Summer Opportunities

Below is a list of summer opportunities as a resource for students and their parents. I do not recommend nor endorse any particular programs offered. I encourage parents and students to thoroughly research available programs prior to enrolling. This list is updated periodically so keep coming back for more opportunities.

Microsoft DigiGirlz High Tech Camp

Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs specifically for youth. One of our signature programs, DigiGirlz High Tech Camp for girls, works to dispel stereotypes of the high-tech industry. We continue to look for opportunities to give young people a chance to experience, firsthand, what it is like to develop cutting-edge technology.During the camp session, the girls listen to executive speakers, participate in technology tours and demonstrations, network, and learn through hands-on experience in workshops. Established in 2000, the camp program continues to grow and evolve. For additional information, go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/digigirlz/default.aspx .

Shelton Leadership Challenge

The Shelton Challenge is a six-day residential experience to help students expand their knowledge and skills of what it takes to be a leader. Students will participate in activities that will help them have a greater understanding for: Personal Leadership Assessment and Interpersonal Dynamics; Role of Values and Ethics in Leadership; Leadership Traits and Approaches; Teambuilding and Empowering Others; Civic and Social Responsibility; and Goal Setting.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in team building activities, low and high ropes courses, service project, and fun night activities to help students get to know others participating in the program.

The Shelton Challenge seeks youth who are going into the 9th to 12th grades (graduating seniors included) with a 3.0 grade point average (unweighted) or higher. https://ncwc.edu/community/shelton-challenge/

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Frontiers Program

Frontiers is an on-campus, residential, research, and learning experience that challenges rising juniors and seniors to explore the outer limits of knowledge in science, math, and engineering. Students enroll in a science, technology, or engineering program and even have a chance or taking a humanities or arts workshop. Programs include topics like Biomedical Engineering, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Robotics, and Digital Painting. For more information, please visit: wpi.edu/+frontiers.

Stanford University Summer Institutes and Summer College

At Summer Institutes, students ages 14-17 will engage in 3-4 week intensive study single-subject course with instructors and peers who share their talents, passions, and interests.

Summer Institutes subject areas include arts and humanities, business, computer science, engineering, legal studies, mathematics, social science, physical and biological science, and writing. The instructors are assisted by undergraduate and graduate student mentors who have expertise in the course subject areas. These mentors serve a dual role of Residential Counselor and Teaching Assistant so that the academic and social aspects of the program are tightly integrated. Deadline for applications is April 9th.

At Summer College, students from around the world ages 16-19 will choose from more than 125 college courses in 30 academic departments, earning undergraduate course credit and an official Stanford University transcript. Students in the residential and the commuting Summer College programs create their own course schedules and experience what life is like as an undergraduate students at Stanford. There is no set deadline for the program but the spaces fill up quickly.

For more information and applications, visit https://spcs.stanford.edu/explore.

Summer at St. Andrews University

This program offers three consecutive one-week long sessions. Students can attend any or all of the sessions. Each curriculum is designed as one-week modules, and students can attend multiple sessions and continue through the next level without repetition. All of the classes are project-based and hands-on. Class sizes are small and feature talented and experienced faculty. There are many different majors available, including Psychology, Forensic Science, and Veterinary Science. They are also able to pair of major courses with electives. For more information, go to http://academiccampnc.org/.

Boston University

BU is offering 4 summer programs through Boston University Summer Term.

  • High School Honors - is a six-week residential or commuter program where students take two undergraduate courses and earn up to eight transferable college credits. Students have to be rising Juniors or Seniors

  • Research Internship in Science and Engineering - is a six-week residential or commuter program in which students work in a lab conducting scientific research under the guidance of a mentor. Students must be rising Seniors.

  • Summer Challenge - is a two-week residential program for students entering their sophomore, junior, or seniors year and they take two non-credit seminars

  • Summer Preview - is a one-week commuter or residential program in which students can delve into one non-credit subject to get the feel of the college experience. Students must be rising Freshmen or Sophomores.

For more information, visit https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/.

Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students at Duke University

Have fun and enjoy personal enrichment classes with academically-motivated students from around the world in Duke University’s Summer Academy for High School Students. Summer Academy for High School Students, a three-week, non-credit-bearing program offered by Duke University, attracts students who represent the next generation of leaders from around the world. Immerse yourself in an international experience by enrolling in this elite program designed to provide the academic and residential environment to become a successful global citizen and improve your leadership skills. Residential and online options available. For more information, go to https://learnmore.duke.edu/precollege/all-programs

Appalachian State University Pre-College Summer Youth Camps for High School Students and Middle School Students

Appalachian State University offers a variety of summer youth academic camps. The summer youth academic camps enable students to gain valuable experiences with high interest topics. The summer youth academic camps include various sports and music focuses. For a list of the camps, go to https://conferences-camps.appstate.edu/youth-camps.

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics

SVSM is a rigorous, four-week residential academic program intended for students who have already shown a commitment to science and math. The application process is very competitive and evaluates both student academic records and their motivation to pursue science and mathematics activities beyond the classroom. SVSM is a state-supported initiative and there are no program costs for the participants. The program is held at Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. For more information, go to https://www.ncssm.edu/summerventures.

Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program

Institutes offering hands-on experience in law, sports marketing, medicine, business & entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, biosciences & engineering, sports medicine, dance, psychology, debate and public advocacy, health and exercise science, visual arts, documentary film, and neuroscience. https://immersion.summer.wfu.edu/

Yale Young Global Scholars

An official Yale University program, participants in the Yale Young Global Scholars Program for Outstanding High School Students can expect an amazing summer experience studying in beautiful campus lecture halls and classrooms, living in Yale’s historic residential colleges, eating in award-winning dining halls, meeting a talented community of fellow students, engaging with world-renowned professors, and interacting with extraordinary visiting practitioners. Sessions are offered in Sustainable Development & Social Entrepreneurship, Frontiers of Math & Science, Applied Science & Engineering, International Affairs & Security, Biological & Biomedical Science, and Politics, Law & Economics. https://globalscholars.yale.edu/

The Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in Media and Education

Sponsored by the UNC School of Media and Journalism, this program is for aspiring high school journalists who are juniors during the current school year. Participants attend a fully funded 5-day workshop at UNC-Chapel Hill. https://chuckstone.web.unc.edu/

Rufus M. Dalton Leadership Scholarship- North Carolina Outward Bound School

Free 22-day wilderness course; post-course, professional coaching on growth and goal achievement; opportunity to connect with NCOBS board members, ongoing networking with cohort of Dalton Scholars. https://www.ncobs.org/rufus-dalton-scholarship


Tar Heel Girls State & Tar Heel Boys State

The Department of North Carolina American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary sponsor a unique, immersive summer program, both held at Catawba College, aimed to provide high school rising seniors of North Carolina an opportunity to study, as well as practice, citizenship and leadership, though a hands-on approach. For over 80 years, these programs have served thousands of rising seniors from across the state who spend a week creating city government, political parties, and a state government. Participants elect officials, write and debate bills, create working governments and attend various workshops to prepare them for their senior year and college. Delegates representing all geographic areas of NC participate annually in the program. For more information on eligibility and the application and interview process and how to get your students involved in these programs, please visit https://www.alathgs.com/ or https://tarheelboysstate.org/.

Project Uplift at UNC Chapel Hill

Project Uplift is a summer enrichment program for high achieving rising seniors. During this two-day experience, Project Uplift participants live on Carolina’s campus, interacting with faculty, staff and current students, participating in educational, cultural and social activities. Project Uplift Scholars have the opportunity to immerse themselves in college life and experience the academic rigor and social climate of a four-year institution. https://diversity.unc.edu/access/summer/project-uplift/

Davidson July Experience:

Davidson College offers a pre-college program for rising juniors and seniors. Participants spend 3 weeks on campus while enrolling in 2 courses and receiving the full Davidson experience. Financial aid is available. https://www.davidson.edu/offices-and-services/july-experience

NC State University Engineering Programs

Find out about the many Engineering camps and summer opportunities offered through NCSU here https://www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/.

MIT MOSTEC Program

The six-month MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC) program serves rising high school seniors from across the country – many of whom come from underrepresented or underserved communities. Students selected to participate in MOSTEC demonstrate in their applications a strong academic record and interest in science and engineering. The MOSTEC program begins the summer before students' senior year in high school and extends through students' first semester in 12th grade. MOSTEC has both in-person and online components. https://oeop.mit.edu/programs/mostec