15 Summer Programs at Northwestern University for High Schoolers

Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, boasting top-ranking programs across a range of fields, including journalism and music.

Along with offering exceptional undergraduate and graduate education, Northwestern is also home to summer programs for high school students in areas like STEM, journalism, management, and other fascinating topics. Students can not only experience college life at Northwestern, earn college credit, but also explore the world-class city of Chicago.

Want to learn what Northwestern University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Northwestern University needs to know.

How Can Summer Programs Benefit Students?

Summer programs are hosted right on college campuses, allowing high school students to experience first-hand what college life is like, including living in dorms with other students. They may also meet peers with similar goals and interests, briefly discover what it’s like to be on their own, and even earn college credit.

Furthermore, participating in a summer program may give high school students a competitive advantage when it comes to college admissions. Adcoms view participation in these programs favorably, since it demonstrates that the applicant elected to spend their summer learning and pursuing a passion, as well as challenging themselves academically beyond high school curriculum.

Is your child thinking of participating in a summer program? Here are 15 programs to consider at Northwestern.

15 Summer Programs at Northwestern

Note: Costs are estimates and vary according to factors such as residential or commuter status.

1. Center for Talent Development (CTD) – Equinox Program

Area of specialization: General Academic

Grades: 9, 10, 11

Application deadline: 6/14/19

Cost: $5,665

Apply now

During this three-week program, academically advanced students receive a rigorous education in topics including:

• OS Bootcamp & Swift Development with MobileMakersEdu
• SustainableXDesign: Design Challenge 2019 with the Chicago Architecture Center
• Creating Knowledge: Data by Design

In addition to their courses, students will participate in recreational activities and social events such as dances, movies on the lawn, and more. Courses are taught at the high school honors, Advanced Placement, or college level, and students will receive 1-2 semesters of high-school honors credit at the completion of the program.

2. LaunchX

Area of specialization: Entrepreneurship

Grades: 9, 10, 12

Application deadline: 12/21/18 (priority); 2/25/19

Cost: $7,495

Apply now

Promising young entrepreneurs come from around the world to learn about the process of starting their own business. Over the course of four weeks, students will undergo steps such as discovering opportunities, engaging in prototype and user testing, and building real customer relationships and partnerships.

3. Civic Education Project (Northwestern University for Talent Development) | CivicWeek

Area of specialization: Management/Leadership

Grades: 9, 10, 11

Application deadline: 3/15/19 (priority); 5/14/19

Cost: $1,495

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Students explore service opportunities and careers in fields such as health, immigration, law, politics and urban development while gaining hands-on experience tackling social issues in the larger community. Participants take either Community Health & Medicine or Immigration & Global Affairs while visiting sites such as cutting-edge medical facilities and neighborhoods underserved by healthcare resources and engaging in conversations with community leaders.

4. Civic Education Project (Northwestern University for Talent Development) | Civic Leadership Institute

Area of specialization: Management/Leadership

Grades: 9, 10, 11

Application deadline: 5/14/19 (priority); 6/14/19

Cost: $4,195

Apply Now

CLI provides a hands-on educational and meaningful service opportunity for high school students. Participants will learn new perspectives and build skills with real-world applications through the course, Service, Leadership & Community Transformation, as well as engage in service experiences such as running activities in a youth center in the surrounding community. Additionally, students will hear from speakers including business and nonprofit leaders while developing their own leadership skills.