Watch the Matriculate x CollegeVine webinar to hear from Sarah (former Advising Fellow and Matriculate staff member), and two Matriculate alumni – Merry (Stanford University), and Rodrigo (Columbia University) on how to find free summer enrichment programs for high school students. Here are some key takeaways:
WHICH SUMMER PROGRAM SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The first and best tip we can offer is to spend your summers doing what you love. Don’t spend your summer doing a project, internship, or program you don’t enjoy just because you think it might be impressive to a college – they can see right through that – colleges want to know what you’re passionate about and the unique skills and interests you’ll bring to their campus community.
HOW CAN I FIND FREE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS?
Start the video at 5:14 to learn more about the different types of summer opportunities for high school students and where you can find them.
Pre-College Programs –
Are you looking for a summer experience that ties together academics and summer camp all on a college campus? Consider a pre-college program! These summer programs vary from in-person programs, where you live and learn on a college campus, to virtual programs.
Pro-Tip: These programs aren’t always free, but they may offer scholarships – be sure to ask if there is financial aid! We encourage you to participate in programs that are little to no cost to you and your family – colleges don’t want you to go into debt to attend a program!
Either way, you get to experience life as a college student for the summer. Use the ‘Free and Low-Cost Pre-College Summer Programs’ list from Appily. Here are some examples:
Stanford University – Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Johns Hopkins University – Summer Programs
Internships for High School Students –
Are you looking for work experience that helps you learn more about your future industry? Consider an internship program! These summer programs allow you to experience the day-to-day in your future industry and connect you to a network of people who can offer advice to reach your career goals. Use these lists of internships from CollegeVine, and ‘How to Get an Internship Guide’ from Scholarships360. (Start the video at 28:38 to hear advice from Matriculate.)
Google It –
Can’t find something that interests you yet? Try Google!
Step 1: Start Your Search – Let’s say you like art and want to stay close to home (for this example, you live in NYC) – search “summer art programs in nyc for hs students”
Step 2: Browse Your Results – Look through and open links for anything that interests you. The first thing that popped up in our search is “NYU Teen Summer Programs” which lists summer programs for high school students in our area.
Step 3: Find the Details – Next, navigate the website to learn more about the program, including when it takes place, how much it costs, and how you can apply. You want to keep an eye out for pages titled “Program Information” “Program Overview” “FAQs” “Applications Details” etc.
I CAN’T TAKE TIME AWAY, WHAT ARE OTHER SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
NEED FREE COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT?
If you’re a high school junior and need free college application help – the Matriculate Class of 2025 Application is open until the end of August 2024. Students are accepted on a rolling basis – so if you apply today, you could be matched with your advisor within two weeks!
If you’re a younger student and need free college application help – join our mailing list and be the first to get access to the application for your class.
MEET THE AUTHORS
Merry Wang
Merry is an incoming freshman at Stanford University. She’s originally from North Carolina where she loves engaging in many activities, from swimming to tutoring. As a Matriculate Ambassador and High School Fellow, she is excited to share her experiences from both in and outside of the classroom.
Rodrigo Guizar Jr.
Rodrigo is from southwest Arizona and is a High School Fellow Recruitment Ambassador at Matriculate. He is currently studying civil engineering at Columbia University. In his free time, he loves to watch the NFL/NBA, go to the gym, and explore NYC.
Sarah Oppenheim
Sarah is from Bay, Arkansas and is the High School Fellow Recruitment Associate at Matriculate. Prior to this role, she was an Advising Fellow with Matriculate and graduated from Columbia University in 2021. In her free time, she loves kayaking, hiking, and trying new restaurants.