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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  Online Summer Programs

  Interesting online courses and virtual ways of meaningfully engaging middle and high school-aged students.

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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.

Trending Posts on the TeenLife Blog.

• Raleigh International Expeditions: Student Testimonial

  Dec. 2, 2020, 8:44 a.m. by TeenLife

  I chose to participate in a Raleigh International Expedition for several reasons. I wanted to be part of a program that would help me to step outside of my comfort zone, develop connections with people, allow myself to see life from a different perspective, and to benefit others’ lives. I was eager to travel and I was enthusiastic about meeting new people! I have grown up in a small town in the United States, with parents who have a very international outlook. At heart I think I’m quite adventurous and curious, so taking part in a program like this was ...

• Upcoming Virtual Events for Students and Parents

  Nov. 30, 2020, 1:52 p.m. by Marie Schwartz

  As the world of education goes increasingly virtual, events and fairs are too. This is great news for families with teens because there is no travel involved - and most of these virtual events are free to attend by parents and students. Our team at TeenLife is on the lookout and will share the most interesting fairs, panel discussions, webinars that are taking place in the weeks and months ahead in this blog. Be sure to bookmark this post! We will also share a link in our monthly newsletter, so sign up if you are not already on our email ...

• Applying to College Without Leaving Home

  Nov. 30, 2020, 1:51 p.m. by Bill O'Neill

  Coronavirus shutdowns hit the U.S. just before most high school seniors received college acceptance packets. For members of the class of 2021, the application process – from researching options to campus “visits” – will be very different, taking place almost entirely online. “The college search is challenging enough for students in the best of times,” said Scott Anderson, senior director and board secretary of Common App. “If you layer on top of that the general unavailability of in-person experiences and the uncertainty of what the college experience is going to be like a year from now, it’s a totally different ...

• The Brooks Family Experience at Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Program

  Nov. 24, 2020, 2:36 p.m. by TeenLife

  A large majority of the high schools in my district are STEM-based. As the smallest high school in the county, I attend Brentsville District High School. Although my participation in the Cambridge program allows me to take advanced math and science classes, my school is agriculturally focused and does not offer any computer science-based programs, clubs, or classes for students to join. With the fact that courses relating to computer science and video game design are limited in my area, I was ecstatic to learn that the Pre-College Program at Carnegie Mellon University is available for students like me to ...

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