What Will Summer Programs Look Like in 2021?

With the growing uncertainty of the future of COVID-19, many, if not most, summer programs, camps, and internships have been moved online in hopes to slow the spread of the virus and to keep young people safe. Crimson Education believes that summers are just as important for student development as is the school year, that’s why we’ve compiled a list of prestigious summer programs that have moved online and are (or will be soon) accepting applications for Summer 2021!

Each summer program has adapted and reinterpreted their programs to fit the needs and interests of their students while remaining safe in these unpredictable times. Factors such as time, duration, location, and accessibility are all factors that contribute to each program’s decision and adaptation. Below is a list of programs that are recommended for high-achieving high school students looking to expand their extracurricular profiles.*

Boston University: RISE Internship/Practicum
If you’re passionate about the sciences and are a domestic student currently in your junior year of high school, we invite you to apply for the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program. You will spend six weeks at BU conducting university laboratory research with some of the nation’s brightest scientific minds while advancing your STEM knowledge and skills.

Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) provides opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields and earn college credit.

As SAMS Scholars, students engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by our renowned faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success. The program allows students to develop a deeper understanding in areas such as mathematics, biology, and physics via traditional classroom instruction, through hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors.

Girls Who Code
This 2-week virtual program teaches girls and non-binary students the computer science skills they need to make an impact in their community while preparing for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, and join a supportive sisterhood of girls in tech.

Indiana University - Young Women’s Institute

The Young Women’s Institute introduces young women to the college experience and business career opportunities. Students are selected from around the country to spend a week at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. While at IU, students participate in workshops with top Kelley School of Business faculty, interact with Kelley alumni and current students, prepare a real-world business case project, build leadership and communication skills, and connect with like-minded women interested in business.

LaunchX
LaunchX brings together top aspiring high school entrepreneurs from around the world each summer, supporting you through the process of launching an actual startup. You join a highly-curated group of promising young entrepreneurs from around the globe, learn from industry experts, and leverage our leading course materials and support team to work with your peer co-founders to build real products and solve business challenges in viable ways.

LaunchX isn't a business plan competition - students start real companies. These startups are driven by using the design thinking process to discover innovative opportunities, backed by extensive market research, multiple iterations of prototypes and user testing, and gaining traction through iterations and customer development.

MIT - Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

MITES is a rigorous six-week residential academic enrichment program for rising high school seniors – many of whom come from underrepresented or underserved communities – who have a strong academic record and are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. This national program stresses the value and reward of pursuing advanced technical degrees and careers while developing the skills necessary to achieve success in science and engineering.

MIT - Research Science Institute (RSI)

Each summer, 80 of the world's most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is the first cost-free to students, summer science & engineering program to combine on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research. RSI scholars first participate in a week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors. The heart of RSI is the five-week research internship where students conduct individual projects under the tutelage of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week of RSI, students prepare written and oral presentations on their research projects.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is one of the only programs of its kind offering a free, innovative residential journalism and college prep institute for high achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. The summer program culminates in the publication of the Princeton Summer Journal, the student-produced newspaper. During their senior year, students are matched with a personal college adviser, who will work with them on their college admissions process. admission process!

Stanford University Mathematics Camp

When you come to Stanford University Mathematics Camp, not only will you engage in deep exploration of mathematics and develop as a mathematician, but you will be immersed in a community of others who share your mathematical talent and curiosity. For three weeks you will participate in online classes, make new friends, and be challenged intellectually. Many participants say the experience changed their lives.

Yale Young Global Scholars
Yale Young Global Scholars emphasizes an open, exploratory, and collaborative approach to learning. Our program is designed to allow students to experience learning in a variety of different university contexts, from large lectures to small seminars, and even the spontaneous learning that happens in dining halls and around campus.

Whether your interest is in the arts or the sciences or somewhere in-between, there’s a summer program for you! Summer programs are vital to a well-rounded college application and show admissions officers that you took your interests and passions beyond the classroom to further explore and innovate. Take this summer to get ahead and stay on track to accomplish your academic and career goals.

*Program descriptions have been taken from program homepages and are subject to change.