The school year is coming to an end, and summer vacation is just around the corner. You may be wondering, “how can I make the most of my summer break?” Taking summer programs is a great experience that you can use to explore the real world. Participating in the programs you are interested in allows you to gain exposure to different majors you are attracted to and develop skills that are critical to future success.
Although summer programs are not a requirement, it is suggested. However, you may have other plans and are not planning to participate in a summer program. That’s okay, as long as you have talked to your parents or counselor and have a plan for your high school and future career. Sophia Dufour (10) says, “No, I don’t plan on taking any summer programs this year because I don’t have any classes I need to take during summer break.”
Why are summer programs important and where should students start?
Summer courses can provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests in an immersive atmosphere. The benefits are beyond the academic enrichment, and many students obtain increased self-confidence and the development of valuable life skills throughout the courses. This is also the difference between the school summer courses and the summer programs outside of school. They are not only for receiving extra credits for next year’s courses but are also for enhancing college applications and helping students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
The best time to begin participating in these programs is typically in the summer between ninth and eleventh grade, and numerous summer activities cater to five of the most popular careers; you can see if any of them interest you. Be aware that summer programs offer beneficial and unique experiences, but most of them are very expensive and may be far away from your home. You should expect to do extensive research to find summer programs that are a fit for you. Emily Dai (10) is taking the chance to study her future major and states, “I am planning to take a summer program about biology and medicine. I want to major in pre-med in college, so I am hoping to use the summer as a chance to explore more about this area.”
Program suggestions for specific majors:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics):
- Explore MIT’s Introduction to Minorities in Engineering and Science (MITES) or Stanford’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory’s Summer Outreach (BAILOUT) program to gain in-depth experience in cutting-edge STEM fields.
- Research on iD Tech has information about universities in California where teens can learn about “coding, game development, robotics, and more” (idtech.com).
- Art and Creative Fields:
- The Juilliard School’s Summer Performing Arts Program or the Rhode Island School of Design’s College Preparatory Program offers aspiring artists immersive experiences in music, dance, visual arts, and design.
- Business and Entrepreneurship:
- Consider taking a class at Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World (LBW) or Harvard Business School’s Global Business School to learn about basic business principles and leadership skills.
- Humanities and Social Sciences:
- Oxford Royal College’s Oxford Summer School or Yale University’s Global Young Scholars. (oxfordsummercourses.com)
- Sports:
- Athletic enthusiasts can explore programs such as Nike Sports Camps, the IMG Academy, or Dean Pre-College Programs: Sports Broadcasting, which offer a blend of skill development, team-building, exposure to various sports, and a holistic experience for aspiring athletes (ussportscamps.com).
Depending on your hobbies or interests for the future, you can add these programs to your summer plans. Different summer programs also have different application deadlines, so make note of those due dates so you do not miss an opportunity you are interested in. Have a great summer, Mustangs!
