Summer programs are often considered salient for high school freshmen. These can be great options to showcase talents in the college admissions process. Moreover, summer programs are considered invaluable mediums to spend the summer. Furthermore, these programs well-utilise the time of the students as they help freshmen gain experience and build their careers.
Ideally, these offer smaller classrooms and shorter instructional hours, which offers a focused learning atmosphere. Teachers typically set highly specific study goals because the time allotted for the study is constrained. While participating in an academic program, children will strengthen their senses of independence and self-reliance, much like they would at traditional outdoor summer camps.
Hence, in this post, we will navigate through some summer programs for high school freshman that can make the search process much easier for the young learners.
Summer Programs For Freshman Students: Are they Crucial?
From nursing summer programs to summer programs for fashion to even special summer programs for high schoolers who are veterinary aspirants, there are various summer programs designed as per the variable interest of the high schoolers. Summer programs are beneficial as they enable new friendships and connections. These programs allow freshmen to meet truly like-minded people since there are many niche programs or general academic-oriented programs. They come across plenty of opportunities to meet people who enjoy similar activities. To add to this is to get a true college experience such as eating in the cafeteria and taking college-level classes in real campus buildings.
Furthermore, the experiences earned during such programs are useful for networking. Freshmen can meet professionals in the field they are planning to pursue. Learning new skills is also significant as they help in many extracurricular activities as well as build up their resume.
Summer Programs for High School Freshman: Our Recommendations
Our recommendations provide valuable learning opportunities. To add to this, freshmen gain experience in their field of interest and at the very least, they can get a first-hand account of college life.
#1 Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)
The Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) is a six-week program. It allows high school juniors with diverse backgrounds from around the world to grow their intellect, interpersonal awareness, and community responsibility. Attendees are intellectually curious and motivated learners who commonly go on to attend some of the world’s finest colleges and universities.
The most notable characteristic of TASP is that it’s completely free. It includes the cost of tuition, books, room, and even travels if necessary. It eliminates any financial barrier that may prevent the brightest minds from attending TASP. It allows students to get hands-on experience using their skills to benefit their communities and progress in decision-making roles.
#2 Research Science Institute (RSI)
Another top summer program is the Research Science Institute (RSI). It gathers 80 of the world’s most outstanding high school students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These students are enrolled in a five-week program where they can experience the research cycle in its entirety. It combines on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.
RSI students produce individual projects that are guided by experienced scientists and researchers. This culminates in written and oral presentations of their projects at the end of the summer. This program is ideal for research-oriented students who are willing to pursue in-depth knowledge of the subject.
#3 Program in Mathematics for Young Student (PROMYS)
Another program in mathematics for young students is PROMYS founded in 1989. It is a six-week program enrolling 80 carefully chosen, mathematically gifted high school students between ages 15-19 at the prestigious Boston University. Attendees of PROMYS are not treated as students rather than participants are thought of as true mathematicians.
Throughout the program, these young mathematicians explore the field of mathematics supported by their peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and more research scientists. This program put students into existing research projects while being mentored by the prominent faculty, and graduate and postgraduate research students of Boston University.
#4 The Summer Science Program (SSP)
SSP is a 60-year-old program designed to help future scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs realize their full potential. It provides participants with role models intellectually, peers’ challenges, and inspirations that they often find lacking at their home high schools. The students get the rare chance to work and learn at a premier research institute.
SSP immerses talented rising seniors from across the globe and experimental sciences. Throughout the intensive 39- day program, students conduct research projects from beginning to end. They also take field trips, listen to guest speakers, and most importantly, partake in a life-changing academic experience.
#5 Boys/Girls State
Founded in 1935, the first girls’ state was held three years later in 1938 by two Illinois Legionnaires. Boys/Girls state teaches high school juniors about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of U.S citizens. Along with this, they are also taught about the structure of city, country, and state governments.
This intensive one-week program divides students into parties, elects officials, and works to carry out basic governmental functions. Such functions include writing, proposing, and passing bills. Other Boys and Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, choruses, and a bunch of other fun and recreational activities.
#6 Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
SUMaC is a residential program at Stanford University for high-achieving students seeking to be challenged in mathematics. They should possess a desire to learn about the latest in mathematica research and the application of mathematics across scientific fields.
Throughout the camp’s four weeks sessions, participants will learn about advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. SUMaC culminates in a research project in which smart participants present their research to their peers. This allows them to gain valuable experience in the communication of mathematics to a group which is a vital part of a career in mathematics.
Wrapping Up…
Summer programs enable first-year students to participate in efficient and productive academic courses. They learn to improve their problem-solving ability, hone their critical thinking skills, meet other incredibly talented young scholars and work on various advanced subject-related problems. They can benefit from the growth of their careers and get important knowledge about the society and community around them.
They also get opportunities to meet and interact with prominent professionals working in their fields. The practical knowledge gained is ideal for students who prefer more structured studies. Moreover, these programs also prepare the students for further internships. Such programs help students develop the skills necessary for success in different fields, such as science, engineering, mathematics, and community service. Thus, Summer Courses help freshmen to learn the value and reward of acquiring advanced technical degrees such as a Master’s or PhD.
Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.