Summer Programs for High School Students

Keep your brain in shape this summer and flex those academic muscles. Summer programs specifically tailored to high school students are available all around the Philadelphia metropolitan area, specializing in everything from computing to communications. Programs range from one week academic boot camps to month long courses. So whether you’re looking to get ahead academically before entering college, or just want to expand your knowledge base, summer studies can pave the way forward.

1. For computer whizzes

Are you passionate about programming? At Drexel University, located in the heart of Philadelphia, high school students can attend a 5-week course about information technology and computing. What’s more, students that successfully complete the program receive a $3,000 scholarship to Drexel. Students also get the chance to work with facility on digital and computing projects. Taking place from June 23 to July 27, the program immerses students in subjects like robotics, game design, social media, and web development. The course, known formally as the Drexel University Computing Academy (DUCA), is for rising juniors and seniors. The application deadline is May 31. In order to be considered for the program, students must provide PSAT/SAT scores, an essay, a letter of recommendation, and grade reports. Tuition totals $4,500, but financial aid is available to eligible students.

2. Music Making

Drexel runs a week intensive that focuses squarely on the music industry, from recording technology to marketing and promotion. Students learn both analog and digital audio recording skills, from setting up microphones to editing, while also cutting their teeth on the nuances of promotional marketing. The course, which takes place from July 14-19, accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Students interested are asked to submit a high school transcript and a 300-word personal statement. Tuition: $1,300.

3. Interior Design

For the serious interior designer, Drexel also runs a pre-college course from July 7-20 that includes seminars, projects and field trips to fantastically designed interior spaces within Philadelphia. Students learn the basics of sketching and blueprinting, and get career advice. Students also learn how to make digital design models of interior spaces. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old. Tuition: $3,000.

4. Liberal Arts and Science Classes at Penn

For students looking for a hearty dose of traditional academics, look no further than University of Pennsylvania’s Academy programs. Running a little over a week, from June 30 to July 27, these programs prep students for a diverse array of college subjects.

Art history gets a decidedly Philly twist in the Art in the City Academy. Recruiting students in grades 9-12, this is an art history course focusing on creative expression as seen in downtown Philadelphia. Students go on field trips to exhibits, historical sites, murals and public sculptures in addition to completing multimedia history projects. Sites studied include the Institute for Contemporary Art, the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, and Independence Hall.

If biology or medicine is more your forté, Penn has a program for that too; the Biomedical Research Academy for students in grades 10-12. Guest lecturers range from academic scientists to clinicians working in the biomedical field. Afternoons are spent in the lab fiddling with biology projects and experiments. Students must have at least one year of high school under their belts to apply.

If you’re a social science buff, Penn also runs the Social Injustices Academy, which delves into social issues both past and present. Students hear from professors specializing in everything from economy to urban studies, who, together, paint a full picture of contemporary struggles for social justice through seminars and excursions. This will be great for students considering a career in law or in sociology.

The deadline to apply to Penn’s programs is June 1, and interested students should complete an application, as well as provide academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation. The Academies costs $7,899 for students that choose to reside on campus and $6,799 for commuters. Public school and charter school students maintaining at least a 3.3 GPA also have the chance to enter free of charge through the Penn Summer Scholars Program.

5. Paint the Summer Away

Temple University has a thriving visual arts program, and for budding high school artists, the Tyler Pre College Workshop offers several courses in intensive drawing, oil painting, and digital design using Adobe Photoshop. There are also sculpture and printmaking classes available. While working in studio space on a college campus, students get the chance to expand both their portfolios and their skills. The courses take place over the course of three sessions from June 24 to Aug. 2. To apply, students must fill out an application and in some cases provide work samples. One session costs $650, two costs $1200 and three sessions is $1650 in total.

6. The Art of Building

For students who want to learn about building design, Temple also runs an architecture camp from July 8 to July 19. The course includes lectures, architectural tours around Philadelphia, and sessions in an architectural studio. Students learn about both the traditional and emerging techniques in the field of architecture. During studio time, students create their own original 2 and 3-dimensional building mockups. The course takes place in Temple’s new state-of-the-art architecture studies building, which was completed in 2012. Tuition: $950.

7. Engineering Success

A program designed to encourage women in the engineering field, Temple’s WE2 summer program includes lectures from working engineers, many of them women, and the chance to participate in original engineering projects, group discussions and field trips to industry locations, such as a tour through NASA headquarters. The program takes place from July 8 to 13. Application deadline is June 15, and women in grades 10-12 with a GPA over 3.0 are encouraged to apply. Tuition is $500, and financial aid is also available.

8. Open Programs

Temple also offers teens between the ages of 13 and 17 several non credit summer camp sessions throughout the summer with tuition costs ranging from $200 to $400.

Want to learn how to win an argument? In the “Art of Arguing,” a 5-session course taking place August 5-9, students learn about debate and public speaking, and how to persuasively argue a point. Interested in working in television? From July 22-26, high schoolers can sign up for Temple’s Multimedia Camp for firsthand experience with audio, video, and web production. The class also spends a day browsing a real television studio and control room.

Finally, Temple also has something for budding creative writers looking to expand their knowledge of the craft; a creative writing course with open enrollment that takes place July 8-12. Students write their own short stories, poetry, personal essays, and other genre prose.

9. Portfolio work at University of the Art

Not only do artsy students have a plethora of options at Temple, but they can also choose from a wide range of summer courses at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, from creative writing and drama to the visual arts. Students get access to advice from real working professionals in their chosen field, participate in exhibits and workshops, and produce pieces for their portfolios. What’s more, students receive 3 college credits after completing these courses. Tuition costs range from $1,500 to $3,800, depending on the class type and residence status.

With such a diverse array of classes offered in Philly, there’s certainly something for everyone. Whether you want to paint your perfect masterpiece, or learn how to create the perfect simple machine, the Philadelphia metro area has you covered. In addition, university-level courses are also a great way for high school students to gain experience handling college level course loads. So what are you waiting for?