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Civics/Government Summer Opportunities

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+ QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program: The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program gives outstanding low-income high school juniors an early advantage in college admissions. College Prep Scholars are uniquely prepared to gain admission and full scholarships to top-tier colleges through QuestBridge. The majority are also selected as Finalists for the National College Match. Being selected as a College Prep Scholar is a notable distinction that celebrates your achievements and gives you an early start in applying to college. Learn more and apply here. Appy By: March 21, 2018. 

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+ Campaigns and Elections Academy at Gettysburg College: a program for rising juniors and seniors who are “highly-motivated students [with] a strong interest in American campaigns and elections. Participants learn about the origins and evolution of democracy in America and gain hands-on experiences related to modern political campaigns.” Visit the website for more information. Program Duration: July 1st– July 6th, 2018. Apply By: Rolling admissions.

 

+ Centenary Summer Scholars: One week programs allow 8th-12th grade students to pick a “major” and an elective to explore areas of interest to them. Each course is designed to offer hands-on and project-based learning experiences with enthusiastic, talented teachers in small class sizes. Off-campus excursions and field trips, such as to NYC are included. “Majors” offered are: Veterinary Science (separated large and small animals), Forensic Science, Writer’s Workshop, Studio Arts, Fashion Design, Computer Game Design, Television Production, and Sustainability/Environmental Science. Potential elective courses are: Equestrian Center, Architecture and Design, Astronomy, Screenwriting, Public Speaking, SpyCraft, and Digital Photography and Editing. For more info and to apply, visit here. Program Duration:July 8th – 14th, July 15th – 21st,

July 22nd – 28th, July 29th – August 4th, 2018. Apply By: ASAP

 

+ Cornell Summer College Program: 3 or 6 week programs available for current sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Take courses in the following areas: Architecture & Art, Business, College Success, Debate, Design & Fashion, Engineering, Hotel Management, Law & Government, Leadership, Medicine, Psychology, Research & Science, Social Change, Sustainability, and Veterinary Medicine. Application required. Details here. Program Duration: Between June 23rd - August 7th, 2018 (depending on your program of choice) Application opens mid-January. Apply by: March 9th for Research Apprenticeship in Biological Sciences program. All other programs by May 4th 2018. *Financial Aid Application/forms for partial scholarships due April 6th.

 

+ Civil War Institute Summer Conference: this program allows student an “opportunity to explore the history of the Civil War era on the site of the war's most decisive battle.” It is a five day program held annually in June. The conference includes lectures, battlefield tours, breakout sessions, and other special activities. The CWI has sponsored this summer conference since 1983. To learn more, visit the website. Scholarships to attend the summer conference are available for high school students, who may apply to participate in our High School Student Scholarship Program. Program Duration: June 22nd – June 27th, 2018. Register By: form live now; open until spots are full.

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+ Cyber Defense Training Camp: An intermediate level camp for 5 days at the University of Maryland, College Park for high school men and women (rising juniors and seniors). You will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of cybersecurity and gain practical skills through instruction by an experienced security professional. Students learn about the field, take at least one field trip and hear from a variety of speakers to learn more about how to prepare to enter this exciting profession. The application will be available in January, check here for more information. Program Duration: July 9th – July 15th, 2017 Apply By: ASAP.

 

+ Drexel Summer Institutes: Drexel's summer academic programs are open to highly motivated high school students who wish to explore what a university-level program is all about. Workshops are led by Drexel faculty and utilize Drexel's labs, facilities, and the city of Philadelphia's many resources.

Find out more at: http://www.drexel.edu/undergrad/summer/

Pre-College programs at Drexel are available in the following subjects::

Environmental Science and Leadership

Biomedical Engineering

Business

ASM International Materials

Materials Science and Engineering

Food

Mock Trial Experience

Cinema and Television

Dance

Architecture

Digital Fabrication

Interior Design

Design, Merchandising and Fashion

Graphic Design

Music Industry

Medicine

Neuroscience

Behavioral Health

Program Duration: Varies by program, average is about two weeks duration. Apply by: Dates vary; some are rolling admissions, others have concrete deadlines.
 

+ Duke University’s Summer College for High School Students: Four week, credit-bearing program at Duke University in Durham, NC. Immerse yourself in an international college experience by enrolling in this elite program designed to provide the academic and residential environment conducive for collegiate success.  Take three different classes, participate in research, and engage in residential activities! Build your skills by taking introductory courses (ex: Public Policy, History, Literature), as well as personal enrichment classes (ex: Chinese or Fine Arts). Eligible for current 10th and 11th graders. See for more details about the cost and application process: here. Program Duration: July 8th – August 3rd. Apply By: Program on a first come, first served basis - last deadline 4/16/18.

 

+ Furman Summer Scholars: As a Furman Scholar, you get to stay on Furman University’s (South Carolina) campus for a week, taking classes and working with professors both inside and outside the classroom. This way, you get to learn the way Furman students do. Students are eligible for scholarships at least $7,500 per year ($30,000 total) to attend Furman University as an undergraduate student. Rising juniors and seniors are invited to apply. Click here for more information. Cost to attend: One week session= $1,200. Two week session= $2,200. You may be eligible for a $200 discount. Program Duration: Usually in July, exact dates TBD. Counselor Nomination Due By: May 1, 2018.

 

+ Georgetown Summer College Courses: With access to more than 80 courses that span across multiple disciplines, you will have the opportunity to live on campus and attend class with Georgetown undergraduate students in two five-week sessions. Or take courses in both sessions and earn up to 12 college credits before you graduate high school. This is your chance to experience what life at Georgetown feels like both inside and outside of the classroom.  See here for program details. This program is open to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Program Duration: Session One: June 3rd - July 6th. Session Two: July 8th - Aug 10th. Apply By Priority App due April 15, 2018. Applications are accepted on a Rolling basis.

 

+ Georgetown Summer Institutes: The Institutes at Georgetown University offer high school students an eight-day immersion into one of six subject areas. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore what interests you in an accelerated, hands-on environment while experiencing campus life and the excitement of Washington, DC. Programs include: Medicine, Law, Forensic Science, Politics, Business & Management, and Arts & Humanities. This program is non-credit bearing, but provides students a chance to explore their interests deeper. See here for more details and the application. Program Duration: Subjects vary, but will be between June 10th - Aug 11th. Apply By: Acceptance is first come, first served.

 

+ Harvard Summer School; Secondary School Program (SSP): Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors have access to a wide variety of Harvard Summer School courses that are modeled after Freshmen Seminars at Harvard, including courses offered online. With current Harvard students serving as tutors and proctors, SSP provides high school students with opportunities to engage with challenging curriculum while connecting with peers from all over the world. Students will also be able to attend college preparatory events and will have full access to all Harvard facilities. Students apply here. Program Duration: June 21-August 9 Apply By: May 8, but operates on a first come, first served basis.

 

+ High School Summer Scholars (Washington University in St. Louis): Open to students who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school, this program allows students to get a taste of college life through Washington University through a five week or eight week summer experience. Different program options allow you to design a summer experience that meets your needs and interests. The Residential option allows you to live on campus and take two college courses for credit, and the Scholar-Athlete option allows you to take one college course for credit and a non-credit Smart Fitness course. During the program, students have access to weekly academic support groups, college success seminars, and explore the cultural opportunities of the city. Scholarship aid to available to students with financial need. Visit the website for more info. Program Duration: June 10 - July 14, July 15 - Aug 17, or June 10 - Aug 4. Apply By: April 1st for scholarship consideration. Also note that most programs fill up by the April 1st deadline.

 

+ Indiana University of PA Summer Honors Program: Rising high school juniors and seniors are invited to spend 2 weeks on IUP’s campus to see what college life is all about. Students will take interdisciplinary honors courses in the morning, followed by an afternoon course on the topic of your choosing. This program creates a safe environment for you to explore college life. See here for further information. Program Duration: July 9th – 22nd. Apply By: May 1st.

 

+ Johns Hopkins University Summer Discovery: 2-5 weeks of academic and social activities. Summer Pre-College Programs at Johns Hopkins help you prepare for your transition from high school to college. Our pre-college programs combine academics, athletics, and activities to give high school students a great introduction to college life. Classes are held in engineering, writing, mathematics, and the arts & Sciences. See here for program information. Program Duration: Multiple sessions ranging from May 29th to August 3rd. Apply By: To qualify for financial aid, submit your application by March 16th, 2018.

 

+ Keystone Boys State: A week-long forum where boys practice procedures of the various branches of city, county and state legislature. The hands-on format at KBS has the youthful citizens forming and operating fictitious cities, four counties, and one state; they also form and operate two fictitious political parties; conduct all local and state law enforcement and judicial systems; form and conduct a bicameral state legislature. See a brochure for more information. The application is here and you may begin filling it out on February 1, 2016. Program is hosted at Shippensburg University. Program Duration: June 17 -23. Apply By: ASAP.

 

+ Keystone Girls State: A week-long forum where girls practice procedures of the various branches of city, county and state legislature. The hands-on format at KBS has the youthful citizens forming and operating fictitious cities, four counties, and one state; they also form and operate two fictitious political parties; conduct all local and state law enforcement and judicial systems; form and conduct a bicameral state legislature. See website for more information. Program is hosted at Shippensburg University. Program Duration: June 17-23, 2018. Apply By: June 1, 2018.

 

+ National Rifle Association Youth Education Summit: 45 current sophomores and juniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) will travel to Washington DC to learn about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, as well as the importance of civic affairs. In addition to the week-long trip, participants can compete for two $15,000 scholarships after participating in the program. Must submit an application form, transcript, essay, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. For more information, see here. Please note: PA students must also attend a state program before attending the national program. For more details on the state program, see.here. Program Duration: July 24th – July 30th.  Apply By: January 13th.

 

+ NIAHD Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Early American History: A highly successful summer program located at the College of William & Mary. Rising juniors and seniors earn 4 college credit hours during this 3-week program, where they will live on campus and learn in and out of the classroom, visiting historic places to learn in-depth about American history. Students can choose to take either of two classes: “American History from Jamestown through the American Revolution” or “American History from the American Revolution through the Civil War.” Must submit transcript, short essay, teacher recommendation, and financial aid and in-state Domicile forms. Click here for more details. Program Duration: June 25 - July 15 or July 16 - August 5. Apply by: ASAP, selection begins February 15th.


+ New York University High School Academy Career Edge Program: One-week, professionally oriented intensive programs that let students explore career options and university life. Range of topics including Arabic, City Planning, Creative Writing, Digital Filmmaking, Finance, Mandarin, Photography, and Global Issues. See here for more details. Program Duration: Session One: July 10-14, Session Two: July 17-21, Session Three: July 24-28, Session Four: July 31-August 4. Apply By: May 1st. (2018 Application Available in January)  

 

+ Penn State Summer Programs: Go to Penn State anywhere between 2.5 - 6.5 weeks for a full academic experience. Take classes, experience life on a “big ten” campus, and engage in an opportunity for personal growth. There are many courses to choose from, including art, astrophysics, theater, and government! Students can also participate in a community service camp where they combine academics and service. You can also have the opportunity to participate in either an internship or a rigorous SAT/ACT prep class. See here for more information. Program Duration: Depends on program, ranges from July 1 - August 16 Apply By: Rolling

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+ Penn Summer Academies: Go to Penn for three weeks for a sophisticated academic science program. “The science academies draw upon Penn's cutting-edge technology and resources to provide innovative lab experiences while the social academies draw upon the rich history and diversity of Philadelphia to provide a sociologically comprehensive summer experience.” There are many “Academies” to choose from, including biomedical Research, Chemistry Research, Experimental Physics Research, Mathematics, Neuroscience Research, and Social Justice! See here for more information. Program Duration: July 1st – July 21st, 2018.  Apply By: Rolling, May 1st last day to submit application.

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+ Penn Pre-College Program: Go to Penn over the summer to participate in a program “designed for academically curious high school students interested in the intellectual challenge and residential freedom of a true undergraduate experience. Pre-College students reside in campus dorms, enroll in summer courses alongside Penn undergraduates and earn college credit for completed coursework. Our program offers undergraduate courses in a wide array of disciplines taught by Penn faculty, staff and visiting scholars. Academic advising, access to university learning resources and college admission workshops are also provided.” See here for more information. Program Duration: June 26th – August 4th. Apply by: May 1st, 2018.

 

+ State Police Youth Week: This is a six-day camp used to introduce students in all procedures of law enforcement.  You should be physically fit and have a good academic record to be able to participate. This is not a recreational camp. Cadets, must be between the ages of 15-17 (cannot turn 18 by the end of camp).The Post or District Commander, or his/her representative will interview each cadet nominated to select candidates, and their alternates.  Cadets must be in good health, with no physical defects, and have an average or above standing in their class and of course express a personal interest in either law enforcement or military service. Please note that the application requires a physical. See this website for more details. Program Duration: June 10 – 16. Apply By: May 15, 2018

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+ Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP): A six-week educational experience for high school juniors that offers challenges and rewards rarely encountered in secondary school or even college. Each program is designed to bring together young people from around the world who share a passion for learning. Telluride students, or TASPers, attend a seminar led by college and university scholars and participate in many other educational and social activities outside the classroom. Stay at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The program is FREE except for travel costs. Program topics for the upcoming summer: Music, Dance, & Light, and Race and the Limits of the Law in America. See here for more information. Program Duration: June 24th - Aug 4th. Apply By: January 16th, 2018.   

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+ Terp Young Scholars 2018: hosted by University of Maryland, Terp Young Scholars is a “great summer option for high schoolers who are looking for a challenging academic experience.” During Terp, students will: learn from UMD’s distinguished faculty, earn three university credits, explore new academic fields, and live and work with talented peers. Programs offered: Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Anthropology (Forensic Anthropology), Architecture, Biological Sciences, Communication, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Economics, Engineering, Government and Politics, Journalism, Kinesiology, Philosophy, and Psychology. Learn more by visiting their website. Program Duration: July 8th -  27th, 2018. Apply By: application opens Feb 20th. Deadline April 1st.

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+ Vermont Summer Academy via Green Mountain College: Program open to students in grades 7-11 and held in Poultney, VT. This program is designed to be a hands-on learning program. Participate in two week sessions and immerse yourself in the subject of your choice (ex: Culinary Arts, Psychology, Studio Arts, Forensic Science, Veterinary science, responsible consumerism). Learn more here. Program Duration: Session One - July 16th – July 29th, Session Two - July 30th – August 12th. Apply By: Rolling Admissions.

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+PACAC Camp College: Camp College is an intensive three day/two night workshop designed for 60 rising high school seniors and juniors. Paired with mentors, participants will learn about all aspects of the college search and application process, experience life in the residence halls, learn about financial aid, standardized test exams and have a lot of fun! At the end of Camp College, we expect that the students will be equipped with the tools to navigate the college application process. Learn more and apply hereProgram Locations and Duration: Cabrini University July 24th-26th (east) OR Allegheny College July 17th-19th (west) Apply By: April 15th, 2018

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+Academic Summer Programs at Messiah College: Opportunities are available for the following topics:

  • Writing

  • Filmmaking 

  • Family and Consumer Sciences

  • Sustainability

  • Psychology

  • Theater

  • Music

  • Dance

  • Faith

More information about the programs and the applications is available here.​

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+Summer Honors Program at the Cook Honors College: Talented rising high school juniors and seniors get a first-hand look at life on a college campus. Half of your time will be spent in the interdisciplinary Honors Core Course. Working with professors from literature, philosophy, history, biology, and the fine arts provides a unique opportunity for a synthesis of ideas. More information and the application is available here. Apply By: May 1, 2018

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+Summer High School Programs Susquehanna University: Spend a week living on a college campus with other high school students who share your passion. We offer exceptional summer educational programs that will allow you to get a taste of college life and challenge, inspire and prepare you for the future. More information is available here. The following programs are available:

  • Actor's Institute

  • Choral Institute

  • Exploring Legal Careers

  • i-Engineer

  • Leadership Institute for Entrepreneurship

  • Publishing & Editing

  • Stream Ecology Institute

  • Wall Street Susquehanna

  • Wind Ensemble Institute

  • Writers Workshop​

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+NYU High School Academy: Courses deliver rich content and hands-on experience that totally immerses you in the professional environment. Classroom learning is enhanced through guest lectures and field trips. Four summer sessions are available from which to choose. Take one course or attend multiple session to maximize your experience. 34 courses are available in a variety of different subject areas. More information is available here. Apply By: June 1, 2018.

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+HCC Cybersecurity Summer Institute: The 2018 CSI will offer a very unique learning opportunity for students who are interested in advancing their education in a field related to Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Computer Science. This program will offer selected students an opportunity to earn three college credits during the seven-week summer institute. Classes include CYB 101-Intro to Cybersecurity and CYB 210-Ethics in the Information Age. More information is available hereProgram Duration: June 6 - August 18, 2018

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