Academic Summer Programs

Pre-college summer programs are a fantastic way for high school students to focus on an academic interest, test drive college life, discover great new schools or find the colleges that best fit their individual needs. Attending the right pre-college program can help set the foundation for a successful college search and future career.

American Museum of Natural History sponsors two programs for high school students including the High School Summer Science Institute for students entering 9, 10, & 11 grades and the Saltz Internship Program for students 16 and older.

Columbia University Summer Program – Rigorous summer pre-college academic programs for students entering grades 9 through 12 and freshman year of college. Experience college life and meet other highly motivated high school students from all over the world. Broaden your world view and earn an official Columbia University Statement of Attendance. Summer programs in New York City, Barcelona and the Middle East.

Cooper Union Summer Research Internship Program Cooper Union’s Albert Nerken School of Engineering offers 6-week Summer Research Internship Programs for students completing their 10th or 11th grade year of high school. Students work on applied research projects in the fields of civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, biomedical and environmental engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics and astronomy. Research projects are complemented by classroom lectures and discussions, oral presentations, career choice, and college admissions.

Dwight Englewood Summer Connections – Located in Englewood, NJ with over 50 new classes, including Stained Glass, Game Mechanics, Dwight Mic, Greek Mythology Webquest, Programming for iStuff, Juggling, Science Medley, and more. Students can try their hand in rebuilding an actual engine or they can train their brains to manage stress. Learning can be an addiction, especially when you build your own schedule. The mission of the Dwight-Englewood Summer Connections program is to engage learners in the joy of discovery through a variety of experiences.

Explo – Featuring more courses, activities, and trips than any other summer program. EXPLO Focus is a 2-week summer focus program for students ages 11-17 including marketing, start-ups, foreign affairs, vet, ER doctor and more. Explo is a unique and supportive learning environment that builds independence and teaches creative thinking. Led by a dynamic and engaging teaching staff, discover new interests and abilities. Located at Wellesley College, Yale, and St. Marks School.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum offers Camp G.O.A.L.S. for Girls 2013, a FREE six-week math and science camp for girls entering the 9th and 10th grade.

Liberty Science Center located in Jersey City, NJ offers the Partners in Science, an intensive 8-week summer program for high school Juniors and Seniors. The program runs from the end of June to the end of August.

New York Math Circle offers students in Grades 5-12 the opportunity to expand their knowledge of mathematics by solving unusual problems, develop reasoning and problem solving skills, and apply existing knowledge in fun situations that are both new and enjoyable.

NYU Summer offers a number of choices for high school students. The Pre-College program allows students to take college level classes and earn college credits. The Tisch School of the Arts and The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development both offer a number of programs that focus on art, dance, instrumental music, and acting.

Princeton Review at Ramapo College – The Princeton Review Summer SAT Prep Course Plus College Immersion Program is held at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ. The Princeton Review’s exclusive, enhanced curriculum course based on a comprehensive three-year study. It also includes a “Going to College” immersion program presented by admissions staff focusing on special topics related to attending college.

Summer Discovery has pre-college enrichment programs on campus in different states and site abroad. Some courses qualify for college credit.

Summer Fuel offers students entering 11th and 12th grades with experiences on college campuses in the U.S and Europe. Students can choose from among four programs: Pre-college, Leadership, College Admissions, and Study Abroad. Students that don’t want to leave NYC, can participate in a two-week residential workshop-based program at Columbia University where they will prepare for the SAT, refine their writing skills with an eye toward the college application essay, and master interviewing skills; college counselors will also be available to discuss college options. Scholarships are available.

Summer On Campus offers both commuter/residential programs across the country for various interests, ranging from engineering to SAT camp.

Teen Ink features a variety of programs , such as writing courses, guest speakers, and daily outings, is available for girls in grades 9-12.

Usummer is a free directory and explore the world of pre-college summer programs available to high school students. Each year they take time to research and profile some of today’s best pre-college programs.