4 Delaware Summer Programs for High Schoolers

Summer programs are a great way for high school students to expand their skill sets while preparing for the experiences to come in college. Also known as precollege summer programs, these courses allow students to learn more about a subject or hobby that they enjoy, with topics ranging from literature and science to theater, arts, and everything in between.

Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers

Because class sizes tend to be small for these sessions, participants enjoy more personalized attention from instructors. As a bonus, students have the opportunity to connect with others who share their enthusiasm and even acquire transferable college credits.  

So what precollege programs offer the best advantages for talented high schoolers looking for a leg up? Read on to discover 4 Delaware summer programs sure to help students succeed.

Summer Programs in Delaware

1. DCAD’s Young Artists Program

Offered through the Delaware College of Art and Design, this exciting summer program enables aspiring artists to study animation alongside other talented teens. All the courses in this program are taught by practicing artists and designers who can instruct them in what to expect from their careers. Programs are offered in one or two-week sessions and students can either enroll as day students or stay on campus during the duration of the program.

Half of your day will be spent developing your portfolio and the remainder will be spent in one of the five electives the program offers: Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, or Photography.

• Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th
• Costs:
  • Day Student; 1 Week: $650
  • Residential Student; 1 Week: $950
  • Day Student; 2 Weeks: $1170
  • Residential Student; 2 weeks: $1710
• Application

2. UD Health Sciences Summer Camp

It’s not just aspiring artists who can take advantage of precollege programs. Offered by the University of Delaware, the UD Health Sciences Summer Camp supports students with an interest in health science careers. During this six-day immersion program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of a wide range of topics, including premedical studies, nutrition, nursing, global health, and biotechnology.

As a bonus, students will have the opportunity to interact with graduate students and undergraduate mentors. The program is open to rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders who are member of one or more groups: First Generation College, Low-Income, and Underrepresented Minorities.

• Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th
• Cost: Free
• Deadline: 4/12/19
• Application

3. Edge Summer College Program

Another University of Delaware offering, this summer program invites students to gain skills and leadership training. Over the course of five weeks, participants will learn from UD faculty members while acquiring transferable college credits. Students will stay in residence halls alongside other high achievers.

• Grades: 11th and 12th Only
• Cost: $4,600 (Delaware resident); $7,100 (Non-Resident)
• Deadline: 5/1/19
• Application

4. OSCAR Summer Research Program

Delaware State University’s OSCAR Summer Research Program is designed for students with an interest in biomedical research. An eight-week program, this course invites talented high schoolers to work in OSCAR labs alongside renowned scientists. Topics include atomic and molecular optics, laser spectroscopy, and biomedical imaging.

• Grades: 11th, 12th
• Cost: Free
• Deadline: 5/1/19
• Application

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