Hey Seeds 🌱
Summer is around the corner, but the learning doesn't have to stop. Why not dive into a world of possibilities with pre-college summer initiatives designed specifically for students like you! Forget boring lectures and endless worksheets. These programs are about exploration, discovery, and igniting your passion for the future.
Below, is a compiled list of unique and exciting summer initiatives hosted and offered by our College Partners. Keep an open mind, and your interests at heart while browsing though to find your perfect match.
Pre-College Summer Initiatives ✨
1. Babson College | Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Online/Remote | July 8–29, 2024
Standard Application Deadline: March 15th, 2024
Babson Summer Study is a 3+week online program for rising high school juniors and seniors to develop as entrepreneurial leaders. You will cultivate core career skills and a sharp entrepreneurial mindset for overcoming challenges in any organization —all while earning college credits. Classes are 8 am - 11 am Eastern Time.
By strengthening your understanding of the United Nations Global Goals, you will develop the competencies and confidence to address real-world problems, seize opportunities, have an impact, and create change that leads to your desired future. While you work with peers from around the globe, you will develop power skills that allow you to enroll others in your vision, confidently master difficult topics, and embrace other points of view all while earning 4 college credits from Babson.
Learn more about this program here.
2. Boston College | BC Experience for High School Students
Three Two Week sessions offered from June-August
Final Application Deadline: May 6th, 2024
The Boston College Experience offers courses that cover topics from business, nonprofit management, intro to psychology, and creative writing. The program also offers rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credit.
There are three ways to enjoy the BCE:
Residential - Enjoy the convenience of being near the libraries and other academic facilities, along with the social and educational opportunities afforded by residential living.
Commuter - Commuter students are welcome on campus at any time and may make use of most of our services.
Online - Some non-credit courses feature online components during the summer.
The Summer Session is an ideal opportunity to advance on your path while developing your interests. Students will participate in lectures and workshops ranging from the college admissions process, resume writing and networking skills, and cultural and social outings all while enjoying the beautiful city of Boston over the summer.
Learn more about the BC experience here!
3. Bucknell University | Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE)
In-Person | June 23–28, 2024
Deadline: March 16th, 2024
At BASE, the Bucknell Academy Summer Experience, rising high school juniors and seniors spend a week living like a college student. You'll stay in Bucknell's residence halls, attend classes taught by Bucknell professors and develop problem-solving skills designed to help you make an impact on the world.
BASE is a collaborative residential experience where students are invited to explore the value of a liberal arts perspective in making challenging decisions to improve today’s world. At BASE, faculty and students from various academic disciplines will engage in classroom discussions in an effort to come up with creative solutions. BASE participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn about exciting current world issues
Develop creative problem solving skills
Collaborate with faculty and peers
Experience the liberal arts education
Explore Bucknell’s campus
Learn more about the BASE Experience here.
4. Bucknell University | Chemistry Camp
In-Person | June 13–14, 2024
Deadline: May 3rd, 2024
Chemistry Camp welcomes high school students who are entering grades 10, 11 or 12 by the summer of the camp. Campers will work as a group of peers throughout the two days.
Campers will be introduced to the sub-branches of chemistry, with each featuring an overview and a lab activity guided by a Bucknell professor. Campers will have the opportunity to do hands-on chemistry and work in the lab with an experienced scientist. Topics include:
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Campers will meet Bucknell students who are studying science and spending their summer conducting exciting scientific research, and who can share insights into their lives as aspiring scientists and college students. Campers will also have professional development opportunities, including meetings with an admissions counselor and a STEM career coach.
Learn more about Chemistry Camp here!a
5. Bucknell University | Engineering Camp
In-Person | June 23 - 28, 2024
Explore engineering and kick-start your college experience by experimenting in real research labs with Bucknell's world-class faculty. Engineering Camp is an academically challenging, hands-on introduction to engineering held on Bucknell's campus during the summer.
You'll discover the many different areas where engineers apply their skills, study the latest technologies that shape our world and learn how the scientific phenomena you've studied in school are applied to solve engineering problems.
Learn more about Engineering Camp here.
6. Colorado College | Summer Pre-College Program
Program Dates: July 8-24
Deadline: March 1st, 2024
Colorado College Summer Session invites rising juniors and seniors to join the CC community during the summer. Enroll in one of CC's dynamic for-credit courses offered on subjects ranging from environmental science and the study of epidemics, to marketing and entrepreneurship, to cross-genre writing. CC's summer session provides students with a rich opportunity to explore challenging academics, get inspired by the wondrous Rocky Mountain Region, and be supported by faculty that are invested in your success.
High School students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the Block Plan and experience living on Colorado College's campus during the Pre-College Block, which is specially designed for ambitious high school students.
Students who pass a Pre-College course are awarded .75 credits (or 3 semester hours) from Colorado College. This credit is transferable to other college and universities.
Learn more about CC's Summer Session here.
7. The George Washington University | GW Summer Immersion
Program Dates | Immersion One - June 2-6; Immersion Two: June 16-28; Immersion Three: June 30 - July 12; Immersion Four: July 14 -26
Deadlines: Immersion One & Immersion Two: April 1st; Immersion Three & Immersion Four: May 1st
Summer Immersion is a non-credit program for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It's a two-week program with different sessions offered throughout the summer. Each session focuses on a specific theme or topic, such as:
International Relations & Diplomacy
Global Health
Business & Entrepreneurship
Arts & Culture
STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
You'll take classes, participate in workshops and field trips, and hear from guest speakers. You'll also have time to explore D.C. and make friends from all over the world.
To learn more about GW's Summer Immersion, click here!
8. The George Washington University | 6-Week College Intensive
Program Dates: Online from July 1 - August 10, 2024
College Intensive is a credit-bearing program for rising juniors and seniors. You'll take a college-level course for 3 credits in just 6 weeks. This is a great option if you want to get a head start on your college coursework or explore a major you're interested in. Grades earned establish an official academic record at GW and may be transferable, depending on the policies of the receiving institution.
Students enroll in up to two 6-week summer courses taken alongside GW undergraduates. Courses are introductory level and are offered across a variety of disciplines. Classes meet for 1½ to 2 hours, 3 to 4 days per week. Students can expect significant reading, writing, and research assignments. Students also participate in an additional 10 - 20 hours/week of co-curricular, college preparatory and cultural enrichment programs.
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To learn more about GW College Intensive, visit here!
9. The George Washington University | Caminos al Futuro
Program Dates: June 30 - July 12
Deadline: March 1, 2024
Caminos al Futuro is a fully-funded, selective pre-college and residential summer program for rising seniors in U.S. high schools offered by the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute at the George Washington University, in Washington D.C. It's a three-week intensive program designed to cultivate leadership potential and community action among high school students.
During the three-week intensive program, Caminos scholars live on the GW campus and examine the social, economic and political transformations affecting the Hispanic/Latino community in a college-like environment.
Participants get a first-hand view of policymaking in the nation’s capital with visits to Congress, government agencies and leading non-profits. Scholars also participate in university-style lecture series, writing labs, and community action projects, meet with admissions specialists in a series of workshops to prepare them for the college application process.
Learn more about Caminos al Futuro here!
10. Harvey Mudd College | Mudd Summer Session
Program Dates: Session I: Begins May 20, 2024; Session II: Begins June 10, 2024; Session III: Begins July 1, 2024
The Harvey Mudd Summer Session is an academic program offered by Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. It's open to a variety of students, including:
Harvey Mudd students
Other college students
Ambitious high school juniors and seniors
Visiting scholars
Other lifelong learners
The program offers a variety of courses in a number of different subjects, including:
Computer science
Engineering
The humanities
The social sciences
The arts
Mathematics
Courses are typically offered in a condensed format, with sessions lasting for four or six weeks. Some courses are offered online, while others are offered in person.
The Summer Session is a great way to experience college life at Harvey Mudd College. You'll live on campus, take classes with other students, and participate in a variety of activities and events.
Learn more about Mudd Summer Session here!
11. Lasell University | Youth Innovation Program (YIP)
Program Dates: Session 1 - June 24-28, 2024; Session 2 - July 15-19, 2024; Session 3 -
July 22-26, 2024
Lasell University's Youth Innovation Program (YIP) is a pre-college program designed for middle and high school students to explore their creativity, expand their thinking, and build valuable skills for success. It offers a variety of benefits and program options to choose from:
Key Features:
Pre-College Experience: Gain a glimpse into college life by living on campus, taking classes, and participating in various activities.
Skill Development: Learn valuable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership through engaging activities and workshops.
Academic Exploration: Explore various academic interests through a diverse range of courses covering various subjects like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), business, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and more.
College Credit: Earn college credit for some courses, potentially giving you a head start on your college journey.
Learn more about YIP here!
12. University of Notre Dame | Summer Scholars
Program Dates: Session I: June 8 - 22, 2024 | Session II: June 29 - July 13, 2024
Deadline: February 20, 2024
The University of Notre Dame's Summer Scholars program is a prestigious two-week residential program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors. It offers an immersive experience into college life at Notre Dame, allowing students to:
Take a challenging college-level course: Choose from over 25 diverse course offerings across various disciplines, from Accounting to Astronomy to Social Justice.
Earn one transferable college credit: Upon successful completion of the program, you'll receive one transferable credit that can be applied towards your future college studies.
Live on campus: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Notre Dame community by residing in dorms alongside other program participants.
Engage in social activities and events: Participate in various social events and activities organized by the program staff, fostering connections with fellow students and exploring the Notre Dame campus.
13. Tulane University | Pre-College Programs
Program Dates: June 10th -July 26th
Regular Deadline: April 12th
Tulane University offers a variety of pre-college summer programs designed to:
Challenge and engage your mind
Spark intellectual curiosity
Provide a taste of college life at Tulane
Help you explore potential academic interests
Here's an overview of Tulane's pre-college summer programs:
Newcomb Summer Session: This program is designed to inspire you to end gender inequality in your generation and empower you to put feminist ideas into social action. Through discussion-based seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, you will learn strategies to take on leadership roles in and beyond the classroom, find your public voice, tackle real-world issues, and strengthen your college applications.
Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP): TSSP gives high school students the opportunity to take college-credit courses during the summer in science and engineering at Tulane before high school graduation. TSSP is a selective program for rising 11th and 12th-grade students who have exceptional talent in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Tulane's Young Public Scholars Program (YPS): YPS encourages the educational goals and career interests of today's academically talented high schoolers. Designed specifically for the emerging social justice advocate, YPS allows students to expand their knowledge, focus their vision, and contribute to real-world change. Working alongside a professor and classroom of peers, you will be challenged to hone your unique voice from evidence obtained in research and analysis.
To learn more about Tulane's Pre-College Summer Program's, visit here!
14. The University of Chicago | UChicago Summer Session
Program Dates: July 21-26th
Deadline: March 5th
UChicago's Summer Session brings together a global community of thinkers who are excited by interesting questions and seek to engage new ideas. Discover diverse program opportunities designed to challenge and engage curious high school students this summer across a variety of subject areas and disciplines.
Here's an overview of UChicago's Summer Programs:
Woodson Summer Scholars: Black/African American Students are invited to apply for an opportunity to participate in a week-long enrichment program featuring interdisciplinary classes with leading faculty, tours of UChicago’s cutting-edge research facilities, and college application workshops. Students will also be exposed to the kinds of opportunities available in a large urban center for academic work and professional development through activities that showcase the city of Chicago.
Neubauer Family Adelante Summer Scholars: Outstanding students who share the Neubauers’ commitment to Hispanic/Latino communities are invited to apply for an opportunity to participate in a week-long enrichment program featuring interdisciplinary classes with leading faculty, tours of UChicago’s cutting-edge research facilities, and college application workshops.
Young Innovators Climate Energy Program: This one-week residential program provides talented and ambitious students a window into future careers in the realm of climate and energy policy. Through rigorous discussion-based classes, readings, lectures, and collaborative hands-on projects, students will learn about pressing current issues in climate and energy from leading faculty.
Learn more about UChicago's Summer Session here!
15. Washington University in St. Louis | WashU Summer
WashU offers a variety of pre-college summer programs for high school students seeking an enriching and challenging academic experience. These programs provide a glimpse into college life at WashU, allowing you to explore diverse academic interests and develop valuable skills before entering college.
Olin Business School Programs | Deadlines - March 10th
BOLD@Olin is a five-day residential summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in learning more about business and leadership. Students will be immersed in life-changing opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth as they gain experience working on case studies and discover the many areas of study available at WashU Olin. Program Dates: July 7–11, 2024
Gateway to Business | This hybrid course introduces students to business, leadership and teamwork skills development and career preparedness. Students have three virtual sessions and a one-week residential experience on Washington University’s campus in St. Louis. Program Dates: July 7–13, 2024
Arts & Sciences Programs | Deadlines - April 1st
High School Summer Scholars Program Gives rising high school seniors an opportunity to enroll in one or two undergraduate courses for credit and study alongside undergraduates. Select from a range of stimulating introductory courses in humanities, math, natural sciences, and social sciences. This program is ideal for students who want to earn college credit, challenge themselves academically, and explore courses in a specific major or subject. Program Dates: June 9–July 13, 2024
High School Summer Institutes Allows rising juniors and seniors to discover a new passion, or dive deeper into an existing one, through a noncredit, interdisciplinary environment. These programs are ideal for students who want to experience undergraduate curriculum without the pressure of a letter grade. Program Dates: July 14–27, 2024
High School Summer Launch rising sophomores and juniors participate in a series of daily lectures, workshops, and seminars designed to build a strong foundation for academic studies and prepare students for the college application process. Program Dates: July 28–August 3, 2024
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Programs | Deadlines - March 30th
The Architecture Discovery Program (ADP) is an exciting introduction to architecture and design for high school students. Our rigorous two-week program offers intensive individualized instruction by Sam Fox School faculty. The Design Studio–the heart of the program–drives creativity and discovery to foster passion and compassion in design. This course is complemented by Architectural Drawing, which teaches students how to better observe the world around them and communicate through drawing and hand drafting. Projects introduce the design thinking process. The explorations carried out provide students with high-quality pieces to add to their design portfolios. Program Dates: July 14–27, 2024
In the Portfolio Plus Program, high school students take college-level art and design courses that highlight the major tracks offered in the Sam Fox School. All students take a Drawing course, where they’ll use a variety of wet and dry media to learn the fundamentals. In addition, they choose one of three studio concentrations: Communication Design, Fashion Design, or Studio Art. With guidance from Sam Fox School faculty, students work throughout the intensive three-week program to build a solid body of work that showcases essential skills for incoming college students. Program Dates: July 14–August 3, 2024
Learn more about WashU's Summer Programs here!
16. University of the Virgin Islands | Summer Programs
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) offers several summer programs designed for high school students, providing them with an opportunity to explore various academic interests, gain valuable skills, and experience college life in the beautiful Caribbean setting. Here are some of the programs available:
University Bound is designed for high school students from families meeting low-income criteria, potential first-generation college students, and students with academic needs who may benefit from additional support. It offers a comprehensive six-week summer program that includes:
Intensive academic instruction: Students take courses in English, math, science, and foreign language, preparing them for the academic rigor of college.
College readiness workshops: Participants receive guidance on admissions essay writing, financial aid applications, and the college selection process.
Cultural enrichment activities: The program incorporates excursions, field trips, and cultural events to expose students to the unique heritage and traditions of the Virgin Islands.
Summer Bridge Program | This five-week virtual program focuses on easing the transition from high school to college for incoming UVI freshmen. Participants engage in:
Academic workshops: Students strengthen their academic skills in core subjects like math, writing, and critical thinking.
Mentorship opportunities: Participants connect with UVI faculty and staff who provide guidance and support throughout the program.
College readiness sessions: Students learn about campus resources, financial aid options, and how to navigate college life successfully.
Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) Summer Program | This four-week program immerses middle and high school students in the wonders of marine science. It features:
Hands-on learning: Participants explore various topics like marine biology, oceanography, and environmental conservation through interactive activities, field trips, and snorkeling expeditions.
Guest speaker sessions: Students learn from marine scientists, researchers, and other experts who share their knowledge and passion for the ocean.
Teamwork and leadership opportunities: Participants collaborate on projects and participate in discussions, developing important communication and leadership skills.
Learn more about UVI's Summer Programs here!
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With this glimpse into the diverse world of summer pre-college programs and initiatives, we hope you're buzzing with excitement and possibilities! Remember, this is just the starting point. Do your research, explore program websites, connect with past participants, and let your curiosity guide you.✨
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