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The Leading Directory for Teen Academic and Enrichment Opportunities:
Summer Programs, Gap Year Programs, Community Service and more.

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13,000+ Experiences for Students in Grades 7-12.

Discover how spending time in the world outside the classroom can help teens do better in school, during the college admissions process and in their adult lives. Our mission is to connect students, parents and educators with the best experiential learning opportunities for middle- and high-school students.

  • Summer Programs

    Summer Programs

    Spend the summer expanding your horizons at one of thousands of summer programs for students entering 7th grade to college. Whether you're interested in rocket science, theater, or hiking up mountains, you'll find it here.

  • Gap Year Programs

    Gap Year Programs

    A gap year or semester before college can contribute to personal growth and build the life skills you need to succeed. Program offerings include big-city internships, foreign language immersion, outdoor adventure trips, and more.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Students who help others develop important life skills, such as empathy, cultural awareness, and a lifelong passion for service. There are hundreds of non-profits who welcome students under the age of 18 as volunteers.

  • STEM Summer Programs

    STEM Summer Programs

    Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers are on the rise. Get a head start on STEM studies with summer programs that teach coding, immerse students in forensic science, explore stem cell science, and more.

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    Arts Summer Programs

    Whether you want to dance, draw, sing, design, or direct, a performing or visual arts summer program can help you pursue your dream. With hundreds of programs to choose from, it is easy to find one tailored to your passion.

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    Academic Summer Programs

    Participate in an academic summer program to experience campus life, gain confidence, and boost your college applications. Explore hundreds of programs focused on subjects from economics to creative writing.

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    STEM Colleges

    STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers are on the rise, and students who major in these subjects are are more likely to be hired in their field after graduation and earn higher incomes in their lifetime.

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    Performing & Visual Arts Colleges

    For students who want to pursue a career in the visual or performing arts, finding a school that nurtures their passions is essential. Explore colleges that will help you advance your art.

  • Colleges & Universities

    Colleges & Universities

    Begin your college search with our comprehensive college & university database. Find out which summer programs they offer! College is a big investment. We can help you try before you buy.

  • Boarding Schools

    Boarding Schools

    Ready to combine learning and independence? With more than 400 listings for boarding schools in the U.S. and abroad, we can help you discover a learning community that will spark your success.

  • Private Day Schools

    Private Day Schools

    Explore our more than 1,000 listings and discover the advantages of private school, from small classes to specialized approaches to learning. Find the school that offers the classes, extracurriculars, and philosophy you want.

  • Independent Advisors

    Independent Advisors

    Choosing the right school, college or program can be overwhelming. A local independent advisor can help you navigate these important decisions. Find the best path for you and your personal goals, with their help.

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    Therapeutic Schools

    Students who are experiencing a high level of stress, anxiety or depression may have needs that can't be met by a traditional school. Therapeutic day or boarding schools could be the solution.

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    Residential Treatment Centers

    Are you a teen or parent of a teen who is struggling with mental illness or substance abuse? Check out our listings of residential treatment centers that serve students under 18 to find the right path to a healthy and successful life.

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    Therapeutic Programs

    When your family is dealing with behavioral issues, mental health problems, or eating disorders, a specialized program can help you overcome the challenges you’re facing. Our program offerings will help you find the right experience for your teen.

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Trending Posts on the TeenLife Blog.

  • Sarah Good-profile-picture

    Beyond the Food Pantry: Community Service Ideas in the Food World

    July 19, 2019, 9 a.m. by Sarah Good

    One of the most common ways for young people to pursue community service is through volunteer work in a food pantry or soup kitchen. And this popularity makes sense: It is meaningful, satisfying work. In the course of just a few hours you can clearly see the impact you have on the lives of those you help. The good news is that there is a growing number of service options for those interested in helping ensure people have access to ample, nutritious food. Interest in strengthening local food systems, promoting organic agriculture, and preventing food waste has soared in recent ...

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    What Does the College Board's New 'Adversity Score' Mean For You?

    July 16, 2019, 10:55 a.m. by Venkates Swaminathan

    In mid-May, the Wall Street Journal broke the story that the College Board “plans to assign an adversity score to every student who takes the SAT.” The new score has been widely discussed in the college admissions community, and could change the admissions process significantly over time, but the immediate question for many parents and students is this: How does it affect my teen and their application to college? The term “adversity score” is a misnomer for what the College Board calls an Environmental College Dashboard. Over the past year, they have piloted the tool with about 50 universities, many ...

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    How to Earn College Credit During Your Gap Year

    July 12, 2019, 10 a.m. by Suzanne Shaffer

    In the past, gap years were pretty rare. In today’s college landscape, however, deferring college for a year after acceptance is becoming commonplace. The best part: Colleges are now very accepting of gap years. Some schools offer their own for-credit gap programs for admitted students, and many are willing to honor credits earned through certain third-party gap programs. This means students now have a chance to explore while gaining clarity towards your goals before starting college and still earning college credit. Tufts University: Tufts created its very own gap year program. Their 1+4 Bridge Year Program focuses on volunteering and ...

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    The Catholic University of America: Maria Heitmann

    July 10, 2019, 10:26 a.m. by TeenLife

    My parents are the reason I am passionate for theatre as a whole. They practically raised me on Broadway and the first movies I watched were musicals. I’m grateful for them, their support, and their push for me to have such a wonderful thing in my life every day. My favorite thing about performing has to be the complete escape from reality, both for the performers and viewers. In no other business can so many people collectively forget all of the negatives in life and enjoy something so wonderful and personal. The hardest part about performing for me is to ...

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