Most Colleges offer Summer Opportunity Programs. There are a number of schools who also offer financial aid/scholarships in order to reduce fees and make these programs more accessible to all. If there is a specific college you are interested in, attending and participating in a summer program there can open doors for you! You will have the opportunity to meet their staff, become familiarized with their campus, as well as build your resume!
The age range varies from school to school, you can start as early as your freshman year to attend!
The age range varies from school to school, you can start as early as your freshman year to attend!
Helpful Websites to Find Summer Programs
Summerfuel: Personalized to help you find a pre-college program throughout the U.S and abroad!
SummerDiscovery: Pre-College Enrichment and study abroad programs
Summer College Programs for High School Students
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Free summer theatre Shakespeare program for students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Five week program, prior experience is not required. To schedule an interview, call 212-689-0087 M-F 11am to 1 pm, Sat. 11am- 1pm.
Deadline to call: ***Check for updated deadline
www.stellaadler.com
Barnard College Pre-College Programs
Students from around the globe come to Barnard College to pursue their passions in a rigorous, academic setting. With five distinct programs to choose from, ranging from entrepreneurship to dance, you have the unique opportunity to explore an area of interest on a deeper level through both in-class discussions and city exploration. As part of the learning experience at Barnard, you will get a taste of both college life and the Big Apple!
https://precollege.barnard.edu/
Brown University Pre-College Programs
Brown University promises a summer of academic exploration and exposure to the college experience for students who choose to enroll in its pre-college programs. It offers a combination of non-credit bearing college-level coursework, a pre-Baccalaureate Program eligible for college credit, and even several online courses that can be taken from anywhere with Internet access.
For students interested in creative writing, there are three online options and seven on-campus options to choose from, ranging from Storytelling in the Digital Age: Narrative Analysis, Story Craft, and Media Production, to the more traditional Creative Writing Workshop: Fiction.
precollege.brown.edu/
Iona College Pre-Summer Program
Courses available: Business, Psychology, Theatre, Web Design, Speech Language Pathology, and Broadcast Media & Sports Communication
https://www.iona.edu/admissions-financial-aid/high-school-students/pre-college-program
NYU: Tisch Summer High School Program
The Tisch Summer High School Program includes programs like Dance, Drama, Dramatic Writing, Filmmaking, Film Studies, Game Design, Photography & Imaging, Production & Design, and Recorded Music. The summer program is open to high school sophomores and juniors. There is a tuition cost, but scholarships are available for students who demonstrate the most financial need.
The New School: Parsons Academy Summer Intensive Studies
Study art and design in this academically rigorous and artistically stimulating three-week, three credit program. This immersive course prepares students to apply for college and features thought provoking, skill building, and project based learning. There are art and design field trips, guest speakers from the industry, and portfolio reviews. Tuition scholarships are available for students who are motivated and for financial reasons may be unable to attend.
Pratt Institute
Spend the summer on Pratt’s Brooklyn campus in intensive art, design, architecture, or creative writing courses, informed and inspired by the backdrop of New York City. During this four-week full-time program, students develop technical skills and create strong portfolio pieces for college admission, while earning elective college credits.
https://www.pratt.edu/continuing-and-professional-studies/precollege/summer-precollege/
The Cooper Union: The Stem Saturdays Program
STEM Saturday Students develop design, engineering and entrepreneurial skills as they create "Technology for Good" to solve a current or emerging problem or opportunity for their community. NYC students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade can apply. Classes meet for seven Saturdays starting in October. Applications due September 21, 2022.
https://cooper.edu/engineering/stem/saturdays
Weill Cornell Youth Scholars Program: For JUNIORS
The main purpose of the Weill Cornell Youth Scholars Program (WCYSP) is to expose underprivileged, underrepresented students, especially from inner city high schools, to the vast educational resources and opportunities at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital.
https://diversity.weill.cornell.edu/opportunities/high-school-programs
Free Brooklyn Botanical Garden Apprenticeship Program
The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a great way for teens to learn about urban agriculture and the environment while working in one of the most exciting public gardens in the world. Apprentices can work their way up the four-tier program, potentially earning a paid position at Senior Apprentice. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and want to work with other teens, GAP may be for you. For more information: www.bbg.org/learn/gap
Leda Scholars Program (PRINCETON UNIVERSITY)
Students from low-income families in gaining admission to selective colleges. Each year, we recruit high school juniors from all over the country, and host them from a completely free seven-week Summer Institute on the campus of Princeton University where they receive academic preparation, leadership development, SAT/ACT Prep, and intensive college guidance counseling. When they return home for their senior year of high school, LEDA counselors support them remotely through each stage of the college application and financial aid process to ensure that these incredible students to gain admission to top colleges that are great fits for them academically, socially, and financially.
http://ledascholars.org/?utm_source=2017-18%20Recruitment%20Application%20Launch&utm_campaign=ledaapp20161&utm_medium=email
Free Lab After School Program
In this program, students will join Rockefeller scientists as they explore the chemical components of that make up certain foods. There will be a heavy focus on research and chemistry, and students will learn and perform a variety of techniques to assess chemicals.
Students must be 16 at the start of the program, and must be nominated by a teacher or community leader in order to apply.
https://www.rockefeller.edu/outreach/labjumpstart/
Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
The Thurgood Marshall Internship is an intensive program which places diverse New York City high school students with legal employers during the summer, providing them with workshops, professional development and a work experience designed to develop them as young professionals and prepare them for a successful legal career.
www.nycbar.org/tmsli
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCIENCE HONORS PROGRAM
The Columbia University Science Honors Program is a highly selective program for high school students who have a strong interest in science and mathematics. The SHP holds classes at Columbia on Saturdays throughout the academic year. Courses are given in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences, as well as in pure and applied mathematics. Instructors are scientists and mathematicians who are actively engaged in research at the university.
www.columbia.edu/cu/shp/
PRINCETON SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM
A free 10 day journalism program hosted at Princeton University for high achieving, low-income high school juniors. Students learn reporting from celebrated journalists and are paired with a college counselor during their senior year. All expenses, including students' travel costs to and from Princeton are paid by the program.
psjp.princeton.edu/
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM, SMITH COLLEGE
Women of Distinction is a program for high school seniors that highlights the opportunities at Smith for African American, Latina, Asian American and Native American students. Admission is competitive. Smith will provide round trip transportation, meals, and accommodations for all participants.
www.smith.edu/admission-aid/explore-admission-aid/women-distinction-program
Writing Programs
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SUMMER WRITING PROGRAM
There are many options for creative writers at Columbia’s 3-Week Intensive Summer Program. Residential and commuter students can register for classes that include: Intro to Creative Writing, Journalism & Nonfiction, Master Class in Fiction, Intro Workshop, Advanced Workshop
precollege.sps.columbia.edu/highschool/3-week/courses/creative-writing-introductory-and-advanced-workshops
Free 3T Writing Workshops
3T Writing Workshops Naked Angels Theater Company's fantastic, fun, and free writing program for all public high school students. Write a play, story or screenplay and hear it read by professionals actors- and it all happens in just 3 consecutive Thursdays!
https://www.nakedangels.com/3t
SKIDMORE COLLEGE NYS SUMMER YOUNG WRITERS INSTITUTE
Participants in the Summer Young Writers Institute receive instruction in poetry, fiction, and dramatic writing (screenwriting, play writing, and dramatic monologue) and engage in the critical evaluation of each other's work. By bringing top high school student writers together to work extensively with professional writers, the Institute provides young artists with recognition, respect, opportunities for artistic development, and peer support.
www.skidmore.edu/summerwriters/index.php
YAWP SUMMER WRITING FELLOWSHIP- GRUBSTREET
Grubstreet's Teen Summer Writing Fellowship immerses high school students in the writer's life of creative craft and publishing. During 3 weeks at Grub Street, teens work with published authors on original prose and poetry, meet with literary agents and editors, take field trips to inspirational locales like the ICA, and more.
grubstreet.org/programs/for-teens/summer-fellowship/
Free or Reduced Price Summer Programs For Minority Students
RPI In Troy, NY Engineering/Science
https://info.rpi.edu/pre-college-initiatives/virtual-black-families-technology-awareness-day-2022/#2022ProgramOfferings
Science - Various University of California Campuses
http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/cosmos/
Carleton College Liberal Arts program- FREE for those who identify as Black or African American
http://apps.carleton.edu/summer/clae/
Math, Science and Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
https://www.wpi.edu/academics/pre-collegiate/summer-programs/frontiers-grades-11-12
Calvin University- College Access Programs
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/entrada/
Miami U in Oxford Ohio, Interdisciplinary Service Based Learning, scholarships available.
https://miamioh.edu/visit-miami/summer-scholars/index.html
USC Summer Seminars
https://summerprograms.usc.edu/
Columbia University: Double Discovery Program. For students who live or go to school in Manhattan
https://ddc.college.columbia.edu/
Additional Programs to Explore
Ace Mentor Program of Greater NY:
Join a team led by mentors who are architects, engineers, and construction managers. Learn about the design and construction industry, be trained in design software, visit active construction sites, and more. Teams meet once a week, late October through May. ACE GNY is free.
Boston University: Summer Honors Program
bu.edu/summer/highschool
BroadReach: International courses in many locations such as Australia, France, Peru, Thailand....
www.gobroadreach.com
Fordham University: Pre-College Program
https://www.fordham.edu/info/20187/pre-college_program
GIRLS WHO CODE PROGRAM (CAMPUS)
Girls Who Code Campus offers courses for girls ages 10 to 18 that are hosted by universities and high schools like The Spence School and The Hewitt School. You can view the full Course Catalog here. Each course is two weeks long, designed to fit into busy summer schedules, and covers challenging, cutting-edge technology like iPhone App Development and Wearable Tech.
Ithaca College: Pre-College Programs
Including theatre intensive, young writers institute, music academy, and piano institute.
https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/extended-studies/pre-college-programs
The Cooper Union STEM Program: Aimed at giving students an experience in hands-on engineering design and problem-solving, thereby placing students on the right track for careers in technological innovation
https://cooper.edu/engineering/stem/saturdays
Penn Engineering: For students interested in STEM
esap.seas.upenn.edu
VUE ART COMPETITION
We invite interested students to submit their art to be considered for our 50th issue of Voices in Urban Education. This is an awesome opportunity for student artists looking to showcase their creative skills. The journal VUE (NYU Metro Center) is seeking a talented student to design themed posters based on the theme: Integration. Entries will be judged by a select group of jurors on the VUE editorial board on their execution of the theme, artistic merit, design, originality, technical, excellence, and content.
More information: www.bellevueartsfestival.co.uk/art-competition-2022
Summerfuel: Personalized to help you find a pre-college program throughout the U.S and abroad!
SummerDiscovery: Pre-College Enrichment and study abroad programs
Summer College Programs for High School Students
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Free summer theatre Shakespeare program for students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Five week program, prior experience is not required. To schedule an interview, call 212-689-0087 M-F 11am to 1 pm, Sat. 11am- 1pm.
Deadline to call: ***Check for updated deadline
www.stellaadler.com
Barnard College Pre-College Programs
Students from around the globe come to Barnard College to pursue their passions in a rigorous, academic setting. With five distinct programs to choose from, ranging from entrepreneurship to dance, you have the unique opportunity to explore an area of interest on a deeper level through both in-class discussions and city exploration. As part of the learning experience at Barnard, you will get a taste of both college life and the Big Apple!
https://precollege.barnard.edu/
Brown University Pre-College Programs
Brown University promises a summer of academic exploration and exposure to the college experience for students who choose to enroll in its pre-college programs. It offers a combination of non-credit bearing college-level coursework, a pre-Baccalaureate Program eligible for college credit, and even several online courses that can be taken from anywhere with Internet access.
For students interested in creative writing, there are three online options and seven on-campus options to choose from, ranging from Storytelling in the Digital Age: Narrative Analysis, Story Craft, and Media Production, to the more traditional Creative Writing Workshop: Fiction.
precollege.brown.edu/
Iona College Pre-Summer Program
Courses available: Business, Psychology, Theatre, Web Design, Speech Language Pathology, and Broadcast Media & Sports Communication
https://www.iona.edu/admissions-financial-aid/high-school-students/pre-college-program
NYU: Tisch Summer High School Program
The Tisch Summer High School Program includes programs like Dance, Drama, Dramatic Writing, Filmmaking, Film Studies, Game Design, Photography & Imaging, Production & Design, and Recorded Music. The summer program is open to high school sophomores and juniors. There is a tuition cost, but scholarships are available for students who demonstrate the most financial need.
The New School: Parsons Academy Summer Intensive Studies
Study art and design in this academically rigorous and artistically stimulating three-week, three credit program. This immersive course prepares students to apply for college and features thought provoking, skill building, and project based learning. There are art and design field trips, guest speakers from the industry, and portfolio reviews. Tuition scholarships are available for students who are motivated and for financial reasons may be unable to attend.
Pratt Institute
Spend the summer on Pratt’s Brooklyn campus in intensive art, design, architecture, or creative writing courses, informed and inspired by the backdrop of New York City. During this four-week full-time program, students develop technical skills and create strong portfolio pieces for college admission, while earning elective college credits.
https://www.pratt.edu/continuing-and-professional-studies/precollege/summer-precollege/
The Cooper Union: The Stem Saturdays Program
STEM Saturday Students develop design, engineering and entrepreneurial skills as they create "Technology for Good" to solve a current or emerging problem or opportunity for their community. NYC students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade can apply. Classes meet for seven Saturdays starting in October. Applications due September 21, 2022.
https://cooper.edu/engineering/stem/saturdays
Weill Cornell Youth Scholars Program: For JUNIORS
The main purpose of the Weill Cornell Youth Scholars Program (WCYSP) is to expose underprivileged, underrepresented students, especially from inner city high schools, to the vast educational resources and opportunities at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital.
https://diversity.weill.cornell.edu/opportunities/high-school-programs
Free Brooklyn Botanical Garden Apprenticeship Program
The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a great way for teens to learn about urban agriculture and the environment while working in one of the most exciting public gardens in the world. Apprentices can work their way up the four-tier program, potentially earning a paid position at Senior Apprentice. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and want to work with other teens, GAP may be for you. For more information: www.bbg.org/learn/gap
Leda Scholars Program (PRINCETON UNIVERSITY)
Students from low-income families in gaining admission to selective colleges. Each year, we recruit high school juniors from all over the country, and host them from a completely free seven-week Summer Institute on the campus of Princeton University where they receive academic preparation, leadership development, SAT/ACT Prep, and intensive college guidance counseling. When they return home for their senior year of high school, LEDA counselors support them remotely through each stage of the college application and financial aid process to ensure that these incredible students to gain admission to top colleges that are great fits for them academically, socially, and financially.
http://ledascholars.org/?utm_source=2017-18%20Recruitment%20Application%20Launch&utm_campaign=ledaapp20161&utm_medium=email
Free Lab After School Program
In this program, students will join Rockefeller scientists as they explore the chemical components of that make up certain foods. There will be a heavy focus on research and chemistry, and students will learn and perform a variety of techniques to assess chemicals.
Students must be 16 at the start of the program, and must be nominated by a teacher or community leader in order to apply.
https://www.rockefeller.edu/outreach/labjumpstart/
Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
The Thurgood Marshall Internship is an intensive program which places diverse New York City high school students with legal employers during the summer, providing them with workshops, professional development and a work experience designed to develop them as young professionals and prepare them for a successful legal career.
www.nycbar.org/tmsli
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCIENCE HONORS PROGRAM
The Columbia University Science Honors Program is a highly selective program for high school students who have a strong interest in science and mathematics. The SHP holds classes at Columbia on Saturdays throughout the academic year. Courses are given in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences, as well as in pure and applied mathematics. Instructors are scientists and mathematicians who are actively engaged in research at the university.
www.columbia.edu/cu/shp/
PRINCETON SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM
A free 10 day journalism program hosted at Princeton University for high achieving, low-income high school juniors. Students learn reporting from celebrated journalists and are paired with a college counselor during their senior year. All expenses, including students' travel costs to and from Princeton are paid by the program.
psjp.princeton.edu/
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM, SMITH COLLEGE
Women of Distinction is a program for high school seniors that highlights the opportunities at Smith for African American, Latina, Asian American and Native American students. Admission is competitive. Smith will provide round trip transportation, meals, and accommodations for all participants.
www.smith.edu/admission-aid/explore-admission-aid/women-distinction-program
Writing Programs
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SUMMER WRITING PROGRAM
There are many options for creative writers at Columbia’s 3-Week Intensive Summer Program. Residential and commuter students can register for classes that include: Intro to Creative Writing, Journalism & Nonfiction, Master Class in Fiction, Intro Workshop, Advanced Workshop
precollege.sps.columbia.edu/highschool/3-week/courses/creative-writing-introductory-and-advanced-workshops
Free 3T Writing Workshops
3T Writing Workshops Naked Angels Theater Company's fantastic, fun, and free writing program for all public high school students. Write a play, story or screenplay and hear it read by professionals actors- and it all happens in just 3 consecutive Thursdays!
https://www.nakedangels.com/3t
SKIDMORE COLLEGE NYS SUMMER YOUNG WRITERS INSTITUTE
Participants in the Summer Young Writers Institute receive instruction in poetry, fiction, and dramatic writing (screenwriting, play writing, and dramatic monologue) and engage in the critical evaluation of each other's work. By bringing top high school student writers together to work extensively with professional writers, the Institute provides young artists with recognition, respect, opportunities for artistic development, and peer support.
www.skidmore.edu/summerwriters/index.php
YAWP SUMMER WRITING FELLOWSHIP- GRUBSTREET
Grubstreet's Teen Summer Writing Fellowship immerses high school students in the writer's life of creative craft and publishing. During 3 weeks at Grub Street, teens work with published authors on original prose and poetry, meet with literary agents and editors, take field trips to inspirational locales like the ICA, and more.
grubstreet.org/programs/for-teens/summer-fellowship/
Free or Reduced Price Summer Programs For Minority Students
RPI In Troy, NY Engineering/Science
https://info.rpi.edu/pre-college-initiatives/virtual-black-families-technology-awareness-day-2022/#2022ProgramOfferings
Science - Various University of California Campuses
http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/cosmos/
Carleton College Liberal Arts program- FREE for those who identify as Black or African American
http://apps.carleton.edu/summer/clae/
Math, Science and Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
https://www.wpi.edu/academics/pre-collegiate/summer-programs/frontiers-grades-11-12
Calvin University- College Access Programs
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/entrada/
Miami U in Oxford Ohio, Interdisciplinary Service Based Learning, scholarships available.
https://miamioh.edu/visit-miami/summer-scholars/index.html
USC Summer Seminars
https://summerprograms.usc.edu/
Columbia University: Double Discovery Program. For students who live or go to school in Manhattan
https://ddc.college.columbia.edu/
Additional Programs to Explore
Ace Mentor Program of Greater NY:
Join a team led by mentors who are architects, engineers, and construction managers. Learn about the design and construction industry, be trained in design software, visit active construction sites, and more. Teams meet once a week, late October through May. ACE GNY is free.
Boston University: Summer Honors Program
bu.edu/summer/highschool
BroadReach: International courses in many locations such as Australia, France, Peru, Thailand....
www.gobroadreach.com
Fordham University: Pre-College Program
https://www.fordham.edu/info/20187/pre-college_program
GIRLS WHO CODE PROGRAM (CAMPUS)
Girls Who Code Campus offers courses for girls ages 10 to 18 that are hosted by universities and high schools like The Spence School and The Hewitt School. You can view the full Course Catalog here. Each course is two weeks long, designed to fit into busy summer schedules, and covers challenging, cutting-edge technology like iPhone App Development and Wearable Tech.
Ithaca College: Pre-College Programs
Including theatre intensive, young writers institute, music academy, and piano institute.
https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/extended-studies/pre-college-programs
The Cooper Union STEM Program: Aimed at giving students an experience in hands-on engineering design and problem-solving, thereby placing students on the right track for careers in technological innovation
https://cooper.edu/engineering/stem/saturdays
Penn Engineering: For students interested in STEM
esap.seas.upenn.edu
VUE ART COMPETITION
We invite interested students to submit their art to be considered for our 50th issue of Voices in Urban Education. This is an awesome opportunity for student artists looking to showcase their creative skills. The journal VUE (NYU Metro Center) is seeking a talented student to design themed posters based on the theme: Integration. Entries will be judged by a select group of jurors on the VUE editorial board on their execution of the theme, artistic merit, design, originality, technical, excellence, and content.
More information: www.bellevueartsfestival.co.uk/art-competition-2022
