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

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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

Trending Posts on the TeenLife Blog.

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  The Hartt School: Ane Arrieta

  June 25, 2019, 11:05 a.m. by TeenLife

  I grew up dancing in a small studio that was connected to a Contemporary Ballet company called Island Moving Company. I was inspired by this company since I was young and I always knew that one day I wanted to be like the dancers in the company. I wanted to perform and share my art as a living. Once I started going to other summer intensives in high school and meeting and learning from other dancers, teachers, and performers in the industry, I knew that dance was my passion. As much as I love performing on a stage and feeling ...

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  Social Media Dos and Don'ts For College Applicants

  June 25, 2019, 10:54 a.m. by Sarah Good

  You Snapchat and you Instagram, and sometimes you tweet. Occasionally you even spend a few minutes on Facebook catching up with your aunts and uncles. Social media is a fact of contemporary life, just another way to keep the conversation going with your friends and classmates. Sometimes, though, this comfort with free-flowing digital dialogue can have a pretty severe downside. Earlier this month, Kyle Kashuv, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, reported on Twitter that his admission to Havard was rescinded when racist texts he had sent in the past surfaced. And two years ago, 10 students lost their chance ...

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  University of Puget Sound: Savannah Schaumburg

  June 25, 2019, 8:54 a.m. by TeenLife

  I don't recall one specific moment where I discovered my passion for music, but I believe that several meaningful performances shared with great friends and mentors led to this discovery. Experiencing the joys of playing and collaborating in an ensemble to create something beautiful revealed my passion for music. When performing in an ensemble, there are moments when the conductor and the players seem to forget everything that is happening that is not the music. The moment where you let the wall down and everything that is weighing you down is replaced with passion and art. My favorite part about ...

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  Minneapolis College of Art and Design: Daniel Ellis

  June 25, 2019, 8:44 a.m. by TeenLife

  It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for most of my life. I remember when I was a kid I was always into comic books. I was always doodling in my sketchbooks and drawing ninjas and superheroes. I feel like I can tell a story or create something widespread that everyone can check out. I came in for a tour of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, checked everything out, and immediately fell in love. Besides other things, I I just love the environment, love the people, and love the art. With MCAD and the classes that they offer, ...

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