A college preparatory charter high school with a focus on the arts
Summer Programs
The list below provides summer program options. Research options in other areas of the country if you are open to going a little farther from home for a summer experience.
LOCAL
Arts Together Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program (Raleigh, 1-8 weeks)
The CIT program, designed for ages 13-16, provides leadership and communication training for teens through volunteer experience and mentorship, with the aim of cultivating character, self-confidence and valuable career skills. This program is perfect for teens who love the arts and working with children. The application deadline is mid-April. Cost: Free. Website: Counselor-in-Training Program — Arts Together.
Duke Summer STEM Academy (3 weeks for rising juniors and seniors)
January 15 is the application priority deadline. Applications will be accepted after that date, and spaces will be filled if space remains available. The program is Monday - Friday. Duke also offers other pre-college programs for 9th-11th grade students with various session options. Costs have ranged from $3,200 - $4,900 and are being updated for Summer 2023. Limited financial aid is available. See Mrs. Winters for more information. Duke Summer STEM Academy – A Summer Intensive for High School Students
ID Tech Camps and Academies at UNC Chapel Hill (1 - 2 weeks, residential and non-residential)
UNC Chapel Hill offers many courses for students of all ages over the summer. Some courses are offered on campus at UNC, while others are primarily online. Some options include: Game Design and Development 101, Unreal Engine 4 Level Design and Gameplay Mechanics, VR Design with Unity and Oculus Quest 2, Intro to Python Coding for Machine Learning, Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies 101, and more. Cost: from $929 - $4,599. Register for Summer Camp at iD Tech | Camps & Academies
NC State Design Camp (1 week residential and non-residential available)
Registration opens at the end of January, and space is limited. Costs range from $825 - $1,300. Financial assistance and scholarships are available. For more information, go to: NC State Design Lab
NC State Online Study Skills Program (1-2 week, summer or year-round, all grades)
The focus of this camp is on organizational skills (time and materials management), learning/memory strategies and test taking skills. Cost is $150. For more information:
NCSU Shelton Challenge Leadership Program (6 days, rising 10th - 12th grade)
The program immerses students in leadership-development opportunities designed to establish a strong foundation for future generations. These value-based programs focus on one of the Shelton Leadership Center’s (SLC) core values each day and build upon each throughout the week. Students get real-world experience leading others, changing their perspectives on themselves and the world. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Cost: $800. Shelton Challenge
NC State Summer Reading Skills Programs for Rising 9th - 11th Graders (Summer or year round)
NC State partners with the Institute for Reading Development to offer this 6-week, on-line program. For 9th graders, this program is designed for students to make substantial gains in comprehension and learn to read twice as fast. They should learn the best way to take notes, study for tests and read challenging material. They should complete homework more quickly and easily, get better grades and enjoy reading more. Tenth - 11th graders should increase reading speed and comprehension, work on improving writing skills, learn essential nonfiction skills and expand vocabulary. Cost: $249 plus $39 materials and shipping. For information: NC State Summer Reading Program
NC General Assembly Page Program (1 week, mid April/May-August)
The NC House Page Program allows students a unique opportunity to see firsthand how the government operates. Students are connected with elected officials in North Carolina, observing lawmakers, staff, lobbyists, and constituents working together to move along the legislative process. They are assigned stations to be available to assist House members. They will also assist in committee meetings and as office assistants. Students can opt to receive community service hours or a small stipend. House Page Program - North Carolina General Assembly
Summer Programs for College Credit at UNC Chapel Hill
Interested in exploring a potential college major and receiving college credit? Honor roll students who have completed their junior year of high school can apply to Summer School as visiting students. They will receive course credit and create a UNC-Chapel Hill transcript. For more information visit: UNC Summer School
Summer Programs in Television Broadcasting, Horticulture Science, Leadership and More
Looking for opportunities to explore college and career choices? Check on the strong summer programs offered at NC State. Don’t wait -space is limited - For information: NC State Summer Programs
William Peace University Summer Camps (4-day, 9th-12th grade)
WPU offers five camps to help high schoolers try new things and earn college credit. Select from Writing Music for the Screen, Research in Stream Ecology, Sport and Fitness Testing, Forensic Science, and Simulation and Game Design. Registration opens in January. Cost: $400. Summer Camps 2022 | William Peace University
OTHER NC
Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University (Boone, 3 weeks)
Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University is a comprehensive music camp for freshmen through seniors. Students participate in daily ensemble rehearsals and music theory classes and have direct instruction in weekly, one-hour lessons. Cost: $2,550. Cannon Music Camp
CHANCE (Campamento Hispano Abriendo Nuestro Camino a la Educación (Greensboro, 11th grade)
CHANCE is an on-campus program for Latinx students at UNC-Greensboro. Participants will have a chance to engage with university professors, students, and staff to develop a network forging positive, healthy mentorship connections focused on academic success and personal growth. This program encourages Latinx students to attend college by increasing their awareness of higher education and showing that it is well within their reach. Parents and family members will also be getting information about UNCG and supporting their students through their college search process in their own language. CHANCE | UNC Greensboro Undergraduate Admissions
Campapalooza at Chowan University (Murfreesboro, NC, 1 week)
This is a 5-day academic summer camp for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. It culminates with a showcase luncheon for participants and parents. Camps include: drawing history; horror films, history & pop culture; movie making; music exploration; studio art; vocal workshop; bridge to college and more. Contact Ancillary Services at Chowan for a QR code for more details and to register. Cost: $400. Chowan University
Campbell University (Buies Creek, 1 week)
Campbell offers a free, residential camp for rising 9th-12th graders covering a wide range of STEM topics including biotechnology, clinical research, pharmaceutical sciences, and engineering. The application deadline is mid-May.
Cost: Free. Website: STEM Program Agenda | STEM Camp | Campbell University
Davidson College (Davidson, NC, 3 weeks)
This academically rigorous program offers a taste of college life for rising high school juniors and seniors. Arts-themed classes include “The Universal Language of Music…or Not?” and “The American Short Story,” and more. Cost: $4,000. July Experience | Davidson
Emerging Journalist Program at Elon University (Elon, NC, 2 weeks)
The Elon School of Communications hosts aspiring journalists for the Scripps Howard Emerging Journalist Program. High school juniors from diverse socio-economic, racial or ethnic backgrounds who complete on-line sessions (beginning in January) are invited to apply for the on-campus residential learning workshop. This all-expenses paid program develops skills in reporting, writing, multimedia, story telling, leadership and media management. Scripps Howard Emerging Journalists Program at Elon
Leader in Training 4-H Summer Camp (Reidsville, 1 week)
The LIT program was developed to help guide youth as they hone and develop their leadership skills. This camping program for ages 15-17 will increase awareness of personal responsibility and character development. The program strives to provide youth with necessary life skills for lifelong fulfillment. Rolling application deadline. Cost: $315-$420. Teen Programs - Summer Camp North Carolina
NC Zoo Veterinary Science Camp (Asheboro, 1 day)
This camp brings students to the Zoo to explore what it’s like to have a career in veterinary medicine. They will practice basic vet procedures like giving exams, administering CPR, and tying sutures, as well as exploring the specialized skills needed to care for wild and exotic animals. Rolling application deadline. Cost: $350-$395. Veterinary Science Camps – 2023 – NC Zoological Society
SAME (Society of American Military Engineers) Camps (6 locations/bases, 1 week)
SAME’s STEM/Engineering & Construction Camps offer high school students (at least 15 years of age) interested in a highly unique STEM experience the chance to spend a week at a military base learning engineering, construction and design, while developing leadership skills and discovering the potential of a career in STEM. Led by SAME professionals and other volunteers from the military and engineering community, each camp has a unique curriculum that features hands-on activities conducted in competitive environments promoting teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem-solving. Cost: $100-$800. SAME Camps Program
Summer Journalism Academy (Boston University or Virtual, 3 weeks)
For students interested in a career in journalism, writing, communications, or photography. Hosted by Boston University College of Communication, this program trains high schoolers critical skills in news reporting, interviewing, and writing. The courses are taught by award-winning, working journalists, including Pulitzer Prize winners Lara Salahi and Rochelle Sharpe . Students interested in visual storytelling will learn from veteran photojournalist and The Boston Globe photographer Stephen Haines. Cost: $6,200 for on campus, $1,500 virtual, discounts for early applicants. Summer Journalism Academy
UNC Asheville Pre-College Programs (Asheville, 1 week)
Each program offers immersion into an academic topic, challenging activities, and the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Many programs feature off-campus excursions. Topics include: film scoring & sound design, music composition and songwriting, creative writing, ceramics, river ecology & adventure and more. The programs are open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. Costs: Starting at $1,350. 2023 Summer Pre-College Programs - Camps
UNC - Greensboro Summer Camps (Greensboro, 1-2 weeks)
UNC - Greensboro offers summer programs in music, dance, writing, robotics and herpetology.
Wake Forest University On-line Immersion Programs (2-4 weeks)
These online courses can include live sessions conducted by industry experts, guest speakers, and mentors -- giving engagement and interactivity that would be impossible elsewhere. Courses: business, medicine, cancer medicine, psychology, sports medicine, bioscience, women’s medicine, and finance. Students receive a certificate of completion to include with college applications. Cost: $995. Online Immersion Program
Wingate University Summer Camps (Wingate, 1 week)
Wingate hosts two health sciences camps: the Health Sciences Academy and Wingate Pharmacy Camp. The health science program is a day program that helps students explore a variety or careers while taking part in educational and clinical activities. Pharmacy Camp is a residential program for rising juniors and seniors to learn about the pharmacy industry and its 100-plus career options and gain hands-on experience in pharmacy skills. Cost: $115 for Health Science; $400 for Pharmacy. Website: Sports Summer Camps at Wingate University | Near Charlotte
SOUTHEAST
Emory (Atlanta, GA, 2-6 weeks)
You choose program length, credit or no credit, and specific subjects. Students looking for a pre-college summer arts program have such class options as Dramatic Writing for the Screen and Stage, Media and Politics, Psychology and Fiction, and Writing Workshop, to name but a few. Cost: $2,861—$7,825, depending upon length of course and need for housing. Emory Pre-College Program
Savannah College of Art and Design (Atlanta and Savannah, GA, 5 weeks)
SCAD Rising Star is an intensive five-week program during which students enroll in two college-level classes while simultaneously building their personal portfolios. The program includes courses in a variety of disciplines such as computer art, creative writing, studio arts, design, textiles, filmmaking, printmaking and more. Cost: $6,000 (includes tuition, room & board); $4,400 (eLearning program)
Vanderbilt (Nashville, TN, 3 weeks)
High-achieving students are invited to participate to get a taste of real college life by living on campus, taking accelerated courses with Vanderbilt professors, attending social activities, and completing college-level homework assignments. Arts-themed courses include “Digital Storytelling,” “Writing Fantasy Fiction,” “Math & Music,” “Writing Short Stories,” and more. Cost: $2,750 — $3,625, depending on grade (includes tuition, room & board, activities, and materials) VSA (Rising Grades 7-12) | Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth
MID-ATLANTIC
Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA 3-6 weeks)
The program is specifically designed for those students who are coming from underrepresented backgrounds, most notably ethnic minority students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and first-generation college students. All students take classes on drawing, sculpture, animation, and concept studio, while six-week students can then choose sessions on painting, digital photography, printmaking, or concept studio. Cost: No tuition, though students are responsible for their books and supplies and spend an average of $300 on personal and recreational activities. Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
Creative Writing Academy at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C., 1 week)
Students will write and also learn about the publishing and professionalization aspects of the literary industry. Student writing will be featured in Three Stars, the Academy’s annual student literary magazine. Find more information here: Creative Writing Academy | Georgetown University Summer Programs for High School Students
George Washington University Pre-College Programs (Washington, D.C., 1-6 weeks)
Experience intensive programs in museum studies and the arts, global development, international relations, public policy and administration, politics, diplomacy, history or biomedical engineering. Learn more at GW Pre-College
Hollinsummer Programs (Roanoke, VA, 1 week residential for girls)
Interested in writing, theatre, social justice, biology and environmental research or horse riding? Fun Summer Educational Camps & Programs | Hollins University
Joint Science and Technology Institute East (JSTI) (Maryland, 2 weeks)
This free program for rising 10th-12th grade students exposes them to scientific research through hands-on projects with Department of Defense scientists and STEM experts to inspire and increase awareness of career opportunities in STEM-related fields. Project areas include Electronic and Military Packaging, Mathematics and Modeling Mania, Cycling Smarter Not Harder, Expanded Robotics, Design or Additive Manufacturing, and the Science and Art of Storytelling. Cost: Free. Website: Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) East
Smithsonian National Youth Teaching Assistant (Washington, DC, 1 or more weeks)
Youth teaching assistants (YTAs) befriend, help and act as role models for younger children participating in Smithsonian camps. YTAs assist instructors in the camp room while gaining unique experience in a professional setting. The wide range of programs offer YTAs the opportunity to experience and learn about new subject areas and increase and share their understanding of a more familiar subject such as art, science, history and collections overall. YTAs can earn community service credits and have an intriguing experience to add to a resume or college application. YTAs must be 15-years-old and older. Applications are due in early March. Cost: Free. Website: Youth Programs | Smithsonian Institution
NORTHEAST
Boston College Creative Writing Workshop (Boston, MA, 3 weeks)
Student writers will study a range of writing styles. At the end of the program, students will work together to edit a class literary journal and present their writing at a public reading. For more information go to Creative Writing Workshop
Boston University Summer Term
BU offers a wide range of programs and experiences lasting from 1 - 6 weeks depending on grade level and interest. Learn more at BU Pre-College Programs
Brown (Providence, RI, 1-4 weeks)
The Summer@Brown pre-college summer program is an opportunity for students to experience life on an Ivy League campus while immersing themselves in subjects they love without the stress of grades and credits. Students can choose from more than 200 non-credit courses. Subjects include: Creative & Performing Arts, Creative Writing, English & World Literature, Music, Studio Art & Art History, and Writing.
Cost: $2,709 to $6,764 per course, depending upon length of courses and housing needs. Brown Pre-College Programs
Columbia University Summer Immersion (NY, NY, 3 weeks)
Competitive students can choose from a variety of subject areas including architecture, art history, creative writing, drawing, filmmaking, photography, theater arts and visual art.HONE YOUR TALENT. FIND YOUR PATH. | Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Harvard (Cambridge, MA, 2 weeks)
Spend time at America’s most selective university with students from around the world studying comparative literature, creative writing, English, or expository writing. Examples of courses include Fiction Workshop: Writing Short Stories, The Power and Politics of Fairy Tales, Reading and Writing Poetry, and dozens more. Cost: $4,500 College Programs for High School Students - Harvard Summer School
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Boston, MA, 4 weeks)
Rising 11th and 12th graders participating in the Summer Studio at MassArt will experience what it’s like to attend a rigorous art school. Students will take three foundation courses and an elective meant to help them develop their work. A number of special events are held throughout the course of the program, including a culminating closing exhibition of student work. Students can choose to earn credit or complete the program without credit. Cost: $3,000 (tuition only); $5,610 (includes non-credit tuition and room & board); $6,150 (includes for-credit tuition and room & board)
Pre-College Summer Studios | MassArt
NYU (NY, NY, 4 weeks)
By participating in the Summer Arts Intensive at NYU, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities as they gain firsthand knowledge of printmaking, laser engraving, 3D printing, sculpting, painting, and much more. This program for rising sophomores through seniors culminates with the opportunity for students to mount their own exhibition at a gallery in the East Village. Applications are accepted beginning in February. Cost:$5,900 (includes tuition, activities, and room & board)
NYU High School Summer Art Intensive
Parsons the New School of Design (NY, NY, 4 weeks)
At Parsons students take intensive courses, participate in special events, and attend guest lectures from people successful in the world of art. Specific subjects include architecture, design, studio art, photography, illustration, game design and more. Cost:
$3,064 (includes tuition only)
Summer Intensive Studies NYC | Parsons School of Design
Pratt Institute Summer PreCollege Program (Brooklyn, NY, 4 weeks)
Create portfolio pieces, earn elective college credit, and experience the arts in New York City. Programs include art, design, architecture and writing. Early applications are encouraged. PreCollege - Continuing and Professional Studies
Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College (Providence, RI, 5 weeks)
RISD offers a college-level curriculum for rising juniors and seniors with day-long studio classes, critiques and projects. Students can select from among 22 different visual art and design disciplines. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in early November. Rising sophomores through seniors can opt for an on-line program and can choose to earn a certificate. Cost: $10,700 + art supplies (residential); $8,100 (commuter). On-line program: $1,380 - $5,520. https://precollege.risd.edu/\
Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY, 2, 4 and 6 week programs)
Syracuse offers options such as writing, 3D art studio, architecture and others. Writing students enroll in two classes. Students will be introduced to various types of college writing, learn to analyze and reflect as a means of developing a range of writing skills, and have their writing critiqued by professors. Architecture is one of the most popular programs, which is designed and structured to give students an understanding of architecture and design and helps students develop the beginning of an application portfolio. Costs vary. https://precollege.syr.edu/programs-courses/summer-college-residential/
The Cooper Union (NY, NY, 4 weeks)
Student artists participating in the program choose a studio concentration in which to spend two days per week. The remaining time is spent preparing a portfolio, visiting major NYC museums, and taking part in discussions with guest artists in residence and industry professionals. The program culminates in a take-home portfolio of work, a student exhibition, and a summer anthology publication. Specific Subjects: animation, creative writing, photography, drawing, graphic design, stop animation, and more.
For rising sophomores through rising seniors. Cost: $2,700 (includes tuition, materials, travel, museum fees) Summer Art Intensive 2023 | The Cooper Union
Tufts (Medford, MA, 6 weeks)
Designed for students who might already consider themselves writers, the Tufts Summer Writing Program is an intensive six-week program meant to help students build their critical thinking skills, navigate the relationship between reader and writer, and develop critical literary skills that are key to be successful at writing. Students receive a regular evaluation from professors, and activities include free-writing exercises, learning to revise, and three papers that build on a specific theme. Cost: $2,900 (tuition only)
West Point’s Summer Leader Experience (SLE) (West Point, NY, 1 week)
Students in this program get to spend the week with West Point’s cadets, live in the barracks, and eat in the mess hall. Students will learn about West Point’s world class academics through workshops, learn about military training, and challenge themselves physically by attempting the Candidate Fitness Assessment. Students will complete their admissions interview with a cadet and spend the week making friends with other students from around the US who are applying to West Point. Cost: $625, need based scholarships available.
ABROAD
The Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) (Multilocation, 3-8 weeks)
These Global Navigator high school summer abroad programs take you outside your comfort zone for 3 to 8 weeks. Have fun exploring a different culture in more than 35 amazing destinations across the world. Students will have the chance to Immerse themselves in local communities, along with new friends from around the U.S, and develop hard and soft skills in the real world, setting themselves up for success in language proficiency or a topic they’re passionate about.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS
Accounting Careers Awareness Program, National Association of Black Accountants
Annual summer program during which students will be exposed to corporate industries and learn more about accounting,
college, business etiquette, professional development and financial literacy. It is a free program. ACAP – NABA INC.