If you’re a high school student in Vermont looking for summer programs, there are plenty of options to consider. These programs let you go beyond the classroom, gain hands-on experience, and connect with professionals and peers who share your interests.
From building technical skills to exploring subjects you’re passionate about, these programs can help you prepare for future academic and career opportunities.
Here are 15 summer programs in Vermont for high school students, covering areas like technology, environmental science, arts, leadership, and more.
15 Summer Programs in Vermont for High School Students
The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) at Vermont State University gives high school students a hands-on introduction to careers in transportation. Hosted by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the program offers lab sessions, field trips, and talks from industry professionals.
You’ll explore real-world transportation concepts like driving a big rig using a CDL simulator, visiting mass transit systems, and learning about bridge design and construction. The program also highlights eco-friendly transportation solutions and connects math, science, and English to the transportation field.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Geography
Location: Vermont State University, Randolph, VT
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: July 19 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students
If you ever wondered what it’s like to live on a college campus while exploring a subject you’re passionate about, The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) lets you do exactly that through immersive, residential summer programs across the state. You will spend 1-2 weeks deeply exploring a subject of your choice, learning from professionals, and engaging with mentors. In the 2024 Health & Medicine Institute, students practiced assessing vital signs, obtained First Aid certifications, and attended workshops with healthcare professionals. Some institutes also offer the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit.
Subject Areas: Arts, Engineering, Entrepreneurship and more
Location: Various university campuses in Vermont, depending on the Summer Institute.
Cost: Tuition is on a sliding scale based on family income, with additional financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Applications open from January 3, 2025
Program Dates: Varies by the institute, typically June – July
Eligibility: 9th – 11th grade students attending Vermont schools or those with an arrangement with Vermont school districts. Out-of-state students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Champlain College offers residential pre-college summer programs where you can explore in-demand fields through hands-on, immersive experiences. The 2-week, on-campus programs provide rigorous academic coursework paired with practical, real-world learning opportunities. You will explore subjects like the Champlain Game Academy, Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, and Filmmaking & Media Production.
If you attend a 2025 Pre-College Academy and later enroll as an undergraduate at Champlain College, you’ll qualify for the Visit Scholarship, offering $1,000 per year for four years. This scholarship will be part of your financial aid package if you’re admitted and remain enrolled full-time.
Subject Areas: Filmmaking, Cybersecurity, Forensics and more
Location: Champlain College, Burlington, VT
Cost: Different costs for different programs.
Application Deadline: Applications are currently open
Program Dates: July 7 – 18, 2025
Eligibility: High school students
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today, and the Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains is offering high school students a chance to get directly involved. The program connects you with experts from Columbia Climate School and provides hands-on experience in addressing environmental issues.
Throughout the program, you will collaborate with peers on projects, and participate in seminars, group discussions, field excursions, and team-building activities. A key element is working on final projects that aim to make a tangible impact. The program also includes college prep components, helping students understand how to leverage their climate action experience for future academic opportunities.
Subject Areas: Science, Climate
Location: Vermont State University, Castleton, VT
Cost: $6,890 + travel fees. Scholarships available.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: June 29 - July 11, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 (including rising 9th graders)
If you're looking to experience college life and earn college credits during high school, the University of Vermont Summer Academy is a great opportunity. This four-week program lets you earn three transferable college credits while taking part in both on-campus and online learning. You can either live on campus or commute, making it flexible to fit your needs.
The program includes eight days of on-campus instruction and two weeks of online coursework. During your time at UVM, you'll also participate in activities and a college admissions workshop to help you prepare for your future.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: University of Vermont campus, Burlington, VT or online
Cost: $2715
Application Deadline: June 17, 2025
Program Dates: June 30-July 11, 2025 (4 weeks: 2 weeks on campus, followed by 2 weeks online)
Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are at least 15 years old by the start of the program
If you're interested in 3D technology and want to gain real-world experience, the Vermont State University 3D Technology Institute offers an exciting summer opportunity. This free, residential program lets you explore advanced imaging, printing, animation, and modeling while earning up to 9 college credits and a 3D Technology certificate from VTSU. You will learn on the Randolph campus, using resources from the Advanced Manufacturing Center and the Castleton Innovation Lab.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Vermont State University, Randolph, VT
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: July 22 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Grades 11-12
The Future Leaders Camp (FLC) is a nine-day program focused on building core skills in small-group leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and ethical decision-making. You will engage in hands-on activities like rappelling, navigating a rock-climbing wall, paintball, first aid training, and a challenge course, complemented by classroom sessions on leadership principles.
Guided by Norwich University cadets and professional leaders, this program emphasizes practical learning in a structured, military-style environment.
Subject Areas: Leadership
Location: Norwich University, Vermont
Cost: $1,800
Application Deadline: N/A. However, if you register by Jan 1, you receive a discount of $300.
Program Dates: Session I: July 12-20. 2025; Session II: July 26-August 3, 2025
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors
Landmark College offers specialized summer programs tailored for high school students, graduating seniors, and current college students with learning differences. These programs focus on enhancing self-awareness and academic skills within a supportive community. You will engage in courses such as the Learning Strategies Seminar, which introduces the science of learning, and writing classes tailored to diverse learning needs. Elective options are also available to cater to individual interests.
Additionally, the social pragmatic track includes PEERS® instruction, an evidence-based social skills program, with social coaching to reinforce weekly lessons.
Subject Areas: Writing, Time management
Location: Landmark College, Putney, Vermont
Cost: Traditional Track: $5,990; Social Pragmatics Track: $7,390 + $150 refundable damage deposit
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: July 5-July 2
Eligibility: Students must be between 16-18 years of age
If you’re looking to explore photography or filmmaking, SOCAPA (School of Creative and Performing Arts) offers summer camps for high school students in Burlington, Vermont. Hosted by Champlain College, these camps provide hands-on experience in professional editing labs. You will use software like Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), as well as tools like Maya and Dreamweaver.
The program focuses on creativity, collaboration, and technical skills. By the end, you’ll have the chance to showcase your work and gain valuable experience for future academic and professional opportunities in the arts.
Subject Areas: Performing Arts
Location: Chaplain College, Burlington, Vermont
Cost: Day students pay a $55 per week Meals and Activities Fee. Airport transfers from BTV to the Burlington Campus cost $45 each way, with an additional $100 fee per direction for unaccompanied minor services (arrival and departure).
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: N/A
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18
If you’re preparing for college and want to build the skills needed for it, the Introduction to College & Careers (ICC) course at CCV is a great option. This free, non-credit course is offered each semester to high school students and covers essential skills like goal setting, time management, stress reduction, communication, and financial planning.
To enroll, just apply online and choose a course section. There’s no need for a skills assessment upfront; it will be completed as part of the course. This program helps you get ready for college life, making the transition smoother and more manageable.
Subject Areas: College Counselling
Location: Community College Vermont, Vermont
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: N/A
Eligibility: High School Students
Vermont State’s Summer STEM Camp offers a hands-on, immersive experience for high school students interested in science, health, advanced manufacturing, and more. Held at the Randolph campus, the camp dives into practical applications of STEM concepts, giving you a chance to explore key topics and gain technical skills.
Along with developing your STEM knowledge, you will enhance your leadership, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The camp provides a collaborative, risk-taking environment where teamwork is emphasized, and you’ll be encouraged to engage in meaningful challenges.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Vermont State University, Randolph, Vermont
Cost: Not provided. Contact the admissions office at Admissions@VermontState.edu to learn more.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: Ages 12-16
Architecture is more than just designing buildings, it's about shaping the spaces where we live, work, and interact. Norwich University’s Architecture + Art Summer Design Academy offers high school students the chance to explore the world of design.
In just one week, you’ll learn the fundamentals of design thinking and architectural composition, creating your building design through sketches and models. By the end of the program, you’ll have a portfolio of your work, which you’ll present at a public virtual exhibition attended by parents, professors, and local architects.
Subject Areas: Architecture, Art, Design
Location: Norwich University, Vermont
Cost: $1,500
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Program Dates: July 6-12, 2025
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors
If you're a student with a disability, it doesn't have to stop you from gaining valuable work experience. HireAbility Vermont's Summer Career Exploration Program is designed to connect you with employers who match your strengths, skills, and interests.
For 3 to 5 weeks during the summer, you'll work 10 to 32 hours per week in roles like animal care assistant, customer service representative, IT assistant, camp counselor aide, and more. You’ll also receive 2 hours of job skills training each week, helping you grow your professional abilities.
Subject Areas: Career Counselling
Location: Waterbury, Vermont
Cost: N/A
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: N/A
Eligibility: High school students between 14-21 years of age
The Hartford Area Career & Technology Center (HACTC) offers a Summer Tech Camp for students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grades. This program gives you hands-on experience in a variety of technical fields. Past activities have included welding, videography, computer dissection, engineering electric cars, and more.
Unlike other camps, you get to try out different areas of technology and develop new skills in a short amount of time. For a glimpse into the camp's activities, you can watch the following video.
Subject Areas: Technology
Location: The Hartford Area Career & Technology Center serves students from a variety of schools, including Mid-Vermont Christian School.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: June 17-21, 2025 (Based on 2024 dates)
Eligibility: Grades 7-9
If you're a high school girl interested in exploring trade fields, the Vermont Works for Women's (VWW) Launching Inclusive Futures in Trades (LIFT) program offers a great opportunity. Unlike traditional summer camps, LIFT provides hands-on experience in carpentry, welding, and electrical work, all taught by female instructors who are experts in their fields. This approach not only builds technical skills but also fosters confidence and empowerment in a supportive environment.
Throughout the program, you will engage in practical projects and discussions on personal and professional development, preparing you for life after high school. You’ll also complete the Explorer Fellowship through the Harbor Freight Fellows Initiative (HFFI) and receive a $250 stipend upon completion.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Carpentry
Location: Bay Avenue, Winooski, Vermont
Cost: N/A. For more information, contact: acase@vtworksforwomen.org
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: N/A
Eligibility: Ages 16 and up
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!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.