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Biogen-MIT Biotech in Action: Virtual Programs
This virtual program will use virtual labs, online learning and conferencing software, and real-time conversations with employees of both Biogen and MIT to teach you all about biotechnology and invention with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
https://www.biogen.com/en_us/virtual-community-lab/biogen-mit.html
Cary Teen Council
The Cary Teen Council is a volunteer organization made up of fun and fascinating teens from a variety of schools in Cary and surrounding areas. The council empowers teens with the core values of leadership, accountability, and a heart for service. It accomplishes these goals by providing volunteer and leadership opportunities, establishing high standards for behavior, and encouraging teens to effectively communicate while managing their time and volunteer profiles. Teens participating in this organization have the opportunity to get involved in programs and events that focus on social/recreational, community awareness and service, education, leadership, teamwork, fundraising, and recruitment.
https://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/special-populations/teens/teen-council
City of Raleigh, NC Raleigh Summer Youth Employment Program
The Raleigh Summer Youth Employment Program helps teens between the ages of 15 and 18 to develop their skills and prepare for future employment by spending the summer working for the City of Raleigh.
https://raleighnc.gov/careers-jobs-and-volunteering/raleigh-summer-youth-employment
Duke Pre-College Programs
Duke Pre-College Programs provide academically motivated middle and high school students with rigorous learning experiences. Building on the legacy of Duke University programs, including Youth Programs and the Talent Identification Program (TIP), Duke Pre-College Programs inspire and challenge the next generation of problem-solvers.
https://learnmore.duke.edu/precollege/all-programs
Duke's STAR program
The Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) Program provides a high-quality research experience for undergraduate students, high school students, and middle and high school teachers during the summer academic break. The eight-week program will give participants who are interested in science and medicine real hands-on experience in research methodology and writing. Participants are placed in teams and matched with Duke faculty mentors to work on an original, hypothesis-driven project, originating as a one-page summary and culminating in a complete research paper. A goal of the program is to have every participant qualify for co-authorship on a peer-reviewed manuscript related to their team’s project. The application period is typically from mid-November to the beginning of January.
https://dcri.org/dukes-star-program/
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University is excited to host the prestigious Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) SOAR Program. This transformative experience is designed for rising high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to academic excellence. SOAR (Seeking, Observing and Achieving Results) is a signature TMCF initiative aimed at preparing high-achieving students for success in higher education and beyond. Participants will engage in an immersive week-long experience on the campus of Fayetteville State University, gaining insight into college life, academic preparation, and professional development opportunities.
https://www.uncfsu.edu/admission-and-aid/thurgood-marshall-college-fund-soar
NC A&T Summer High School Transportation Institute
The four-week program is packed full of fun and educational activities, including guest speakers, group projects, and trips, and designed to be a bonding, rewarding, and even life-changing experience for young minds. STI is free and introduces students to the educational paths and fields of transportation and supply chain and the many lucrative careers available.
https://www.ncat.edu/cobe/transportation-institute/summer-high-school-transportation-institute.php
NC Central: Science and Research Summer Program (SRSP)
SRSP is a 4-week summer research day program. It will give high school students hands-on research experience by working on research projects with NCCU science professors in many disciplines. The program is open to NC students the summer between their junior and senior year of high school.
https://sites.google.com/site/srsp2013/home
NC House, Senate, and Governor's Page Program
Learn about & participate in your local government. The different programs have different applications and deadlines. To learn about each:
House Page Program visit: http://www.ncleg.net/house/HousePageSite/
Senate Page Program visit: http://ncleg.net/senate/senatepages
Governor’s Page Program visit: https://governor.nc.gov/governors-page-program
NC Museum of Natural Science Teen Volunteers
Are you interested in science, animal care, ecology, marine life, biology, and more? Apply to be a Teen Volunteer at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
https://naturalsciences.org/learn/teens
NC State Admissions Summer Programs
NC State's Office of Undergraduate Admissions hosts three pre-college summer programs in June for students to learn more about higher education and finding community on a college campus.
During these programs, students will have the opportunity to live on campus and hear from NC State admissions staff and current NC State students to learn about university student life, engage in topics as they relate to the communities students identify with and higher education, and receive assistance with the college application and financial aid process.
CAMINOS: Your Journey to College
A program for rising juniors and seniors who have a strong interest and appreciation for the Hispanic/Latinx culture.
Emerging Scholars Academy (ESA)
A program for rising juniors and seniors who have a strong interest and appreciation for the Black/African American culture.
Native Education Forum (NEF)
A program for rising juniors and seniors who have a strong interest and appreciation for the Native American/American Indian culture.
NC State: Computer Science High School Internship
The Computer Science Department at NC State University is offering an unpaid high school internship program this summer (June 20th-August 4th for summer 2023). There will be two project tracks and students can either apply to the educational software development track or the digital games/VR track. In the educational software development track, interns will be piloting and co-designing educational tools and software for K-12 classrooms. The internship will start with a computing bootcamp for participants to hone their skills in advanced block-based programming environments. Interns will then be assigned to teams where they will work collaboratively to develop and program innovative block-based or text-based computing-infused curriculum and software tools. In the digital games/VR track, interns will be creating data analytics dashboards for competitive video games/eSports and helping researchers prototype physical interfaces for virtual reality simulations. Interns should have familiarity with Javascript and Python prior to the internship. Additionally, high school interns will be able to attend weekly seminars on computing topics and research practices designed for our Socially Relevant Computing and Analytics Research Experience for Undergraduates (SRCA-REU). To learn more about the internships, please see our program description here: https://go.ncsu.edu/cs-intern-info. Applications are anticipated to open in early April. If you would like to be notified of this and other activities sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfMlM-kKb6LzhcsShgy0bj0BZsBzPJeoXBRIMD8xidOEwU6Q/viewform.
NC State: The Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT)
Held on the campus of NCSU this is a five day invitational residential program for students of color and bilingual students who are rising high school seniors in NC. Those who are interested in enhancing their leadership skills and exploring a potential career in education. If interested email your counselor for a nomination.
NC State: Shelton Challenge
This is a six-day summer experience through NC State University for rising 9th-12th graders with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are motivated to learn how to lead others. The cost is $700 and includes, meals, lodging and curriculum. The camps run in June and July, register before the 1st of each month for that months camp.
https://sheltonleadership.ncsu.edu/pre-college/shelton-challenge/
NC State Summer Textiles Exploration Program (STEP)
Application period opens in January. STEP is an exciting interactive pre-college program offered by the College of Textiles for rising high school seniors.
https://textiles.ncsu.edu/academics/k-12/summer-textile-exploration-program/
NC State University Summer Engineering Day Camp
Each summer, the College of Engineering at NC State University offers rising 9th and 10th grade high school students the opportunity to experience engineering at NC State. We offer a multidisciplinary week-long day camp that provides an experience into different fields of engineering. Teams of campers experience introductory activities then transition to work on a collaborative team-oriented challenge project.
https://www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/high-school/
NC State University Design Summer Camp
Registration opens in January. At Design Camp, we welcome campers into college design studio spaces to learn how design knowledge.
https://design.ncsu.edu/designcamp/
NC School of Science & Math- Summer Ventures
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a no-cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a rising high school junior or senior, you live on a college campus for four weeks in the summer and conduct research around topics of your interest — while enjoying the company of like-minded peers.
SKEMA Summer Programs (NC State - Centennial Campus):
SKEMA Business School offers high-impact Summer School programmes designed for students and young professionals seeking an enriching international learning experience. Delivered in an intensive, short-term format, our Summer Schools combine academic excellence, global exposure and cultural discovery. Each programme is built around SKEMA’s core values: innovation, global mobility and multiculturalism. Participants benefit from interactive courses taught by international faculty, real-world business insights, and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds — all key to developing the skills and mindset needed in a fast-changing global economy.
These courses are taught by SKEMA, NCSU, UNC and Campbell Business School Faculty. Students will get college classroom experience and be able to add this to their college application. Students will receive a certificate at the end of the program. Course topics are: AI in Business (06/09-06/12), Modeling the Future Math & Finance (06/09-06/12), Brand & Marketing Essentials (06/16-06/18), AI in Entrepreneurship (07/07-07/10 & 07/28-07/31), Sales Foundations: Building Your Core Selling Skills (1 day program, 07/11). Cost will vary and scholarships are available.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dE8Bv_0gumU4Vyq_TZ3-fGo02TCAIJYO/view
Tar Heel Boys State
This is an opportunity for rising senior males. The program is held on the campus of Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. Objectives include improving citizenship for present and future generations of Tar Heels. Become familiar with the structure of North Carolina government and it's political process, develop civic leadership and pride in American citizenship, develop full understanding of our American traditions and belief in the United State of America.
Tar Heel Girls State
This is an opportunity for rising senior females. The program is held on the campus of Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. For those that have a genuine interest in government and leadership and committed to improving the understanding of civic responsibilities. Objectives include: learning about the structure of NC government and the political process, develop civic leadership and pride in American citizenship, instill an appreciation for American traditions and belief in the United States, develop a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation.
UNC: Pre-College Expo
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Annual Pre-College Expo will be held on July 10th, 2025 (9am-5pm) on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus. This Event is hosted by the Carolina Higher Education Opportunity Programs (CHEOP) Office. The Pre-College Expo will provide students from any high school age Pre-College Access Program an opportunity to collaboratively learn about key topics for college-bound students. Students will participate in Workshops, Panel Discussions, Poster Presentations, a College Fair, and more!
https://cheop.unc.edu/pre-college-expo/
UNC: Project Uplight & Uplift PLUS
Project Uplift is a summer enrichment and college access program designed to promote and increase access to higher education for rising high school seniors, especially those underrepresented in postsecondary education. Every year, during May and June, approximately 1,000 high school seniors participate in one of four separate Project Uplift sessions. Traditionally, this is a 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.
Uplift PLUS is an intensive, 5-week summer academic enrichment and college readiness program for Project Uplift participants. This program is only for NC residents.
https://cheop.unc.edu/pre-college-programs/project-uplift-and-uplift-plus/
UNCSCA (UNC School of the Arts Summer Intensives
Whether your passion is dance, drama, filmmaking, music or visual arts, you’ll find all the hands-on experience, all the performance opportunities, and all the individual attention from professional artists you’ve dared to dream of.
https://www.uncsa.edu/summer/index.aspx
Wake Electric Youth Tour
For Juniors only. Students who attend the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. will join 1,500 high school students from across the U.S. to learn about electric cooperatives, American history and the U.S. government. Students will also visit the historic sites and federal facilities of the nation’s capital, as well as spend time with their congressional delegations. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded the following year upon proof of enrollment in a North Carolina college or university; they will also be eligible to apply for three additional scholarships. Deadline to apply is typically mid-December. Apply here: https://wemc.com/youthtour/
WakeWorks Youth Apprenticeship
Youth apprenticeships are work-based learning programs designed for high school students who are at least 16 years of age. For students, it’s a chance to gain experience and learn skills in a real work environment. Youth apprentices also take dual-enrollment (Career and College Promise) classes at Wake Tech at no charge, which count toward high school and college credit.Youth apprenticeship career fields currently being offered include manufacturing, engineering, automotive and skilled trades.
https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/apprenticeship
Young Writers Workshop at the University of North Carolina Wilmington
Held in July, this is an intensive four-day program in which young writers will work with graduate students and professionals to develop their writing and communication skills, to strengthen their ability to work collaboratively/in a group setting, and to nourish their capacity for creative, personal expression. The Young Writers Workshop is modeled after the Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry workshops that the Department of Creative Writing offers to undergraduate/graduate students. Our workshops consist of submitting a piece of creative writing to our peers, and receiving helpful, constructive, and positive feedback on the piece.
https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/chssa/departments/writing/community-engagement/young-writers
Youth Legislative Assembly
YLA is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state and national government. The three-day session is patterned after the NC General Assembly. At the conclusion of YLA, a final report is drafted and distributed to the governor and legislators.
University-Based
Appalachian State University Cannon Music Camp:
A three-week music-filled retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Cannon Music Camp offers the most comprehensive course of musical instruction in the Southeast, with intensive college preparatory work in performance and music theory. Campers participate in daily ensemble rehearsals and music theory classes in an atmosphere that elevates everyone's musicianship. Open to serious student musicians who are rising high school freshman to graduating seniors. Registration usually opens in December.
Boston University
Science program for current high school Juniors. Students can apply for financial aid.
http://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/research/
Cornell University Summer College
The award-winning Summer College Programs for High School Students offer talented high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to study at Cornell for two, three, or six weeks; earn an average of three to six college credits; take college courses with leading Cornell faculty members; explore careers and majors; attend admissions workshops; and much more.
https://sce.cornell.edu/precollege/admission
Georgetown University
Georgetown’s Summer High School Programs offer an immersive learning experience that prepares you with the tools needed for college success. Ranging in length from one to eight weeks, our programs span a wide range of subjects, covering everything from forensic science and politics to creative writing and data science. You'll have the opportunity to meet classmates from around the world and earn college credit.
Harvard
Must be at least 15.
John Hopkins
Generally must be at least 15 or 16 years old depending on specific program.
https://summer.jhu.edu/pre-college-students/
MIT
Free program at MIT, must apply in November of your Junior year.
MITES (formerly OEOP) provides transformative experiences that bolster confidence, create lifelong community, and build an exciting, challenging foundation in STEM for highly motivated 7th–12th grade students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Catalyzing change in STEM, our goal is to advance equity and access through hands-on programs that are free of cost to participants and their families.
Northwestern University
Students who are Juniors can also apply for financial aid.
https://sps.northwestern.edu/college-preparation/index.php
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-PREFACE
The PREFACE program is for students who will be in either the 11th or 12th grade in the fall. A summer program for talented students who have been historically under-served in the areas of science, engineering and the technological fields.
Stanford
Must be at least 16, can apply for a tuition grant
https://summer.stanford.edu/students/high-school
University of Georgia: VetCAMP
The University of Georgia offers a program for current 10th-12th grade to stay on campus for one week where students can be involved in various activities aimed at learning more about the veterinary field and possible veterinary career paths
https://vet.uga.edu/education/k-12-programs/vetcamp/
Virginia Tech Black College Institute
Rising Juniors and Seniors are invited to apply to this academic summer opportunity at VTU in Blacksburg, Va.
https://vt.edu/admissions/black-college-institute/apply-to-bci.html
Waynesburg University, PA: CSI Camp
CSI Camp is designed to give students hands-on experience of what they can expect in the forensic science and criminal justice majors and, ultimately, occupations. Camp will enable students to enhance their knowledge and understanding of forensic topics and allow them to make valuable connections with professionals and fellow peers in the field. Students will have the opportunity to train with and learn from certified experts in a small group setting. Students entering 11th grade or 12th grade are eligible to attend CSI Camp.
https://www.waynesburg.edu/community/community-learning/camps/csi-camp
Yale Young Global Scholars
Must be a current sophomore or junior who is at least 16. Must apply by January 15 to be considered for financial aid.
https://globalscholars.yale.edu/about
Military
Air Force Academy Summer Seminar
Open to current Juniors with a GPA of at least 3.0, must apply between December 1-January 15
https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/outreach-programs/summer-seminar/
Coast Guard Academy summer program
1 week program for current Juniors, must apply between February and April. Financial aid/scholarships are available but must write an extra essay and apply for it.
Naval Academy Summer Program
For current Juniors, application opens in January.
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS.php#fndtn-panel1-Steps-For
West Point Military Academy
Summer program for current Juniors, must apply in early spring (priority deadline of March 15, April 15th is the final deadline for summer 2024)
https://westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program
Other Organizations
Bank of America Student Leaders Program:
Usually opens in November. As a Student Leader, you will participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization where you will learn first-hand about the needs of your community and the critical role nonprofits play. In addition, you will learn valuable civic, social and business leadership skills. Each Student Leader will attend the Student Leaders Summit held in Washington, D.C. where you will learn how government, business and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs. Must currently be a junior or senior in high school
Girls who Code
The Summer Immersion Program is a free 7-week introductory computer science program for 10th-11th grade girls going into their junior or senior year of high school. During the 7-week program, participants learn about computer science, gain exposure to tech jobs, and join a sisterhood of girls who are using computer science to become change-makers.
https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/
Freedom Forum Institute
The purpose of the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is to inspire students to pursue journalism careers.
Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC)
The Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC) is a low cost, five-day summer program open to high school students entering the 10th, 11th and 12th grades held on college campuses around the country (two locations are in NC). Students spend five days immersed in their own business using real money, making decisions that determine whether their business succeeds or fails.
https://www.felcexperience.org/
LaunchX
"Our summer program taps into the potential of ambitious high school students, supporting you through the process of launching an actual startup." Financial aid is available for families.
https://launchx.com/summer-program/
Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers students the opportunity to work 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor to learn about the cutting edge in their field of interest and produce an independently-developed research project.
https://www.lumiere-education.com/
Project Seed
Project SEED is a cost-free, year-round science enrichment program for academically talented, disadvantaged students. The goal of the program is to motivate students who have an interest in science to pursue terminal degrees. NC ACS Project SEED is a paid summer internship. First year students should be in 10th or 11th grade and have taken or be presently enrolled in Chemistry. First year students receive a $3200 fellowship. Second year students receive $3800. Students who reside in Wake, Durham, Franklin, Orange and Harnett counties commute to their internship sites at North Carolina State University, Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University or Campbell University. Each student is paired with a university preceptor who serves as a consultant for the required research project. Due to COVID 19, selected 2021 students completed a virtual research project. Second year (senior) students receive assistance with the college, financial aid and scholarship application process.
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/highschool/seed/apply.html
Outside the US
Cambridge
At least age 14, summer program in the UK
Abbey Road
Summer programs in other countries for high school students
Council on International Educational Exchange, High School Summer Abroad Program
Several programs offered to high school students whether you are looking for a summer program, high school abroad, leadership academy, or gap year abroad.
https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/high-school-study-abroad/summer
Oxbridge Academic Programs by World Strides
Oxbridge offers over 150 course options in five cities: Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, Barcelona and New York. Programs range from one week to four weeks and cater to students in grades 8 through 12. Courses are specifically designed to be taught experientially, through discussion, debate, and experiment, and to culminate in student-driven projects and presentations.
https://www.oxbridgeprograms.com/
Oxford Royale Academy Summer Schools
Each summer, motivated students from across the globe join Oxford Royale Academy's award-winning Summer Schools. Throughout the duration of their courses, participants have the opportunity to explore and discuss their chosen subjects in great detail, be taught by ORA’s experienced and passionate faculty, and to live and study in top educational institutions across the UK. In 2020, Oxford Royale Academy will be running Summer School programmes in the UK's top three universities - the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and Imperial College London - as well as prestigious academic centres in England and Scotland.