The Lancaster County Youth Conservation School

The Lancaster County Youth Conservation School is ready to welcome a new class of students ages 14-16 looking for a summer adventure! Participants will learn about local wildlife, participate in environmental conservation, and enjoy the great outdoors during this immersive week-long experience.

This year’s program will be held July 21-26, 2024. Application registration closes June 7, 2024 (or earlier if the class is filled). This exciting summer environmental education program consists of 6 days (5 nights) at Northern Lancaster County Game and Fish Protective Association in Denver, PA. There is a $25 registration fee after students have been notified of acceptance to the program. 

The application, agenda, pictures, and more information can be found at https://lancasterconservation.org/youth-conservation-school/

Note: Students who attended for the first time in 2020 or 2021 may attend again due to the pandemic. Normally, students may attend one year only.

Upon selection, students and parent or guardian must complete all necessary medical forms, waivers, and consent forms.

This is an amazing opportunity for students with a love of science and the outdoors!

West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)

West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is looking for high-achieving young people who are in great standing with their school and community, and who want to challenge themselves. 

What is SLE?

  • SLE is a one-week program for current Juniors (High School Class of 2025) to visit West Point in June.
  • Students in this program get to spend the week with cadets, live in the barracks, and eat in the mess hall.
  • Learn about West Point’s world class academics by trying 5 of our 17 academic workshops.
  • Learn about military training and becoming a Leader of Character at West Point by completing two military days to include rappelling, Zodiac boats, combatives (like Jiu-Jitsu) training and more!
  • Challenge themselves physically by attempting the Candidate Fitness Assessment, conducting physical training, and sports.
  • Complete their admissions interview with a cadet.
  • Spend the week making friends with other students from all over the US who are applying to West Point.

Students may sign up for this program now at westpoint.edu. Their priority application deadline for SLE is Friday, March 15th, and they will accept applications until April 15th. SLE is competitive and not all who apply are offered to attend.

Learn more about SLE- https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program
Apply now- https://apply.westpoint.edu/portal/candidate

STEM Summer Program at Millersville University

The College of Science and Technology at Millersville University is pleased to announce the 36th annual Summer Science Training Program (SSTP) for students with an interest in STEM.  Two distinct five-day sessions of science, math, and technology workshops will be taught consecutively, with each session consisting of 10 stimulating topics under the STEM umbrella.  This program is open to students entering 8th through 12th grade in the fall of 2024.

The program includes two five-day sessions held during the weeks of June 24-June 28, 2024 (Session 1 for grades 8-9) and July 8-July 12, 2024 (Session 2 for grades 10-12).  During each session, students will be engaged in exciting hands-on activities during three-hour workshops from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants will use fully equipped labs and classroom facilities in Millersville University’s Science and Technology Complex. SSTP participants will benefit from the extensive experience of the Millersville University mathematics, science, and technology faculty and staff who serve as instructors for all workshops. Students can register for a session based on their grade as of fall 2024. 

Additional program and registration information can be found on the SSTP website. The cost of this year’s program is $250 per Session, which covers instructional costs and supplies.  Due to limited lab space and equipment, early registration is encouraged to ensure participation.

Registration opens March 1, 2024. The registration deadlines are June 20, 2024 for Session 1 and July 5, 2024 for Session 2, OR when each session reaches 24 participants (whichever comes first). This is an engaging and enriching program to add to your summer schedule!

Pre-College Summer Programs

One of the great things about being in high school are all the different opportunities available to help you prepare for your future. Many colleges and universities offer pre-college programs over the summer to help high school students gain knowledge, explore career options, and possibly earn college credits. Check out the exciting programs below and make sure to check back to the “Summer Opportunities” page for updates! 

Bucknell University

Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE) is a residential, hands-on learning experience giving students a chance to be exposed to college-level work and explore the value of a liberal arts perspective in making challenging decisions to improve today’s world.

Dates: June 23-28, 2024

Who: Rising high school juniors and seniors are welcome to apply

Application can be found here: https://www.bucknell.edu/admissions-aid/plan-visit/camps-conferences-visit-programs/bucknell-academy-summer-experience

Financial Aid is available

Application deadline: March 16, 2024

Cornell University

Cornell University Precollege Studies is currently accepting applications for summer online classes for high school students. Immerse yourself in rigorous online courses taught by top Cornell faculty and earn 3 to 8 credits. 

Dates: Courses offered between June 3 – August 6, 2024

Who: Rising high school juniors and seniors are welcome to apply

Application can be found here: https://sce.cornell.edu/precollege

Limited financial aid available

DeSales University

Below is information on two different unique and exciting programs offered by DeSales University.

DeSales University Summer Video Institute & Advanced Summer Institute

Dates: June 17-22, 2024 and July 8-13, 2024

Who: Ages 13 and up

Application can be found here: www.desales.edu/svi

Application deadline: June 2024 (see website for more details) 

Summer Theatre Institute at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Dates: July 22-August 3, 2024

Who: Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors & rising college freshmen 

Application can be found here: www.desales.edu/sti

Limited scholarships are available. Scholarship deadline is April 20, 2024

Messiah University 

Messiah University offers a number of programs over the summer for high school students. Check out the websites below for more information!

Cyber Camp: June 10-13, 2024 (apply online by May 13th)  www.messiah.edu/cybercamp

Exploring Careers in Healthcare: June 10-12, 2024 (apply online by June 2nd) www.messiah.edu/healthcareerscamp 

Psychology Camp: June 23-28, 2024 (apply online by June 1st) www.messiah.edu/psychcamp

Young Filmmakers’ Workshop: June 23-28, 2024 (apply online by June 1st) www.messiah.edu/filmmakersworkshop

Young Writers Workshop: June 23-28, 2024 (apply online by June 1st; apply by April 1st for  discounted rate) www.messiah.edu/writersworkshop

Young Peacemakers Academy: June 23-28, 2024 (apply online by June 3rd) www.messiah.edu/youngpeacemakers

University of Delaware

University of Delaware is offering “Edge,” a three-week, credit-bearing college experience for accomplished and highly motivated high school students 

Dates: July 7-27, 2024

Who: Rising high school juniors and seniors are welcome to apply

Application can be found here: www.udel.edu/edge

Limited financial aid available

Application deadline: May 1, 2024

West Point “Summer Leaders Experience” Opportunity

The United States Military Academy at West Point is offering two “Summer Leaders Experience” (SLE) sessions on June 1-7 and June 8-14, 2024. Current high school juniors may apply now, and the priority application deadline is March 15, 2024. The SLE is a fantastic opportunity for students to interact with West Point Cadets, complete academic workshops, participate in military days, and more.

A Facebook Live event covering SLE will be held on February 15th at 6 pm and is available here or on the Facebook page “West Point Admissions.” Major Mark Owens (Southeast Regional Commander, USMA ’13) and Cadet Raquel Zitta (USMA ’25) will co-host this event and discuss SLE and how to apply. Students can ask them live questions if they attend!

A flyer with more detailed information can be found here.

Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development Volunteer Opportunities

The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is offering numerous volunteer opportunities for students interested in serving others in a fun and meaningful way. Evening, weekend, and after school opportunities are available throughout the spring and summer and can be counted towards community service hours. A flyer with detailed information can be found here. If interested, please contact Jenn Vasko at jvasko@schreiberpediatric.org or 717-393-0425, ext. 106.

Boston University Summer Term High School Programs

Looking for an exciting summer program that will look great on a college application? Boston University Summer Term is offering five exciting programs for high school students. Here is a brief overview of their programs:

High School Honors is a six-week residential, commuter, or online program in which students take Boston University undergraduate courses and earn up to 8 transferable college credits. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2024.

RISE Internship/Practicum is a six-week non-credit residential or commuter program, open to domestic students. The program provides students with the unique opportunity to conduct scientific research in a university lab under the guidance of a faculty member. Students must be entering their senior year of high school in fall 2024.

Academic Immersion (AIM) is a three-week non-credit residential or commuter program for students to focus intensively on a single academic topic. This summer they are offering four AIM tracks: Introduction to Experimental Psychology; Introduction to Medicine; Creative Writing; and Business (new for summer 2024). All four tracks combine classroom work with hands-on experiential learning activities. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2024.

Summer Challenge is a two-week non-credit residential program in which students take two seminars of their choice and experience college life. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2024.

Summer Preview is a one-week non-credit residential or commuter program in which students explore one subject of interest while previewing the college experience. Students must be entering eighth grade or their freshman or sophomore year of high school in fall 2024.

More information about these wonderful opportunities as well as how to apply can be found here.

Lebanon Valley College Health and Biomedical Sciences Summer Program

Interested in a career in medicine, health, or biomedical science? The Lebanon Valley College Health and Biomedical Sciences Summer Program will be held at Lebanon Valley College from July 22-27, 2024. Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are welcome to register. 

Through lectures and hands-on laboratory investigations in state-of-the-art laboratories, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of disciplines such as molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, immunology, physiology and other medical sciences. Students will learn how laboratory science can be translated into improved human health, and they will engage in investigative experiences that will allow them to apply their laboratory skills to real life problems. In addition, students will interact with practicing professionals in fields such as medicine, physical therapy, nursing and biomedical laboratory research.

The Health and Biomedical Sciences camp will provide a fun, challenging and engaging college environment in which students will develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a biomedical scientist and health professional!

The registration portal for the camp is now open and can be found here. Space is limited, so it is recommended for students to submit their registration as soon as possible to secure a slot. 

Summer Youth Summit : Paid Opportunity with Touchstone Foundation

The Rise Above: Eliminating Stigma in Youth Mental Wellness youth summit is a collaboration between the Touchstone Foundation and The Hood Hippie Love Yourself.

The goal for this summit is to help high school students gain new skills and connect them to resources for mental health in Lancaster County. Over the course of 4 weeks students will be introduced to new topics and themes and hear from professionals and local creatives. Students will be able to learn from each other and their Safe Space Coordinators (facilitators of the workshops).

This summer the Touchstone Foundation is partnering with YWCA Lancaster, to provide students with a 4-week summer intensive. Our program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (8 sessions) throughout the month of July into the first week of August.

Tuesdays, 10am-3pm: July 11th, July 18th, July 25th and August 1st

Thursday, 10am-3pm:  July 13th, July 20th, July 27th and August 3rd

This is a paid opportunity for students to learn, engage and grow. To receive the monetary award, participants must attend all 4 weeks of the intensive with the allotment of one excused absence. Students will be asked to provide detailed feedback on the program and fill out an informational survey from Pennsylvania Care Partnership.

If you have students that would be interested, this is a free program, here is the registration link: https://forms.gle/f78f9ojV6o5X8Vih6