With the advent of remote learning and virtual experiences, high school students now have unprecedented access to exciting and enriching summer programs from the comfort of their homes. These online summer programs offer a unique opportunity to explore various career paths, develop new skills, and pursue passions while interacting with like-minded students from across the country. In this article, we have compiled a list of the ten best online summer programs for high school students in 2023, each offering a transformative and educational experience.
1. Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program
The prestigious Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program provides an online program where high school students can take classes taught by Harvard faculty members. With a wide range of subjects to choose from, students get a taste of college academics and build connections with peers nationwide. The program does not have a minimum GPA requirement, but applicants must submit their transcript and counselor report for consideration.
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2. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
A summer creative writing program is provided for aspiring young writers by the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, which is housed at the University of Iowa. Students study with graduates of the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, selecting a focus in poetry, creative writing, or fiction. Through collaborative workshops, participants share their work and refine their craft alongside other talented high school writers. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, transcript, parental permission form, and letter of recommendation, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
3. Economics for Leaders
The Foundation for Teaching Economics conducts leadership seminars on college campuses nationwide for interested high school sophomores and juniors. In this week-long program, students learn fundamental economics concepts and leadership skills, gaining valuable insights into decision-making processes and economic reasoning.
Discover a variety of impressive extracurricular activities for your children, tweens, and teens by browsing Impressive Teens. We have activities for kids who are interested in sports, music, art, or STEM. You can search for activities by age, location, and interest on our user-friendly website.
4. LaunchX
For young entrepreneurs, LaunchX is an ideal program to learn how to design and develop successful startup companies. Industry experts share valuable insights, discussing the process and logistics of starting and sustaining a startup. LaunchX assesses applicants based on their initiatives and eagerness to learn, rather than solely focusing on GPA and test scores.
5. New York Film Academy Online Summer Camps
At the New York Film Academy’s online summer camps, students can immerse themselves in the world of filmmaking, acting for film, or 3D animation. Through live interactive instruction and creative projects, students learn the art of storytelling and gain practical experience in their chosen medium.
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6. NYU Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop
NYU Tisch School of the Arts hosts the High School Filmmakers Workshop, providing an opportunity for students to work virtually with emerging artists and create film projects. With guidance from experienced instructors, participants develop writing, directing, shooting, and editing skills to produce a variety of short films. Applicants must be current high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
7. NYU Tisch Online Screenwriters Workshop
Students in this course, which is offered by NYU Tisch School of the Arts, practice screenwriting while learning the fundamentals of writing for film and television. Participants develop story ideas and characters while exploring film language and script structure. The application requirements are the same as for the Filmmakers Workshop, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
8. High School Conservatory at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy
For students passionate about performing arts, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy offers two-week virtual programs in Musical Theatre, Acting for Stage & Screen, and Dance Theatre. Led by industry professionals, these immersive programs empower students to explore their chosen domain and produce tangible works.
9. Boston Architectural College Summer Academy
Boston Architectural College’s Summer Academy provides a deeper understanding of architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Virtual participants attend virtual site and professional firm visits, engage in hands-on design and building, and explore case study buildings. By the end of the program, students develop a physical and digital portfolio suitable for design school applications.
10. Stanford University Mathematics Camp
In the three-week virtual experience of SUMaC, students dive into advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. Engaging in daily problem sets and working with teaching assistants from Stanford, participants learn from mathematicians and professionals who use mathematics in various fields.
Visit Impressive Teens to browse a wide selection of impressive extracurricular activities for your children. A thorough list of activities that can help your child learn new skills, discover interests, and stand out to college admissions officers has been carefully curated by our team. Find nearby activities using our search engine’s location, activity, and interest filters.
Finding The best Online Summer Program
The digital landscape has opened up a world of possibilities for high school students to participate in enriching and educational summer programs without leaving their homes. From exploring college academics at prestigious institutions to honing creative writing skills and delving into the world of entrepreneurship, the ten best online summer programs listed here offer diverse and transformative experiences. With a wide array of options available, high school students can now make the most of their summer by immersing themselves in their passions and exploring potential career paths.
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