Summer 2027 · High school

Selective vs. pay-to-play summer programs

Judge a program by its work, selection process and full cost. A fee does not establish low quality, and a university logo does not establish selective admission.

Planning for 2027. Every date and price keeps its year. Confirm the current application window on the official site before you apply.

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  1. Minnesota Zoo

    Minnesota Zoo ZooTeen Volunteer ProgramRemove
    Application deadline
    Not published
    Cost
    Not published
    Financial aid
    Not published
    Expenses and aid conditions
    Not published
    Stipend or pay
    Not published
    Eligibility
    Not published
    Additional eligibility
    Ages 13–17
    Session dates or duration
    Not published
    Format
    In person
    Housing and supervision
    Non-residential
    Location
    Apple Valley, MN
    Selection and application
    Selection: The zoo closes applications when the summer cohort is filled, but it does not publish applicant counts, cohort size, interview process or selection rate.
    Official sources
    Source 1 · checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. LaunchX LLC

    LaunchX Entrepreneurship ProgramsRemove
    Application deadline
    November 11, 2026
    Cost
    $2,495–$13,495
    Financial aid
    Tuition financial awards. Verified using the last year's income.
    Expenses and aid conditions
    International fee for in-person students not from the United States: $250. Helps cover international insurance; Application fee (lower when submitted earlier): $50–$100. A fee waiver can be requested inside the application; Non-refundable deposit (first half of the total program fee). The remaining fee is refundable up to one month before the program starts; Tuition financial awards. Verified using the last year's income.
    Stipend or pay
    Not published
    Eligibility
    Grades 9–12
    Additional eligibility
    Ages 14–18; Requirement: Open to grades 9–12
    Session dates or duration
    2–5 weeks
    Format
    In person / Online
    Housing and supervision
    Residential
    Location
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Selection and application
    Selection: LaunchX reports an approximately 30% acceptance rate for Flagship programs only. It does not publish applicant counts, scoring methods, or acceptance rates for the other tracks. Application materials: Interview for selected applicants
    Official sources
    Source 1 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 2 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 3 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 4 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 5 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 6 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 7 · checked Oct 9, 2026Source 8 · checked Oct 9, 2026Source 9 · checked Aug 22, 2026Source 10 · checked Aug 22, 2026Source 11 · checked Aug 22, 2026

  3. High Mountain Institute

    HMI Summer TermRemove
    Application deadline
    Not published
    Cost
    $10,200
    Financial aid
    Need-based financial aid. About 40% of students receive aid; average award is 70% of tuition; awards include free or reduced-price gear rental and top packages include flights.
    Expenses and aid conditions
    Summer Term 2027 student account deposit: $500. Returned if unused; Need-based financial aid. About 40% of students receive aid; average award is 70% of tuition; awards include free or reduced-price gear rental and top packages include flights; Clarity financial aid application fee: $65. Only for aid applicants; automatically waived below a certain family income, or on request.
    Stipend or pay
    Not published
    Eligibility
    Grades 10–12 (provider uses rising grades)
    Additional eligibility
    Ages 14–18; Requirement: Open to rising grades 10–12; Requirement: Willing to spend extended periods (10 days) outdoors in wilderness settings; no previous outdoor experience is required
    Session dates or duration
    Starts June 27, 2027; Ends July 24, 2027; 4 weeks
    Format
    In person
    Housing and supervision
    Residential
    Location
    Leadville, CO
    Selection and application
    Selection: HMI describes a typical cohort of 12-20 students; it does not publish a current applicant count or acceptance rate. Application materials: Summer Term application with two essay questions; Two teacher recommendations (at least one from a core academic teacher); 15-30 minute interview with the admissions team
    Official sources
    Source 1 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 2 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 3 · checked Oct 24, 2026Source 4 · checked Aug 22, 2026Source 5 · checked Aug 22, 2026Source 6 · checked Aug 22, 2026
The checklist

Five signals to check before applying or paying

  1. Acceptance rate
    Use a rate only if the organizer gives the cycle, number of applicants and number admitted. A low rate does not tell you what you will learn. If a program does not publish both numbers, treat its acceptance rate as unknown.
  2. Full cost
    Ask for tuition, application fees, deposits, housing, meals, travel and refund terms. A fee-based class can offer useful teaching; a fee alone does not establish either selectivity or quality.
  3. Stipend or pay
    Look for an amount, eligibility conditions and payment schedule. Distinguish student compensation from financial aid, prize money and tuition discounts.
  4. Essays and selection
    Read the actual application. Essays, recommendations, prerequisites or interviews can describe a selection process, but their presence does not prove an acceptance rate. Ask who reads the application.
  5. Who runs the program
    Check the organizer on its official site, the instructors and the day-to-day supervisor. Distinguish a university department's program from an outside provider renting campus space. Ask what feedback and work you will receive.

The catalog examples below show supported costs, stipends, organizers and application details. They are comparisons, not selectivity rankings. We do not assign an acceptance rate or label a named program pay-to-play without evidence.

Matching programs

Showing 133–144 of 442 programs

Editor picks and selective programs first, then the soonest 2027 deadlines. No paid placements. Listings are ranked by fit, never by payment. Methodology.

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  • Boston College Summer Session

    BC Experience for High School Students

    Boston College's umbrella for two-week noncredit high-school courses and a six-week online honors-credit pathway; 2026 is closed and 2027 posts in December.

    Cost
    $2,000–$10,201.92(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 10–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jun 27 – Aug 6, 2027 · 2⁠–⁠6 weeks
    Where
    In person or online · Chestnut Hill, MA
    ResidentialPre-college
    Requirements and sources

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Non-refundable application fee: $70; Honors program non-refundable deposit: $1,000. Due within two weeks of the admission decision.

    Requirements: Ages 15–18; Requirement: Open to rising grades 10–12; Requirement: Six-week Honors program: rising high school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher; Requirement: International applicants whose second language is English need a minimum TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 130, or a waiver after two years at an English-language school; Requirement: Students in in-person courses must be fully vaccinated by arrival on campus

    Selection and application: Selection: Seats were limited and complete applications were reviewed for academic readiness. Honors required at least a 3.5 GPA; no acceptance rate is published. Application materials: Statement of Purpose; Course-specific essay; Two letters of recommendation

    Checked Official site

    Boston College Summer Session logo
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  • UC Berkeley Haas School of Business

    Berkeley Business Academy for Youth Summer Entrepreneurship Residency

    Selective two-week residential, noncredit Haas entrepreneurship program for rising grades 10-12, where teams research, build, and pitch a comprehensive business plan.

    Cost
    $7,450(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 10–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jul 5 – Aug 1, 2026 · 2 weeks(2026)
    Where
    In person · Berkeley, CA
    BusinessResidential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Limited need-based scholarship. Amount and criteria require inquiry; 2027 availability unannounced.

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: 2026 application fee: $100. Nonrefundable; Limited need-based scholarship. Amount and criteria require inquiry; 2027 availability unannounced.

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 10–12; Requirement: Proof of immunization and COVID-19 vaccination before the program starts; Requirement: Must live in the dorms and stay on campus for the full two-week session, including weekends

    Selection and application: Selection: About 50 students annually; B-BAY reports a 10% acceptance rate for its 2026 high-school sessions. Application materials: One essay of 500 words or less answering three prompts; Two teacher recommendations, at least one from a core-subject teacher; Video essay of up to two minutes

    Checked Official site

    UC Berkeley Haas School of Business logo
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  • Berkeley Changemaker, UC Berkeley

    Berkeley Changemaker Gateway Course — Summer Pre-College Access

    Cost
    $1,270(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 11–12
    Program dates
    6 weeks
    Where
    Online
    Day program
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Berkeley Summer Sessions financial aid for non-matriculated students: $0. Summer Sessions states that financial aid is not available to non-matriculated students. External funding is not addressed.

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Summer 2026 high-school registration fee: $585. Applied to high-school Summer Sessions students, including online enrollment. Historical completed-cycle amount; First-time document-management fee: $73. One-time by student status and degree level; may not apply if previously paid in the same applicable status; Summer 2026 application fee: $25. Nonrefundable historical completed-cycle fee; Berkeley Summer Sessions financial aid for non-matriculated students: $0. Summer Sessions states that financial aid is not available to non-matriculated students. External funding is not addressed.

    Requirements: Ages 16–17; Requirement: Open to grades 11–12; Requirement: Must have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue high school in the fall; Requirement: Overall B average (3.0 GPA, weighted or unweighted) and good academic standing; Requirement: Must be 16 by the start of the course; students 18 or older apply as Summer Sessions visiting students instead; Requirement: Students at high schools outside the United States must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement unless exempt

    Selection and application: Selection: Course enrollment depends on Summer Sessions eligibility, application completion, section availability, and enrollment capacity. The official pages do not publish an admissions rubric, applicant count, acceptance rate, cohort size, GPA threshold, recommendation, or interview.

    Checked Official site

    Berkeley Changemaker, UC Berkeley logo
    Review 3 selectedView program

  • Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

    Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

    Residential Michigan arts camp for grades 5-12 with session-specific age bands; 2026 ended August 16, tuition was $1,875-$1,975 plus uniforms, and 2027 is unannounced.

    Cost
    $1,975–$2,075(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 5–12
    Program dates
    Jun 23 – Aug 15, 2027
    Where
    In person · Twin Lake, MI
    ArtsResidential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Need-based Financial Scholarship (about 40%-90% of tuition). No full scholarships; merit and advanced-program scholarships also exist.

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Non-refundable deposit applied to the camp fee: $295. Balance due 30 days before the first day of the session; Optional minor class (Central Camp only): $99; Uniform polo, each (2-3 needed): $26; Uniform sweater, each (1 needed): $38; Early arrival or late departure fee: $110; Camp transportation to or from nearby depots, one way: $65–$250. Grand Rapids and Muskegon air, train, bus and ferry depots; Need-based Financial Scholarship (about 40%-90% of tuition). No full scholarships; merit and advanced-program scholarships also exist.

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to grades 5–12

    Selection and application: Selection: General camp enrollment is first-come based on grade/session fit and space. Scholarships and advanced programs add audition/portfolio, recommendation, achievement, and sometimes financial-need review.

    Checked Official site

    Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp logo
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  • BlueStamp Engineering

    BlueStamp Engineering Summer Program

    Project-based engineering summer program for incoming grades 9-12, offered in San Jose or live online, with individual builds, portfolios, mentoring, and Demo Night.

    Cost
    $2,400–$5,200(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 9–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jun 8 – Aug 7, 2026 · 3⁠–⁠6 weeks(2026)
    Where
    In person or online · San Jose, CA
    STEMDay program
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Need-based financial aid

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Deposit to secure a spot after acceptance: $1,000. Waived or adjusted when alternative arrangements or financial aid are awarded; Need-based financial aid

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 9–12; Requirement: No prior engineering experience or STEM classes required

    Selection and application: Selection: Application and interview review occur in receipt order while seats remain. BlueStamp does not publish applicant counts, acceptance rates, aid rates, cohort size for the next cycle, or a guaranteed decision. Application materials: Student interview with a parent or guardian present

    Checked Official site

    BlueStamp Engineering logo
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  • Boston Leadership Institute

    Boston Leadership Institute Summer Programs

    A multi-campus family of one- and three-week STEM, medicine, engineering, and business courses for students entering grades 6-12 and college; 2026 has ended.

    Cost
    $699–$2,500
    Who can apply
    Grades 6–12 and first-year college (rising)
    Program dates
    1⁠–⁠3 weeks
    Where
    In person or online · Boston, Waltham, Wellesley, Weston, MA
    Residential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: Limited need-based scholarships. Not for the residential portion and not for international students; separate GI Partners need-based scholarships for Boston-area rising seniors.

    Costs beyond tuition: Residential fee ($699 per week; housing, three meals a day, supervision): $699–$2,097. On top of tuition; $2,097 for a three-week program; Seat deposit ($200 one-week; $500 three-week or remote): $200–$500; Optional airport transportation (one way $50-$75, round trip $99): $50–$99; Optional linen rental for residential students: $50; Limited need-based scholarships. Not for the residential portion and not for international students; separate GI Partners need-based scholarships for Boston-area rising seniors.

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 6–13; Requirement: One-week and pre-high-school programs: perform at grade level or above

    Selection and application: Selection: Three-week and remote programs used competitive rolling review based on academic record, curiosity, subject commitment, perspective, and experience. One-week and pre-high-school programs were capacity-based registration. Application materials: Three-week programs: online application with an essay

    Checked Official site

    Boston Leadership Institute logo
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  • Boston University Summer Term

    Boston University High School Honors

    Cost
    $7,245–$11,565(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 11–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jun 27 – Aug 6, 2027 · 6 weeks
    Where
    In person or online · Boston, MA
    ResidentialPre-college
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Limited need- and merit-based financial aid. Not available to international students or to commuter/online students enrolled in only one course; Summer Term Scholarship (one need-based award)

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Nonrefundable application fee: $75; Nonrefundable enrollment deposit applied to tuition; Limited need- and merit-based financial aid. Not available to international students or to commuter/online students enrolled in only one course; Summer Term Scholarship (one need-based award)

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 11–12; Requirement: Rising juniors must be taking Honors and/or AP courses; Requirement: International applicants whose native language is not English must show English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo)

    Selection and application: Selection: Rolling holistic review considered grades, rigor, optional tests, statement, and one academic recommendation; course capacity and prerequisites also controlled enrollment. No overall acceptance rate is published. Application materials: Personal statement of 500-750 words; One recommendation from an academic teacher (second optional)

    Checked Official site

    Boston University Summer Term logo
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  • Boston University

    Boston University Summer Challenge

    BU Summer Challenge is a two-week, noncredit program where rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in Fall 2027 take two seminars and an admissions workshop.

    Cost
    $3,989–$5,245(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 10–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jun 20 – Aug 6, 2027 · 2 weeks
    Where
    In person · Boston, MA
    Residential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Scott Simenas Award (need-based scholarship and stipend). Preference for students from Boston Public High Schools; no other financial aid is offered.

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Nonrefundable application fee: $75; Nonrefundable enrollment deposit applied to tuition; Scott Simenas Award (need-based scholarship and stipend). Preference for students from Boston Public High Schools; no other financial aid is offered.

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 10–12; Requirement: International applicants whose native language is not English must show English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo)

    Selection and application: Application materials: Personal statement of 500-750 words

    Checked Official site

    Boston University logo
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  • Brown University

    Brown University Pre-College Programs

    S. field, and international courses for students roughly ages 13–18, with program-specific eligibility.

    Cost
    $3,096–$17,935(2026)
    Who can apply
    Grades 8–12
    Program dates
    1⁠–⁠7 weeks
    Where
    In person or online or hybrid
    Pre-college
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: 2026: Need-based Sibley Scholarships. Awarded first-applied, first-awarded until funds are exhausted.

    Costs beyond tuition: 2026: Application fee: $80. Non-refundable; fee waivers available; Enrollment deposit after admission: $500. Non-refundable; Limited-coverage accident insurance (international students and uninsured U.S. students): $80; Need-based Sibley Scholarships. Awarded first-applied, first-awarded until funds are exhausted.

    Requirements: Ages 13–18; Requirement: Open to grades 8–12; Requirement: Course choices depend on the student's age and grade level

    Selection and application: Selection: Brown reviews applications holistically for academic performance, intellectual curiosity, motivation, maturity, and English proficiency. Admission is separate from course enrollment, which depends on eligibility and remaining capacity; no umbrella acceptance rate is published. Application materials: Essay of 250 to 500 words; Optional supplementary essay; Recommendation (optional for most programs; required for Pre-Baccalaureate)

    Checked Official site

    Brown University logo
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  • Bucknell University

    Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE)

    Bucknell BASE is a selective one-week residential programme for rising high-school sophomores, juniors and seniors.

    Cost
    $1,750
    Who can apply
    Grades 10–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jun 27 – Jul 2, 2027
    Where
    In person · Lewisburg, PA
    ArtsResidential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: Need-based financial assistance. Requires a school or CBO counselor letter confirming financial need, received by the application deadline.

    Costs beyond tuition: Need-based financial assistance. Requires a school or CBO counselor letter confirming financial need, received by the application deadline.

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 10–12; Requirement: Strong academic record

    Selection and application: Application materials: Online application with short essay prompts

    Checked Official site

    Bucknell University logo
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  • Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation

    Business Horizons

    Business Horizons is a five-day residential business and leadership program for Iowa high-school students in grades 9–12.

    Cost
    $475–$650
    Who can apply
    Grades 9–12
    Program dates
    Jul 11–15, 2027
    Where
    In person · Des Moines, IA
    BusinessResidential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: Program fee assistance or company sponsorship. For qualified candidates; complete the Financial Assistance/Company Sponsorship form before registering.

    Costs beyond tuition: Program fee assistance or company sponsorship. For qualified candidates; complete the Financial Assistance/Company Sponsorship form before registering.

    Requirements: Residency: Iowa high school students; Requirement: Open to grades 9–12

    Checked Official site

    Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation logo
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  • Virginia Tech College of Engineering

    C-Tech2: Computers and Technology at Virginia Tech

    Virginia Tech C-Tech² introduces rising juniors and seniors to engineering through a biomedical design project, hands-on activities and college preparation.

    Cost
    $2,500
    Who can apply
    Grades 11–12 (rising)
    Program dates
    Jun 28 – Jul 11, 2026 · 2 weeks(2026)
    Where
    In person · Blacksburg, VA
    STEMResidential
    Financial aid, requirements and sources

    Financial aid: Full and partial need-based scholarships

    Costs beyond tuition: Full and partial need-based scholarships

    Requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 11–12

    Checked Official site

    Virginia Tech College of Engineering logo
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Before you apply

How to check costs, eligibility and dates

Use the concrete checks below alongside the catalog examples. Where a program publishes no acceptance rate, treat selectivity as unknown; price alone cannot establish it.

Each card shows what the program has published; open the official site for anything it leaves out. A date or price from an earlier year says so beside it, and format and location can change between cycles.

Selective vs. pay-to-play guideApplication guideHow we list programs

Keep exploring

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Questions

Frequently asked questions

Are these programs confirmed for summer 2027?

These are existing catalog programs to research for 2027. Inclusion does not confirm a 2027 session or open applications. The cycle label matters: a 2027-cycle application deadline can fall in 2026. Dates explicitly labeled as the 2026 cycle are historical, and a detail the program has not published for 2027 is left off its card.

How should I compare program costs and formats?

Compare tuition, application fees, housing, meals and travel, then check whether attendance is online, on campus or hybrid. A free tuition offer may leave other expenses. A card shows only what the program has published; for anything it leaves out, open the official site.

Can a program pay to appear first?

No paid placements. Listings are ranked by fit, never by payment. By default, editor picks and programs whose official rules describe selective admission come first, and within each group the soonest 2027 deadline. You can sort by name, deadline or latest source check instead. Use the methodology page to understand catalog standards.

How do I save a program?

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