Summer: A Changing Landscape for Teens
Cathy McSweeney  |  Aug. 18, 2023 

When the last bell of a school year sounds, students rejoice and the long-awaited rush to summer begins. But summers have changed for American teenagers and a new narrative of this much-anticipated break has emerged.  

Gone are the days when summer jobs were the go-to choice for teens. And while part-time employment remains a viable option, the traditional summer job has gradually taken a backseat for many of today's teenagers. Instead, a diverse range of options has emerged, reflecting the changing times and evolving aspirations of their generation.


One significant shift has been the rise of internships. Twenty years ago, these experiences were reserved for college students, but now high schoolers actively seek out internships to gain career experiences and develop professional networks. Non-profit organizations, local businesses, and even technology companies offer summer internships tailored to the interests and aspirations of teenagers, providing hands-on experience and exposure to various industries. Some internships may even be offered remotely!


Prolonged family vacations have also become a hallmark of many a modern teenager's summer. With families yearning for shared experiences, especially post-COVID, extended trips can be a way to foster family bonds and create lifelong memories. These vacations serve as a means to visit family in other countries, explore new cultures, engage in outdoor activities, and unwind from the demands of daily routines.


Summer camps, a long-standing tradition, continue to thrive in 2023, but with a contemporary twist. In addition to the traditional outdoor camps that focus on nature, sports, and arts, specialized camps have emerged that cater to niche interests such as coding, robotics, entrepreneurship, and filmmaking. These camps provide opportunities for skill-building, foster a sense of camaraderie among like-minded peers, and offer a glimpse into potential career paths. Our partners at the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) offer many of these local opportunities through their Imagineering program. 


The digital age, not surprisingly, has played a transformative role in the summer experiences of teens. Technology has altered the way many teens approach and document summer activities. Social media and online platforms, from vlogs to Instagram stories, entice teenagers to share their summer escapades in real-time with friends and a sometimes global audience. This hyper-connected world can lead to challenges for teens. A constant digital presence can blur the line between work and leisure, challenging students to find a healthy balance between maintaining an online presence and fully immersing themselves in the joys of summer moments. To help ease into the new school year, our SRVUSD Technology team has resources for you, including their Caregiver Guide to the SRVUSD Digital Classroom. 


As American teenagers continue to shape their own unique experiences, one thing remains constant: the summer serves as a precious time for rest, personal growth, exploration, and lasting memories. Whether through jobs, internships, vacations, or summer camps, today's teenagers are embracing opportunities, ensuring that each summer marks another chapter in their journey toward adulthood.