Tufts Pre-College Social Impact Programs

Explore global issues and make a difference with Tufts Pre-College Social Impact Programs. Choose from programs such as International Relations, Climate Resilience, or Leadership for Social Change to gain hands-on experience, collaborate in teams, conduct research, and develop skills that prepare you for college and future impact in communities and the world.

International Relations

During the program, rising high school juniors and seniors will experience Tufts University’s distinctive approach to the study of International Relations, earn college credit, and create a path toward future scholastic and professional goals. Students will analyze current events and theoretical frameworks for understanding IR through interactive seminars from experts; interrogate key concepts in small, collaborative discussion sections; begin developing the language and communication skills that form the foundation of international affairs; work together in teams to handle simulated crises; conduct research using academic resources available from Tufts’ Tisch Library; and compose a college-level research paper with guidance from advanced classroom assistants and a research librarian. After two weeks of intensive classes, students will expand their network of peers with a passion for IR and gain insightful mentors while acquiring a deep familiarity with collegiate academics and working with Tufts’ highly distinguished faculty and exceptional resources.

Climate Resilience Institute

Students will apply an interdisciplinary case-study approach to the social, ecological, and political facets of contemporary environmental issues; learn the principles and key concepts of environmental change and resilience from experts in many fields; and gain knowledge of techniques for environmental data collection, analysis, and visualization. Working in small teams, students will identify a socio-environmental research question, gather and analyze data on the subject, and synthesize their findings into a college-level capstone project.

Leadership for Social Change

Join Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life for an exciting, engaging, two-week summer program created for those who want to develop their leadership skills while making a difference in the world and in their communities. The program will equip students with the civic skills and knowledge to build connections, work collaboratively, and emerge as change agents who can inspire others.

Law and Ethics

Explore fundamental concepts of law through historical and contemporary lenses, examining legal thinking, the philosophy of justice, and legal theory. Topics include hate speech, juvenile punishment, and mitigating mental factors, with guest lectures from experts in law, philosophy, psychiatry, and forensic neuroscience. Engage in group exercises to strengthen critical thinking, public speaking, and presentation skills.

Limited need-based scholarships available