As a high school student, summer programs are a great way for you to explore a field of interest outside the curriculum of your high school. They provide the opportunity to develop new skills and meet new people. Often, summer programs are set on the campus of prestigious universities, such as Brown University. 

In this blog, we detail 5 great summer programs for high school students at Brown University. These programs help connect you with experts in the field, provide unique opportunities to explore resources available at Brown, and can also offer college credit.

1. Summer@Brown

The Summer@Brown program allows high school students to explore real college experiences before they apply. As a participant, you’ll be able to take college-level courses, choosing from over 300 courses in environmental studies, medicine, law, psychology, mathematics, creative writing, and more. These programs are designed to challenge you, connect you with peers, and provide new opportunities for learning. There are also many options available: you can choose to be on campus, hybrid, or online, for a duration of 1-6 weeks. 

Cost: The cost will vary depending on what program you choose (on campus, hybrid, or online) and the length of the program you choose (1-6 weeks). You can find more information here. 

Application deadline: May 10, 2024

Program dates: The program dates will vary depending on what program you choose (on campus, hybrid, or online) and the length of the program you choose (1-6 weeks). You can find more information here. 

Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12, ages 14-18 by June 16, 2024.

Field / areas: A wide variety of courses are offered in the fields of research, biological and natural sciences, business and economics, engineering and technology, language, literature and writing, medical and health sciences, physical sciences and math, political science, psychology, and visual and creative arts.

2. The Leadership Institute

The Leadership Institute program is designed to help students increase their understanding of social issues and leadership. Students will attend various courses and seminars that prioritize their active engagement, honing their leadership skills in active listening, public speaking, problem solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork. You’ll build a valuable network of mentors and fellow students, all passionate in areas of restorative justice, social movements, and more. The final project includes developing an action plan to take home and apply to your own school or community. 

Cost: There are two options for students: a 2 week residential program on Brown’s campus or a 4-week online program. 

• On campus

• $5,498 for the residential program; $4,318 for the commuter program

• Online

• $5,314

Application deadline: May 10, 2024

Program dates: There are two options for students: a 2 week residential program on Brown’s campus or a 4-week online program. 

• On campus

• Sunday, June 23, 2024 to Friday, July 5, 2024

• Sunday, July 14, 2024 to Friday, July 26, 2024

• Online

• Monday, June 24, 2024 to Friday, July 19, 2024 

Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12, ages 14-18 by June 16, 2024.

Field / areas: Students will select a course of study from an array of options, including women and leadership,  law and social movements, social justice, art and social change, social entrepreneurship, and more

3. Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL)

The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) focuses on leadership with regards to issues of environmental studies and ecology. This is a program designed for students interested in community and environment, and exploring the impact of humans on ecosystems in the context of global climate change. 

This is a two week program based on the Brown University campus, with site visits throughout Rhode Island. Students can select from one of three course offerings: “Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change,” “Marine Ecosystems, Coastal Communities, and Climate Resilience,” and “Digging into Food: an introduction to Rhode Island’s Food Systems.” You might explore local farms, explore the geological ecology of Rhode Island, or go on a two-night camping retreat. 

Cost: $5,716 for the on-campus, residential program

Application deadline: Early March (based on previous years)

Program dates: July (based on previous years)

Eligibility: Students completing grades 10-12, ages 16-18 by June 16, 2024

Field / areas: Students can select from one of three course offerings: “Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change,” “Marine Ecosystems, Coastal Communities, and Climate Resilience,” and “Digging into Food: an introduction to Rhode Island’s Food Systems.” 

4. STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders

The STEM program for Rising 9th and 10th graders is a fantastic way to get ahead in your knowledge of STEM disciplines. This program is for young students passionate about STEM, and allows students to choose from a range of engaging courses in the STEM discipline and participate in intensive laboratory or field exercises.

Students will work on hands-on team research projects, experiments, and design challenges. Students will meet Brown graduate students and mentors who will act as great resources and advisors for a potential future career in STEM. At the end of the program, students will give a final presentation showcasing their project for peers, families, and instructors. 

Cost: $5,498 for the on-campus, residential program

Application deadline: May 10, 2024

Program dates: Sunday, July 14, 2024, to Friday, July 26, 2024

Eligibility: Students completing grades 8 to 9, ages 13 to 15 by June 16, 2024

Field / areas: Students will take courses within the wide range of STEM disciplines; for example, engineering, psychology, marine biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, etc. 

5. The Pre-Baccalaureate program

The Pre-Baccalaureate Program is a highly selective program for rising or recently graduated high school seniors. This program aims to prepare high schoolers for intensive undergraduate studies. Pre-baccalaureate students enroll in online classes alongside Brown undergraduates in the university’s summer session, learning under Brown professors and mentors. 

The course options span the natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. All courses can be taken for Brown University credit, providing students with advanced standing once they enroll as an undergraduate in their own college. Students can also request that their instructors write a course performance report, which can greatly enhance their college application. 

Cost: $10,074 for two courses; $5,113 for one course 

Application deadline: May 10, 2024

Program dates: Sunday, June 17, 2024 to August 2, 2024

Eligibility: Rising or recently graduated high school seniors, age 17 by June 16, 2024

Field / areas: Students may take any course in the Brown curriculum. 

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Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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