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Summer MatchPoint
Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer is an incredible opportunity to explore new interests, deepen academic focus, and grow through pre-college programs, courses, research, or meaningful service. Summer activities have always mattered, but as our founder, Lisa Bain Carlton, shared with The Wall Street Journal, “it’s like a train that’s taken off and gotten faster and faster and faster.” This year’s early admissions results confirmed that how students use their summer is showing up in decisions across a wide range of colleges, not just the most competitive ones. The right summer experience builds skills, confidence, and academic direction. As you explore options below, focus on experiences that align with your student’s goals and create real momentum before applications begin.
Explore Our Summer MatchPoint Directory of Summer Activities
Welcome to Summer MatchPoint—the perfect resource for discovering the best summer programs for high school students. There's a phenomenal opportunity out there for every interest, skill level, and budget, so take the time to find something that truly speaks to you. Engaging in activities outside the classroom can add a unique layer to your identity, help you make a positive impact on your community, and play an important role in your journey to college. Let's embark on this exciting path together and find the summer experience that will enrich your life and future!
Plan your summer with our AI-Guru
Tell us your interests and preferences, and our AI assistant will help you plan your ideal summer.
You might even be surprised by the summer activities you discover.
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Summer Planning
For many of today's college-bound high school students, the summer is no longer nine weeks of total relaxation, but rather an opportunity to spend time actively working, learning new skills, or diving deeper into an area (or areas) of interest. This complete guide to summer planning walks you through the various types of summer opportunities — from volunteer work to independent projects, and everything in between — and offers tips for how your student can take their involvement up a notch during the summer.
Here's what a thriving summer looks like
Get ready for Summer with our Resource Hub
Guides
