If you’re a high school student in Delaware looking to explore a subject outside of the classroom, consider a summer program in the state!
Why should I do a summer program as a high school student?
Three main reasons -
- Summer programs can offer high schoolers valuable exposure to different fields, while also helping them develop advanced skills and gain real-world experience.
- The skills that you develop through a summer program can make a solid addition to your portofoio while applying for advanced research projects and internships.
- College admissions committees love students that go the extra mile and work on their skills in a subject of their choosing.
A summer program is a great way to check all of the boxes above!
Delaware offers a range of opportunities, from science research to the arts, each providing unique hands-on learning experiences.
With that, here is a comprehensive list of 16 of the best summer programs for high school students in Delaware.
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 24, 2024 – September 2, 2024
- Fall: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024 (Summer), September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) | $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided.
You can work in subject areas like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program will end with a symposium and give students a potential chance at publication.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: AI, Coding, Computer Science
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Application Deadline: Upcoming winter cohort deadlines - Oct 20, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Various according to the cohort
Cost: AI Scholars - $1790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship - $4900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) - $5900
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning and are a beginner!
Subject Areas: STEM, Business, Health Sciences, Social Sciences
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with 3.0+ cumulative GPA
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
Program Dates: July 7 – July 27, 2024
Cost: $4,900
The University of Delaware's EDGE Summer College Program is a four-week pre-college experience that allows rising high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses for credit in subjects such as chemistry, economics, and writing. Students live on campus, gaining access to university resources, academic advising, and workshops to develop their skills in time management, communication, and critical thinking. Participants can earn up to six college credits while getting a head start on the academic rigors of college life. The program emphasizes a supportive learning environment with personalized guidance from faculty and mentors.
Subject Areas: Arts, Humanities, STEM
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Eligibility: Rising juniors
Application Deadline: February 12, 2024
Program Dates: July 14 – 19, 2024
Cost: Free
The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence is a one-week summer residential program hosted at the University of Delaware, offering talented rising high school juniors an opportunity to engage in intensive academic and artistic studies. Students participate in seminars, workshops, and performances across a range of disciplines including visual and performing arts, social sciences, and STEM. The program fosters leadership, creativity, and intellectual growth by encouraging students to collaborate on projects and explore new areas of interest.
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Medicine, Neurology. Public Health, Behavioral Health.
Location: ChristianaCare, Wilmington, DE
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade high school students
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: TBA for 2025
Cost: Free
The ChristianaCare Delaware Health Career Collaborative is a program designed to introduce high school students to various healthcare professions through hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities. Participants gain insight into fields such as nursing, pharmacy, and medical technology by interacting with healthcare professionals and engaging in practical activities. The program offers students the chance to explore potential career paths in healthcare while developing critical skills in patient care, communication, and medical ethics.
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Childcare, Community Service
Location: Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE
Eligibility: Must be 16 by the start of the program and have completed sophomore year of high school
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: TBA for 2025
Cost: Free
The Nemours Summer Volunteer Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting at Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington. Volunteers support hospital staff in various departments, assisting with patient services, administrative tasks, and family support. The program allows students to develop essential skills in healthcare, communication, and teamwork while gaining a firsthand understanding of the hospital environment. This experience is best for those considering careers in pediatric healthcare or related fields.
Subject Areas: Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation
Location: Various natural sites across Delaware
Eligibility: 9th grade to 11th grade students
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: September – May, June – August
Cost: Free (stipends provided)
The Delaware Nature Society’s Trail Ambassadors Program is designed for Wilmington teens interested in environmental stewardship and leadership. Participants learn about local ecosystems, conservation techniques, and outdoor education while engaging in hands-on projects such as habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring. The program emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, and environmental advocacy, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge to promote sustainable practices in their communities.
Subject Areas: College Prep, Academic Skills, Leadership Development
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (first-generation college-bound or underrepresented groups encouraged to apply)
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates:
- Rising juniors and seniors: June 17, 2024 – June 28, 2024
- Rising freshmen and sophomores: June 23, 2024 – June 28, 2024
Cost: Free (selective program)
The College Readiness Scholars Institute at the University of Delaware is a three-week residential program that prepares high school students, particularly those from first-generation or underrepresented backgrounds, for the academic rigors of college. Participants engage in college-level coursework, leadership development activities, and workshops on academic skills such as time management, essay writing, and financial literacy. Students live on campus, gaining exposure to college life while building a supportive peer network.
Subject Areas: Animal Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Forensic Science, STEM
Location: Delaware Valley University
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024 (varies by program)
Cost: $409
The Inspire U! Summer Programs at Delaware Valley University offer high school students a chance to explore a variety of hands-on learning experiences in different fields. Each week-long program allows participants to engage in practical activities like lab experiments, fieldwork, and industry-specific skills. These immersive experiences are ideal for students interested in STEM fields and agricultural sciences.
Subject Areas: Marine Science, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Ecology
Location: University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, Lewes, DE
Eligibility: Rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: July 22-26, 2024 | August 12-16, 2024
Cost: $1,200 (Marine Science) | $380 (Technology in the Environment)
The ECO Camp: Summer Camp at the University of Delaware offers middle and high school students a hands-on introduction to marine and environmental sciences. Held at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, participants explore coastal habitats, conduct field experiments, and learn about climate change, oceanography, and marine ecosystems. Through lab work and field activities, students develop skills in scientific research and environmental stewardship while interacting with UD faculty and marine researchers.
Subject Areas: Biomedical sciences, Laboratory Medicine, Biotechnology, Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with credit for at least one high school-level biology or general science course.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: TBA for 2025
Cost: $1,995 (partial scholarships available)
The University of Delaware Forensic Science Pre-College Program offers high school students a deep dive into the world of forensic science and criminal investigation. Participants work with UD faculty and forensic experts to explore topics like crime scene analysis, DNA profiling, and toxicology, using real-world lab techniques. The program includes hands-on lab sessions, such as fingerprinting and blood spatter analysis, and mock crime scene investigations that simulate professional forensic work.
Subject Areas: College Prep, English, Mathematics, History, General Education
Location: Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in Delaware
Application Deadline:
- For Fall consideration: July 1.
- For Spring consideration: December 1.
Program Dates: Not available
Cost: Not available
The DSU Early Bird Program allows high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on their college education by enrolling in credit-bearing courses at Delaware State University. Participants can earn up to six credit hours per semester that can transfer to their future college programs. The program offers an opportunity to experience college-level academics, build study skills, and get acclimated to the university environment. Students gain valuable experience balancing the demands of high school and college coursework while enhancing their academic transcripts.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare, Clinical Skills, Medical Research
Location: Hospitals across Delaware
Eligibility: Be a junior or senior in any Delaware high school, and be able to attend an in-person info session on the afternoon of Sunday, October 13th in Newark.
Application Deadline: September 24, 2024
Program Dates: Fall 2024
Cost: Free
Apollo: Youth in Medicine is designed to give high school students firsthand experience in the medical field through clinical shadowing, mentorship, and exposure to medical research. Held at various hospitals across Delaware, students interact with healthcare professionals across various specialties, learning about patient care, medical ethics, and clinical procedures. Participants also engage in seminars and workshops that enhance their understanding of the medical profession.
Subject Areas: Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Research, Civic Education
Location: US District Court for the District of Delaware, Wilmington, DE
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors from Delaware
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
The US District Court for the District of Delaware High School Fellowship Program offers Delaware high school seniors a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the federal judicial system. Fellows participate in legal research, observe court proceedings, and engage in discussions with judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals. The program provides insights into various aspects of law and the judicial process, helping students understand how the legal system operates. It’s a valuable experience for students interested in law, criminal justice, or civic leadership.
Subject Areas: Public Policy, Government, Leadership, Civic Engagement
Location: Dover, DE (various government offices)
Eligibility: Delaware high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
The Governor's Summer Fellowship provides high school juniors and seniors in Delaware with experience in state government and public service. Participants are placed in various government offices, where they gain hands-on experience working on policy issues, community projects, and government operations. The program includes mentoring from state officials and workshops designed to build leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills. This fellowship is recommended for students interested in exploring careers in public service, law, or politics while learning how government impacts the daily lives of citizens.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.