As a high schooler, participating in a summer program can be a great way to sharpen your skills in a specific field and gain practical experience. If you have identified a particular subject area that you are passionate about, use the summer break to upskill in that field.
You will be exposed to new subject-specific technology and software in a field of your choice, and also have the opportunity to interact with experts in the field. This exposure outside the classroom can help refine your decision to pursue a subject at the undergraduate level!
For high schoolers in Virginia, the state offers multiple pre-college programs, internships, and research opportunities across STEM and non-STEM fields.
If you’re interested in building your skill sets this summer, bookmark this list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Virginia.
1. Veritas AI
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program; $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase; $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a passion for AI
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: April 27 for the upcoming cohort, so apply soon!
Subject Areas: Artificial intelligence
Harvard graduates founded the Veritas AI program for high school students who want an in-depth understanding of artificial intelligence. Since AI is dominating various job sectors, you can benefit from understanding AI and ML concepts along with data science principles with the AI Scholars Program. This summer program consists of 10 sessions, during which you will work on real-world AI projects.
High school students who already have a fundamental understanding of AI can choose the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program to further their education. Through this advanced program, a qualified publication team will help students get published in research journals.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Application Deadline: May 11 for the upcoming cohort
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program was founded by Harvard and Oxford alums who wanted to give high school students across the world a chance to work one-on-one with PhD mentors. In this 12-week program, students will pursue an independent research project in their chosen subject area with the assistance of a mentor. Through the mentorship sessions (and with the help of writing coaches), the students will learn how to make their research projects suitable for college-level research publications.
Students can choose from a variety of STEM subjects, including biology, mathematics, data science, engineering, and astrophysics. Other options include economics, psychology, gender studies, business, philosophy, and linguistics.
3. High School Musical Theater Intensive, Mason Community Arts Academy
Cost: $475
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Eligibility: Students who are 14-18 years old
Program Dates: June 16 – 20 | July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15 (Early bird deadline with 15% discount)
Subject Areas: Theater
Theater enthusiasts looking to learn new acting techniques can benefit from this intensive summer program. Participants will learn about choreography, vocal exercises, and characterization.
You will receive mentorship from teaching artists from the Acting for Young People and the Mason Community Arts Academy. The instructors will go over acting, singing, and dance techniques. At the end of the program, students will perform as part of their final presentation.
4. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST), Virginia Space Grant Consortium
Cost: Free
Location: Students can pick from multiple locations in Virginia
Eligibility: 8th and 9th-grade students studying in a Virginia school (homeschool students are also allowed) with a minimum GPA of 2.7/4
Program Dates: Programs span from June 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 1
Subject Areas: STEM
Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) is a free summer program for students in Virginia. The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, in partnership with William & Mary, Georgia Tech, the University of Virginia, and two other universities, introduced this program for high school students who are passionate about STEM.
Selected students will live on the campus of the university partner they pick. They will interact with university students and get a glimpse of what college life can look like. Over three days, the summer program students will participate in various hands-on STEM activities and experiments. University professors will conduct demonstrations across multiple specializations. These seminars will cover the different kinds of STEM careers and advanced programs that students can opt for.
5. E-Summer Program – Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Cost: Free
Location: Woodbridge Campus, Northern Virginia Community College, VA
Eligibility: Rising juniors and rising seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Program Dates: July 7 – August 13
Application Deadline: May 2
Subject Areas: STEM
The E-Summer Program allows students to explore STEM careers related to the energy industry. Participants will receive credits for two core courses: one on problem-solving and programming and the other on college success skills.
During this month-long program, you will participate in various talks held by industry speakers. Students will stay on one of Northern Virginia Community College’s campuses and experience university life. They will also visit an energy facility.
6. William & Mary Summer Study Pre-College Online Program
Cost: $1,495
Location: Remote
Eligibility: Students who are above 13 years old
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Subject Areas: Constitutional law, healthcare, psychology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital
Taught by the faculty of William & Mary, this online program offers courses and cohorts throughout the year. It is a self-paced program that allows you to choose from various course offerings designed to help identify potential college majors. Pre-recorded lectures spanning over 20 hours will be available to the students at all times.
At the end of the program, students must complete a final project, which includes a presentation. Throughout the course, university professors will mentor students and be available to assist students who require assistance with their assignments or final projects.
7. Dental Careers Exploration – Virginia Commonwealth University
Cost: Free
Location: VCU School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Eligibility: Students with a U.S. Citizenship/Permanent Resident status who have completed 9th grade by the start of the program with a GPA of 3.0 or above and are studying in the Richmond area
Program Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: May 2
Subject Areas: Dentistry
If you’re looking for a rigorous opportunity in dentistry, this 5-day summer program can be a great option. You will explore the job duties of dental hygienists, general dentists, orthodontists, etc. By doing so, you will be better equipped to decide which specialization you want to pick.
Dental experts and faculty members will go over their experiences in the field of dentistry. You will also get to participate in various lab activities throughout the program. Through these activities, you will gain practical knowledge related to tooth carving, suturing, digital dentistry, and dental impressions.
8. Introduction to Field Conservation Ecology – George Mason University
Cost: $2,300
Location: Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Fairfax, VA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Program Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: Rolling until cohort size is met
Subject Areas: Ecology
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation offers high school students a summer program focused on conservation research. Participants will learn about ecology-specific research methods and conduct a pilot study. You will be mentored by university faculty for this study.
Students will also go on field trips in addition to class debates and discussions. At the end of the program, participants present what they have learned based on their pilot study. On completion of the summer program, you will also receive two college credits.
9. INSPIRE Forensic Science Summer Program, University of Virginia
Cost: $2,700
Location: UVA, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Eligibility: Rising 10th-11th and 12th grade students
Program Dates: June 23 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until the cohort size is met
Subject Areas: Law and forensic science
A program in forensic science can be a comprehensive choice for students fascinated by mystery, crime, and problem-solving. In this course by the University of Virginia, you will learn about the rules of handling evidence and the principles of forensic science. You will apply scientific methods to preserve and assess evidentiary value during investigations.
The course will also cover the best practices for examining crime scenes. Students will study the legal aspects of criminal investigations and utilize DNA and fingerprinting techniques. In addition to classes, participants will go on a field trip to enhance their understanding of forensic investigations.
10. McIntire Business Institute Program – University of Virginia
Cost: $4,000
Location: UVA, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Eligibility: Rising 10th-11th and 12th grade students
Program Dates: June 16 – 27 and July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until the cohort size is met
Subject Areas: Business strategy
This 2-week business summer program by the University of Virginia is designed for high school students interested in business strategy and finance. The course is taught by the Assistant Professor of Commerce of the McIntire Business Institute. As a participant, you will go over fundamental concepts related to business and peripheral fields, such as accounting, financing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
You will also get to apply these cross-disciplinary principles to a business project. Presentations will be a significant part of the program, and students will collaborate to present what they learn. You will also study success stories in the world of business and how companies thrive through economic downturns.
11. Engineering Summer Program, University of Virginia
Cost: $2,000
Location: UVA, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Eligibility: Rising 10th-11th and 12th grade students
Program Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until the cohort size is met
Subject Areas: Engineering
Students with a passion for engineering can take advantage of this summer program centered on engineering design. The course examines different applications of engineering design processes along with other vital elements.
Participants will work in teams to tackle engineering design challenges and also address core engineering problems and experiments individually. This course is led by the Director of the UVA School of Engineering & Applied Science, providing students the opportunity to receive mentorship from a field expert.
12. Veterinary Medicine, NSLC, and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Cost: $4,295 (flexible payment plans and scholarships are available)
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Eligibility: High school students
Program Dates: June 13 – 21 | June 25 – July 3 | July 7 – 15
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Subject Areas: Animal healthcare
If you’re interested in veterinary sciences, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) has partnered with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine to give high school students an immersive course in veterinary medicine. Students get the chance to be a part of experiential simulations and workshops during this 9-day summer program. These activities will go over lab techniques and treatment methods for animal care. Students will participate in clinical rounds and surgical prep while learning basic treatment protocols. Field trips to zoos and adoption centers will allow them to be a part of animal care outside the classroom.
13. Pharmacy Summer Scholars – Virginia Commonwealth University
Cost: Free
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Eligibility: Students in 9th-12th grade with an interest in healthcare
Program Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: April 30
Subject Areas: Pharmacy and healthcare
The VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars program is a great choice for high school students who want to explore pharmacy as a potential career option. Students will attend classes on campus during this week-long program. You will interact with pharmacy students and explore different kinds of professions that require knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences.
Field trips to different pharmaceutical organizations can supplement your learning as you acquire skills such as non-sterile compounding. This summer program is highly competitive, allowing a maximum of 30 students.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Virginia
