Step off the summer/winter-as a usual path and set a course for adventure
What is a summer program? Summer programs vary immensely, some allow for career exploration others for university credit. In earlier high school, exploration may be a best path while during the second half of high school, research or college credit programs may be better suited.
When: Summer (specific dates vary).
Who: High school students (grades 9–12) interested in entrepreneurship.
Where: Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA.
What: Programs focused on entrepreneurship, business, and leadership.
How: Apply online through Babson's website. Requires transcripts and a personal statement.
BU’s long-running Summer Term pre-college offerings include a choice of one-, two-, three-, and six-week programs that prepare you for success in college. With five exciting and challenging pre-college summer programs to choose from, you can earn college credit, discover a new subject area, perform cutting-edge research in University labs, or immerse yourself in hands-on learning. You can learn more here
Boston University Pre-College Programs
When: Summer (specific dates vary by program).
Who: High school students (grades 9–12).
Where: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
What: Offers courses in various fields like STEM, humanities, and arts, taught by BU faculty.
How: Apply online through the BU Pre-College website. Submit transcripts, a personal statement, and a recommendation letter.
Duke University Pre-college Summer Programs
When:
Where: Online and Offline opions
Who: Duke Pre-College recommends that all students registering for a summer course have a current GPA of 3.5+. Some courses may also have prerequisites, which are listed in the course notes. On-Campus programs are open to all students, grades 6-11. Online courses are available for rising 9th-11th grade students.
What: Duke Pre-College offers an exciting range of summer programs designed to prepare middle and high school students for the next step in their academic journeys, all while fostering global connections and hands-on learning experiences. Students can gain college credits depending on the course.
How: Students can view all details here
When: Summer (dates vary)
Who: High school students (grades 9-12) interested in leadership development and career exploration.
Where: Washington, D.C., and other U.S. cities (also available online)
What: A leadership conference where high school students can develop their leadership skills, attend workshops, and network with professionals from various fields, including government, business, and medicine.
How: Apply via the NSLC website. The application includes personal information, academic records, a personal essay, and recommendations. You can see a presentation here.
When: Dates, deadlines, and locations vary according to individual program
Who: Students of All Ages
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
What: NC State University's Pre-College Programs offer high school students immersive academic experiences in STEM, humanities, and more. Through hands-on courses, summer camps, and residential programs, participants explore college-level topics, work with faculty, and gain skills for future success—all while experiencing life as a Wolfpack student. Programs include credit-bearing options, career exploration, and networking opportunities. Two courses in particular of mention: Summer Textiles Exploration Program (STEP), and Summer Engineering Residential Camps
When: High school students can choose from programs, workshops, and courses offered in the summer and throughout the academic year in every academic subject.
Application Opens: February 1, 2025
Application Deadline for International Students Coming to Campus: March 17, 2025
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Housing Registration Deadline for Residential Students: June 1, 2025
Application Deadline for U.S. and Online Students: June 16, 2025
Move-In Day for Residential Students: July 1, 2025
First Day of Classes: July 2, 2025
Last Day of Classes & Exams: August 13, 2025
Where: New York City, NY
Who: High School students
What: Unique academic programs and immersive pre-collegiate experiences that help shape the future for aspiring young students. NYU provides a diverse, dynamic and academically rigorous environment, where high school students can explore big questions complex ideas alongside intellectually curious peers.
How: Scholarships are available, application starts April 1st. Students can view all details here.
Medical Work Experience Summer Camp
When: July & August 2025 (School Holidays)
Where: London Hospitals (Accommodation Provided)
Who: Students aged 14-18 who are interested in careers in medicine
What: In person medicine work experience including visits to Dissection rooms, Universities and Hospitals in London fully supported by an extensive staff team and attended by thousands of students from all over the world.
How: Students can view all details of the course here
When: Dates vary according to chosen courses, but they are offered throughout the year.
Where: Online
Who: Courses are designed for high school or U.S.-high-school-equivalent students, including those who are taking a “gap year” between high school and college. Students should be 13 and up, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than 1 year post-high school graduation (“gap year”).
What: All of these courses are non-credit-bearing courses from Rice University designed specifically for high school students. Rice faculty design the course curricula and teach the courses in pre-recorded videos. Students earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University for each course completed
How: Need-based scholarships are offered for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship. Students can view all details here.
When: Two-week (June 15-June 27) and three-week (June 29-July 18)
Who: High School students
Where: Austin, Texas, USA.
What: Courses are led by distinguished faculty and Austin-area professionals who are excited to engage with students about Medicine, Engineering, Finance and Business, Marketing, Real Estate, Food and Cuisine, Sports Business, Music Business, Law and Government, Sustainable Fashion, Neuroscience and Psychology, and much more. During academic periods, students will work on independent and group projects, dive into campus resources, attend local field trips and visit specialty labs, and hear from guest speakers working on campus and in their respective fields. Over 25 different courses are offered for students to investigate future college majors and careers.
How: More details can be found here.
When: 20th-26th July, 2025
Where: Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, UK
Who: 15-18 years old
What: Cambridge Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge specialises in the transformation of individuals, organisations and society. Put this into practice and it means it works with every student and organisation at a deep level to help them identify today’s important problems requiring an innovative response, challenging and coaching people to find new solutions as part of their personal growth. It develops individuals who can create and own their own future career path, at the same time contributing to society and economic advancement. Its approach combines the latest thinking and research from academia and professional practice to develop and deliver world-class best practice teaching and learning methods to support students on their chosen path and opening them up to new opportunities with the confidence to explore them.
How: Students can view all details here.
When: June 15 - July 12, 2025
Where: USC - Los Angeles, California
Who: Outstanding high school students
What: USC Summer Programs’ courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals of the USC academic community. Our faculty create an engaging academic experience by combining lectures, hands-on workshops and labs, and guest speakers. Each course is designed to be more interactive, engaging and challenging than accelerated high school classes or the broad introductory courses offered by other summer pre-collegiate programs. Areas of study include: Architecture; Business; Engineering & Information Technology; Global Studies; Communication & Journalism; Performing Arts & Music; Pre-Health & Science; Pre-Law; Writing & Critical Thinking
How: Students can view all details here.
When: Program Dates:
Cohort 1: June 22-29, 2025
Cohort 2: July 6-13, 2025
Cohort 3: July 20-27, 2025
Program Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
Where: Harvard University
Who: Grades 8-12 / School Years 9-13
What: Through mentorship from Harvard Model Congress San Francisco experts, students will develop vital skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and communication, all while addressing real-world challenges in a collaborative, academic setting.
How: Students can view all details on the website or brochure. Program Fee:
Early Application Fee: USD 4250 (by March 31, 2025)
Regular Application Fee: USD 4650 (by May 15, 2025)