Summer programs at universities.

What it is: A free, one-week residential leadership program where students live on campus, attend workshops, explore higher education, and complete a community service project emphasizing civic engagement.

Cost: No-cost (free); accepted students submit only a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold their spot.

Selectivity: Selective (60 spots); no strict minimum GPA but ~2.7+ expected. Focused on access for underrepresented students.

When: One week in late June, residential on the Tempe campus

Applying: Apply via Access ASU / EOSS; students may also be nominated. Confirm current-year dates and deadline.

Official program page →

What it is: Students take one interdisciplinary social-justice course, build leadership skills through collaborative work, and produce an Action Plan for their own community.

Cost: On-campus 2-week residential ~$6,052 (commuter ~$4,748); online 4-week ~$5,778. Scholarships and application-fee waivers available.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / lightly screened; on-campus courses reach capacity (waitlist), online remains open.

When: On campus June 21-July 2 or July 12-24, 2026; online June 22-July 17, 2026

Applying: Apply via precollege.brown.edu; rolling, on-campus fills early. Fee waivers available.

Official program page →

What it is: Multi-year college-access program for students from rural low-income SC counties combining school/community activities with summer visits to Clemson, focused on academic prep, leadership, and the application process.

Cost: Access-focused, low/no cost to participants; Clemson-enrolled completers eligible for a scholarship covering tuition, fees, room, board, and book stipend.

Selectivity: Application-based, recruited from seven designated high schools in five rural low-income counties.

When: Three-year program (summer after 9th grade through HS graduation); summer programming June-July. Summer dates announced in January.

Applying: Interest meetings at the seven partner schools each January, then applications distributed; work with school guidance counselors.

Official program page →

What it is: A free, week-long residential college-readiness program where rising 9th graders experience college courses and campus life to strengthen their path to higher education.

Cost: Free (no tuition).

Selectivity: Selective; decisions shared May 1 based on applications by the April 12 deadline.

When: Seven-day residential program, June 21-27, 2026.

Applying: Apply via Davidson Civic Engagement; priority deadline March 15, final deadline April 12 (2026 window now closed; recurs annually).

Official program page →

What it is: Free program introducing students to the legal system and law careers via interactive lessons, writing and oral advocacy practice, guest speakers, and field trips to law firms and courthouses.

Cost: Free to all selected students.

Selectivity: Selective; enrollment limited to ~24 students.

When: July 23-31, 2026 (Mon-Thu 8:00-4:30, Fri 8:00-4:00)

Applying: Apply online by March 2, 2026. Contact SYI@marquette.edu or 414-288-5377.

Official program page →

What it is: Free residential college-prep academy on the Butte campus with academic classes, leadership development, college exploration, and a college-visit trip to New York City.

Cost: FREE: federally funded; includes a free five-day educational trip to New York City

Selectivity: Eligibility-gated (income and/or first-generation); space limited

When: Six-week academy, June 15 - July 25, 2026 (five weeks residential)

Applying: Apply via Montana Tech TRIO Upward Bound; space limited, apply early. Contact Jeni Mason (jmason2@mtech.edu, 406-460-0629).

Official program page →

What it is: A nine-day military-style leadership adventure led by Norwich cadets — small-group leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, rappelling, wilderness survival, and overnight camping in the Vermont landscape.

Cost: $300 non-refundable deposit at registration, balance due ~3 weeks before camp (total fee on registration; covers uniforms, room, meals, activities). Completers earn a $1,000/year Norwich tuition award for 4 years ($4,000 total).

Selectivity: Open enrollment (registration-based), not competitive-acceptance.

When: Nine-day residential sessions in summer 2026; three sessions: June 27-July 5, July 11-19, July 25-Aug 2.

Applying: Register online (plus health, waiver, and device-policy forms). Contact 802-485-2001 or nuleadership@norwich.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Weeklong residential institute at the Pell Center where students grapple with major policy challenges (local, national, and international) and the role of politics in solving them.

Cost: $3,100 program fee (meals, snacks, housing, excursions, facilities). All applicants considered for financial aid.

Selectivity: Competitive application (essay + recommendation); promising-students cohort.

When: July 12 - 17, 2026 (1-week residential)

Applying: Apply at admissions.salve.edu by April 10, 2026; 500-word policy essay + one teacher recommendation.

Official program page →

What it is: A five-day residential program for rising 9th graders blending academic exploration, leadership development and service-oriented activities on campus.

Cost: Paid program fee; verify amount on Early College site.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based

When: Two five-day sessions (June 8-12 and July 27-31, 2026)

Applying: Register through UA Early College Summer on Campus.

Official program page →

What it is: Hosted by Tufts' Tisch College of Civic Life, students build leadership and civic skills, study social inequities (education, health, segregation), and partner with local organizations on a community project; pre-matriculation credit available.

Cost: $5,750 program fee; limited financial aid available across Tufts Pre-College (75-100% of fee, need-based)

Selectivity: Selective; requires transcript, one recommendation, 250-word statement of interest

When: Two weeks; July 5-17, 2026

Applying: Apply online via Tufts University College; applications Dec 1, 2025-May 1, 2026

Official program page →

What it is: A week-long taste of Naval Academy life with academic, athletic, and professional/leadership training that kick-starts a USNA application.

Cost: Low-cost program fee; aid available. A recruiting/admissions experience rather than tuition program.

Selectivity: Selective (tied to USNA admissions competitiveness).

When: One week in June (multiple sessions)

Applying: Apply through the USNA admissions programs portal; deadlines in early spring.

Official program page →

What it is: One of the few U.S. camps focused on international affairs and diplomacy: students run UN General Assembly simulations (Model UN), compete in challenges like an SDGs poster competition, and resolve a simulated international crisis.

Cost: Free when funded by the Arkansas Dept. of Education AEGIS grant; low-income students encouraged to apply

Selectivity: Competitive; requires a teacher/counselor nomination letter and a 500-word essay

When: July 12-17, 2026 (one week)

Applying: Apply via the online form with nomination letter and essay; application window Jan 15-May 15, 2026; notifications by May 31.

Official program page →

What it is: A collaborative residential week (UGA + North Georgia Technical College) giving foster-care and emancipated youth college-prep workshops, leadership development, mentorship, and campus experience.

Cost: Access-oriented program for foster-care/emancipated youth (no fee advertised); contact organizers to confirm cost coverage.

Selectivity: Eligibility-gated to foster-care/emancipated youth; application-based.

When: One week: June 7-12 (2026)

Applying: Contact Jason Bedgood (706-542-5266, jason.bedgood@uga.edu); 2026 applications currently closed.

Official program page →

What it is: Federally funded TRIO program where low-income/first-gen students live on campus, take college-prep courses, and do experiential activities (high ropes, whitewater rafting, Camp Paxson, Blackfeet language).

Cost: FREE: all services at no cost to students; includes a 2-credit College Success course

Selectivity: Eligibility-gated (must be potential first-generation college student and/or income-eligible, U.S. citizen/national/permanent resident, and enrolled at specific partner high schools)

When: Six-week summer academy (acceptance into the program required by May 22, 2026)

Applying: Apply via the Apply tab on UM's TRIO Upward Bound site; must be accepted into UM Upward Bound by May 22, 2026. Contact jonathan.carter@umontana.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: A residential civic-leadership camp where students role-play as state senators in Nebraska's unicameral legislature, drafting and debating bills in the actual capitol setting.

Cost: ~$625-$725 tuition; scholarships available

Selectivity: Open enrollment up to capacity (~20 students)

When: Six days in June (e.g., June 7-12)

Applying: Register via Cvent on the Nebraska 4-H Big Red Camps page; contact BigRedCamps@unl.edu

Official program page →

What it is: An eight-day youth legislative session at UNM (with a visit to the State Capitol in Santa Fe) where students take leadership roles in a mock legislature to build civic and leadership skills.

Cost: Free for New Mexico students (funded by the New Mexico Legislature); hosted in partnership with the National Hispanic Institute

Selectivity: Selective: minimum 3.2 GPA and college-bound curriculum; first-come with priority for statewide geographic diversity; ~150 students

When: June 7-14, 2026 (8-day residential)

Applying: Applications open now via the National Hispanic Institute NM LDZ page; submit transcripts, parental release/medical forms, and an activities/college-interests list.

Official program page →

What it is: A college-access program giving underrepresented rising seniors a taste of Carolina: campus exploration, admissions/financial-aid guidance, faculty interaction; Uplift PLUS adds a two-week residential college-essay and leadership-development course.

Cost: Free for participants (college-access program). Uplift PLUS is a fully supported residential experience.

Selectivity: Competitive; students are nominated by counselors or may apply on their own. ~1,000 students participate annually across sessions.

When: Summer 2026 (in-person). Project Uplift runs as short multi-day sessions; Uplift PLUS is a two-week residential program.

Applying: Apply via the CHEOP/Project Uplift page; counselor nomination encouraged. Spring deadlines.

Official program page →

What it is: A prestigious, fully funded 10-day seminar for academically talented students with demonstrated community leadership, featuring discussion-based study with faculty and the chance to earn one transferable college credit.

Cost: Tuition, housing, and meals fully paid by the University; students pay only a $75 application fee and $150 enrollment fee plus travel — effectively free

Selectivity: Highly selective; ~150 students admitted, roughly 6.5% acceptance; mid-range SAT 1300-1500 / ACT 31+

When: 10 days in summer 2026

Applying: Competitive application via precollege.nd.edu (transcript, recommendations, leadership record); check the program's application-and-admission page for the deadline

Official program page →

What it is: Students build leadership skills through individualized instruction and group activities, are mentored by community leaders, and present speeches/projects at a closing banquet.

Cost: $1,005 plus $10 application fee

Selectivity: Open admission based on an entrance essay

When: One week, June 22-26, 2026

Applying: Apply online via usmforms.formstack.com (Karnes Center)

Official program page →

What it is: A two-week residential program where students study Virginia government and politics, build leadership and advocacy skills, and team up to draft policy proposals (some have become state laws).

Cost: $3,700 (shared room) or $4,100 (individual room); financial aid available and need does not affect acceptance. Earns 3 graded UVA credits.

Selectivity: Selective; ~32 students per cohort; application with essays, transcript, resume, 1-2 recommendations, and finalist Zoom interview.

When: Two weeks in July (Summer 2026: July 11-25).

Applying: Apply online (opens Jan 12); early action deadline ~March 16, 2026. Statewide civic-leadership program.

Official program page →

What it is: A four-day residential college-readiness experience where students stay in dorms and do college-prep workshops, hands-on activities, and team-building to map out academic and career goals.

Cost: Funded through the federal GEAR UP Wyoming grant; cost to families not posted (typically free/low-cost for eligible GEAR UP students)

Selectivity: Open to eligible Wyoming students with priority by grade; not academically selective

When: 4 days in June (June 15-18 in 2026)

Applying: Apply via GEAR UP Wyoming; contact gearupwy@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-6189.

Official program page →

What it is: Honors College-run camp helping high school students build adaptive leadership skills through interactive sessions and team activities.

Cost: Camp fee (not posted in results); offered through the Honors College

Selectivity: Open enrollment

When: Summer

Applying: Register via Emporia State summer camps / Honors College pages

Official program page →

What it is: A Model UN conference/workshop where students practice diplomacy, public speaking, and global-affairs debate in simulated committees.

Cost: Cost not posted; contact organizer for fees.

Selectivity: Open registration; conference/workshop format.

When: Summer conference/workshop (dates vary by year).

Applying: Contact unlvmun@unlv.edu for current dates and registration.

Official program page →

What it is: A five-day intensive on the CSU campus engaging rising seniors with leadership, identity and college-readiness around Black experiences and issues.

Cost: Cost not published on the academic-programs page; historically a low-cost/funded diversity outreach program. Verify on the K-12 Summer site.

Selectivity: Application-based; intensive cohort program

When: Five-day intensive, summer 2026

Applying: Apply via CSU K-12 Summer Programs (k12summer.colostate.edu); confirm dates and deadline.

Official program page →

What it is: Civic-leadership program where students learn to be effective changemakers and allies through human-rights and Holocaust-education curriculum at Kean.

Cost: Paid tuition; see program page for current rate (part of Kean pre-college youth programs)

Selectivity: Open enrollment / minimally selective (registration-based)

When: Summer 2026 (June–August youth program window)

Applying: Register via kean.edu pre-college and summer youth programs; see page for dates and deadline

Official program page →

What it is: A week-long leadership-development camp combining leadership training with a primary focus on STEM education for high school students.

Cost: Sponsored by the U.S. Army (JROTC-affiliated); cost varies / low-cost. Confirm current fees on the program site.

Selectivity: Open to high school students; application-based

When: Week-long summer leadership camp in Starkville

Applying: Register through the LeaderSTATE program site

Official program page →

What it is: Federally funded TRIO program at MSU Billings providing a summer institute and year-round college-prep support to first-generation and low-income high schoolers.

Cost: FREE: federally funded, no cost to students

Selectivity: Eligibility-gated (income and/or first-generation; partner high schools); serves ~77 students

When: Summer Institute (summer) plus academic-year support

Applying: Apply via the MSU Billings TRIO Upward Bound office (msubillings.edu/trio/upb).

Official program page →

What it is: A week-long residential civics immersion where selected juniors build and run mock state and local governments to learn how government works firsthand.

Cost: Sponsored by American Legion posts; typically little or no cost to selected students (post sponsorship)

Selectivity: Highly selective; students are nominated/selected on merit by schools and Legion posts

When: Colorado Boys State 2026: May 31-June 6 at Northeastern Junior College, Sterling, CO

Applying: Apply/be nominated through a local American Legion post; registration Aug 1, 2025 through May 1, 2026. See colegionboysstate.org / alacolorado.org for Girls State.

Official program page →

What it is: A free residential leadership-development experience helping high schoolers build leadership and civic-engagement skills on a university campus.

Cost: Free — a five-night residential experience at no cost.

Selectivity: Competitive; ~35 students selected

When: Summer; five-night residential session

Applying: Apply via the TAMU-SA Student Leadership / TLA page; cohort is small (~35 students).

Official program page →

What it is: A free summer leadership/bridge program: incoming freshmen take a free 3-credit course, attend college-success workshops, and get a peer mentor to ease the HS-to-college transition.

Cost: Free — a no-cost 3-credit summer college course plus workshops and a paired peer mentor.

Selectivity: Application-based for admitted incoming freshmen; priority to underrepresented/first-gen students.

When: Summer before fall enrollment (multi-week)

Applying: Application opens March 2026; email summer.programs@hawaii.edu to be notified. Note: this is a bridge program for admitted incoming freshmen, not for students still in high school.

Official program page →

What it is: Maryland's flagship public-service fellowship places students in state government to develop future civic leaders. NOTE: eligibility is college students, so it is generally NOT for rising 9-12 high schoolers - flagged for accuracy.

Cost: Free to participate; fellows receive a $3,500 stipend.

Selectivity: Competitive application.

When: Summer (multi-week)

Applying: Summer 2026 applications are CLOSED; Summer 2027 opens fall 2026 (deadline typically March 1). Apply at publicservicescholars.umbc.edu/gsip.

Official program page →

What it is: An immersive residential program blending academic enrichment, arts integration, and leadership development for rising high schoolers living on the University of Memphis campus.

Cost: Tuition/program fee (residential on-campus); contact University Schools for current cost and aid

Selectivity: Application-based (admission via University Schools)

When: Summer 2026 (multi-week residential; see program page for dates)

Applying: Apply via memphis.edu University Schools summer programs page

Official program page →

What it is: Teen-designed leadership and STEM programming on the UNH campus, including the 3-day Teen Conference, the IGNITE Agri-Science/STEM/Healthy Living summits, and the peer-teaching STEM Ambassadors track.

Cost: Low-cost (modest registration/event fees); free or subsidized for many 4-H members. Open to enrolled NH 4-H members.

Selectivity: Open to eligible NH 4-H youth (open enrollment within 4-H)

When: Summer (multi-day conference and summits)

Applying: Register via UNH Extension 4-H teen leadership pages; some events require 4-H enrollment.

Official program page →

What it is: A one-day workshop preparing high school drum majors, colorguard, and student leaders for the fall marching season.

Cost: Cost not posted; contact UNI School of Music.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based.

When: July 14, 2026 (one day)

Applying: Register via UNI School of Music summer camps page (music.uni.edu/summercamps).

Official program page →

What it is: Week-long civic-leadership program where ~680 students build a model state government, run for office, vote, serve in legislative/executive/judicial roles, and hear from civic leaders.

Cost: Sponsored by the Wisconsin American Legion; delegates are typically sponsored (largely free to students). Confirm sponsorship details with local Legion post.

Selectivity: Selective; delegates nominated/selected through schools and American Legion posts.

When: June 14-20, 2026 (one week)

Applying: Apply/be nominated through your high school or local American Legion post (see badgerboysstate.org).

Official program page →

What it is: Week-long residential civics immersion where delegates build and run mock state and local governments, learning the mechanics of American government and leadership.

Cost: Sponsored by American Legion / Auxiliary posts; typically little to no cost to selected delegates (post-sponsored).

Selectivity: Selective; students are nominated/recommended by school officials and sponsored by local Legion posts.

When: One week in summer on the Weber State campus

Applying: Apply through your high school / sponsoring American Legion or Auxiliary post; recommendation required.

Official program page →