Experience college life while you’re still in high school! For more than 60 years, Syracuse University has been giving high school students the opportunity to learn about potential careers and college majors through its renowned pre-college program. In Summer College – On Campus, students navigate daily life much like a college student – they take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in social activities and events on the Syracuse University campus. High school students who are 15 years or older by their move in date are eligible to attend Summer College – On Campus. Students who have graduated from high school in 2026 are also eligible if they are not matriculating into Syracuse University in the fall.

Available Sessions:

• 1-week Session I: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 10, 2026

• 1-week Session II: Sunday, July 19 – Friday, July 24, 2026

• 2-week Session I: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 17, 2026

• 2-week Session II: Sunday, July 19 – Friday, July 31, 2026

• 3-week Session: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 24, 2026

• 4-week Session: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 31, 2026

For complete information on SU summer programs and to register, go to SU Pre-College Programs.

Applications are now open for Explore Engineering at ESF, a free, week-long residential summer program for rising juniors and seniors. Hosted at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), the program runs August 2–7, 2026 and is designed for students interested in STEM, problem-solving, and environmental challenges.

Participants can benefit from:

• Exposure to multiple engineering disciplines, including environmental, bioprocess, sustainability, renewable materials, and more.

• College-level, hands-on learning guided by ESF faculty and engineering professionals.

• A residential college-life experience that builds confidence, independence, and readiness for post-secondary pathways.

• Opportunities to explore future careers in engineering and sustainability-related fields.

Importantly, there is no cost for students to participate, expanding access to high-quality STEM enrichment—applications close Friday, April 17th. Learn more and apply at Explore Engineering at ESF: Summer Engineering Week.

Are you fascinated by apps and tech? Love working with people—or want to get better at it? Ready to unleash your creativity? Does technology intrigue you? Join the weeklong, residential program where you’ll dive into the thrilling world of modifying and creating apps! Explore robotics, website design, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, gaming, building hardware, and more! Best of all, the program is free!

Learn more about the program at Ithaca College Tech Innovation Summer Academy (TISA). Apply by May 1st for one of three July sessions. 

Cornell University's precollege programs give high school students the chance to benefit from an Ivy League education before they apply to or attend college.

Whether you're participating in our Summer Residential Program, Summer Commuter Program, or Summer/Winter Online Program, you'll experience what sets our offerings apart—studying with top Cornell instructors, learning in regular undergraduate-level courses, and earning real college credit for your work. Cornell Precollege offers multiple summer session dates and courses. 

Highlights:

• Earn credits and a Cornell transcript
  You’ll enroll in Cornell University courses alongside undergraduates, receive an official Cornell transcript, and earn credits that are generally transferable toward a degree at Cornell or elsewhere.

• Study with top Ivy League instructors
  You’ll work with some of the brightest, most accomplished experts in their fields who love to teach and who share a passion for learning that’s contagious.

• Experience college academics firsthand
  You’ll prepare for college by experiencing classes at one of the world’s top universities. You’ll meet people from across the globe and learn as much about yourself as you will about your class subjects.

Applications are now open for summer residential, commuter, and online programs. Classes fill quickly; apply now!

Want to learn more? Register now for an information session.

PREFACE is a summer program for talented students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering or technology and who possess unique strengths, leadership skills and talents that will add to the vibrancy of the Rensselaer community. This year’s program will take place in-person, Sunday, July 19 through Saturday, August 1, 2026 (2 weeks), on the Rensselaer campus in Troy, NY. 

The PREFACE Program is for students who will be entering the 11th or 12th grade in the fall. Interested candidates should review the information on the PREFACE website and complete the online application.

Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 11, 2026. Notifications will be made to accepted students in early May.

NYU Precollege offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience life as an NYU student, earn college credits toward a future degree, and immerse themselves in the dynamic, global community that is New York University. 

For this 6-week summer program, students attend undergraduate courses in a wide range of academic subjects taught by NYU's world-class faculty. Explore a possible future major or discover a new academic interest, all while engaging with NYU classmates from around the world.

• Application Opens:  February 1, 2026

• Application Deadline for U.S. and Online Students:  June 15, 2026

• First Day of Classes:  July 1, 2026

• Last Day of Classes & Exams:  August 12, 2026

To learn more about courses and additional program information, go to NYU Pre-College Program.

Dartmouth Precollege provides high school students the opportunity to get a head start on the college experience by exploring new academic subjects, interacting with peers from across the US and around the world, and experiencing engaging, intensive courses taught primarily by Dartmouth faculty and staff.

Explore the Precollege Programs they offer!

Make the most of your summer! Champlain College offers a selection of residential pre-college summer programs for motivated high school students looking to get a jump start in a variety of exciting, in-demand fields. Champlain's exceptional pre-college summer programs are transformative experiences that will build confidence and skills.

Sessions:

• July 6–July 17, 2026

• July 20–July 31, 2026

Choose a program. Explore your passion. Register at Summer Programs at Champlain College.

SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

• Hands-on academic workshops: Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.

• Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.

• Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Check out the SLE 2025 VIDEO to learn more about the experience.

Choose between three SLE sessions:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3

• Session 2: June 5 – June 9

• Session 3: June 11 – June 15

Applications for SLE open on February 15th, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15th. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.

West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.

Learn more here: West Point Summer Leaders Experience

Apply to SLE: SLE Application