 | Enrollment through the first week of the course (5 PM PDT) |
| Vanderbilt Summer Academy – Vanderbilt University | Onsite | Varies by program | Various dates in June and July 2024 | Rolling Admissions Continues if Spots Remain |
| Telluride Association (Taos/Tass/Tasp) | Onsite | Free | June 23 – August 3, 2024 | January 3, 2024 |
| Summer Institute for The Gifted | Onsite | Varies by location and format | Various dates in June and July 2024 | February 1, 2024 |
| Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program – West Virginia Wesleyan College | Onsite | $1,500 | June 16 – June 29, 2024 | June 2, 2024 |
Specialized Academic Programs
These programs offer focused study and unique academic experiences in specific fields, providing students with opportunities to dive deep into subjects of interest, engage in hands-on projects, and work closely with experts in the field.
28. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM)- Summer Accelerator
NCSSM’s Summer Accelerator offers a blend of online and on-campus courses in advanced topics, allowing students to explore college-level material in STEM and humanities while engaging in research and hands-on activities.
29. Honors Summer Math Camp: Mathworks – Texas State University
This program is designed for students with a strong interest in mathematics, offering an immersive experience that includes coursework, problem-solving, and the opportunity to conduct original research projects.
30. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
The Clark Scholars Program provides an intensive seven-week summer research experience across various academic disciplines, offering students the chance to work on independent research projects under the mentorship of university faculty.
31. Secondary Student Training Program – University of Iowa
This program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of university faculty, providing a hands-on experience in a research-intensive environment.
32. Prove It! Math Academy
Focused on mathematical proof and problem-solving, this program bridges the gap between high school mathematics and college-level mathematical thinking, emphasizing creativity and rigorous reasoning.
33. Summer Immersion – Columbia University
Columbia’s Summer Immersion program offers high school students the chance to explore academic interests in a variety of subjects, from STEM to the arts, in a prestigious university setting.
34. Awesomemath Summer Program
Aimed at gifted math students, this program focuses on problem-solving and preparation for math competitions, offering a challenging curriculum designed to stretch students’ mathematical abilities.
35. Expand Your Mind – Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth
This program offers a range of courses for gifted students, encouraging creative problem-solving and exploration of advanced concepts in subjects from math and science to writing and technology.
| Detail | Format | Cost | Program Dates | Application Deadline(s) |
| NCSSM- Summer Accelerator | Onsite and Online | $695-$1,925 | Various dates in June and July 2024 | Applications are received until all spots are filled |
| Honors Summer Math Camp: Mathworks | Onsite | $6,000 | June 16 – July 27, 2024 | Early Action: February 28; Rolling admissions |
| The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program | Onsite | Free; $750 stipend upon completion | June 16, 2024, to August 1, 2024 | February 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST |
| Secondary Student Training Program – University of Iowa | Onsite | $7,500 | June 19 – July 26, 2024 | February 16, 2024 (11:59 pm CST) |
| Prove It! Math Academy | Onsite | Program not offered in 2024 | N/A | N/A |
| Summer Immersion – Columbia University | Online | 2 Week Courses: $3,960.00; 1 Week Course: $2,810 | Session A: July 1–July 12, 2024; Session B: July 15–July 26, 2024; Session C: August 5–August 9, 2024 | April 1, 2024 |
| Awesomemath Summer Program | Online | $1,075 – $1,375 depending on registration period | Session 1: June 10-June 28, 2024; Session 2: July 01-July 19, 2024; Session 3: July 22-August 9, 2024 | Early: January 18, 2024; Late Round 2: May 28, 2024 |
| Expand Your Mind – Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth | Onsite | Commuter: $855; Residential: $2,150 | Session A: June 17 – 28, 2024; Session B: July 8 – 19, 2024 | Rolling admissions until classes are full |
The array of academic summer programs available to high school students is both impressive and essential in helping them prepare for the next steps in their educational journeys. By participating in these programs, students not only gain insight into college life and academic expectations but also have the opportunity to explore their interests in depth, develop critical thinking and research skills, and connect with peers and faculty who share their passions.
These experiences are invaluable, providing students with a clearer vision of their future academic and career paths, and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their goals. As students navigate their high school years, these summer programs stand out as key opportunities for growth, exploration, and preparation for the exciting challenges of college and beyond.
