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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  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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  The Catholic University of America: Keegan Brush

  July 10, 2019, 10:19 a.m. by TeenLife

  Growing up, I have always been involved with music in and outside of school, but my passion for music education and choral studies began in high school. I knew I wanted to go into education because I enjoyed tutoring my fellow classmates, but was conflicted about what I wanted to teach. My favorite subjects were math and music but I was much more passionate about music. When I approached my high school choral director about going into music education he immediately took me under his wing to guide me into what my future would look like. I fell in love. ...

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  The Catholic University of America: Breny Recinos Argueta

  July 10, 2019, 10:13 a.m. by TeenLife

  I discovered my passion when I took my first digital art class with Professor Monaghan. Things just clicked for me. I knew I was in the right place when I was having fun and doing work on my own time just to learn more. My favorite part about creating is seeing the final project. After spending so many hours working on a project, it is really rewarding to see the results and everything you have learned. The hardest part is definitely learning how to use new technology while trying to meet a deadline. It is easy to have a vision ...

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