Summer Opportunities

Summer is a wonderful time to explore new activities or deepen existing interests. Choose activities that genuinely appeal to you enough that you sustain your involvement or develop the activity in a new way. Pursue a current interest in a new context, work at a paid job, develop creative hobbies, volunteer in your community, spend time with family, attend a camp, or try a job-shadow or internship experience. It's never too late to try or begin something new.  Try to explore beyond what is familiar to you. 

Summer programs can be great ways to pursue an interest, but they may be expensive. College admission officers recognize cost can be a barrier, and do not expect or prioritize participation in such programs when reviewing applications to college. These are only one way to explore an interest.   

If you do apply, request supporting materials at least two weeks in advance of your deadline for submitting your application. 

• Some program deadlines are in January or February; most have later spring deadlines but review applications when submitted, so it's best to apply during the third quarter of the school year.

• Need a transcript? Contact your college counselor.

• Recommendation letter? Do not ask teachers at the last minute. If a letter from a school counselor is needed, contact your college counselor.  

Scholarship for summer programs:  For female identified students from the Midwest, the Joyce Ivy Foundation provides scholarships for certain summer programs. Students must apply to both the program AND the Joyce Ivy Scholars program. Most deadlines are near March 1. 

Click the following links for spreadsheets of summer programs.

Architecture                                                                                                                                      Social Justice, Environment, Sustainability
Art, Film, Music, Theater   Programs for BIPOC Students
Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship                                                                          Writing, Debate, Journalism
Computer Science and Engineering                                                                                    Local Summer Programs
History, Politics, Global Studies                                                                                             Multi-subject programs on college campuses
Language and Humanities                                                                                                         Programs Abroad
Science and Math                                                                                                                           Online Programs

Other good resources:

www.teenink.com/summer          www.teenlife.com