Summer Programs
Summer enrichment programs are a great way for a student to immerse themselves in a subject to see if they truly have an interest in it. Many colleges across the nation have summer programs (both residential and non-residential). Course offerings include math, science, technology, creative writing, film, visual arts, theater, music, and much more. Some programs have competitive admissions standards, others are more open. Most programs begin registration as early as January/February and spots fill up fast. Pay attention to deadlines, costs, and cancellation policies. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available. Search the internet or a college website or go to Naviance and look under Enrichment for more.
** NOTE: If you received a grade of "D" or "F" in an academic a-g course, you will need to retake that course in summer school to make up that grade so that you can be eligible to apply to a California public college (CSU or UC). Also check out these accredited online classes offered through Silicon Valley High School that meet the UC a-g requirements. See your guidance counselor for more information.
DIRECTORIES OF NATIONWIDE PROGRAMS
Teenlife - search by subject and location
Prep Scholar's List - search by state
15 Best Value College Summer Programs for High School Students
Most colleges offer summer programs for high school students. If you don't find something below, check out the directories above or go directly to a college website and search for "pre-college" programs.
ONLINE COURSES (most are free)
EdX Coursera Open University Class Central Universal Class Google Digital Garage Khan Academy Udemy Academic Earth
CVC.edu - Search engine for online California Community College courses
LOCAL CAREER EXPLORATION
SUMMER PROGRAMS in CALIFORNIA
SUMMER PROGRAMS IN OTHER STATES
BUSINESS
STEM PROGRAMS
ENGINEERING
VARIOUS STEM PROGRAMS
MEDICAL & BIOTECH
CREATIVE FIELDS
Art & Design Colleges or Programs
California College of the Arts (San Francisco) Academy of Art Univ. (San Francisco) Laguna College of Art & Design (SoCal)
Art Center College of Design (SoCal) embARC Summer Design Academy at UC Berkeley FIDM (SoCal) Otis (Los Angeles)
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) (SoCal) Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) Parsons (NYC) Pratt (NYC)
RISD (Rhode Island) Columbus College of Art & Design (OH) Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD in Georgia) SAIC (Chicago)
School of Visual Arts (NYC) Ringling College of Art & Design Cornish College of the Arts (WA) Arts Summer Programs
Massachusetts College of Art & Design University of the Arts (PA) Cal State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
Interlochen Center for the Arts School of Creative and Performing Arts
GAME DEVELOPMENT
FILM
Digital Filmmaking - UCLA
Short Production - Univ. of Connecticut
Filmmaking Institute - SUNY Purchase
Digital Filmakers - Emerson College
Film Production - Univ. of Notre Dame
Cinema Academy - Indiana Univ.
Intro to Film, TV, Digital Cinema - Pace Univ.
Academy of Art
FASHION or COSTUME DESIGN
(in-person and online)
Online classes in Fashion:
MUSIC & THEATER
LANGUAGE IMMERSION
Abbey Road Programs Estudio Hispanico Lacunza
Amigos Language and Summer Immersion Institute Oasis Rassias - Dartmouth
Casa Nica in Nicaragua Rustic Pathways Summer Language Academy
CIEE High School Study Abroad School Year Abroad Summer Language Academy
Concordia Language Villages SIT Study Abroad Where There be Dragons
Alternative Institutions for Coursework
UC Scout: Online approved UC A-G high school courses.
Apex Learning: Online for original credit or f credit recovery towards grade-level advancement and high school graduation.
Tilden Prep: A unique, WASC-accredited, college preparatory school. Teaches UC-approved courses one-to-one and in small groups. Utilizes mastery of learning, teaching students to 80% (B) or higher level of mastery before moving forward. The individualized pace and teaching methods address a wide range of learning needs.
National University Virtual High School: Online AP, UC (A-G), or elective courses to achieve academic goals.
Language Bird: Online language courses for high school credit.
Laurel Springs Online School: Online UC (A-G) approved courses.