2026 Best Summer Programs

An increasing number of selective colleges now scrutinize how applicants spend their summers during high school. In response to this trend, thousands of providers鈥搃ncluding both universities and private companies鈥搊ffer academically-themed summer programs for teens. These programs vary from free-to-extremely expensive, and highly-selective-to-open enrollment. With such a bevy of options, teens will likely need expert guidance in order to successfully locate an ideal-fit program that will fully support their future academic and career dreams.聽

To answer this need, our list of the Best Summer Programs is here to serve as your comprehensive guide. For your convenience, the list is sortable by discipline and location and contains relevant data and information about each recommended program.

Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

Fairfax, VA

Hosted by George Mason University and the Smithsonian National Zoo.
Visit endangered species and learn about conservation.聽
Students earn one college credit.

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: 1 Week
Application Deadline: December
Eligibility: 11th, 12th

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Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)

Philadelphia, PA

Offered through the University of Pennsylvania.
Explore careers through mentors, seminars, and field trips
Culminates with a research report and public presentation

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: Not offered in 2026
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, 12th

Wonderworks Pre-College Summer Programs

Houston, TX

Expand your cultural and artistic horizons through learning experiences that are intense and fun
Combination of lectures, field trips, and daily building projects
Offers art, architecture, business, writing, and more

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: 5 Weeks
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, 12th

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Broadreach Summer Programs

Caribbean; Cura莽ao; Azores; Fiji; Mexico; Costa Rica; Malawi; Ecuador; Bonaire; Egypt

Learn and build skills in a hands-on environment.聽
Groups of kept small 鈥� the average is around 12 students.聽
Experts teach scuba & sailing

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: ~2-3 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

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Putney Student Travel

25+ countries, 6 continents

Cultural immersion and independent creative projects.
Give back to the local community you are staying in.聽
Language-focused programs available.

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: 1-4 Weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

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Tisch Summer High School Drama Programs

New York, NY

Students complete 28 hours of conservatory training each week.聽
Learn from professional actors, designers, and stage managers.聽
Program culminates with a showcase.

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: 4 Weeks
Application Deadline: December
Eligibility: 11th, 12th

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Summer@Cornish

Seattle, WA

Held at Cornish College of the Arts.聽
Curriculum prepares students for a future in the arts.
Music-Dance-Musical & Theater-Film-Art & Design

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: 4 Weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

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Colorado School of Mines Engineering Design Summer Program

Golden, CO

Students become a SolidWorks Associate (industry recognized)
Taught by former Mines professor
3-D design in a hands-on format

Residential
Online Option

Min. Session Length: 1 Week
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, 12th

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Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

The Laboratory Learning Program is a science outreach opportunity for local high school students
Work with Princeton professors on research projects聽
Highly competitive full-time research opportunities in engineering聽