Summer Enrichment Programs
Summer enrichment programs are an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience. They can give you a taste of college life and prepare you for the rigor of college-level coursework, while offering a chance to explore different career fields and network with professionals.
Summer academic programs
Intensive, often residential programs that introduce college-level work.
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Ages 16–18
Carnegie Mellon University Summer Opportunities for Access & Inclusion
Offers a selection of prestigious summer programs for students ages 16–18, including the Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science, the credit-conferring Advanced Placement / Early Action program, the National High School Game Academy, and programs in Architecture, Art, Design, Drama, and Music.
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State-funded
Governor’s School
State-funded programs offering academically gifted students the opportunity to participate in intensive summer studies in fields such as science, math, humanities, and the arts.
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STEM
Summer Science Program (SSP)
A challenging introduction to college-level work in science, mathematics, and engineering for high-achieving high school students.
College access & scholarships
Free advising, coaching, and scholarship matching for students from low-income communities.
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College & career
Bottom Line
Partners with degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities to get into and through college and successfully launch a career.
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peer coaching
Let’s Get Ready
Provides students with free college application and completion support from junior year through college graduation, led by near-peer college student coaches.
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Virtual advising
Matriculate
Connects high-achieving, low-income juniors and seniors to highly-trained undergraduate advisors, completely virtually, so students can attend colleges where they’ll thrive.
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Mentorship
Minds Matter
Connects driven students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college and create their future.
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Scholarships
QuestBridge
Connects high-achieving, low-income students with scholarship opportunities at top colleges via the National College Match Program, often resulting in full four-year scholarships.
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Leadership
Ron Brown Scholars
Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) is a free college access initiative for African American juniors and seniors, plus their parents and counselors; admission is competitive and there is no cost to admitted students. Application deadline is March 1.
New York programs
Local, year-round youth development in New York City.
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Youth Development
Boys Club of New York
A youth development organization providing diverse, inclusive after-school and Saturday programming to boys and young men in grades 2–12, regardless of zip code, immigration status, or family income.
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Youth development
Harlem Children’s Zone
An award-winning youth development center serving students mainly in Harlem, using arts, literacy, health, and nutrition to help elementary, middle, and high school students discover their talents and prepare for success in high school and college.
Search tools & other resources
Find more programs and the colleges that fit you.
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School search
Niche
From K–12 to college to grad school, Niche makes it easy to discover and connect with the best schools for you.
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College search
Scholar Match
A free college search tool built to help low-income and first-generation students find the right colleges for them.
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Program search
Summer Apply
Discover summer programs around the country and choose the one that fits you best, based on your interests.
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Admissions support
CollegeAdvisor
Offers the Scholars Program for students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds: 80+ rising high school seniors get free, personalized admissions support each year, many of them first-generation applicants.