The Best Summer Programs For High School Students

Imagine spending your summer conducting research at MIT or debating global issues at Yale. Not only do summer programs allow students to build solid foundations for their passions, but they also highlight their dedication, thus making them more competitive candidates for college admissions. So, we’ve compiled the best summer programs offered by the top schools that students can take! But first, let’s dive real quick into why summer programs are so important. 

Why Are Summer Programs Important?

Summer programs allow high school students to explore new interests and take on real challenges. Unlike regular classes, the appeal here is that students can go much deeper into whatever subject they want without the typical constraints of the usual school year. Because of this, summer programs often provide students with hands-on experiences that develop their skills in a much more holistic way. Another common feature is mentorship from professionals and faculty of the best schools in the US. Aside from these amazing opportunities for growth and development of students’ interests, summer programs also make strong impressions during the college application process, some even offering college credit. These programs are truly more than just a way to keep students preoccupied during the summer, as they offer learning like never before. 

What Are The Best STEM Summer Programs?

STEM is an increasingly important factor in our society, and many students seek to pursue it in college. In the meantime, many students look for the best summer programs to conduct pilot research or be mentored by top researchers in the country. Here are some of the best STEM summer programs in the country:

Research Science Institute (RSI) 

Offered at: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

RSI is a highly selective six-week summer program that brings together 80 of the world’s most accomplished high school students to conduct original research in STEM under the mentorship of experienced scientists and researchers. Participants experience the complete research experience from literature review to experimental design and analysis. The program culminates in written and oral presentations of their findings. 

Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) 

Offered at: Boston University

The RISE program offers rising seniors the opportunity to conduct university-level research in a variety of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computational sciences. Over six weeks, students work under the mentorship of BU faculty, gaining personalized hands-on experience in research projects. The program ends in a poster symposium where students present their findings.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

Offered at: Stanford University

SUMaC is a three-week program designed for high school students with an affinity for mathematics. Participants explore advanced mathematical concepts through guided research and group problem-solving sessions. The program is so intensive that courses cover advanced and college-level mathematics. 

Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS)

Offered at: Carnegie Mellon University

SAMS is a six-week residential program to enhance diversity in STEM fields by providing rigorous coursework in STEM to high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. It is completely free! Students engage in traditional classroom instruction and hands-on projects with faculty and mentors, which end with a symposium on the final Friday of the final week. The program also includes college preparation, such as admissions workshops and campus tours in order to boost their confidence and inspire them to pursue higher education. ​

Clark Scholars Program 

Offered at: Texas Tech University

The Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective seven-week summer research program that offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to work alongside faculty in various research disciplines. The program only admits 12 students selected each year, which seems a bit low, but it actually increases the quality of the program’s experience, as the low number of students can be given more individualized mentorship. This program is essentially a launchpad for aspiring researchers and prepares them for a future in academia. 

UC Scout Program

Offered at: University of California

​UC Scout is an online program developed by the University of California- Santa Cruz and available across the entire UC system  to provide high-quality, A-G approved courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) subjects, to high school students. The program offers three plans: Basic, which provides free video lectures and materials for supplemental learning; Plus, which supplies curriculum resources for schools where local teachers facilitate the courses; and On Demand, which offers self-paced courses taught by UC Scout’s credentialed teachers, allowing students to earn official transcripts upon completion. UC Scout aims to increase access to rigorous coursework, particularly for students in underserved areas, supporting their progress toward high school graduation and college readiness. ​

What Are The Best Summer Business Programs For High Schoolers?

Wharton Global Youth Program

Offered at: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)

This program immerses high school students in the dynamic world of business, offering courses in finance and entrepreneurship. Participants engage in real-world case studies and collaborative projects, all under the mentorship of esteemed Wharton faculty. 

LEAD Business Program

Offered at: Stanford University

In this program tailored for high-achieving students, participants tackle real business challenges that force students to come up with creative solutions. The program’s connection with Stanford provides students with access to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, inspiring students and giving them the opportunity to expand their ideas and learn from the best. 

Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)

Offered at: UC Berkeley (Haas School of Business)

B-BAY introduces students to the fundamentals of business, including marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on projects and simulations, students apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, allowing for a deeper and more authentic understanding of business operations.

Harvard Pre-College Business Courses

Offered at: Harvard University

The program offers many courses covering topics like global markets that enhance the student’s understanding of the world in the lens of economics. Students are introduced comprehensively to college-level business education through projects and seminars.

Summer Business Scholars Program

Offered at: University of Chicago (Booth School of Business)

Students are engaged in an experiential curriculum taught by world-renowned faculty and industry experts, earning University of Chicago course credit. The program also offers networking opportunities, enhancing students’ global perspectives and preparing them for future academic and professional success.

What Are The Best Arts Summer Programs?

NYU Tisch Summer High School Program

Offered at: New York University (Tisch School of the Arts)
This intensive, four-week pre-college program immerses high school sophomores and juniors in rigorous artistic training across various disciplines, including dance, drama, production and design, dramatic writing, filmmaking, game design, photography and imaging, and recorded music. Students receive professional training from Tisch faculty and experience the vibrant cultural scene of New York City, culminating in final presentations or performances that showcase their creative growth.

Interlochen Arts Camp

Offered at: Interlochen Center for the Arts
One of the most prestigious summer arts programs, offering young artists immersive experiences in music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, and more. Set on a scenic 1,200-acre campus in Michigan, the camp allows students to collaborate and refine their craft under the guidance of distinguished faculty, all while enjoying traditional camp activities in a picturesque setting.

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

Offered at: California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
CSSSA is a rigorous four-week, pre-professional training program for high school students in disciplines such as animation, creative writing, dance, film and video, music, theater arts, and visual arts. Held each summer at CalArts, the program aims to provide a supportive environment where students can acquire experience and training beyond the practice and improvement of aesthetics and technique, fostering the next generation of artists and creative thinkers.

Politics & Leadership Summer Programs

Yale Young Global Scholars (Politics, Law & Economics Track)

Offered at: Yale University

This two-week summer program invites high school students from around the world to engage in a specific topic of interest (such as politics or climate change). Participants engage in interdisciplinary seminars and lectures led by Yale faculty, exploring topics such as public policy, human rights, and market regulation. As a final milestone, students are challenged to complete a final project depending on the field of interest they chose. 

Georgetown University Summer Academy in Politics & International Relations

Offered at: Georgetown University

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., this one-week intensive program immerses students in the study of international relations. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with guest speakers from Capitol Hill, exploring subjects like diplomacy, foreign policy, and global challenges. The academy includes interactive components such as crisis simulations, providing practical experience in international affairs.

Harvard Pre-College Government & Politics Courses

Offered at: Harvard University

Harvard’s Pre-College Program offers high school students rigorous, noncredit courses in government and politics. Over two weeks, participants get the chance to immerse themselves into topics such as American government structures, public policy, and international relations, guided by prestigious Harvard faculty. 

The School of The New York Times: Politics, Power, and Journalism

Offered at: The New York Times & Columbia University

This program provides students with a curriculum that tackles media and politics, enhancing students’ media literacy and giving them a glimpse of the flow of information from source to news outlets. Participants learn from award-winning New York Times journalists and seasoned Columbia University faculty. The curriculum includes analyzing current events, understanding media ethics, and developing reporting skills, offering a unique perspective on the role of the press in democracy.

Need Help? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!

Summer programs are amazing and can give you the foundations you need later in college and in your career. However, even the most accomplished students can struggle to get in such selective programs. That’s where we come in! Here at Cardinal Education, we understand what students go through, so we offer help by working with you and giving you the necessary skills to meet success in admissions. With academic coaching and test prep, we ensure students are in their best shape to tackle any tasks!

Contact us today and let our experts guide you!

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