Summer Programs for High Schoolers That Are Still Open

Introduction:

Attending a prestigious summer program, especially during the summer between your junior and senior year of high school, can be one of the best things you can do to improve your chance of admission to a selective university. It not only shows intellectual vitality to colleges, but it gives you a chance to explore your interests in an academic or professional setting. However, many summer programs have early deadlines that span from October through January, which can make finding opportunities that are open later in the year difficult. In this article, we’ll take a look at five summer programs that are still open to high schoolers that look great on resumes! If you’re hoping to find even more summer opportunities, be sure to check out this free database of summer programs and internships!

Opportunity #1: The Boston Leadership Institute

Established in 2011, the Boston Leadership Institute (BLI) provides exciting educational experiences for high schoolers who are hoping to dive into fields like medicine, engineering, science, and business. Students are given unique opportunities to work with thought-leading professors who have won national teaching honors.

Coursework at BLI consists of both lecture and laboratory sessions, as well as visits to Boston's finest facilities. The initiative encourages students from all around the world to participate so that they may collaborate on projects, discuss ideas, and do experiments with one another. This program provides a wonderful chance for high school students to explore their passions and acquire valuable work experience. The program offers one-week and three-week programs that range from $599-$2200, and applications close on May 15th. You can find out more information about the program here!

Opportunity #2: CIEE Study Abroad Programs

Hoping to study abroad this summer and steep yourself in a different culture? CIIE’s study abroad programs, which include opportunities offered in the summer, empower high schoolers to study in locations as different as Buenos Aires, Argentina and Osaka, Japan. With over 60 unique programs available on 5 continents, students are given many options to choose from.

While programs will typically cost students several thousand dollars, CIEE also annually awards approximately $6 million in scholarships to high school students in the United States. These scholarships are intended to increase the number of students who are able to enroll in summer study abroad programs, so if cost is a concern, don’t worry! Deadlines vary by program, but are generally in May. Learn more about CIEE here!

Opportunity #3: MathILy

Hosted each year at Bryn Mawr College, MathILy is a residential summer program for highly talented high school youngsters in mathematics. Courses are directed collaboratively by a team of PhD mathematicians and student teachers, and students spend around seven hours a day in class over two sessions (morning and evening) over the course of five weeks. Camp participants are empowered to use specialized mathematical software as a springboard for their own mathematical research, hypothesis testing, and proofs. The curriculum delivers the structure, resources, individual attention, and general support needed to give children a genuine learning environment.

The program costs around $4950 (roughly $990/week), although they also [offer financial support](https://www.mathily.org/facts.html#:~:text=Fee%3A%20%244950%20(%24990%2Fweek,admitted%20applicant%20with%20significant%20need.) to students in need. Applications submitted before April 25th are given priority (so try to submit your applications before then!), although MathILy also accepts applications after that deadline. You can learn more about MathILy here!

Opportunity #4: Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program

If you’re hoping to do your own research, then the Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is a perfect fit for you. This is a 12-week long program that pairs talented high schoolers with accomplished PhD mentors who guide them through a research project. At the end of the program, students will not only have learned about a field they’re deeply interested in (Lumiere offers a deep range of fields), but they’ll get to develop an independent research paper too! Plus, students are given a chance to develop a personal relationship with a highly-qualified individual, whom they might be able to ask for a letter of recommendation from.

Lumiere has two more application windows open: April 16th and May 14th (the sooner you can apply, the better). The program costs around $2600, and you can learn more about this unique opportunity here!

Opportunity #5: Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)

Over the course of three weeks in July, the Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) program introduces high school students to cybersecurity and computer science. Designed by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the program is known for its future-facing curriculum; digital forensics, cryptography, white-hat hacking, and steganography are just few of the many information security-related subjects discussed in seminars led by NYU faculty and graduate students. Students may expect to get a foundational understanding of cybersecurity and computer science through this course of study, which may stimulate their interest and lead them to pursue further study or employment in these areas.

This program is provided at no cost in an effort to remove financial obstacles and its application deadline is April 14th. Learn more here.

Conclusion:

Overall, admissions officers place a lot of weight into what you do during your high school summers. While participating in a high school summer program is far from a panacea that will guarantee your entry into an amazing university, it can go a long way in improving your admissions chances! Above all else, make sure to focus on what you enjoy doing, pursue your passions to the deepest level, and have fun with the process. Best of luck!