Summer Programs Guide
Summer Internships, Apprenticeships & Programs: Your Career Launchpad
Discover internships, apprenticeships, and enrichment programs that build real skills and open doors to your future
Whether you're exploring career paths, strengthening college applications, or gaining hands-on experience, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step of finding and succeeding in summer opportunities designed for high school students like you.
Find Your Best Path
Why Summer Programs Matter for High School Students
Quick Summary
Paid or free experiences connecting you to real careers, mentors, and skills
Begin searching in fall; most deadlines are January–March
82% higher college acceptance + career clarity + real-world skills
Summer break offers more than relaxation—it's your chance to explore interests, develop professional skills, and build confidence for life after high school. Summer programs, internships, and apprenticeships connect classroom learning to real workplaces, mentors, and career pathways.
Whether you're planning for university, community college, military service, or direct workforce entry, participating in a meaningful summer experience clarifies your direction and prepares you for what comes next.
- Types of summer opportunities available to high school students
- Virtual vs. in-person program comparison with pros and cons
- Step-by-step timeline for planning and applying
- Directory of 25+ specific programs with deadlines
- Financial aid options and funding strategies
- Texas-specific opportunities and resources
- Financial Aid options and funding strategies
Key Benefits of Summer Opportunities
Source: National Student Clearinghouse, 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
Source: NACE, 2025
Professional Skills You'll Develop
Communication
Present confidently, write professionally, and articulate ideas clearly in diverse settings
Team Collaboration
Work effectively with diverse personalities and contribute to shared goals
Leadership
Take initiative, guide others through challenges, and manage projects independently
Problem-Solving
Think critically and tackle obstacles with creative, practical solutions
Types of Summer Opportunities
| Program Type | Duration | Compensation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Programs | 1-8 weeks | Varies (tuition or free) | Academic enrichment, skill-building |
| Internships | 4-12 weeks | Paid or unpaid | Professional experience, networking |
| Apprenticeships | Ongoing (may extend beyond summer) | Paid wages | Skilled trades, industry credentials |
| Virtual Programs | Flexible | Varies | Remote learning, accessibility |
Many colleges offer high school students the chance to experience campus life while taking rigorous courses, conducting research, or participating in themed academies. Some programs may even offer Dual Credit.
Popular Options:
- Pre-college programs (residential or commuter)
- STEM research opportunities
- Writing workshops and journalism camps
- Business and entrepreneurship intensives
- Arts conservatories (music, theater, visual arts)
Federal, state, and local agencies offer internships focused on public service, conservation, education, and community development.
Examples Include:
- National Park Service internships
- Library and museum programs
- City hall and county government placements
- Youth conservation corps
- Nonprofit community service roles
Private companies in technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and marketing increasingly recruit high school interns to build talent pipelines.
Opportunities Include:
- Tech company coding bootcamps
- Hospital shadowing and patient care assistant roles
- Marketing and social media internships
- Engineering firm project assistants
- Financial literacy and banking programs
Youth apprenticeships are employer-sponsored, earn-as-you-learn programs approved by state or federal labor departments. They combine paid work with related instruction.
Common Fields:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Healthcare (CNA, medical assistant)
- Information technology and cybersecurity
- Construction trades
- Automotive technology
Virtual vs. In-Person Programs: Which Is Right for You?
Both virtual and in-person programs offer valuable experiences—the best choice depends on your goals, location, budget, and learning style. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
Detailed Comparison
| Factor | Virtual Programs | In-Person Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower overall (no travel/housing) | Higher (includes housing, meals, travel) |
| Accessibility | Available anywhere with internet | Location-dependent, travel required |
| Networking | Limited to online interactions | Face-to-face connections, stronger bonds |
| Flexibility | Often asynchronous, self-paced options | Fixed schedule, structured environment |
| Hands-On Experience | Simulations, virtual labs | Real equipment, physical workspaces |
| Independence | Stay at home, familiar environment | Live independently, residential experience |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
💻 Virtual Programs
- Significant cost savings (no housing, travel, or meal expenses)
- Accessible from anywhere with internet connection
- Flexible scheduling allows for part-time jobs or other commitments
- Can participate in programs from prestigious institutions nationwide
- Develop digital collaboration skills highly valued by employers
- Comfortable home environment for introverted students
- Limited face-to-face networking and relationship building
- Requires strong self-discipline and time management
- Less immersive experience in the field
- Potential for distractions at home
- Technical issues can disrupt learning
- Miss out on residential independence experience
🏫 In-Person Programs
- Deep networking opportunities with peers and professionals
- Hands-on access to specialized equipment and facilities
- Fully immersive experience in your field of interest
- Develop independence and life skills away from home
- Structured environment with direct mentorship
- Experience college campus life (for pre-college programs)
- Build lasting friendships with like-minded peers
- Higher total cost (tuition + housing + meals + travel)
- Geographic barriers for rural or distant students
- Less flexible schedule—full-time commitment
- May be challenging for students with family responsibilities
- Can be overwhelming for students with anxiety or homesickness
Which Format Is Best for Your Goals?
Choose VIRTUAL if you want to:
- ���� Explore a field without major financial commitment
- ✓ Balance summer work/family obligations with learning
- ✓ Access programs from prestigious institutions not in your area
- ✓ Build technical and remote collaboration skills
- ✓ Try multiple short programs in different fields
- ✓ Learn from home due to health, family, or financial reasons
Choose IN-PERSON if you want to:
- ✓ Build strong professional relationships and networking connections
- ✓ Gain hands-on experience with specialized equipment or labs
- ✓ Experience campus life before college decisions
- ✓ Develop independence and self-sufficiency skills
- ✓ Get deeply immersed in a specific field or industry
- ✓ Make lasting friendships with peers who share your interests
- ✓ Access career-specific facilities (hospitals, labs, studios, etc.)
Some programs offer hybrid formats combining virtual learning with optional in-person sessions, workshops, or culminating events. This can provide flexibility while maintaining some face-to-face interaction.
Your Step-by-Step Planning Timeline
Fall (September–November)
Begin your research and exploration phase. This is when most competitive programs open applications.
- Meet with your school counselor to discuss interests and goals
- Research programs and create a list of possibilities
- Attend college fairs and career expos to learn about opportunities
- Start building your resume with current activities and achievements
Winter (December–February)
Application season is in full swing. Focus on crafting quality applications.
- Narrow your list to 3–5 programs that align with your goals
- Request recommendation letters from teachers or mentors
- Draft personal statements and essays
- Submit applications before deadlines (often January–March)
- Consider Early Action, Early Decision, or Rolling Admissions timelines
- Apply for scholarships and financial aid
- Complete FAFSA or TASFA if applicable
Spring (March–May)
Decision time arrives. Compare your options and prepare for your experience.
- Receive acceptance notifications
- Compare offers and make your decision
- Complete enrollment paperwork
- Arrange transportation and housing (if needed)
- Attend program orientation sessions
- Confirm financial aid and payment plans
Summer (June–August)
Your experience begins! Make the most of every opportunity.
- Participate fully in your program
- Build relationships with mentors and peers
- Document projects and accomplishments
- Request letters of recommendation before departing
- Reflect on what you learned and how it influences your plans
- Update your transcript with completed programs
- If pursuing college athletics, register with NCAA Eligibility Center
How to Find the Right Program
Start With Your School
School counselors maintain lists of local and national opportunities. They can help you identify programs aligned with your academic strengths and career interests.
Search Databases
Use official resources to find verified programs:
- apprenticeship.gov
- careeronestop.org
- State workforce boards
Check College Websites
Most universities publicize summer programs on their admissions pages. Search for "pre-college" or "high school programs."
Network Locally
Ask family, neighbors, and community connections about opportunities. Many positions are never advertised publicly.
2025 Summer Program Directory
Below is a curated directory of summer programs, internships, and apprenticeships for high school students in 2025. Each listing includes key details to help you decide and apply.
RSI (Research Science Institute) - MIT
Prestigious 6-week STEM research program for rising seniors. Work with MIT mentors on cutting-edge research projects.
Website: cee.org/rsi
TASP (Telluride Association Summer Program)
6-week humanities and social sciences seminar program at Cornell, Michigan, and Maryland. Fully funded for rising seniors.
Website: tellurideassociation.org
Bank of America Student Leaders
Paid 8-week summer internship at local nonprofits + leadership summit in Washington, D.C. for rising seniors passionate about community service.
Website: bankofamerica.com/studentleaders
NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science)
Free virtual 7-week program where students use NASA data to investigate Earth science. Open to grades 9-12.
Website: nasa.gov/sees
Apprentice School - Newport News Shipbuilding
Paid 4-5 year apprenticeship in shipbuilding trades. Earn while learning with full benefits. High school seniors can apply.
Website: as.edu
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Free 2-week virtual program teaching coding, web development, and computer science to rising 10th grade-12th grade girls and non-binary students.
Website: girlswhocode.com
Smithsonian Summer Sessions
1-week residential programs at Smithsonian museums in D.C. covering history, science, art, and culture. Rising 9th grade-12th grade graders.
Website: smithsonianassociates.org
Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
10-week paid biomedical research internship for rising college freshmen who completed high school. Hands-on lab experience.
Website: mayo.edu/surf
Congressional Page Program
Semester-long program serving as a Congressional page in the U.S. House or Senate. Gain government experience and earn a stipend. Rising juniors/seniors.
Website: house.gov/page-program
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
2-4 week residential programs at Stanford in STEM, humanities, and arts. Rigorous college-level coursework. Rising 9th grade-12th grade graders.
Website: summer.stanford.edu | Fee waivers available
UT Austin Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) High School Program
Summer research program where high school students join UT research teams. Explore STEM fields with faculty mentorship.
Website: cns.utexas.edu/fri
Rice University Engineering Summer Camp
1-week residential engineering camps covering robotics, bioengineering, computer science, and more. Grades 9th grade-12th grade.
Website: rice.edu/summer
Texas Health Resources Teen Volunteer Program
Volunteer at Texas Health hospitals in DFW. Gain healthcare experience assisting staff and patients. Ages 14-18.
Website: texashealth.org/volunteer
TAME (Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering) Summer Camps
Free engineering and STEM camps across Texas for underrepresented students. Hands-on projects and college preparation.
Website: tame.org/camps
Austin Tech Apprenticeship Program
Paid 8-12 week summer tech internships with Austin startups and tech companies. Web dev, UX design, data science roles. Grades 11th grade-12th grade.
Website: Contact Austin Chamber of Commerce or local school district
San Antonio Youth CyberPatriot Summer Camp
1-week cybersecurity camp teaching network defense, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. Hosted by local military and tech partners.
Website: uscyberpatriot.org
The Coding School - Qubit by Qubit (Quantum Computing)
Free 2-year virtual program introducing high school students to quantum computing through hands-on projects and mentorship.
Website: qubitbyqubit.org
American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program
Year-long program (including summer) conducting original research with AMNH scientists in NYC. For NYC area students grades 9th grade-12th grade.
Website: amnh.org/srmp
Iowa Young Writers' Studio
2-week residential creative writing workshop at University of Iowa. Small-group seminars with published authors. Rising 10th grade-12th grade graders.
Website: iyws.uiowa.edu
National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Free 3-week residential STEM program in West Virginia for two graduating seniors per state. Lectures, outdoor adventures, and networking.
Website: nyscamp.org
Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
3-6 week residential programs in architecture, art, design, drama, music, STEM, and writing at CMU. Rising 10th grade-12th grade graders.
Website: cmu.edu/pre-college
Siemens Competition Summer Research Program
Independent research mentorship connecting students with university researchers. Prepare projects for national STEM competitions.
Website: Check with local universities for research mentorship programs
Wolverine Pathways Summer Program - University of Michigan
Free 7-year college prep program for Detroit-area students starting in 7th grade, including summer residential experiences at U-M.
Website: wolverinepathways.umich.edu
Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS) - Carnegie Mellon
Free 6-week residential STEM program for underrepresented students interested in careers in STEM. Rising seniors only.
Website: cmu.edu/sams
Perkins School for the Blind Summer Transition Program
5-week residential program for blind and visually impaired students focusing on independent living, career exploration, and college prep.
Website: perkins.org
Generation Google Scholarship (formerly Google Lime Scholarship)
$10,000 scholarship for students with disabilities pursuing computer science degrees. Includes Google mentorship and networking.
Website: google.com/scholarships
Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) - MIT
Free 6-week residential STEM program at MIT for rising seniors from underrepresented communities. Rigorous coursework and mentorship.
Website: oeop.mit.edu/mites
Boston Leadership Institute Summer Programs
3-week residential programs in medicine, engineering, business, law, psychology, and more at various Boston universities.
Website: bostonleadershipinstitute.com
NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
8-10 week paid research internships at National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Work with leading scientists. Rising juniors/seniors.
Website: training.nih.gov/sip
Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
Free 10-day intensive program for low-income rising seniors interested in journalism. Reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling.
Website: sjp.princeton.edu
Kode With Klossy
Free 2-week coding camps for young women and non-binary students ages 13-18. Learn web development, mobile app development, and data science.
Website: kodewithklossy.com
This directory represents a sample of available programs. For comprehensive searches, visit:
- Fastweb.com - Scholarship and program search
- BigFuture (College Board) - College summer programs
- Apprenticeship.gov - Federal apprenticeship finder
- CareerOneStop.org - Career exploration and training
Application Tips & Strategy
Competitive programs open applications in late fall or early winter with deadlines between January and March. Start your search in October or November to allow time for preparation.
Required Materials Checklist
Writing a Strong Personal Statement
Your essay should explain:
- Why you're interested in this specific program
- What you hope to learn or accomplish
- How the experience aligns with your future goals
Pro Tip:
Be specific and authentic. Instead of "I want to help people," explain a specific moment that sparked your interest in healthcare, education, or public service.
Interview Preparation
Some programs require phone or video interviews. Practice these common questions:
Why are you interested in this field?
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
Describe a challenge you've overcome.
What are your long-term career goals?
Need help reaching out to programs or mentors? We've created a comprehensive downloadable resource with 9 field-specific email templates (Research, Tech, Business, Medical, Art, Law, Political, Corporate/Nonprofit, plus Follow-Up). Contact your school counselor or schedule a planning session to access these templates.
Financial Aid & Funding
Summer programs vary widely in cost, but many offer financial aid. Some are completely free or even pay you to participate!
- Youth apprenticeships — Earn wages while learning skilled trades
- Government-sponsored internships — Federal, state, and local opportunities
- Nonprofit community programs — Service-based experiences
- TRIO and GEAR UP — College readiness programs for eligible students
Many college programs offer need-based and merit-based scholarships. When researching, look for phrases like:
- "Financial aid available"
- "Need-blind admissions"
- "No student turned away for financial reasons"
Organizations and foundations that fund summer experiences, plus federal grant programs like the Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG:
- Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — Merit-based scholarships
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation — High-achieving students with financial need
- Local community foundations — Regional scholarship opportunities
- Employer sponsorships — Check if parents' employers offer educational benefits
- Federal Work-Study — Earn money while gaining experience
Texas-Specific Opportunities
Texas offers exceptional resources for high school students through state-funded programs, dual credit partnerships, and regional workforce initiatives designed to prepare you for college and career success.
Texas Dual Credit Partnerships
Texas high school students can earn both high school and college credit simultaneously through dual credit programs. Many summer programs integrate dual credit opportunities.
Community College Partnerships
Work with your school counselor to enroll in summer dual credit courses at local community colleges—often tuition-free.
Early College High Schools
Texas has 100+ Early College High Schools offering accelerated pathways to associate degrees.
Texas OnCourse
Free online platform helping students plan dual credit pathways and track progress toward college readiness.
Texas Workforce Programs
TIRA connects high school students with registered apprenticeships in high-demand industries. Students earn wages while gaining industry certifications.
Target Industries:
- Healthcare (CNA, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician)
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity
- Energy (Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy)
- Construction & Skilled Trades
Learn more at txworkforcesolutions.org
The T-STEM Academy network provides rigorous STEM-focused education with college and career readiness support.
- Over 80 T-STEM Academies statewide
- Summer bridge programs for incoming students
- Industry partnerships with tech companies
- Focus on underrepresented populations in STEM
Texas-Based Scholarships for Summer Programs
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Grants
TEA funds various summer enrichment programs through school districts via the Effective Advising Framework (EAF) Grant and Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)—check with your counselor for eligibility.
Communities In Schools of Texas
Provides financial support for students to attend summer programs, particularly those from underserved communities.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
Offers college readiness programs and summer bridge experiences for Texas high school students planning to attend in-state colleges.
Regional Programs by Texas Metro Area
| Metro Area | Notable Programs | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Rice University Pre-College, Houston Museum District Internships | STEM, Energy, Healthcare |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | UT Dallas STEM Academy, DFW Airport Aviation Program | Technology, Aviation, Business |
| Austin | UT Austin Pre-College, Austin Tech Apprenticeships | Technology, Entrepreneurship, Arts |
| San Antonio | UTSA Summer Bridge, San Antonio Medical Foundation Programs | Healthcare, Military, Cybersecurity |
| El Paso | UTEP STEM Outreach, Border Health Initiatives | Bilingual Education, Healthcare, Engineering |
Preparing for Success
Set Clear Goals Before You Start
Identify what you want to learn or accomplish. Goals might include:
�� Mastering a specific skill
✓ Building a portfolio project
✓ Determining career fit
Professional Conduct Essentials
Communicate Professionally
Use appropriate email etiquette and ask questions when needed
Arrive On Time
Punctuality shows respect and professionalism
Take Initiative
Volunteer for tasks and seek feedback proactively
Keep samples of projects, presentations, or reports. Take notes on what you learned, challenges you navigated, and skills you developed. This documentation strengthens future applications and interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can begin exploring summer opportunities as early as freshman year. Some programs accept students entering 9th grade, while more competitive or specialized programs target juniors and seniors. Starting early allows you to build experience progressively.
No. Many high school internships are designed for students with little or no prior work experience. Employers understand you're learning and growing. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn matter more than existing skills.
It depends on the program's time commitment. Some programs run full-time for several weeks; others meet part-time or virtually. If you need to work, look for evening programs, weekend workshops, or short-term intensives that fit your schedule.
Participation alone doesn't guarantee admission, but meaningful involvement demonstrates initiative, intellectual curiosity, and commitment—all qualities colleges value. The impact is strongest when you can articulate what you learned and how it shaped your goals.
Apply to multiple programs with varying levels of selectivity. If you're not accepted or are waitlisted, consider local internships, volunteer roles, or online courses. Any structured summer experience that builds skills or knowledge is valuable. You can also explore vocational training programs.
No. Youth apprenticeships serve students pursuing all pathways. Some apprentices continue to two-year or four-year colleges in related fields, using their credentials and experience to reduce training time and costs. Others enter the workforce directly.
It depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. Virtual programs offer flexibility and lower costs, while in-person programs provide hands-on experience and stronger networking. See our Virtual vs. In-Person section above for a detailed comparison.
Additional Resources
Federal & State Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Finder
- CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
- O*NET OnLine - Occupational Information
- Texas Workforce Commission - Labor Market Data
- Texas Career Check
- Texas Wages
- Projections Central - Career Outlook
- State workforce development boards
- Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs)
Scholarship Databases
- Fastweb
- College Board BigFuture
- QuestBridge
- National Merit Scholarship Program
- Scholarships.com
- Going Merry
Industry Organizations
- Society of Women Engineers
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- SkillsUSA
Important: Legal Preparedness When Your Student Turns 18
When your student turns 18, they are legally recognized as an adult, and parents immediately lose automatic rights to access medical records, speak with doctors, make healthcare decisions in an emergency, or manage finances without written consent. Many families are surprised by this during a crisis when clarity and access matter most.
Preparing ahead of time with the proper legal documents ensures you can step in to support your young adult if a life-threatening or urgent situation arises.
You can save 20% on essential legal forms, including a Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, and Durable Power of Attorney.
Get Your Legal Forms (20% Off)Taking this simple step provides peace of mind and keeps you empowered to help when it truly counts.
Ready to Build a Winning Candidacy?
Summer programs are just one piece of your post-secondary success puzzle. A strategic Building Candidacy plan ensures you're making informed decisions, maximizing opportunities, and positioning yourself competitively for college admissions, scholarships, and career pathways. Let's create your personalized roadmap together.
Schedule a Planning Session