Higher Education Center
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- Summer Programs & Activities
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- Resources
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Most colleges offer summer programs for HS students. Look for FREE or low cost programs.
Get involved with activities that are related to your future major or career.
It’s a great way to find out more about it and it looks great on your college applications!
IMPORTANT: Keep in mind most programs require letters of recommendation. Begin the application process & request letters at least 3 - 5 weeks before the deadline.MIT Women's Technology Program (WTP)The MIT Women's Technology Program is a rigorous four-week summer academic and residential experience where female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team based projects the summer after 11th grade.Criteria: Females in grade 11 who love & exel at math and scienceProgram dates: June 29 - July 27Cost: FREEHSF Latino Youth Leadership InstituteThe Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) is a four-day, overnight, college empowerment conference for Latino high school juniors. It is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, live on a college campus, and interact with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.Criteria: Juniors, 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.Program dates: June 20-23 at University of Chicago or July 25-28 at USCCost: FREEBank of America Student Leaders
Deadline: February 1
www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders
Program dates: Late June – August Cost: FREE, paid internship
Eight week paid summer internship with a local nonprofit organization. Take part in an all-expense-paid week in Washington, D.C. Learn how nonprofits, government, and business can partner to create a positive impact in our communities.
- Current juniors or seniors
- Be able to work eight weeks at a local non-profit and work 35 hours a week
- Relatives of Bank of America employees are not eligible to apply
COSMOS
Deadline: February 1 on-line app. onlyA four-week residential program where students work side-by-side with outstanding university researchers and faculty to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) using hands-on and labs.Program dates: July 7 – Aug 3 at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa CruzCost: $30 app fee, see flyer for tuition and full/partial scholarship opportunities
- Current students in grades 8-12
- Talented and motivated in math and science
(Start early - Long application requires two Letters of Recommendation from Math & Science teachers (preferred)
MIT Summer Programs
Deadline: February 1The Office of Engineering at MIT offers two great programs. By submitting one application you are automatically considered for one of the two programs, you cannot choose to apply to a particular program. The program is FREE but students must cover their transportation to and from MIT.
Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) - June 24 - Aug 2: This intense six-week program immerses students in life at MIT through math and science courses, a challenging hands-on elective course, workshops, guest speakers, and social events.
Learn more about MITES.
MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC): Aug 5 - 9 (on campus) or June 27 - December 22 (online)
From July through January, students in this online program discuss research, receive admissions and financial aid advice, and attend webinars. They also complete online science and engineering projects that they present during a five-day conference on MIT’s campus. Learn more about MOSTEC.InspireDeadline: February 11https://sites.uci.edu/inspire (Sign-in at home, school is blocking website)Current 12th graders planning to enroll at a community college and interested in engineering or computer science. INSPIRE is a two-week residential program at UC Irvine. You participate in classroom activities 5-6 hours a day, fun activities after class and live and eat at the university dorms. Great way to experience college and find out if engineering and computer science is for you! Also open to current community college students.Princeton University Summer Journalism Program - www.princeton.edu/sjp
Deadline: February 15Program dates: August 2 - 12, 2018 Cost: FREE
Ten day all expense paid summer program @ Princeton University
- Current junior 3.5 GPA (unweighted out of 4.0)
- Interest in journalism
- Combined custodial income must not exceed $60,000
Girls Who Code - application currently now available
Deadline: February 16
www.girlswhocode.fluidreview.com
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a 7-week computer science course that embeds classrooms in technology companies and universities. Students learn the fundamentals of computer science - from robotics to how to build a webpage - while gaining exposure to the tech industry and mentorship from women working in technology. Program requires for girls to commute to the program. Santa Ana Public Library offers program, as well as other cities in the county and state. Two round application. First round due February 16, if selected as finalist, second round due March 16. Information session taking place at the Santa Ana Public Library on Feb. 15 if anyone is interested in attending. Meeting begins at 4:30pm.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute "Ready to Lead" Next GenDeadline: February 17Each year, CHCI brings students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade to participate in the R2L NextGen program, a week-long leadership training in Washington, DC. During the program students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of their role as engaged citizens, meet with key leaders, participate in study visits at historic sites and develop a deeper understanding of how they can affect positive change in their communities and their nation. Select R2L - Southern California
Cost: FREE Dates: June 23-28 or July 14-19, 2019 Eligibility: Open to current 9, 10, 11
Project SELF Internship
Deadline: February 21
https://projectyouthocbf.org/program/project-self/
Program dates: June 11 – August 3 Cost: YOU get paid!
Eight week paid summer internship with an Orange County law firm. Information meeting taking place Jan 28 during both lunches in the HEC. Open to current juniors with 2.0 GPA. Must have Social Security Card or Work Authorization Card. Submit completed application to HEC. Click here for the application.
Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)
Deadline: February 22 (postmarked)
https://www.pomona.edu/administration/draper-center/pays/apply
Open to 9th graders and a few 10th graders, who can make a three year commitment. Students participate in a four-week summer course at Pomona College and attend monthly activities throughout the year. During the senior year, students get personalized assistance with the college and financial aid process. Even though Orange County is not a target county, the program will accept applications from Segerstrom students and consider them for admission to the program.
Program dates: June 16 - July 12
Cost: FREE
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Deadline: February 23
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty and researchers. Open to current juniors or seniors, must be 16 years old or older by the start of the program (June 10, 2019) and must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent Resident. Student receive a $500 stipend at the end of the program. Students must provide their own housing and transportation.
ASPIREDeadline: February 24Current 10th and 11th graders interested in engineering and computer science. ASPIRE is a two-week residential program at UC Irvine. You participate in classroom activities 5-6 hours a day, fun activities after class and live and eat at the university dorms. Great way to experience college and find out if engineering and computer science is for you! Full and partial scholarships available, must submit a separate scholarship application by March 2. Apply early, spaces are limited.CSSSA is four weeks of exploration, discovery and hard work designed to unleash your creative power. Talented high school students will receive intensive training from professionals in music, theatre, video and film, visual arts, dance, creative writing, and animation. Held at CalArts in Valencia, CA (near Magic Mountain).
Program dates: July 13 – August 9
Cost: $1,700 (full and partial scholarships available)Start early - Long application requires Letters of Recommendation from Fine Arts teacher(s)UCI Summer Premed ProgramDeadline: Early March (program fills quickly, submit first week of March or before)UCI’s Medical Education Office offers 4 great programs to high school students. Programs focus to foster the interest of youth in healthcare and science innovation. The three programs are:1) Summer Premed Program2) Summer Research Program3) Physician Shadowing Program4) Online Research Program.Full and partial scholarships available. View the scholarship information. Students should be 15-18 years of age and have a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA.Program dates: Late June to early AugustEngineering Summer Academy at Penn
Deadline: March 1
Current 9th -11th graders can apply to experience a three-week Engineering Summer Academy at the University of Pennsylvania. Students can earn credit in of six programs: Biotechnology, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Engineering, Nanotechnology or Robotics. Financial Aid is available. Program dates: July 7 - 27.Camino al Futuro
Deadline: March 1
https://cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu/apply-caminos-al-futuro-program Program dates: June 30 - July 20
A selective, pre-college summer program for qualified rising high school seniors offered by the George Washington University (GW) and GW’s Cisneros Hispanic Institute. Students will examine the political, economic and social transformations impacting the Hispanic community through academic discourse with university professors and other experts in their fields. They will also engage with community organizations, meet with business leaders, policymakers, and take advantage of site visits around Washington D.C. The program is FULLY funded, it covers, room & board, materials, round-trip airfare to Washington D.C. and program-related activities. Great opportunity!
CURIE Academy & CATALYST AcademyDeadline: March 1--CURIE Academy: Open to 10th-11th female students with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; earned a 620 on PSAT/SAT/Subject Test and currently taking or plan to take Calculus, Physics or Chemistry (or related advanced Science and Math courses).--CATALYST Academy: Open to 10th-11th graders who earned a 620 on PSAT/SAT/Subject Test and currently taking or plan to take Calculus, Physics or Chemistry (or related advanced Science and Math courses).Cost: $1450 (does not include travel --- Juniors may be able to go for FREE)Dates: July 14-20Investments, Financial Planning and YOUDeadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis, apply early (March 1) to qualify for scholarshipA commuter program at UCI for highly motivated 9th-12th grade students who wish to gain a deep understanding of investments and financial planning. Students will create a personal wealth management plan. Cost of program is $995. If you require financial assistance explain in your essay why you are in need of a scholarship. Program dates: July 22 - 26 or August 5 - 9, 2019Deadline: March 1A six-week laboratory research at UC Irvine for high school juniors and seniors. The program is FREE at no cost to the student. Students earn community service hours and lab/work experience. Students must have completed at minimum 1 year of Chemistry, 1 year of biology, and one of those needs to include lab experience. Students may not be enrolled in summer school or other programs, vacations or conflicting obligations durint the 6-week program. Program takes place June 19 - August 2.QuestBridge COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARSHIPDeadline: March 20 (application opens early February)High achieving, low-income juniors are invited to apply for an opportunity to attend a rigorous one to four-week summer program at leading colleges and universities on full scholarships. Students receive individual college admissions counseling, visit college campuses and eligible for other scholarships. On-line application available February 1.A lengthy and competitive application but very rewarding experience, start early.Smith College Summer Precollege Programs
Deadline: March 22 (to be considered for financial aid)
Summer Precollege is open to academically talented girls who will enter grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2018. The program is selective, very important to submit a strong application. To be considered for financial aid, you must submit your application and financial aid application by March 1. Five different programs throughout the summer: 1)College Admissions Workshop; 2)Field Studies for Sustainable Futures; 3)Hidden Lives: Discovering Women's History; 4)Summer Science & Engineering Program; 5)Young Women's Writing. Students will need to cover costs for travel to Smith.
Experience Berkeley!
Deadline: March 25
http://www.stileshall.org/experienceberkeley/
Experience Berkeley (EB) is a free program that assists Black, Latino, & Native American students in the completion of their UC application and personal statements. We provide students with mentors, tools, and resources to develop a competitive application ultimately increasing chances for admission to UC Berkeley. Students are mentored by Black and Latino UC Berkeley undergraduates, who provide one-on-one support throughout the entire UC application processThroughout the program students will have the opportunity to:
- Meet UC Berkeley admission officers
- Connect with UCB staff and students
- Become familiar with UCB campus
- Receive information on college life & scholarships
Criteria: Black, Latino, Native American Juniors with 3.5 weighted gpa
Cost: FREE Program dates: July 13, August 10, October 12
U.S. Military Academy Summer Leaders ExperienceDeadline: March 30 (on-line app only)A concentrated week of academic, athletic, military, and social experiences at West Point in New York. Current JUNIORS should be in the top fifth of their class, college-bound, strong PSAT scores and demonstrated leadership and earned honors in athletic or extracurricular activities.Program dates: June 3 - 9 or June 10 - 16Cost: $400 plus transportation costs to and from West PointUCI Urology Summer Surgery Program
Deadline: April 1 for scholarship consideration
http://urology.uci.edu/education_summersurgery.shtml
UC Irvine's Summer Surgery Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the fields of surgery and medicine. The program is aimed to inspire high school students to pursue their interest in medicine by exposing them to hands-on experiences across several fields of healthcare.
Criteria: Must be 16 years old or older, 3.5+ unweighted GPA, respectful & mature
Program dates: July 8 - 19 or July 22 - August 2, 2019
Cost: $4,550 (there are TWO fully-funded scholarships offered)
City of Santa Ana - Student Intern
Deadline: April 6 (Must apply online - currently NOT open, check back late February)
www.santa-ana.org
The City of Santa Ana is currently accepting applications for the Summer Student Intern Program. Student may work up to 40 hours per week based on the needs of the department. Program seeks high school students looking to gain experience working in a government agency during the summer break. These positions are available in various City departments, such as City Attorney, City Manager, Clerk of the Council, Community Development, Finance and Management Services, Information Technology, Parks, Recreation & Community Services/Library, Personnel Services, Planning and Building, Police and Public Works. Must be at least 16 years of age, currently enrolled in high school, able to obtain a work permit, and have basic computer and customer services skills are desirable. Salary: $11.02 -$12.14 Hourly.The Smithsonian Latino Center - Young Ambassadors ProgramDeadline: April 12A national program for graduating high school seniors aimed at fostering the next generation of Latino leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities via the Smithsonian Institution and its resources. YAP is a college preparatory and leadership program encouraging participants to explore various academic and career opportunities through the lens of the Latino experience. The program includes an intensive week-long interdisciplinary training seminar at the Smithsonian followed by a four-week paid internship in museums and cultural institutions in local communities across the United States and Puerto Rico. Program covers all expenses for the one week program, student responsible for costs during the four-week internship but at the end of the five weeks will receive a $2,000 stipend.Chicano Latino Youth Leadership ProjectDeadline: April 15
Open to current 10th and 11th graders; no gpa requirement. Conference participants are housed on a university campus and attend powerful workshops and seminars that will enhance leadership skills, academic preparedness, self-esteem, cultural awareness, and provide an understanding of state and local government. Apply to the Sacramento Leadership Conference taking place July 13 - 20, 2019.
LIFEvest Financial Literacy
Deadline: April 26A week-long residential program at UCI for current 9th and 10th grade students that will learn how to build a Meaningful Life Plan by Creating Lasting Financial and Educational Goals. Program is FREE! Reference code SAUSDSEGERSTROM in your application, for assistance see Ms. Huezo in the Higher Ed Center.Program dates: June 23-29 or July 14-20 or July 28-August 3, 2019OC District Attorney Office - Summer Youth Education Conference - 2019 application currently not availableDeadline: April 21OC's District Attorney's Office has a program for current 10-11th graders. It's a one week summer program focused on the criminal justice system. If you are interested in career in law, law enforcement or local government, then this program is for YOU! Program takes place July 24-28. There is a mandatory orientation on Thursday, May 25 for those that will be applying. Application due April 21 by 5pm via U.S. mail or hand delivery.Expressive Robotics (Ages 12 - 17)
http://beallcenter.uci.edu/summer-camps
Deadline: May 20Unleash the power of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education as you build a robotic structure that moves expressively! No prior coding, programming, robotics experience required. Cost is $899 but there are full and partial scholarships available. Spaces are limited so apply early and submit your scholarship application too!
Project M.I.S.S @ Cal State Fullerton -- 2019 application currently not available, check back mid March
Deadline: May 20www.fullerton.edu/miss/
For high school girls interested in pursuing a career involving mathematics or enjoys the subject. Student must be able to travel to and from CSU Fullerton. Open to 9-11 grade female students who have completed Geometry or Algebra II with a C or better.Police Explorers are young persons with an interest in law enforcement and community service as a career. The Explorer program is an intensive, long-term process designed to assist youth in meeting the hiring requirements of local police departments. Applicants may begin the selection process at any time by attending one of the general training meetings that are held on the first three Wednesdays of each month. Applicants are not required to contact the Department prior to attending the meeting. The meetings are held at the Santa Ana Police Department and applicants must arrive in the main lobby no later than 6:15 p.m. Applicants arriving late will not be admitted into the meeting. Training meetings generally conclude by 9:00 p.m. For more information call (714) 245-8208. Cost: $125 for uniform. Click here for Explorer Info sheet.