10 Summer Programs in Mississippi for High Schoolers
What’s Covered:
As you may know, top institutions look for students who engage in meaningful extracurricular activities that help them learn, grow, and explore their passions. Summer programs are excellent opportunities to do just that. And if you live in Mississippi, there are plenty of programs available right in your state!
Summer Programs in Mississippi
1. ASAP (Accelerating Students into the Accounting Profession)
Dates: July 17–20
Location: Mississippi State University
Application deadline: April 29
Cost: $100
ASAP is a three-day camp for rising high school seniors, designed to instill an interest in accounting and expose students to career opportunities in the field. Students will live on campus at Mississippi State University and attend instructional seminars, develop team-building skills, and gain a new perspective on accounting.
2. Design Discovery
Dates: June 5–11
Location: Mississippi State School of Architecture
Application deadline: May 15
Cost: $700
Open to high school students age 16+ and incoming college freshmen, Design Discovery is a week-long program that prepares students for an architectural education and career. Participants will learn from Mississippi State School of Architecture faculty and students, who will share their knowledge, expertise, and experience.
3. EdStart
Dates: N/A
Location: The University of Mississippi
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $2,935–$2,955
High school students can get a head start on a career as an educator thanks to EdStart. During the program, participants will take a special education course, where they will learn about diverse student populations and strategies necessary for meeting the needs of all learners. They will also take part in experiential learning, group building, and recreational activities.
4. Engineering Summer Academy at UM
Dates: June 13–17
Location: University of Mississippi School of Engineering
Application deadline: May 30
Cost: $680 residential/$360 commuter
Interested in majoring in engineering? The Engineering Summer Academy will give you an in-depth look at the field. You’ll participate in hands-on activities, team-based problem-solving, and lab tours, as well as observe demonstrations and lectures. The program is intended for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are seriously considering engineering as a career.
5. FIRST® Tech Robotics Workshop
Dates: July 18–22
Location: University of Mississippi
Application deadline: May 30
Cost: $720 residential/$400 commuter
Start thinking like an engineer. In teams, you will build robots from a reusable kit of parts, develop strategies, document their progress, and compete. This is an excellent foundation for students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in building and improving their robotics skills for future education and competitions.
6. Humanities Camp
Dates: June 12–17
Location: Mississippi State University College of Arts & Sciences
Application deadline: March 18 (nomination form due)
Cost: $150
The humanities are a crucial part of our work and world. This camp provides rising juniors and seniors with unique ways to explore the various disciplines in the humanities and learn how they are relevant to our present and future, as well as explore different careers in the fields, under the guidance of experts in their fields. The program culminates in a presentation of your work to family and staff at a judges’ panel. You must be nominated by your school to apply.
7. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
Dates: June 12–17
Location: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
Application deadline: March 31
Cost: $700 (scholarships available)
The High School Summer Enrichment Camp is open to rising 9th and 10th-grade students who want to explore exciting topics like robots, computer programming, global dilemmas and puzzles, and much more. Students will participate in engaging activities, all while honing important skills like problem-solving and abstract thinking.
8. Reading and Illustration Workshop
Dates: June 13–17
Location: University of Mississippi
Application deadline: May 15
Cost: $660 residential/$360 commuter
During this program, you will read and illustrate the novel, All You Need Is Kill, using the text as a guide for crafting images in the tradition of 20th-century artists. You will also share your work, experiment with your designs, and chat with faculty and students in the UM art department about careers and education in the visual arts world.
9. Rebel Research Scholars
Dates: June 1–29 or July 1–31
Location: University of Mississippi
Application deadline: April 30
Cost: Varies; typically, students only pay for the cost of their application
The Summer Research Experience — “Rebel Research Scholars” — gives students hands-on experience researching in real labs. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in STEM, this is an excellent opportunity to explore your interests under the guidance of experienced faculty. You’ll also use cutting-edge technologies, while also experiencing college life.
10. UM Summer Language Institute
Dates: June 30–July 29
Location: University of Mississippi
Application deadline: February 28
Cost: $3,035–3,055 (scholarships available)
Want to learn a new language? While living on the UM campus, you will have the opportunity to study Arabic or Chinese, while learning about the cultures associated with them and their real-world applications. You’ll also be able to earn six hours of college credit — and, of course, get a taste of college life.
How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
The four tiers describe a ranking system adcoms use to evaluate extracurricular activities. Tier 1 refers to those that are most exemplary and specialized, while Tier indicates those that are the least impressive and most common. You will probably have a handful of Tier 3-4 activities, along with (hopefully) 1-2 Tier 1-2 activities.
Most summer programs fall into Tier 3-4, but some particularly selective (and usually free) programs may be in higher tiers.
How do your summer programs and other extracurricular activities impact your chances of admission? Find out with CollegeVine’s free chancing engine. Not only will we estimate your odds of success at hundreds of colleges and universities, but we’ll also give you tips for improving your profile.