Summer 2027 For high school students

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.

Real program details, clearly separated from 2027 updates

Planning for 2027. Program pages may show details documented from an earlier cycle. Check the year on dates and prices, then confirm the current application window on the official site.

No paid placements. Listings are ranked by fit, never by payment. Methodology.

Showing 193 to 204 of 442 matching programs. Ordered by name.

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Clear comparison

Catalog facts retain their cycle. Check the official sources before applying or paying. On a phone, scroll the table sideways.

Selected programs, application facts and official sources
Program factsOperation CatapultRemoveNHI Great DebateRemoveMassArt Summer StudiosRemove
Application deadlineApril 19, 2027 (2027 cycle)Unconfirmed — check official siteMay 3, 2027 (2027 cycle)
Cost$2,750 (2027 cycle)Unconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
Financial aidUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
Expenses and aid conditionsApplication fee: $0; Deposit to reserve a spot: $100. Due once the application is approved; Suggested spending money: $100–$150 (2027 cycle)Application fee: $25. Non-refundable.; Great Debate deposit: $150. Paid on acceptance to secure a spot; non-refundable. (2027 cycle)Unconfirmed — check official site
Stipend or payUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
EligibilityGrades 10–11; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official siteGrade 9; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official siteGrades 11–12; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official site
Additional eligibilityRequirement: Open to grades 10–11; Requirement: Open in the summer after sophomore or junior year (students finishing grade 10 or 11); Requirement: One year of chemistry or physicsResidency: Participating cities and surrounding areas; Requirement: GPA of at least 3.0 or 85 and a college-bound curriculum; Requirement: Spring regional training applies to specified four-day programmesRequirement: Open to grades 11–12
Session dates or durationStarts June 7, 2027; Ends July 22, 2027 (2027 cycle)Unconfirmed — check official siteStarts July 19, 2027; Ends August 13, 2027; 4 weeks (2027 cycle)
FormatIn personIn personIn person / Online
Housing and supervisionResidential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official siteResidential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official siteNon-residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site
LocationTerre Haute, INSherman, San Antonio, Rock Island, San Diego, TX, IL, CABoston, MA
Selection and applicationSelection: Earlier 2026 instructions described selective application followed by first-come session placement after approval. Confirm the current 2027 review and placement process; no acceptance rate is published. Application materials: Recommendation from a counselor or teacherSelection: Confirm the current programme’s selection, capacity and operative participation conditions.Application materials: One-page statement of purpose; Portfolio of 6-8 photographs of your strongest work (for-credit applicants); Portfolio description list (for-credit applicants); One letter of recommendation (for-credit applicants)
Official sourcesSource 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-24Source 3 · checked 2026-10-24Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-24Source 3 · checked 2026-10-24Source 4 · checked 2026-08-22Source 5 · checked 2026-08-20Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-09

Five signals to check before applying or paying

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 those data are absent, the rate is unconfirmed.
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.
Stipend or pay
Look for an amount, eligibility conditions and payment schedule. Distinguish student compensation from financial aid, prize money and tuition discounts.
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.
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.

Catalog programs to compare

  • Program snapshot

    McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin

    McCombs Future Executive Academy

    McCombs Future Executive Academy is a free six-day residential business and leadership program at UT Austin for current Texas high-school sophomores and juniors.

    Application deadline
    February 1, 2027 (2027 cycle)
    Cost
    Free attendance; check separate expenses (2027 cycle)
    Session dates or duration
    Starts June 6, 2027; Ends June 11, 2027; 1 week (2027 cycle)
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 10–11 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher

    Texas high school students

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: Texas high school students; Requirement: Open to students currently in grades 10–11 when applying; Requirement: Not enrolled in summer school during the program dates (full-time attendance required)

    Selection and application: Application materials: Essay(s); One letter of recommendation

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    Meadowmount School of Music

    Meadowmount School of Music Summer Session

    Seven-week auditioned violin, viola and cello intensive for ages 10-30; the 2026 session ended and 2027 admissions are unannounced.

    Application deadline
    January 20, 2027 (2027 cycle)
    Cost
    $5,640 (2027 cycle)
    Session dates or duration
    Starts June 26, 2027; Ends August 13, 2027; 7 weeks (2027 cycle)
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Westport, NY
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Ages 10–30; Age is measured on June 26, 2027; students must be 13 by then to live on campus

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Admission is by faculty review of solo and chamber audition videos. Meadowmount reports roughly 200 students and substantial aid, but does not publish current applicant count or acceptance rate.

    Financial aid: Merit scholarships, financial support and work study: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site (2027 cycle)
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Room and board (7 weeks, on-campus students): $4,170. A double room reduces room and board by $800 per student; students under 13 must live off campus.; Refundable security deposit: $65; Enrollment deposit (credited toward tuition): $1,500; Application fee: $105. A waiver can be requested through Acceptd.; Merit scholarships, financial support and work study: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site (2027 cycle)

    Full eligibility requirements: Ages 10–30; Requirement: Violin, viola or cello players; Requirement: Age is measured on June 26, 2027; students must be 13 by then to live on campus

    Selection and application: Selection: Admission is by faculty review of solo and chamber audition videos. Meadowmount reports roughly 200 students and substantial aid, but does not publish current applicant count or acceptance rate. Application materials: Unedited solo audition video(s)

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot
    • STEM

    University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Student Engagement and Career Advancement

    Med-Start Health Careers Program

    A six-week residential University of Arizona health-care exploration and college-readiness program for Arizona students after junior year, offering three college credits.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Catalog terms: $6,000; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 6 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Tucson, AZ
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grade 11; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official site

    U.S. citizen or permanent resident; Arizona resident for at least one year

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Only complete applications are reviewed; applicants must interview. The current cohort size, acceptance rate, rubric, and priority populations are not published on the official pages.

    Financial aid:
    Read aid terms and conditions

    Catalog terms: University of Arizona scholarships and tuition waivers: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Can make participation free for eligible students.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Catalog terms: University of Arizona scholarships and tuition waivers: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Can make participation free for eligible students.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; Residency: Arizona resident for at least one year; Requirement: Open to grade 11; Requirement: Attend the summer after completing junior year; Requirement: Strong interest in a health care profession; Requirement: GPA of 3.0 or higher; Requirement: No job or other summer program during Med-Start

    Selection and application: Selection: Only complete applications are reviewed; applicants must interview. The current cohort size, acceptance rate, rubric, and priority populations are not published on the official pages. Application materials: Two recommendations (teachers, advisors, counselors or job supervisors); Interview

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot
    • STEM
    • Pre-college

    Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

    Medical Scholars Pipeline Program

    Recruited three-year healthcare pipeline with four-week July programming for students from select NYC and Long Island high schools; no public application cycle is posted.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 4 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Hempstead, New York, Zucker School of Medicine and Northwell Health learning environments
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 11–12 and first-year college (provider uses rising grades)

    New York City (five boroughs) or Nassau County, New York

    Housing: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Recruitment is limited to select regional high schools and partner pathways. The page reports 288 total enrollees and 139 three-year completers since 2010 but no current applications, cohort size, or acceptance rate.

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: New York City (five boroughs) or Nassau County, New York; Requirement: Open to rising grades 11–13; Requirement: Attend one of the select partner high schools in New York City or Long Island

    Selection and application: Selection: Recruitment is limited to select regional high schools and partner pathways. The page reports 288 total enrollees and 139 three-year completers since 2010 but no current applications, cohort size, or acceptance rate.

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    University of Michigan Ross School of Business

    Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy

    Residential 11-day business academy for rising seniors with 3.0+ GPA; 2026 tuition was $5,500 plus a $75 application fee, and 2027 details are unannounced.

    Application deadline
    January 10, 2027 (2027 cycle)
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 1.57 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grade 12 (provider uses rising grades)

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Holistic admission for two 2026 cohorts described inconsistently as 70 or up to 72 students per session; no applicant count or acceptance rate is published.

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Catalog terms: Application fee (non-refundable): $75; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grade 12; Requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

    Selection and application: Selection: Holistic admission for two 2026 cohorts described inconsistently as 70 or up to 72 students per session; no applicant count or acceptance rate is published. Application materials: Two essays of 300 words or less; One completed recommendation form

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot
    • STEM

    Michigan Technological University

    Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs

    Week-long residential or commuter explorations and selective Pathways for grades 6-11; Summer 2026 is complete and 2027 is not posted.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Last year's cycle (2026): $700–$1,175; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 1 week; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Houghton, MI
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 6–11 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher

    Housing: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Standard Explorations enrolled in order received while seats remained. Pathways used grades, short responses and supplemental documents; no portfolio-wide applicant count or acceptance rate is published.

    Financial aid: Last year's cycle (2026): Needs-based scholarships: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Most are reviewed on a rolling basis.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Last year's cycle (2026): Exploration course deposit (non-refundable, per course): $150. Not required to apply for Pathway Programs.; Needs-based scholarships: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Most are reviewed on a rolling basis.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Open to students currently in grades 6–11 when applying

    Selection and application: Selection: Standard Explorations enrolled in order received while seats remained. Pathways used grades, short responses and supplemental documents; no portfolio-wide applicant count or acceptance rate is published. Application materials: Unofficial transcript, short responses and a recommendation/certificate/other evidence where required by the Pathway

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot
    • Internship

    Mikva Challenge

    Mikva Challenge Summer Fellows

    Paid six-week public-service internship after senior year in Cook or Lake County public offices; Cook County paid $17/hour in 2026, whose cycle is no longer open.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 6 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Stipend or pay
    Catalog terms: Hourly pay for Fellows: $17; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grade 12; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Cook County, Illinois

    Housing: Non-residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Eligibility and hiring depend on county, age, graduation status, funded workforce criteria, application quality, placement capacity, office fit, and employment requirements. Cook County cited approximately 50 placements; no current overall acceptance rate is published.

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: Cook County, Illinois; Requirement: Open to grade 12; Requirement: Graduating high school senior (the internship takes place the summer after senior year)

    Selection and application: Selection: Eligibility and hiring depend on county, age, graduation status, funded workforce criteria, application quality, placement capacity, office fit, and employment requirements. Cook County cited approximately 50 placements; no current overall acceptance rate is published.

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    BestPrep

    Minnesota Business Venture

    Weeklong residential business and career camp where grades 9-12 form companies, build a product and business plan, and pitch it with guidance from professionals.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    $400–$500 (2027 cycle)
    Session dates or duration
    Starts June 27, 2027; Ends July 2, 2027; 1 week (2027 cycle)
    Format
    In person
    Location
    St. Paul, MN
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 9–12; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: 2026 applications were first-come, first-served for 150-200 places per session; the 2027 capacity and selection method are not announced.

    Financial aid: Financial assistance: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site (2027 cycle)
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Financial assistance: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site (2027 cycle)

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Open to grades 9–12

    Selection and application: Selection: 2026 applications were first-come, first-served for 150-200 places per session; the 2027 capacity and selection method are not announced.

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    Minnesota Zoo

    Minnesota Zoo ZooTeen Volunteer Program

    Summer camp-support volunteering at the Minnesota Zoo for ages 13-17, focused on camper supervision, crafts, activities and nature education rather than animal care.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Apple Valley, MN
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Ages 13–17

    Housing: Non-residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    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.

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Ages 13–17

    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.

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    Michigan Interscholastic Press Association at Michigan State University

    MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop

    Five-day residential Michigan State journalism workshop for students entering grades 7-12, with one intensive course in writing, design, photo, broadcast, digital media or leadership.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Catalog terms: $560–$610; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Last year's cycle (2026): Starts July 19, 2026; Ends July 23, 2026; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    East Lansing, MI
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 7–12 (provider uses rising grades)

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: Registration is first-available by course capacity. Advanced tracks have skill prerequisites, but MIPA publishes no academic acceptance rate or selective admissions review.

    Financial aid: Catalog terms: MIPA workshop scholarships: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Scholarship applicants pay a reduced $25 deposit instead of $75.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Catalog terms: Late registration fee (after June 15): $75; Nonrefundable deposit to hold a spot (applied to the fee): $75. Required only when not paying the full fee at registration.; MIPA workshop scholarships: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Scholarship applicants pay a reduced $25 deposit instead of $75.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Open to rising grades 7–12

    Selection and application: Selection: Registration is first-available by course capacity. Advanced tracks have skill prerequisites, but MIPA publishes no academic acceptance rate or selective admissions review.

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    Mississippi Arts Commission

    Mississippi Governor's School

    Mississippi Governor’s School runs June 6–19, 2027 as a fully residential, closed-campus programme at Mississippi University for Women.

    Application deadline
    November 1, 2026 (2027 cycle)
    Cost
    Free attendance; check separate expenses (2027 cycle)
    Session dates or duration
    Starts June 6, 2027; Ends June 19, 2027; 2 weeks (2027 cycle)
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Columbus, MS
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 10–11 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher

    Mississippi

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Room: $0; Meals: $0 (2027 cycle)

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: Mississippi; Requirement: Open to students currently in grades 10–11 when applying; Requirement: Has not previously attended the Mississippi Governor's School; Requirement: Meets at least one academic qualification: Mississippi gifted eligibility, composite ACT 25+, SAT 1250+, PSAT Selection Index 175+, or cumulative GPA 3.25+ on a 4.0 scale; Requirement: Demonstrates advanced ability in academic aptitude, creative thinking, leadership, or fine and/or performing arts

    Selection and application: Application materials: Two recommendation letters (one teacher, one community member); 2027 scholar prompt response (essay, video, presentation or other original format; AI use prohibited)

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot

    Missouri State University Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

    Missouri Fine Arts Academy

    A two-week residential arts academy at Missouri State University, May 30–June 12, 2027. Tuition is free for 2027; exact student application rules and other expenses remain unconfirmed.

    Application deadline
    January 25, 2027 (2027 cycle)
    Cost
    Free attendance; check separate expenses (2027 cycle)
    Session dates or duration
    Starts May 30, 2027; Ends June 12, 2027; 2 weeks (2027 cycle)
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Springfield, MO
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 9–12 when applying; check the provider's rules for graduating seniors

    Housing: Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: A panel of artists and arts educators adjudicates the complete application, essay, school evaluation, and discipline portfolio or audition. MFAA publishes no applicant count, cohort size, acceptance rate, or scoring weights on the official pages.

    Financial aid: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Open to students currently in grades 9–12 when applying; Requirement: Has not attended MFAA in the past

    Selection and application: Selection: A panel of artists and arts educators adjudicates the complete application, essay, school evaluation, and discipline portfolio or audition. MFAA publishes no applicant count, cohort size, acceptance rate, or scoring weights on the official pages. Application materials: Essay of about 500 words; Portfolio (visual arts, creative writing), performance video (theatre, dance, vocal, instrumental) or audio files/scores (electronic music, composition)

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

Explore Summer 2027 by interest, grade and state

Summer 2027 hub · Selective vs. pay-to-play guide · Application guide

Recorded application dates · check the cycle
How to check costs, eligibility and dates

Use the concrete checks below alongside the catalog examples. Missing acceptance rates or application details stay unconfirmed; price alone cannot establish selectivity.

Missing facts say Unconfirmed — check official site. A past session does not establish 2027 availability. Format and location can change between cycles.

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; missing next-cycle details remain unconfirmed.

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. Unknown fields say Unconfirmed — check official site.

Can a program pay to appear first?

No paid placements. Listings are ranked by fit, never by payment. Here, fit means matching the filters you choose. Matching listings default to name order; you can sort by recorded deadline or latest source check. Use the methodology page to understand catalog standards.

How do I save a program?

Open its catalog listing and sign in to save it to your plan. You can browse these pages and official program links without signing in.