Summer can seem far away on the horizon, but for many high school students, now is the time to start planning to make the most of those sunny months ahead. Getting a jump start on summer program research and applications is key, as popular programs can fill up fast and early deadlines come sooner than you may think. To get your summer planning underway, here are 7 enriching program examples that all have application deadlines in the fall or early winter.

Carnegie Mellon University: Pre-College Summer Programs - Drama

Carnegie Mellon University's Pre-College Drama is an intensive 6-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors seeking training in theater performance, production, and design. Students focus on developing skills for college auditions and interviews through coursework taught by CMU faculty, including classes in acting, technical theater, and music theater. The rigorous curriculum aims to simulate the experience of pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with participants attending classes for 8 hours per day and participating in workshops, lectures, and projects. Students live on campus and can choose to concentrate their studies in acting, design/production, or musical theater.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of February 1, 2024.

Leangap® '24

The 4-week Silicon Valley Entrepreneurship Program is an immersive summer experience for teens interested in technology and business. Students live on the UC Berkeley campus while taking classes from experienced entrepreneurs and visiting top Silicon Valley companies. The program provides housing, meals, activities, and airport transportation for participants who join from all over the world. Through the program, students gain first-hand entrepreneurship experience in the heart of the Bay Area startup scene.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of December 31, 2023.

Barnard College: The NextGen Leadership Institute

The NextGen Leadership Institute is a 3-week summer pre-college program at Barnard College for high school students to explore leadership through a feminist lens. Students take courses in one of seven tracks like STEM, writing, political science, and art and design workshops focused on developing leadership skills. The program includes field trips, projects, and opportunities to meet women leaders, aiming to help students gain confidence and skills to pursue careers in today’s workforce. By embracing the relationship between gender and leadership, the institute pushes students in new directions to become trailblazing leaders.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of February 9, 2024.

Georgetown University's Sports Industry Management Academy 

Georgetown University's Sports Industry Management Academy is a 4-week summer program for high school students interested in exploring career options in the multibillion-dollar sports business. Students take courses in sports law, marketing, finance, and management while visiting D.C. area sports venues, attending sporting events, and hearing from industry executives. The immersive program blends classroom learning with hands-on activities, field trips, and panel discussions to provide an inside look at the sports industry. Students live on Georgetown's campus and experience college life firsthand during this career-focused summer experience.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of January 31, 2024

Boston University Tanglewood Institute

The Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) is an intensive summer music program in Lenox, Massachusetts for musicians ages 14-20 seeking premium training. Its special relationship with the Boston Symphony Orchestra allows students to learn from world-class professionals while immersed in the Berkshires arts community. Through masterclasses, private lessons, and performances with faculty from prominent music schools, BUTI provides young musicians with unparalleled growth opportunities near the summer home of the BSO. The program focuses on intensive instruction and experiential learning for talented youth seeking to develop their musical abilities.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of January 25, 2024

The Colorado Student Leaders Institute

Colorado Student Leaders Institute is a 4-week residential summer program for accomplished high school students to earn college credit through exploring interdisciplinary curricula. Students choose between majors in International Social Studies or STEAM while taking classes from professors, completing hands-on projects, and attending lectures. The competitive program is state-legislated, provides housing and meals, and aims to prepare youth for college by fostering leadership, critical thinking, and independence. While based on a holistic application, priority acceptance is given to high-achieving 9th and 10th graders, with at least 50% from underrepresented backgrounds.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of February 28, 2024.