Each year, universities receive an unprecedented amount of applications. There is a lot of pressure on applicants to stand out from the crowd. Admissions officers are always on the lookout for candidates who put in the time and effort to present a well-rounded profile. Summer activities are excellent for enhancing one’s profile while still in high school. So, if you’re committed to getting into one of the world’s best institutions, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work on developing a well-rounded profile.
Summer is an excellent time to demonstrate to admissions officers that you are more than your GPA and test scores. Throughout the summer, you will have numerous opportunities to showcase your passion and interests. You might volunteer, intern, or participate in a summer program. Summer programs are very beneficial because they expose you to advanced high school subjects. As a result, it demonstrates that you are interested in a particular topic. They also appear to boost your chances of getting into college.
One of the most valuable aspects of summer camp for kids is the opportunity to mingle and meet different friends. During the summertime, it can be challenging for children to make or keep connections with people their age. When they’re not at school, most youngsters say they mostly communicate with adults, aside from their brothers or relatives. Not only do kids learn critical life skills like sharing, establishing limits, and problem-solving when socializing, but they also learn how to form strong, meaningful relationships while interacting with their peers.
A summer camp program provides a safe place for children to improve social skills, make decisions, and possibly even experience nature. In fact, childhood socialization may be more beneficial to progress and expansion than reading or eating veggies! From early childhood to adolescence, a joyful atmosphere like summer camp is a terrific method to develop this in your kids. Most summer camps have a theme or include learning, exploration, character development, and self-development. There are various camp options to explore if you are searching for enjoyable fun activities for your children, including sports camps, cooking camps, art camps, science camps, and many others. You may rest assured that not only will your youngster be delighted, but he or she will also be taught and challenged. They are expanding their capacity for learning, collaboration, problem-solving skills, knowledge, and self-awareness while having fun and pursuing their hobbies.
According to research, 70 percent of parents who send their children to summer camp claim that their child increased self-confidence while at camp. Summer camp can help your son or daughter develop a strong sense of self, and this is just one of the many ways it can benefit them. Outside of the usual school context, they can learn a lot about themselves and the world. This can help them grow and evolve. We have put together the top 10 best summer programs for high school students.
1. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS) by NYU Tandon School of Engineering
In today’s society, cybersecurity is one of the most significant (and profitable) areas. At NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, high school students understand the basics of cybersecurity and computer programming through this curriculum. The goal is to “[tear] down obstacles that have historically resulted in women and minorities being underrepresented in STEM.”Students in 9th-12th grade as of September 2021 who live in New York City or a neighboring city and are extremely motivated in STEM are invited to join. In the summer of 2022, CS4CS will be presented in person. The university will respond to developments relating to COVID-19 with flexibility, and plans may alter. NYU’s top priority is the health and safety of its students, teachers, staff, and visitors, and you can read about the university’s reaction and opening here.
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2. Summer Institute by Sadie Nash
Summer Institute is a 6-week program for self-identified young women and gender-expansive youth currently in high school that has won numerous awards. Nasher’s engage in classes about society, identity, social justice, and other issues aimed to encourage critical thinking and a feeling of community throughout the program, challenging and redefining traditional notions of leadership. Self-identified young women and gender-expansive youth currently in high school in New York or Newark, NJ, participate in this program to explore their leadership potential while living in a community with other “Nasher’s.” To develop critical thinking abilities, students take classes in society, identity, social justice, and other subjects. They also participate in workshops and field trips, where they can meet renowned leaders.
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3. Aspire Program by NYUSPS
NYUSPS Aspire is a scholarship program for upcoming high school juniors and seniors who will be first-generation university students from disadvantaged areas. Aspire is a two-year college prep and mentorship program that offers a range of programs and workshops to help you plan for the college application process. The program starts in the summertime with a one-week college orientation intensive and extends with assistance throughout your junior and senior years of high school. This college prep and mentoring program held by NYU is open to incoming high school juniors from underrepresented groups who will be first-generation university students. The program begins with a one-week college orientation intensive in the summer, which incorporates seminars and workshops, and continues to provide assistance to students throughout high school. To help you prepare for college, you’ll attend workshops on the college admissions process, standardized testing, written assignments, and financial aid.
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4. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement by USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Through freshman-level multimedia and communications programs, this three-week program gives high school students a taste of college life. To participate in the program, 28 students were chosen from the nearby neighborhoods of the University of Southern California (USC). Students will refine their public speaking, debating, critical reasoning, writing, multimedia presentation, interviewing, and other abilities while at AYA, as well as explore jobs in media and journalism. Students will also learn about USC and meet faculty members who are working to advance problems of race, gender, and ethnicity in media and communication.
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5. Summer Immersion Program by Girls Who Code
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program, which is open to incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors, provides girls and nonbinary students with the computer science abilities they need to qualify for a future in technology. Students will also learn about IT employment and network with industry leaders. There is no requirement for prior computer science knowledge. A $300 needs-based payment is available to eligible students in the United States. In the first week, students will work on two initiatives: (1) a personal portfolio website and (2) an HTML, CSS, and JavaScript-based BuzzFeed-style personality quiz. Students are working on a final private project focused on activism and web design during the second week.
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6. Summer Academy for Math and Science by Carnegie Mellon University
SAMS provides children from disadvantaged groups in the United States with a chance to learn about STEM fields such as math, biology, and physics. At Carnegie Mellon University, students take classes, work on projects, and are mentored by world-renowned professors. Part 1 consists of two online courses and a project completed under the supervision of a STEM educator or grad student. They also receive help managing the university admissions and financial assistance processes, as well as participation in student success groups. Part 2 includes workshops, meetings with alumni, students, and leaders, as well as the completion and presentation of projects at the SAMS Symposium. Part 3 of the experience continues with students exploring STEM majors while receiving mentorship and academic help.
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7. Research Science Institute (RSI) by Center for Excellence in Education
Each summer, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hosts the Research Science Institute, which brings together 80 of the world’s most distinguished high school students (RSI). RSI is the first summertime science and engineering program that combines on-campus hypothesis coursework with off-campus research in science and technology. Participants go through the complete research process from beginning to end. They study the most recent literature in their subject, create and carry out a comprehensive research plan, and present their results in oral and written presentations at meetings. First, RSI scholars attend a week of rigorous STEM classes taught by outstanding professors. The five-week research internship is the heart of RSI, during which students work on specific projects under the supervision of supervisors who are accomplished scientists and academics. Students prepare written and oral demonstrations on their research topics during the final week of RSI.
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8. USC Bovard Scholars by USC University of Southern California
As a Bovard Scholar, you’ll reside on the USC campus and participate in a demanding program while gaining a taste of college life. You’ll also get one-on-one help and mentoring from a trainer who will walk you through the college application process and help you with your writings and applications. Scholars will participate in professional self-evaluations as well as small group activities. They’ll also hear from distinguished guest lectures and attend lectures. Your Admissions Coach will engage with you and offer guidance throughout the admissions process.
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9. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) by National Youth Science Foundation
NYSCamp, which used to be a residential camp, is now online and continues to educate and support emerging leaders. Each state and the District of Columbia sends two representatives, while overseas representatives are occasionally invited to join. The curriculum includes world-class lectures, focused studies, and seminars with STEM experts who are making a difference in their professions and around the world. Neil deGrasse Tyson, John Nash, Neil Armstrong, and Julie Robinson have all given talks.
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10. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) by Pomona College
More than 90 Pomona College students have been chosen to participate in PAYS. This program helps rising sophomores and seniors from underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities prepare for entrance to highly selective schools and universities. Students take Pomona faculty-taught Math and Critical Inquiry courses, as well as TA-taught electives. In addition, students take part in cultural events, workshops, and projects.
