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 109 to 120 of 400 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 factsCalifornia State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)RemoveHotchkiss Summer PortalsRemoveHampshire College Summer Studies in MathematicsRemove
Application deadlineUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
Cost$5,793 (2027 cycle)Last year's cycle (2026): $4,600–$5,500; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
Financial aidNeed-based financial assistance for application and program costs: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Based on family income, family size and available COSMOS resources. (2027 cycle)Last year's cycle (2026): Limited need-based financial aid: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Limited and not guaranteed.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official siteLast year's cycle (2026): Need-based financial aid: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Historical 2026 terms included free attendance for domestic households below $85,000, case-by-case aid above that threshold and for international students, and possible travel grants. Confirm 2027 terms.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
Expenses and aid conditionsApplication fee: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Non-refundable; fee waivers can be requested.; Need-based financial assistance for application and program costs: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Based on family income, family size and available COSMOS resources. (2027 cycle)Last year's cycle (2026): 2026 application fee: $70. Historical 2026 fee.; Limited need-based financial aid: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Limited and not guaranteed.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official siteLast year's cycle (2026): HCSSiM application: $0. The official finance page says applying is and will remain free.; Need-based financial aid: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Historical 2026 terms included free attendance for domestic households below $85,000, case-by-case aid above that threshold and for international students, and possible travel grants. Confirm 2027 terms.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
Stipend or payUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
EligibilityGrades 9–12 (provider uses rising grades)Grades 7–12; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official siteUnconfirmed — check official site
Additional eligibilityResidency: California high school students only; Requirement: Open to rising grades 9–12; Requirement: Demonstrated academic excellence (a typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above)Requirement: Meet the selected course's grade or age range; Requirement: Submit a current transcript and two recommendations; Requirement: Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for an English-language residential course; Requirement: Complete health and residential enrollment requirements after admission; Exclusion: Course ranges differ; umbrella grade range does not make every course available to every grade; Exclusion: The 2026 sessions are over; Exclusion: Admission, course availability and aid are not guaranteedRequirement: Be a high-school student who has not already graduated; Requirement: Show strong motivation for sustained, proof-oriented college-level mathematics; Requirement: Complete the applicant form, motivation letter, Interesting Test, and mathematical sponsor process when the next cycle opens; Requirement: Commit to the full six-week residential session under the published program model; Exclusion: Students who have already graduated from high school under the published FAQ; Exclusion: Assuming the historical Hampshire College campus, 2026 dates, or 2026 price applies in 2027; Exclusion: Assuming grades, college credit, admission to Hampshire College, or another college outcome
Session dates or durationCatalog terms: 4 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official siteCatalog terms: 2 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official siteCatalog terms: 6 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
FormatIn personIn personIn person
Housing and supervisionResidential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official siteResidential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official siteResidential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site
LocationDavis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, Santa Cruz, CALakeville, ConnecticutNew residential campus for 2027 is not announced; Amherst, Massachusetts was the historical 2026 location
Selection and applicationSelection: Each of six campuses accommodates roughly 160-200 students, and clusters typically enroll 20-25 with a commonly reported 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Admissions are competitive and based on academic merit relative to the selected topic, but applicant count and statewide acceptance rate were not published. Application materials: Online application with one personal statement; One teacher recommendation (two recommended)Selection: Rolling, course-specific admission; Hotchkiss does not publish a program-wide acceptance rate. Application materials: Two recommendation lettersSelection: Application review uses the form, letter, Interesting Test, and mathematical sponsor recommendation; no current acceptance rate or 2027 capacity is published. Application materials: One sponsor who knows the applicant in a mathematical context and can provide a recommendation
Official sourcesSource 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-24Source 3 · checked 2026-10-24Source 4 · checked 2026-08-22Source 5 · checked 2026-08-22Source 6 · checked 2026-08-22Source 7 · checked 2026-08-20Source 1 · checked 2026-08-21Source 2 · checked 2026-08-21Source 3 · checked 2026-08-21Source 4 · checked 2026-08-21Source 1 · checked 2026-08-20Source 2 · checked 2026-08-20Source 3 · checked 2026-08-20Source 4 · checked 2026-08-20

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

    Gotham Writers Workshop

    Gotham Writers Workshop Teen Creative Writing — Online and Zoom

    Four- or six-week creative writing classes for ages 13-17, offered live on Zoom or asynchronously online with lectures, exercises, and fiction/nonfiction practice.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 4–6 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    Online
    Location
    Worldwide online
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Ages 13–17; Be age 13-17

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

    Selection: Open registration for available sections; no portfolio, audition, grades, or exams are required.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Catalog terms: Per-term registration fee: $25. Charged once per student per term, even for multiple classes.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Ages 13–17; Requirement: Be age 13-17; Requirement: Be sufficiently fluent in English to participate; Requirement: Have internet access and meet the selected section's schedule or weekly deadlines; Exclusion: Students age 18 and older should use Gotham's adult courses; Exclusion: Courses are not English-language-learning classes

    Selection and application: Selection: Open registration for available sections; no portfolio, audition, grades, or exams are required.

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  • Program snapshot

    Governor's Program for Gifted Children / McNeese State University

    Governor's Program for Gifted Children

    Seven-week McNeese residential program for gifted students in grades 6-10, combining project-based academics, arts, student government, and dorm life.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Last year's cycle (2026): $3,000; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 7 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Lake Charles, Louisiana
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 6–10 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher

    Louisiana and out-of-state students may apply; tuition differs by residence; Demonstrate readiness for a seven-week residential academic, arts, and community program

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

    Selection: Applicants must meet gifted-identification or aptitude criteria and grade-specific requirements. Applications were reviewed until spaces filled; the program does not publish applicant counts, capacity, or an acceptance rate.

    Financial aid:
    Read aid terms and conditions

    Last year's cycle (2026): 2026 sliding-scale Louisiana-family contribution: $200–$3,000. Suggested contribution depended on combined household income; accepted families could request more aid.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Last year's cycle (2026): 2026 sliding-scale Louisiana-family contribution: $200–$3,000. Suggested contribution depended on combined household income; accepted families could request more aid.; Payment plan: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Case-by-case plans were available after acceptance.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: Louisiana and out-of-state students may apply; tuition differs by residence; Requirement: Junior Division: current grade 6, 7, or 8 in the application school year; Requirement: Senior Division: current grade 9 or 10 plus at least a B average in the prior full term and current year; Requirement: Submit Louisiana gifted-classification documents or acceptable aptitude-test/alternate qualifying evidence; Requirement: Demonstrate readiness for a seven-week residential academic, arts, and community program; Requirement: Musically Gifted applicants must complete a separate audition process; Exclusion: Applicants outside the published grade bands; Exclusion: Senior Division applicants below the B-average requirement; Exclusion: Incomplete gifted-identification, grade, testing, or teacher documentation; Exclusion: Applicants applying after all spaces are filled

    Selection and application: Selection: Applicants must meet gifted-identification or aptitude criteria and grade-specific requirements. Applications were reviewed until spaces filled; the program does not publish applicant counts, capacity, or an acceptance rate. Application materials: Separate audition information for the Musically Gifted track

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  • Program snapshot
    • STEM

    State of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education; Drew University; Rutgers University

    Governor's School of New Jersey (Sciences and Engineering & Technology)

    Tuition-free New Jersey residential STEM umbrella with two school-nominated programs after junior year: Sciences at Drew and Engineering & Technology at Rutgers; the 2026 cycle is complete.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Catalog terms: Free attendance; check separate expenses; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 3–4 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Madison, New Jersey, Piscataway/New Brunswick, New Jersey, Drew University and Rutgers University campuses
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

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

    New Jersey resident; Commit to the entire demanding residential session without conflicting classes, employment, or programs; Meet branch-specific coursework, test, document, health, conduct, and residential requirements

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

    Selection: Selection occurs first within the high school and then at the host. Recent host sources report approximately 20%-25% admission among school nominees, with exact cohort size driven by facilities and funding.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Catalog terms: GSET room and board: $0. Sponsored for admitted Rutgers GSET scholars; do not transfer this source wording to every future branch without confirmation.; GSET key and swipe-card deposit: $65. Presented at the start and returned uncashed when keys and cards are returned.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: New Jersey resident; Requirement: Be a high-school junior in the application year and complete junior year before the summer session; Requirement: Receive the high school's limited nomination for the selected branch; Requirement: Demonstrate exceptional achievement and sustained interest in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology; Requirement: Commit to the entire demanding residential session without conflicting classes, employment, or programs; Requirement: Meet branch-specific coursework, test, document, health, conduct, and residential requirements; Exclusion: Direct self-application without a school nomination; Exclusion: Applying to both branches when the current packet or school rules prohibit it; Exclusion: Treating typical top-5% rank, 90th-percentile scores, honors courses, or historical admission rates as absolute statewide guarantees; Exclusion: Claiming current arts, humanities, or international-studies Governor's School branches; Exclusion: Assuming GSS and GSET have identical essays, recommendations, curriculum, dates, preparation, deposits, or credit policies

    Selection and application: Selection: Selection occurs first within the high school and then at the host. Recent host sources report approximately 20%-25% admission among school nominees, with exact cohort size driven by facilities and funding. Application materials: Branch-specific essays; Teacher recommendations; GSS specifically requires one science and one mathematics or computer-science letter

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  • Program snapshot

    GRAMMY Museum

    GRAMMY Camp

    GRAMMY Camp’s2027 music-industry sessions run in Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle and New York, with city-specific dates, tuition and application materials.

    Application deadline
    February 28, 2027 (2027 cycle)
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

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

    U.S. resident

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

    Selection: For 2026 the Museum expected approximately 70 Los Angeles, 60 Nashville, 40 Miami and 40 New York campers. Application totals and city- or track-level acceptance rates were not published.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: 2027 tuition in Nashville or New York: $3,400. Selected 2027 session only; no universal tuition or all-in price.; 2027 tuition in Miami or Seattle: $2,500. Selected 2027 session only; no universal tuition or all-in price.; 2027 tuition in Los Angeles: $3,600. Selected 2027 session only; no universal tuition or all-in price.; 2027 nonrefundable application fee: $25. Separate from selected-session tuition; housing/transport are not included. (2027 cycle)

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: U.S. resident; Requirement: Currently grades9-12, including spring graduates; incoming freshmen not eligible.; Requirement: Serious interest in a music-industry career and selected career-track sample requirements.; Exclusion: Incoming high-school freshmen; Exclusion: Applicants who are not U.S. residents; Exclusion: For Los Angeles, applicants unable to demonstrate competence in at least two defined music-industry areas; Exclusion: Participation without an approved supervising adult and independent lodging plan

    Selection and application: Selection: For 2026 the Museum expected approximately 70 Los Angeles, 60 Nashville, 40 Miami and 40 New York campers. Application totals and city- or track-level acceptance rates were not published. Application materials: Career-track samples and a video essay; Los Angeles has additional multi-area requirements.

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  • Program snapshot
    • Internship

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute

    Great American Leadership Program Paid Summer Internship

    Paid full-time summer education internship supporting the Great American Leadership Program. The undated posting describes college students as ideal candidates and lists Pepperdine housing, meals and work transportation; current intake and a high-school route are unconfirmed.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 6.57 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Simi Valley, California, Malibu, California, Program travel locations as assigned, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Pepperdine University housing, and off-site GALP delivery
    Stipend or pay
    Catalog terms: Intern wages: Unconfirmed — check official site; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

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

    Selection: RRPFI screens resumes and required videos for a paid summer role, but does not publish the applicant count, internship cohort size, acceptance rate, interview stages, or scoring rubric on the official page.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Catalog terms: Pepperdine University housing: $0. Provided for interns during the program.; Pepperdine meal plan: $0. Provided during the internship.; Pepperdine-Reagan Library and program-related travel: $0. Work transportation and program-related travel support are provided.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: The posting describes current college or university students as ideal candidates; confirm current role eligibility with the provider; Requirement: Have legal authorization to work in the United States; Requirement: Be available full-time and in person for the listed summer dates; Requirement: Be willing to work weekends and travel with program staff as needed; Requirement: Demonstrate organization, flexibility, civic-education or leadership interest, and fit with the Foundation's mission; Exclusion: A high-school application route is not established; the posting does not state an absolute college-enrollment requirement; Exclusion: Paid internship selection does not guarantee school credit, future employment, recommendation, scholarship, political appointment, or college-admissions benefit; Exclusion: Applicants must be comfortable supporting programming grounded in the Foundation's stated interpretation of President Reagan's leadership and legacy

    Selection and application: Selection: RRPFI screens resumes and required videos for a paid summer role, but does not publish the applicant count, internship cohort size, acceptance rate, interview stages, or scoring rubric on the official page. Application materials: Any interview or employment forms requested after screening

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  • Program snapshot

    Great Books Summer Program

    Great Books Summer Program Online

    Live one-week online literature and writing seminars for students entering grades 6-12; all listed 2026 sessions have ended, and 2027 dates, tuition, aid, and registration are not announced.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Last year's cycle (2026): $895; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Catalog terms: 1 week; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    Online
    Location
    Live time-zone-specific online cohorts; 2026 included North American and Asia-oriented schedules
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grades 6–12; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official site

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

    Selection: Registration is described as rolling while space remains and requires educator support; the provider does not publish a current applicant count, acceptance rate, section capacity, or 2027 placement process.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Last year's cycle (2026): 2026 nonrefundable Online registration fee or deposit: $95. Included within the $895 total rather than added on top; next-cycle payment and refund terms are not announced.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Be entering grades 6-8 for the middle-school section or grades 9-12 for the high-school section under the newly published cycle; Requirement: Be prepared for sustained live reading, discussion, writing, listening, and peer engagement; Requirement: Register online or by phone only after a newly dated session is published; Requirement: Obtain support or endorsement from a teacher, principal, or head of school; Requirement: Pay the current nonrefundable registration amount and remaining tuition under the new cycle's terms; Requirement: Attend the complete synchronous schedule in the selected time zone and follow academic, discussion, writing, technology, conduct, privacy, and originality rules; Exclusion: Using the completed 2026 dates, $895 tuition, $95 fee, refund terms, faculty, or course list as guaranteed 2027 terms; Exclusion: Treating a stale register button as evidence that a future session is open; Exclusion: Applying for 2026 aid after its April 2 deadline; Exclusion: Assuming international enrollment creates eligibility for financial aid; Exclusion: Assuming online participation provides college credit, host-college affiliation, admission, publication, an award, or a recommendation

    Selection and application: Selection: Registration is described as rolling while space remains and requires educator support; the provider does not publish a current applicant count, acceptance rate, section capacity, or 2027 placement process. Application materials: Writing sample, interview, recommendation letter, placement material, or technology check only if the new cycle requires it

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  • Program snapshot

    GrubStreet Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP)

    GrubStreet Teen Summer Writing Fellowship

    Free, selective three-week Boston writing fellowship for local students entering grades 9-12, with mentorship, publication, meals, and an $800 completion stipend in 2026.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Last year's cycle (2026): Free attendance; check separate expenses; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Last year's cycle (2026): Starts July 20, 2026; Ends August 7, 2026; 3–4 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Boston, Massachusetts, GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing, 50 Liberty Drive, Suite 500, Boston Seaport
    Stipend or pay
    Last year's cycle (2026): 2026 successful completion stipend: $800; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

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

    For 2026, both live and attend school in Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, or Plymouth County, Massachusetts; Boston residents prioritized

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

    Selection: Twenty fellows and a short alternate list were selected in 2026. GrubStreet publishes no applicant count, acceptance rate, scoring rubric, or guaranteed future cohort size.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Last year's cycle (2026): Core-program lunch and snacks: $0. Provided during the 2026 core program; dietary coverage and future availability should be confirmed.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: For 2026, both live and attend school in Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, or Plymouth County, Massachusetts; Boston residents prioritized; Requirement: Enter grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 in the fall after the fellowship; Requirement: Show an active creative-writing practice in any eligible genre and willingness to experiment across genres; Requirement: Attend the full weekday three-week core, daily writing and workshop sessions, Friday open mics, and culminating showcase; Requirement: Give and receive constructive peer feedback and complete the fellowship's writing, performance, conduct, and community requirements; Requirement: Observe the every-other-year limit and maximum of one participation in each grade band; Exclusion: Applicants outside the controlling local residence-and-school counties; Exclusion: Academic essays in place of the required creative-writing sample; Exclusion: Repeat attendance in consecutive years or more than once in the same incoming grade band; Exclusion: Acceptance does not guarantee the stipend without successful completion; Exclusion: The optional anthology week is not a substitute for the core fellowship

    Selection and application: Selection: Twenty fellows and a short alternate list were selected in 2026. GrubStreet publishes no applicant count, acceptance rate, scoring rubric, or guaranteed future cohort size. Application materials: Personal statement of no more than 600 words about what the applicant would gain and contribute; Teacher or mentor name and contact information, but no recommendation letter was listed

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  • Program snapshot
    • STEM

    NYU GSTEM, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

    GSTEM Summer Research Program

    Competitive six-week NYC STEM research program pairing 40 current juniors with university and laboratory mentors; open to all genders.

    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
    New York City, New York
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Grade 11 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher

    U.S. citizens may reside anywhere; Non-U.S. citizens must already live in the United States; F-1 students are explicitly eligible and other visa holders must confirm with GSTEM

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

    Selection: GSTEM describes admission as competitive and admits 40 students each summer. Decisions consider high-school academics, essays, STEM activities, and one recommendation; applicant count and acceptance rate are not published.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: U.S. citizens may reside anywhere; Residency: Non-U.S. citizens must already live in the United States; F-1 students are explicitly eligible and other visa holders must confirm with GSTEM; Requirement: Be a current high-school junior at application time; Requirement: Demonstrate high aptitude in STEM; Requirement: Attend every day of the six-week program; Requirement: Not participate in another program simultaneously; Requirement: Be open to a mentor and research placement selected by GSTEM; Exclusion: Current sophomores and seniors are not eligible for the summer research program; Exclusion: Non-U.S. citizens living outside the United States are ineligible; Exclusion: The program is open to all genders; being a girl is not an eligibility requirement; Exclusion: Students may not miss part of the program or choose a specific mentor or research topic

    Selection and application: Selection: GSTEM describes admission as competitive and admits 40 students each summer. Decisions consider high-school academics, essays, STEM activities, and one recommendation; applicant count and acceptance rate are not published. Application materials: Four essays; One recommendation from a teacher, advisor, or counselor; Optional Winston Data Scholarship essay

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  • Program snapshot
    • Pre-college

    Guilford College

    Guilford College Rise

    Three-week residential college-credit institute for rising seniors; the June 29-July 17, 2026 session is complete and no 2027 cycle is announced.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Last year's cycle (2026): Starts June 29, 2026; Ends July 17, 2026; 3 weeks; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Greensboro, North Carolina, Guilford College campus and included Greensboro-area activities
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

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

    The 2026 program welcomed rising seniors from across the United States; future geographic rules are not announced; Be prepared for an intensive three-week residential college-level course load and community program

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

    Selection: Guilford calls Rise selective and encourages early application, but publishes no cohort size, acceptance rate, scoring rubric, or admissions threshold.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: The 2026 program welcomed rising seniors from across the United States; future geographic rules are not announced; Requirement: Be a current high-school junior who will be a rising senior during the program summer; Requirement: Submit the complete selective Rise application by the current cycle deadline; Requirement: Be prepared for an intensive three-week residential college-level course load and community program; Requirement: Complete enrollment, deposit, scholarship, academic, health, consent, housing, conduct, and travel forms if admitted; Exclusion: Students outside the announced rising-senior cohort; Exclusion: Applicants unable to live on campus for the full residential session; Exclusion: Assuming the stale 2026 form remains a current application; Exclusion: Assuming credits automatically transfer to another college

    Selection and application: Selection: Guilford calls Rise selective and encourages early application, but publishes no cohort size, acceptance rate, scoring rubric, or admissions threshold.

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  • Program snapshot

    Gumbo Limbo Nature Center / City of Boca Raton

    Gumbo Limbo Summer High School Student Volunteer Program

    Gumbo Limbo offers age-16+ visitor-education volunteering and separate summer student tracks; the 35-place 2026 summer intake closed April 20, and current ongoing acceptance and the next summer cycle are unverified.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    In person
    Location
    Boca Raton, Florida, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and assigned environmental camp sites
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Minimum age 16; Daily Operations: age 16-20, 50+ summer service hours, interview, and mandatory orientation; CIT: age 16+, at least two full camp weeks, interviews, and mandatory orientation and training

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

    Selection: Only 35 applicants were accepted across the two 2026 summer tracks; interviews, availability, and program fit determine selection.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Minimum age 16; Requirement: Daily Operations: age 16-20, 50+ summer service hours, interview, and mandatory orientation; Requirement: CIT: age 16+, at least two full camp weeks, interviews, and mandatory orientation and training; Requirement: Be at least 18 to assist with teen-camp weeks; Requirement: If selected, complete the City application and Level 2 background check; Exclusion: The City currently offers no Gumbo Limbo internships; Exclusion: Naturalist walks and specialized assignments require prior hours and additional training; Exclusion: Community-service hours for Daily Operations depend on completing more than 50 hours under program rules

    Selection and application: Selection: Only 35 applicants were accepted across the two 2026 summer tracks; interviews, availability, and program fit determine selection. Application materials: Interview with the volunteer coordinator for Daily Operations; Interviews with the volunteer coordinator and camp director for CIT

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  • Program snapshot
    • Pre-college

    George Washington University

    GW Pre-College Programs

    GW Pre-College includes distinct programs rather than one standard course.

    Application deadline
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Cost
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Session dates or duration
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Format
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Location
    Unconfirmed — check official site
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Summer Immersion and College Intensive geographic eligibility varies; Caminos al Futuro requires enrollment in a U.S. high school; Previously published selected 2026 route: College Intensive: be a rising junior or senior and meet any course prerequisites

    Housing: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Selection: GW reviews academic preparation, maturity and fit. Caminos is explicitly selective. The university does not publish a unified application count or acceptance rate across all Pre-College tracks.

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

    Expenses and aid conditions: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Residency: Summer Immersion and College Intensive geographic eligibility varies; Residency: Caminos al Futuro requires enrollment in a U.S. high school; Requirement: Previously published selected 2026 route: Summer Immersion: be a rising high-school sophomore, junior or senior; Requirement: Previously published selected 2026 route: College Intensive: be a rising junior or senior and meet any course prerequisites; Requirement: Previously published selected 2026 route: Caminos al Futuro: be a rising senior at a U.S. high school and meet its selective program rules; Requirement: Previously published selected 2026 route: Demonstrate academic preparation and maturity through the transcript and statement; Requirement: Previously published selected 2026 route: International applicants must satisfy program-specific English, visa and document rules; Exclusion: Not every subject or course is offered every summer; Exclusion: Credit transfer is determined by the receiving institution; Exclusion: The fully funded Caminos terms do not apply to other Pre-College programs

    Selection and application: Selection: GW reviews academic preparation, maturity and fit. Caminos is explicitly selective. The university does not publish a unified application count or acceptance rate across all Pre-College tracks. Application materials: Previously published selected 2026 route: Personal statement addressing academic interest, maturity and fit

    Review 3 selectedVisit official site

    Last source check . Official source

  • Program snapshot
    • STEM

    HCSSiM

    Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics

    Intensive six-week residential college-level mathematics program for high-school students; HCSSiM plans to continue at a new campus in 2027, with details not yet announced.

    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
    New residential campus for 2027 is not announced; Amherst, Massachusetts was the historical 2026 location
    Stipend or pay
    Unconfirmed — check official site

    Eligibility: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Commit to the full six-week residential session under the published program model

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

    Selection: Application review uses the form, letter, Interesting Test, and mathematical sponsor recommendation; no current acceptance rate or 2027 capacity is published.

    Financial aid:
    Read aid terms and conditions

    Last year's cycle (2026): Need-based financial aid: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Historical 2026 terms included free attendance for domestic households below $85,000, case-by-case aid above that threshold and for international students, and possible travel grants. Confirm 2027 terms.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full details and official sources

    Expenses and aid conditions: Last year's cycle (2026): HCSSiM application: $0. The official finance page says applying is and will remain free.; Need-based financial aid: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Historical 2026 terms included free attendance for domestic households below $85,000, case-by-case aid above that threshold and for international students, and possible travel grants. Confirm 2027 terms.; 2027: Unconfirmed — check official site

    Full eligibility requirements: Requirement: Be a high-school student who has not already graduated; Requirement: Show strong motivation for sustained, proof-oriented college-level mathematics; Requirement: Complete the applicant form, motivation letter, Interesting Test, and mathematical sponsor process when the next cycle opens; Requirement: Commit to the full six-week residential session under the published program model; Exclusion: Students who have already graduated from high school under the published FAQ; Exclusion: Assuming the historical Hampshire College campus, 2026 dates, or 2026 price applies in 2027; Exclusion: Assuming grades, college credit, admission to Hampshire College, or another college outcome

    Selection and application: Selection: Application review uses the form, letter, Interesting Test, and mathematical sponsor recommendation; no current acceptance rate or 2027 capacity is published. Application materials: One sponsor who knows the applicant in a mathematical context and can provide a recommendation

    Remove from comparisonVisit 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.