If you're a high school student looking for something productive and fun to do during the summer, you might want to consider checking out some of the amazing online summer programs available. These programs offer a wide range of activities that can help you learn new skills, explore your interests and even get a head start on preparing for college.
We'll review some of the top online summer programs for high school students, organized into categories, such as academic, enrichment, and extracurricular programs.
Whether you want to polish your skills, learn a new language, or participate in community service, there's a program for you. So let's dive in and review the best options available.
TL;DR
- Online summer programs are a great way for high school students to explore their interests, gain new skills, and prepare for college.
- We've compiled a list of programs divided into academic, enrichment, and extracurricular categories.
- From free resources like MIT OpenCourseWare to paid programs like BETA Camp, there's something for everyone.
- Pros and cons, program costs, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and payment options are included for each program.
Why Online Summer Programs?
Online programs have become increasingly popular among high school students in recent years. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many students to stay home and attend school virtually, participating in online summer programs has become more appealing than ever before. However, even before the pandemic, many students were already turning to online programs for various reasons.
One of the biggest advantages of online programs is their flexibility. Students can participate in these programs from anywhere worldwide using a computer and an internet connection. So students can continue participating in programs even if they travel or have other summer commitments.
Online programs often allow students to work at their own pace, which can be especially helpful for those who may need more time to absorb information or complete assignments.
Another advantage of virtual programs is the variety of options available. There is a wide range of programs to choose from, including academic, enrichment, and extracurricular programs. Some programs focus on specific subjects or skills.
This allows students to find programs tailored to their interests and goals and to explore new subjects and activities that they may not have had access to otherwise. For example, if you’re interested in business and entrepreneurship, there are many programs to choose from, such as BETA Camp.
Virtual programs often offer unique opportunities for collaboration and networking. This can be a great way for students to expand their horizons and build relationships that may be valuable in the future.
Now let us look at some of the best programs you can choose from.
Academic Programs
Leadership and Entrepreneurship #1: BETA Camp
BETA Camp is a 4-week online summer program that teaches high school students how to create a startup through experiential learning. The program claims to help students launch their first revenue-generating startup and provides opportunities to stand out in college applications and build a good resume. BETA Camp attracts a community of ambitious teens who learn by doing, making it a great place to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Quick Facts
- Eligibility: High school students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation can apply to BETA Camp.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: BETA Camp offers scholarships to eligible students with financial needs. Students can apply for financial aid during the application process by submitting the required documents.
- Application Process: To apply for BETA Camp, students must fill out an online application form and submit it with their resume, transcript, and a short video introducing themselves.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Cost: $3,000 for the 4-week program
Pros
- BETA Camp provides a money-back guarantee if students do the work and still don't like the program
- The program offers a unique opportunity to learn how to create a startup, a valuable skill in today's economy
- Students can build a strong network with other ambitious teens who share similar interests
Cons
- The program is focused solely on entrepreneurship and may not appeal to students who are not interested in starting their own business
- The program may be expensive for some families, with a cost of $3,000 for the 4-week program
Leadership and Entrepreneurship #2: MIT Launch
MIT Launch is a selective entrepreneurship program that offers a four-week summer program for high school students. The program teaches students about entrepreneurship and innovation through hands-on learning and mentorship.
Students will work in teams to develop a startup idea and pitch it to a panel of judges at the end of the program. They are also called the LaunchX Summer Programs. You will find a comprehensive review of the program here.
Quick facts
- Eligibility: Students must be current high school students who are at least 15 years old.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: MIT Launch offers limited need-based scholarships to students accepted into the program.
- Application Process: Students must apply online through the MIT Launch website. The application includes an essay, a resume, and a letter of recommendation.
- Duration: 4 weeks during summer
- Cost: $5980 - $9450
Pros
- MIT Launch provides students with access to experienced mentors who have real-world experience in entrepreneurship.
- Students will learn about entrepreneurship through hands-on activities, such as developing and pitching a startup idea to a panel of judges.
- MIT is a prestigious university, and being accepted into the program is a notable achievement.
Cons
- The program is highly selective, and not all students who apply will be accepted.
- The program is not free, and the cost may be prohibitive for some families.
Writing and Humanities: The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop is a two-week online summer program for high school students interested in creative writing. The program offers workshops, craft classes, and one-on-one consultations with professional writers. Students can work on their writing skills and produce original work.
Quick facts
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Cost: $3,600 for the 2-week program
Pros
- The program offers a supportive community of writers who share a love for creative writing
- Students have the opportunity to work with professional writers and receive individualized feedback on their work
- The program offers a variety of workshops and craft classes to help students develop their writing skills
Cons
- The program is expensive, with a cost of $3,600 for the two-week program
- The program is only focused on creative writing and may not appeal to students interested in other humanities subjects
- The program may not be accessible to students with limited financial resources
College Preparation: The Yale Young Global Scholars Program
The Yale Young Global Scholars program is a two-week online summer program for high school students interested in global affairs and leadership. The program offers seminars, workshops, and discussions led by Yale faculty and students can engage with peers from around the world.
Quick facts
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Cost: $6,250 for the 2-week program
Pros
- The program offers a prestigious academic experience with a focus on global affairs and leadership
- Students have the opportunity to engage with Yale faculty and learn from experts in their field
- The program offers a diverse and international community of students, providing a unique cultural exchange experience
Cons
- The program is expensive, with a cost of $6,250 for the two-week program
- The program is highly competitive and may not be accessible to all students
- The program is only focused on global affairs and leadership and may not appeal to students interested in other subjects
Enrichment Programs
Arts and Music #1: Juilliard Summer Performing Arts School
The Juilliard School's Summer Performing Arts School is a program designed for high school students interested in music, drama, and dance. The program offers a range of classes and workshops for students. Students will be able to learn from Juilliard's world-class faculty and connect with other aspiring artists.
Quick facts
- Duration: 1-4 weeks
- Cost: Varies by the program. For example, the Dance program costs $2,150
Pros
- High-quality instruction from Juilliard's faculty
- Opportunity to connect with other aspiring artists
- Focus on both individual and collaborative learning
Cons
- Limited availability for some classes
- Expensive compared to other programs
Arts and Music #2: Berklee Online
Berklee Online offers a range of online courses for high school students interested in music. The program offers music production, business, songwriting, and more courses. Moreover, students can learn from Berklee's faculty and connect with other aspiring musicians.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Cost: Students may either pay per course term (at the $1,515 per course cost) or pay in full to receive a 10 percent discount
Pros
- High-quality instruction from Berklee's faculty
- Flexible scheduling
- Variety of courses to choose from
- The Berklee Alumni have a strong influence in the music industry
Cons
- Some courses may require prior experience
- Expensive compared to other programs ( $1,515 for most courses)
Language Learning: Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone offers language learning courses for high school students in over 20 languages. The program uses a unique immersion method to help students learn a new language. Students can also access interactive activities, games, and conversation practice.
Quick Facts
- Duration: Self-paced
- Cost: Starts at $14.92 per month
Pros
- Interactive and engaging learning experience
- A wide variety of languages is available
- Flexibility to learn at your pace
Cons
- Limited speaking practice with native speakers
Math and Science: MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare is a free virtual learning platform that offers courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The program provides access to course materials, lecture videos, and assignments used in MIT classes, allowing anyone with an internet connection to access top-quality educational resources.
Quick facts
- Duration: Self-paced
- Cost: Free of cost
Pros
- Access to high-quality course materials from a top-tier university
- No cost to access course materials
- Self-paced learning allows students to learn at their pace
Cons
- No access to instructors or feedback
- Limited interaction with other students
Extracurricular Programs
Sports and Fitness: Nike Sports Camps
Nike Sports Camps offers virtual sports and fitness programs for high school students. The program offers a range of sports, including basketball, soccer, and tennis. Students will have access to experienced coaches and training sessions designed to improve their skills.
Quick facts
- Duration: Varies by the program. A session can be 4-7 days
- Cost: Starts at $39 per session
Pros
- Experienced coaches and trainers
- Opportunities to improve athletic abilities
- Flexible schedules
Cons
- Limited social interaction with other athletes
- May require additional equipment or materials
Community Service Program: Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad offers virtual community service programs for high school students in areas such as healthcare, education, and conservation. Students have the opportunity to work with local organizations and positively impact communities around the world.
Quick facts
- Duration: Varies by the program
- Cost: Starts at $1,845 for two weeks
Pros
- Meaningful volunteer experiences
- Opportunities to make a difference in global communities
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
Cons
- Limited in-person interaction with locals
- May require additional materials or supplies
Travel and Cultural Immersion: CIEE Virtual Global Navigator
CIEE Global Navigator offers virtual travel and cultural immersion programs for high school students. The program offers courses in various subjects such as language, history, and culture. Students will have access to interactive activities and live sessions with instructors from around the world.
Quick Facts
- Duration: Varies by the program
- Cost: Starts at $3,130 for four weeks
Pros
- Immersive cultural experiences
- Flexible schedules
- Opportunities to connect with peers from around the world
Cons
- Limited in-person travel experiences
- May require additional materials or supplies
Application Process
Each program has its own set of eligibility criteria that students must meet to be considered for admission. Generally, high school students are targeted for these programs, but some programs may have specific age or grade requirements. Other criteria may include academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays or personal statements, letters of recommendation, and/or interviews. You should carefully review the eligibility criteria for each program before applying.
Application deadlines for these programs vary depending on the program and session. Some programs may have rolling admissions, while others have a set deadline. It's important to carefully review the application deadlines for each program and submit all required materials by the deadline.
While the application process for each program varies, most programs require you to complete an online application. This typically includes providing personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and written essays or personal statements. Some programs may also require additional materials such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, or test scores. It's essential to review the application requirements for each program carefully and follow the instructions provided to ensure your application is complete and considered for admission.
Program Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of participating in each program varies and can depend on factors such as program length and resources provided. It is crucial to carefully review the program costs.
Some programs may offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships or need-based aid, while others may not. The policies for financial aid and scholarships differ for each program, and it is important to review these options thoroughly and apply early, as funding may be limited.
Payment options for these programs also vary and can depend on the program and session selected. Some programs require full payment upfront, while others may offer payment plans or a deposit option. It is important to review the payment options carefully to ensure they align with your budget and financial situation.
To make an informed decision about which program to apply to, you need to scrutinize every program’s application process and requirements from their websites and their application portal in detail.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous virtual summer programs for high school students offering various academic, enrichment, and extracurricular opportunities. These programs can help students enhance their academic skills, explore new interests, gain valuable experience to help them stand out in college applications and future job interviews, and even boost their careers.
Here is a recap of the virtual summer programs mentioned in the article:
- BETA Camp
- MIT Launch
- The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
- The Yale Young Global Scholars Program
- Juilliard Summer Performing Arts School
- Berklee Online, Rosetta Stone
- MIT OpenCourseWare
- Nike Sports Camps
- Projects Abroad
- CIEE Global Navigator
Participating in a virtual summer program can be a life-changing experience for high school students. These programs offer a unique opportunity to learn from top instructors, connect with like-minded peers, and explore new interests in a supportive and engaging environment.
In addition, participating in online summer programs can help students build important skills, such as time management, communication, and problem-solving, that can be applied to future academic and professional endeavors.
Many resources are available for virtual summer programs for high school students. Some of these resources include:
Students and parents can also search for programs on social media platforms or check with their school counselors for recommendations.
Whether you are interested in academics, enrichment, or extracurricular activities, there is a virtual summer program. Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your skills, explore new interests, and prepare for future academic and professional endeavors.
Assessing your options can be daunting, but if business and entrepreneurship are your passion, you may like the BETA Camp program to take the first step in a journey that will stay with you forever.