20 Summer Programs in Louisiana for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- 20 Summer Programs in Louisiana for High Schoolers
- How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
After a long school year, you likely want nothing more than to spend the summer kicking back and relaxing. While there’s nothing wrong with engaging in a little “me time” during the summer months, if you dream of attending a competitive college, you’ll want to make sure you’re also thinking about how you’ll impress admissions officers when the time comes.
That’s where summer programs come in. Also known as pre-college programs, these provide a glimpse into life at college, allow you to pursue interesting fields, develop in-demand skills and talents, and ultimately stand out from crowded fields of applicants. If you’re from Louisiana and want to see what options you have close to home, read on!
20 Summer Programs in Louisiana for High Schoolers
1. Architecture Camp
Dates: June 1 – 6
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $980
Budding architects in the Bayou State will want to explore this week-long residential program at Louisiana State University (LSU), which is designed to expose students to the basic principles of the field. Students build models and other structures to get a feel for what working in the architecture industry is like. Participants will be able to tour the university, see the unique architectural structures on campus, and also visit construction sites and local architecture firms. Additionally, they’ll interact with current LSU Architecture students and faculty, and tour real-life construction sites and architectural firms.
2. Robotics Summer Residential Program
Dates: July 13 – 26
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: June 14
Cost:
- Commuter: $1,250
- Residential: $2,750
Through a combination of study and hands-on experimentation, participants in this two-week program will expand their knowledge of robotics. Students will work in teams to develop, build, and program robots to encourage collaboration, reflection, and knowledge sharing. Topics covered in the program include motor speed, gear ratios, torque, sensors, program loops, project documentation, and decision-making. For students who want to get a taste of college life by living on LSU’s campus during the program, a residential option is available.
3. Introduction to Engineering
Dates: July 13 – 26
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: June 14
Cost: $1,450 for commuter; $2,950 for residential
Students interested in pursuing engineering will want to check out this two-week summer program at Louisiana State University. During this program, students will visit engineering laboratories and participate in hands-on projects related to a variety of engineering disciplines.
The program aims to help attendees make more informed decisions about everything from high school electives to potential college majors, and, for those who participate in the residential version of the program, to even give aspiring engineers a firsthand look at what their life in college will look like.
4. Nicholls State University | Chess Camp
Dates:
- Session 1: June 9 – 12
- Session 2: July 14 – 17
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $200
The Nicholls State University Chess Camps are a place where chess novices or enthusiasts can come learn the art of chess with renowned chess instructor, Mike Papa, who earned the title of National Master from the United State Chess Federation in 1985. Participants will have the chance to learn more about the strategies of chess and improve their game through instruction and tournaments.
5. Survey of Drones
Dates: July 13 – 26
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: June 14
Cost:
- Commuter: $1,250
- Residential: $2,750
This two-week LSU summer program tests a student’s engineering skills, as they are challenged to assemble, program, and pilot drones through an indoor racecourse. Participants will learn about the basics of flight and signal transmission, and gain hands-on experience with how to program more mobile, aerodynamic drones.
6. eXploreCS High School
Dates: June 9 – 13
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: April 28
Cost: $500
This week-long summer program gives rising 10th through 12th graders the chance to explore computer science and programming. During this program, participants develop their general problem-solving skills in addition to learning key computer science principles in areas such as technology systems, networks, algorithms, data structures, data analytics, visualization, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.
Students will learn the basic skills of Python programming and program an Arduino to create circuits, read sensors, and build an autonomous robot using a Sparkfun Kit that they can take home with them.
7. REHAMS Engineering
Dates: June 22 – 28
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: May 11
Cost: $800
The Recruiting into Engineering High-Ability Multicultural Students (REHAMS) program introduces participants from all backgrounds to various subfields within engineering. Students in this five-day, pre-college program engage in numerous hands-on activities, tour engineering facilities, sit in on panels led by professional engineers, take Engineering 101 sessions, and participate in a design challenge. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
8. Halliburton XCITE
Dates: July 13 – 19
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: June 29
Cost: $800
The Halliburton XCITE engineering camp at the LSU College of Engineering offers high school students the opportunity to discover and explore engineering, computer science, and construction management degrees and careers. Campers reside on campus as an introduction to college, and the week is action-packed with hands-on activities and tours to engineering facilities. There are Engineering 101 sessions where you learn about the major and career from faculty members, then tackle a small engineering project. Students also delve deeper into engineering through a major design challenge over the week.
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
9. SOAR X
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana
Application Deadline: May 5
Cost: $2,000
Stress on Analytical Reasoning (SOAR) X is an intensive, four-week residential program designed to help prepare the next generation of highly educated professionals for success in, and after, college. Participants will engage with advanced texts on complex ideas, work in groups to discuss themes, and then present their findings to the class through papers, projects, and leading discussions. Students will also gain firsthand experience with college life and careers in the fields of mathematical and scientific scholarship.
10. Star Program
Dates:
- MATHStar I (Algebra): June 2 – 20
- MATHStar II (Geometry): June 23 – July 11
- BIOStar: June 23 – July 11
- CHEMStar: June 2 – 20
- PHYStar: June 2 – 20
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $500 – $550
Students preparing to take challenging high school math and science classes in the fall will want to look into this three-week program at Xavier University of Louisiana. Participants in the Star Program will gain a better understanding of basic concepts in fields like algebra, chemistry, physics, biology, and geometry through a variety of interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and team projects.
11. Pre-Freshman Engineering Summer Program
Dates: June 9 – July 11
Location: Dillard University
Application Deadline: June 4
Cost: $450
Students in grades seven through 10 can sharpen their STEM skills in this summer program at Dillard University. Participants will explore a variety of courses over the program’s five weeks, including mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, and English. Students will also build valuable skills that transcend fields, such as communication and critical thinking. The program is immersive and provides students a chance to conduct scientific demonstrations and experiments, computer science training, science and engineering fairs, and more.
12. Suit Up for the Future: High School Summer Legal Institute and Intern Program
Dates: June 9 – 27
Location: Louisiana State Bar Association
Application Deadline: May 5
Cost: Free
With this summer program, students have the opportunity to learn about whether being a lawyer is the right path for them by hearing from lawyers who are thriving within the profession. This program is available to incoming high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the field.
Students will participate in a 3-week legal institute, engaging with an abridged law school session, tour law schools and courts, and shadow many roles within the legal profession. Experiencing the Socratic teaching method, students will gain exposure to specified law school courses including criminal law and legal research and writing. Participants will also receive a mock legal problem in which they will write and then present to a panel of judges. The program also provides students with advice and substantive information about creating competitive resumes, preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and workplace etiquette and professionalism.
Students who complete the program will be eligible for a stipend of up to $250.
13. Advanced NSU Robotics & Engineering Camp
Dates: June 2 – 6
Location: Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Application Deadline: May 2
Cost: Free
The Robotics & Engineering Camps at NSU will be conducted at the Department of Engineering Technology with synchronous and asynchronous activities. The purpose of such activities is to generate more interest in STEM-related fields in the United States among the young generation. This year there will be two camps specified for different age groups (Ages 9–12 and Ages 13–17). Be sure to register early as there are only 20 spots for the Advanced NSU Robotics & Engineering Camp!
14. Explorations in Architecture and Design
Dates: Varies
Location: Tulane University
Application Deadline:
- Regular: April 4
- Extended: April 25 (on a rolling basis until spots are full)
Cost: $895 – $5,995
This collection of courses for rising juniors and seniors allows them to study at the picturesque Tulane University campus. During Career Explorations in Architecture and Design, high schoolers explore key topics in the field through not only classroom learning, lectures, and workshops, but also studio time and field trips. As a bonus, attendees will meet and interact with both Tulane professors and practicing architects from the local region. Courses offered include Digital Design, Designing with Artificial Intelligence, and The Sketchbook: Articulating Space > Cataloguing Place.
The price of the program varies depending on whether you complete the commuter or residential version, and whether you want to receive college credit for your participation. Need-based financial aid is available, with priority given to Louisiana residents. Each course is offered for three hours of Tulane credit, which may be transferable to another university.
15. Tulane Science Scholars Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Tulane University
Application Deadline:
- Regular: April 4
- Extended: April 25 (on a rolling basis until spots are full)
Cost: $895 – $5,995
The Tulane Science Scholars program allows high school juniors and seniors to take a variety of two-week-long college-level courses in science and engineering, in areas ranging from coding to electronics to computer science, and potentially earn college credit. Participants will spend their days attending labs and lectures, eating in dining halls, and, for those participating in the residential version, living in dorms. The program is available at different price points, depending on whether you want to do the commuter or residential version, and whether you want to receive college credit for your coursework. Each course is offered for three hours of Tulane credit, which may be transferable to another university.
16. LSU Health | Summer Research Internship Program
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
Students selected for this summer program participate in paid research for eight weeks over the summer, while working hand in hand with LSU faculty and graduate students in research laboratories. The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors from greater New Orleans. Not only will students be working in laboratory settings, they will also be introduced to rapidly progressing medical and basic research areas at LSUHSC through weekly seminars. Participants will present on their own small research project or their work on part of an ongoing research project at the Summer Research Program Post Day. The stipend for high school students participating in this program is $2,645.
17. Newcomb Summer Session
Dates: Varies
Location: Tulane University
Application Deadline:
- Regular: April 4
- Extended: April 25 (on a rolling basis until spots are full)
Cost: $895 – $5,995
Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors can learn about gender equity during these four-day summer sessions hosted by the Newcomb Institute of Tulane University. Participants will leave this program more prepared for college and with a deeper understanding of gender, leadership, and social change thanks to discussion-based seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects. The cost varies, depending on whether you commute or live on Tulane’s campus, and whether you want to be eligible to receive college credit for your participation in the program.
18. AMRI High School Summer Research Program
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Location: University of New Orleans
Application Deadline: March 21
Cost: Free
This program offers students from greater New Orleans the chance to do paid research for eight weeks over the summer. Students work side by side with professional scientists in modern research labs, focused on fields including chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, psychology, and mathematics, while exploring both fundamental and applied research. Students are given their own research program or work as part of a larger team on a major focus of the host research group. In addition to research, students participate in seminars and tutorials in areas ranging from ethics to lab safety to computational methods. Not only is this program free, but students receive a $2,000 stipend for their participation.
19. Creative Summer Experience
Dates:
- Week 1: June 16 – 20
- Week 2: June 23 – 27
Location: Loyola University New Orleans | Monroe and Communication Buildings
Application Deadline: April 18 for early-bird pricing
Cost: $600 for one week; $1,000 for both weeks
Students interested in creative careers and building a portfolio for college applications will want to look into this summer program. Participants explore a variety of methods and media in fields such as graphic design, filmmaking, photography, theater, music, and more through hands-on workshops, all while building a network of creative peers. The experience provides students with a 5:1 student/staff ratio, ensuring feedback and individualized attention on their creative endeavors. Make sure to register for this program early, as after April 18, the cost goes up to $700 per week session.
20. Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp
Dates: June 2 – 20
Location: New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $400 – $1,200
This summer program aims to develop the next generation of jazz artists. Participants must commit to the study of one instrument but can choose an elective, such as music composition, swing dance, or voice, to pursue as well. The program is open to students between the ages of 10 and 21, and offers a wide range of options with different durations at different price points, to ensure all interested students can afford to participate in some capacity. The Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp is the only summer Jazz education program that has a comprehensive curriculum that includes instrumental and vocal music, as well as swing and second line dance.
How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Some summer programs are more competitive, requiring letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, while others are open to all students within a particular grade level. Consequently, some summer programs are given more weight in college admissions than others.
The four tiers of extracurricular activities are a good way to understand how colleges value activities outside of the classroom, like summer programs. The most impressive, prestigious, rare, and influential activities are placed in the top two tiers. A good example of a top-tier Louisiana summer program is the super-selective ADVANCE program.
Lower-tier extracurricular activities don’t hold the same sway with admissions offices, but they are often still valuable. Less-selective and esteemed programs still show off your interests to potential colleges while highlighting your desire to pursue your passions. Many field-specific activities also help build the skills you need to ace everything from the essays to interviews you’ll encounter in the college application process.
Curious how the summer program you participated in affects your odds of college admission? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors, including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
