Summer programs can be a great way for high school students to use their break productively. They allow you to explore your interests, get a feel for what different careers are actually like, and learn new skills. You’ll get to figure out what you like and what you don’t before college by working on projects, participating in workshops, and learning from professionals. Such experiences can also boost your confidence, strengthen your college applications, build important connections, and help you make better decisions about your future. If you’re looking for summer opportunities in Omaha, Nebraska, there are plenty of local options to choose from.
Why is Omaha, Nebraska, a great place for summer programs?
Omaha is a great place for summer programs thanks to major academic institutions like Creighton University, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which regularly offer opportunities for high school students. Beyond the campus gates, institutions such as the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Joslyn Art Museum offer extended learning environments. Omaha has a growing presence in fields like healthcare, technology, finance, business, and the arts, so you can find programs across a wide range of interests. Joining a local program can also help you save on housing and commuting costs. Omaha is a pretty easy city to navigate, with shorter commutes and a friendly community vibe. Overall, it offers a comfortable and supportive environment where you can explore new interests and make the most of your summer.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Omaha, Nebraska.
If you’re looking for the best summer programs for high school students, you can find them here. You can also check out more summer opportunities in Nebraska here.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Omaha, Nebraska
1. Nebraska Medical Center’s Summer High School Advanced Research Program (SHARP)
Location: Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10–15 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, have completed at least one science course such as biology or chemistry, and are at least 16 years old; graduating seniors and international students are not eligible
The Summer High School Advanced Research Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a 10-week program for high school sophomores and juniors who want hands-on lab experience. You’ll be placed on active research teams in areas like Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or Anesthesiology. The program focuses on benchside research. You will learn biomedical lab techniques, explore areas such as virology, immunology, and neurodegenerative disorders, and practice analyzing research data. You’ll work directly in a lab to develop research skills and strengthen your science background. You’ll also collaborate with your lab team, develop a research poster, and present your results at the end of the program.
2. CBA Prep Academy Camps
Location: University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE
Cost: None, except for a $20 non-refundable deposit at registration; the deposit can be waived by emailing [email protected]
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective, but highly popular; 25 spots available per camp session
Dates: Several three-day and four-day camps run between June 15 and July 30 (Summer Session)
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors can participate in high school camps
CBA Prep Academy offers multiple camps for high school students. You will focus on one business subject while also learning about college preparation, math, and career exploration. After successfully completing a camp, you will be entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship, which you can redeem by enrolling in UNO’s College of Business Administration. You will get the chance to connect, network, and interact with industry leaders from the Omaha area. Camp options include Digital and Social Media Marketing, Exploring Economics, Banking and Finance sponsored by the Nebraska Bankers Association, and Accounting Adventures.
3. Heavy Metal Summer Experience
Location: Multiple locations, including Cerris Systems, Omaha, NE
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 12–25 students per location
Dates: June 1 – 19
Application Deadline: Late January/Early Spring
Eligibility: Students aged 15–19
Heavy Metal Summer Experience enables students to explore the skilled trades, work as part of a team, and gain hands-on exposure to piping, sheet metal, and plumbing. The camp is designed to show you the many ways to get involved in the trades and build a stable, rewarding career. You’ll tour active job sites and union training facilities to get a clear look at local apprenticeship programs and see what it takes to succeed in the trades. You’ll also explore alternatives to a traditional four-year degree and careers that offer strong pay, no student debt, job security, and continued skill development.
4. Millard Public Schools — High School Summer School
Location: Millard South High School, Omaha, NE
Cost: $175–$230 (Semester Course) | $140–$165 (One-week ACT Workshop); tuition waivers are available for students who qualify for free or reduced meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 20–30 students per section
Dates: June 8 – July 9
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
Millard’s Summer School gives students a way to stay engaged during the summer and get ahead by taking classes in areas like STEM, robotics, math, photography, language arts, and more. High school options include language arts (English, creative writing, and speech), math (algebra and geometry), and science courses (physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy). You can also take social studies courses like U.S. history, world geography, world history, behavioral sciences, law, and U.S. government. Additional courses include physical education, personal finance, business technologies, introduction to food and nutrition, introduction to 2D and 3D art, and an ACT workshop.
5. University of Nebraska Medical Center’s STAR Fellowship Program — H-STAR Fellow
Location: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 1–3 students
Dates: 10-week program begins on June 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Department of Anesthesiology offers the Summer Training in Anesthesia Research fellowship for high school, undergraduate, and medical students. The program runs for 10 weeks, requires a 40-hour-per-week commitment, and provides a stipend based on your academic level. You’ll build experience in basic, preclinical, and clinical research as well as work in advanced lab facilities. The program includes weekly seminars focused on scientific topics and presentation skills, along with opportunities to interact with both research and clinician scientists in the department. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a department or university-wide summer undergraduate student poster session.
6. Youth Development at the Kroc Center
Location: Kroc Center, Omaha, NE
Cost: Varies depending on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; 80–100 students per week
Dates: Year-round opportunities are available, including in the summer; you can check here for more details
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
At the Kroc Center, you can join programs that mix learning, mentorship, and team activities in a relaxed space where it’s easy to stay active and make friends. Options include Salvation Army Gaming for ages 10 to 16, and the Youth Book Club, where you’ll read I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis Grab, follow a weekly reading plan, and talk about characters and themes together. You can also participate in Teen Fellowship, which offers a safe, faith-based space to connect with others and discuss values and everyday life. Team Building Tuesday focuses on group challenges and problem-solving, while Make It Monday will allow you to try a new craft or DIY project each week with staff guidance.
7. UNO Jazz Camp
Location: University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE
Cost: $450 after May 15; before May 15, a $50 discount + an additional $25 off if 10 or more students from the same school sign up; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 145–165 students annually
Dates: June 8–12
Application Deadline: May 29
Eligibility: Students in grade 7 or higher who have at least one year of experience on trumpet, piano, guitar, saxophone, trombone, bass, vibraphone, or drum set
In this camp, you’ll work with professional musicians through masterclasses, theory and improvisation classes, sectionals, rehearsals, group listening, and five concerts with the Camp All Star Big Band. You’ll meet in Strauss Concert Hall for ensemble rehearsals, college and career readiness with Willie Murillo, masterclasses, improvisation or sectionals, and Music Production 101. The Great Plains Great Big Band plays free public concerts at 1:00 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. You’ll perform as the opening act for the Great Plains Great Big Band in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, with family, teachers, and friends welcome to attend.
8. Creighton University’s High School Community-Based Research Program
Location: Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; roughly 4–6 students per summer
Dates: June 1 – July 10; Oral Presentations: July 23
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher who can arrange housing in the Omaha area for the program
The Summer High School Community-Based Research Program focuses on hands-on research with underrepresented communities and allows students to strengthen their high school learning and understanding of health disparities. You will spend six weeks working with a community-based organization and receive training in health disparities and research methods. Projects include designing surveys, mapping communities, analyzing data, conducting interviews, and developing policy recommendations informed by local issues. You will also take part in the SRI Colloquium and give an oral presentation on your project. The program includes field trips to events like the College World Series Home Run Derby, the Juneteenth Parade, Omaha Jazz on the Green, and other STEM activities in Omaha.
9. Omaha Summer Soccer Camp
Location: Omaha Sports Complex, Omaha, NE
Cost: $599 ($549 for limited spots)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 80 to 120+ campers in total
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 6–16
Omaha Summer Soccer Camp provides an opportunity for students seeking to improve their game and build game vision, teamwork, and effort. You’ll train with Real Madrid Foundation coaches who focus on technical and tactical skills through real game situations. Through games, challenges, and offensive and defensive drills, you’ll learn the responsibilities of each position and strengthen core soccer skills. Each day focuses on your strong and weak areas through advanced drills. Position-specific training is included, with strikers focusing on shooting and goalkeepers working on agility, awareness, and quick reflexes. The experience can also extend to a five-day training program at Real Madrid Sports City in Madrid.
10. Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy (SHFTA) Summer Internship
Location: Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha, NE
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 4–8 interns
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-April
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are at least 16 years old
The Shirlee and Henry Fonda Theatre Academy Summer Internship at the Omaha Community Playhouse offers high school juniors and seniors hands-on experience in a theatre setting and working with students in an educational role. You will support teaching artists during the Summer Session and work closely with professionals and directors throughout the camp day to help deliver instruction. Your role includes assisting campers during activities such as musical theatre, acting, and production-focused camps. You will help with daily room setup and teardown, manage check-in and check-out for students, teaching artists, and directors, and assist with teaching during the camp day.
11. University of Nebraska Aim for the Stars Camps
Location: University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE
Cost: $275 per camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 15–25 students
Dates: Biomedical Engineering: Week of June 22; Zombies: Week of July 21
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–9
University of Nebraska’s Aim for the Stars offers multiple camps for students in grades 8–9 as high-interest, hands-on STEM explorations. Camp options include the Biomedical Engineering Camp, where you’ll explore different areas of biomedical engineering, practice problem-solving, and build communication and teamwork skills. Another option is the Zombies Camp, which will allow you to learn about virology and the human body. You’ll dissect a sheep brain, learn what makes something alive, track a disease, explore its effects on the body, and try to reverse-engineer a cure to save humanity. Some camps also include field trips.
12. UNO College of Information Science & Technology’s Summer High School Internship Program
Location: College of Information Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–12 students per summer
Dates: June 2 – July 11
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th grade students; 16 years old at the time of application, have parent or guardian consent, and can provide their own transportation to UNO
UNO College of Information Science & Technology’s Summer High School Internship Program gives students hands-on experience in areas like robotics, database-driven web development, bioinformatics, software engineering, cybersecurity, IT innovation, gaming labs, open community research, and iOS and Android app development. You’ll work with UNO faculty and students on real research and development projects, spending about 20 hours a week exploring topics that range from public health informatics to gaming research. You’ll also submit weekly progress reports, give a midterm presentation, and present a final project to the faculty. The program will help you develop technical and professional skills, gain a practical introduction to scientific research and tech development, and explore possible IT careers.
13. The Jewish Foundation of Omaha Leaders in Training (LIT) Camp
Location: Staenberg Omaha JCC, Omaha, NE
Cost: $164 (JCC members) and $213 (Non members) / $25 per week stipend at the end of the summer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort size
Dates: June 1 – July 31; Orientation session: May 26 or May 27
Application Deadline:
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–10
The Jewish Foundation of Omaha Leaders in Training Camp prepares students to become future camp counselors. Each week includes team building, program planning, working with campers, and building relationships. You will practice job applications and mock interviews, learn basic business skills, work toward set goals, and have the option to earn First Aid and CPR certification. After completing the program, you’ll be offered an Assistant Camp Counselor role after 10th grade. Throughout the program, you’ll develop professionalism, flexibility, problem-solving, and compassion as well as gain hands-on experience in education, childcare, sports, and community service. You’ll also connect with JCC staff and leadership members who can help you with future jobs and college applications.
14. McGUIGAN Arts Academy Full-Week Summer Camps
Location: McGUIGAN Arts Academy, Omaha, NE
Cost: $250 (full-day camps); $150 (half-day camps) plus $75 for after care; The Company Class Camp: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 12–20 students per session
Dates: Multiple half-day and full-day camps run between June 1 and August 9
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 8–18 can apply; additional requirements for specific camps may apply
The McGUIGAN Arts Academy runs full-week summer camps at its studio in Countryside Village. Camps run Monday through Friday and offer full-day and half-day options across arts, theatre, music, and production. High school students can choose from several camp options. Do Re Mini focuses on musical revues, where you’ll learn how to build cohesive performances by connecting songs through stories, themes, dialogue, pantomime, and choreography. Theatre Makers explores acting, technical design, directing, and production through fast-paced, hands-on theater work. The Company Class is a tuition-free option where you’ll rehearse, design, and perform an original musical by Billy McGuigan featuring music by The Beatles.
15. Omaha Community Playhouse Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy’s Production Summer Camps
Location: Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha, NE
Cost: $150–$400, depending on the camp duration and grade level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 20–30 students
Dates: Multiple one- and two-week camps run in June and July
Application Deadline: One week before the camp begins
Eligibility: Students aged 5–18
These hands-on camps focus on the theater process, including auditions, rehearsals, performances, prop making, and set design. You will work on acting, character development, movement, and musical theater, ending with a final showcase that will help you build confidence and teamwork. Options for high school students include the High School Musical Jr. camp, where you will play theatre games, create props and scenery, audition, rehearse, and perform the Disney Channel musical for family and friends. Another option is the Shakespeare Production Camp, which follows a similar structure and leads to a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Both camps will help you learn how a show comes together from start to finish and develop stage presence.
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 Nebraska-Omaha