Why Summer Programs Are Actually Pretty Awesome

Let’s be real. When summer rolls around, the last thing most high school students want to think about is more “learning.” But — stick with us — summer programs aren’t just mini-school sessions. They’re amazing opportunities to try cool stuff, meet interesting people, and maybe even help you figure out what you want to do with your life.

We all know that when May arrives, freedom is so close you can almost taste it. While catching up on sleep and binge-watching your favorite shows (or playing endless rounds of video games) deserves a spot in your summer plans, mixing in a summer program can make your break fun and productive. Think less “sitting at a desk” and more “hands-on adventures with people who share your interests.”

Level up your skills (without even realizing it)

Remember when your parents or teachers said, “You’ll need this in the real world?” Summer programs can help you pick up those skills, but in ways that don’t feel like work.

• Learn how to speak in groups — without that nervous stomach flip.
• Figure out how to collaborate with different personalities — even that one group member who never does their share of the work.
• Become the person everyone wants on their team — leadership skills for the win!
• Master the art of thinking on your feet — problem-solving like a boss.

Real-life survival skills 101

Let’s talk about stuff schools don’t usually teach, but everyone needs to know. Develop your financial literacy and money management skills beyond knowing how to use Venmo. Fine-tune your time management (because showing up late to everything isn’t a great life strategy). Traveling abroad or living on campus for a weeklong summer program cultivates your decision-making savviness (especially when your parents aren’t there to help) and figure out how to navigate unexpected challenges — because life just loves throwing curveballs. 

Become a leader (without being bossy)

Leadership isn’t about telling everyone what to do (like your older or younger sibling). It’s about inspiring people to work together toward a common goal. Summer programs give you tons of chances to practice leadership skills through:

• Group projects that matter — not just random presentations about random topics.
• Outdoor adventures that push your comfort zone.
• Community service that makes a real difference.
• Team challenges that require everyone’s input. 

Teamwork makes the dream work

Working with others involves more than dividing tasks and assigning who does what. It’s about learning to listen to others even when you disagree — and finding common ground with people from totally different backgrounds. Summer programs help you learn self-advocacy and how to manage conflicts and support others while standing up for your own ideas.

Level up your communications game

The ability to express yourself clearly is huge, too, whether you’re:

• Giving presentations without feeling like you’re going to pass out.
• Writing emails that actually get responses.
• Having meaningful conversations with new people.

Many summer programs help you develop the self-confidence to speak up and articulate your ideas clearly — super helpful skills for college, professional, and personal life.

Problem-solve like a pro

Summer programs love throwing challenges at their participants to help refine critical thinking skills, whether solving real-world problems or devising creative solutions when the obvious answer doesn’t work. You learn how to break big problems into manageable pieces and work under pressure (without freaking out). Those skills are a huge asset in the academic and professional worlds! 

Add pop to your resume

Let’s be honest — college applications and job hunting are competitive. Summer programs help you stand out by showing you’re:

• Proactive about learning.
• Excited about gaining real-world experience.
• Able to handle independence.
• Interested in adding specific skills that matter in your field of interest.
• Curious about the world around you.

Whether you attend a leadership workshop, participate in a language immersion program or take a finance/business course, that program’s focus adds a little spice to your resume. It demonstrates your determination to upskill and keep learning — even in the summertime.

Test-drive different careers

Don’t know what you want to do when you grow up? You’re in good company! Summer programs let you try out different fields while meeting people who work in careers you’re curious about. You can get hands-on experience in different industries and figure out what you like — and what you don’t!

Try internships and workshops

Some summer programs take that hands-on experience a step or two further, offering opportunities to:

• Shadow professionals and see what their days are really like.
• Work on actual projects that mean something, not just simulations.
• Learn industry-specific skills.
• Build a portfolio of real work.

Network like a natural

For some people, networking comes naturally, but for others? Making those connections can feel super intimidating. Summer programs introduce you to professionals in your dream roles and mentors interested in helping you succeed. You’ll connect with other students who share your interests — and you’ll start building relationships that might even lead to future opportunities.

The bottom line

Summer programs are what you make of them. They can be:

• A chance to discover new passions.
• An opportunity to build specific skills.
• A way to try out college life.
• A place to make new connections and friends who get you.
• An adventure that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Remember: The best program is the one that matches your interests and goals. Don’t just pick something because it looks good on paper — choose something that genuinely excites you. After all, it’s still summer, so you should spend your time doing something fun! 

Curious about starting your own company? Check out business and entrepreneurship programs. Want to hone that artistic talent? Enroll in an arts workshop. Love all things technology? Check out a STEM program.

Pro tips for choosing a program

Summer programs offer fantastic opportunities to strengthen your resume, explore a potential career, polish your existing skills, and learn new ones.

• Start looking early because many popular programs fill up fast.
• Look at in-person and virtual programs to see what fits your schedule best.
• Think about length — want to commit for a week? A month? The whole summer?
• Look at the activities and curricula to see what you’ll do.
• Talk to past participants if you can; at the very least, read the reviews.
• Consider the location and whether you want to stay close to home or venture further afield.
• Check the costs, and if they exceed your budget, see whether the program offers financial aid.

Your summer break is precious. Make it count with experiences that are enjoyable and valuable contributions to your future.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to College Admissions here.