20 Summer Programs in Montana for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- 20 Summer Programs in Montana for High Schoolers
- How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Summer programs are a fantastic opportunity to explore an existing area of interest or discover a new one, often while getting a sneak peek at college life and potentially even earning credit while you’re at it! If you’re from Montana and interested in music, journalism, paleontology, or anything in between, read on to find just the right summer program for you.
20 Summer Programs in Montana for High Schoolers
1. Summer History Institute
Dates: July 21 – 25
Location: University of Montana
Admission Deadline: May 15
Cost: Free
If you’re a Montana student who loves history and doesn’t want to commit to a long summer program, this week-long day camp offered by the University of Montana is a great option. This year’s institute explores US constitutional history, examining both the US Constitution and the Montana State Constitution. Students will carry out hands-on research and gain important insights as well as valuable academic skills.
Although you don’t get to stay on campus, the program provides many chances to experience college life with campus tours, guest speakers, and access to UM facilities.
2. UM Summer Exploration
Dates: July 7 – 19
Location: University of Montana
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $3,000
The University of Montana’s Summer Exploration gives rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to live on campus for two weeks and experience college life. During the program, you will pick one class from the options of Montana Habitats, CSI Missoula, Environmental Ethics: Climate Change and Sense of Place, and Biking the Bitterroot: Sustainability Studies in Western Montana. At the end of your two weeks, you will get two college credits from UM.
3. Schwanke Honors Institute
Dates: June 11 – 20
Location: University of Montana
Application Deadline: March 14
Cost: $2,600
In this prestigious program, students spend two weeks living on the University of Montana campus, learning in the classroom, and exploring both the campus and the city of Missoula. They’ll experience college life and academics firsthand—not only at UM, but also through the university’s Honors College. Students will choose from two environmentally focused courses and earn two college credits upon completion.
4. MT-AIMS Gatherings Summer Camp
Dates: June 8 – 17
Location: University of Montana
Application Deadline: May 4
Cost: Free
The Montana American Indians in Math and Science (MT AIMS) Gatherings Summer Camp provides STEM programming to Native American students. Participants will build their own computer and engage in activities in fields like math, chemistry, physics, natural sciences, and biology. They’ll also connect with mentors and a community of like-minded students.
Gatherings participants will also receive academic support throughout the school year.
5. Yellowstone Youth Writing Camp
Dates: July 14 – 18
Locations: Montana State University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Commuter: $300 – $350
- Residential: $825 – $875
This program, offered by Montana State University, helps 9th through 12th graders hone their writing skills. Participants will explore a variety of genres, refine their craft through feedback in workshops, and engage in activities such as writing on the move and writing games. The program culminates with students sharing with their friends and family at a camp showcase.
6. Summer Music Camp
Dates:
- Session 1: June 15 – 21
- Session 2: June 22 – 27
- Session 3: July 20 – 25
Location: University of Montana
Application Deadline:
- Session 1: June 4
- Session 2: June 11
- Session 3: June 9
Cost: $450 – $1,480
With the option to choose between piano, band, strings, jazz, world music, and songwriting, students in Montana have plenty of opportunities to explore their musical abilities and interests at UM. Since 1952, this camp has been an option for musical Montanans, where participants can play music with other students, meet guest experts, and get guidance from UM’s team of college counselors.
7. Montana Tech Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Summer Program
Dates: July 15 – 20
Locations: Montana Technological University
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free
This free, week-long, residential summer program allows high school sophomores and juniors to explore careers in science and engineering. Students will engage in hands-on labs, listen to lectures, visit local industrial operations, and complete a design-oriented project—spurring friendly competition and reinforcing the benefits of collaboration.
8. Dinosaur Camp
Dates: August 10 – 15
Location: Montana Learning Center and Carter County Museum
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,495
In this unique learning experience, students participate in excavating and retrieving fossils for the Carter County Museum to put on permanent display. Campers receive special tours of the museum and souvenirs to bring home, and are listed as collectors in the official museum exhibit.
This unique 6-day experience is an excellent opportunity for Montana students passionate about archaeology, paleontology, or museum studies.
9. Camp Explore the Universe
Dates: July 27 – 31
Location: Montana Learning Center, Canyon Ferry Lake Campus
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $995
High school students interested in astronomy shouldn’t miss this opportunity to study the night sky from Montana’s largest observatory. During nightly “star parties,” students will observe the moon, galaxies, and more, while during the day, they will learn about the objects they see at night. Alongside their classwork, students will participate in scavenger hunts, practice drawing objects, and play games.
10. Camp Float the Missouri Breaks
Dates: June 22 – 27
Location: Missouri Breaks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,295
This adventurous program provides students in grades 9 through 12 the chance to explore the Missouri Breaks on a 46-mile canoe trip. Students get to explore the historic waterway while visiting Native American sites, camping where Lewis and Clark stayed, building wilderness experience, and developing valuable skills like leadership, problem solving, planning, and teamwork.
11. Montana Aerospace Scholars
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free – $1,000
Students with their heads in the stars will want to check out this summer program exploring the career opportunities in the space industry. The program hosts two cohorts, one of high school freshmen and sophomores and one of juniors and seniors. It’s also held in two parts. Part one is focused on two assignments (a video and essay), with qualifying students invited to participate in part two, a five-day summer residency.
All participants will be introduced to new ideas, sharpen their creative thinking, and connect with like-minded peers.
12. Wild Kids Montana High School Program
Dates: July 20 – August 5
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $2,850
This unique hybrid program for students in grades 9 through 12 challenges them to connect with the community and natural world while leaving their screens behind. Students spend time in the front country and backcountry learning outdoor skills, building their self-worth, and strengthening their relationships.
Activities include everything from backpacking in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to helping prepare for a Sun Dance on a Blackfeet Reservation.
13. MedStart Summer Camp
Dates:
- University of Montana, Missoula: June 23 – 27
- Montana State University, Bozeman: June 29 – July 3
- University of Providence, Great Falls: July 6 – 10
- Miles Community College, Miles City: July 13 – 17
- Montana State University, Billings: July 20 – 24
Location:
- University of Montana, Missoula
- Montana State University, Bozeman
- University of Providence, Great Falls
- Miles Community College, Miles City
- Montana State University, Billings
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $500
This five-day program exposes high school sophomores and juniors to careers in health care. Participants engage in hands-on activities, shadow professionals, and get a taste of college—living in college dorms and earning one college credit that’s transferable to any school in the Montana University System.
14. Heads Up Behavioral Health Careers Camp
Dates: August 3 – 6
Location: Montana State University, Billings
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors explore behavioral health careers in this residential summer camp. Participants engage in hands-on activities, take part in simulations, and attend presentations by behavioral health professionals.
15. Movin’ On in Montana
Dates: June 24 – 27
Location: Montana State University, Billings
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This summer program aims to ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities. Students will live like college students, attending classes, living in residential housing, and eating in the cafeteria while visiting three college campuses (a public four-year institution, a private four-year institution, and a two-year vocational college).
Ultimately, the program allows participants to meet other students with disabilities and alleviate their anxiety about the college experience.
16. Helena Youth Corps
Dates: June 16 – August 13
Location: Lewis & Clark National Forest
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Students in this summer program spend four 11-day hitches working on conservation-oriented projects in the Lewis & Clark National Forest. Participants will work on projects that include trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and planting while camping out. The program is open to 17- and 18-year-olds.
Not only is this program free, but students receive a $1,200 biweekly living allowance and receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,565.08 upon completion of the program.
17. Montana Conservation Corps Youth Expedition Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
The Montana Conservation Corps Youth Expedition Program is open to Treasure State high schoolers ages 14 to 18. Participants will build leadership and communication skills, connect with the natural environment, and meet like-minded peers while engaging in projects like trail building, habitat restoration, and invasive species management.
Expeditions occur over 3-, 6-, and 11-day periods. Not only is the summer program free, but students receive a monetary service award and up to 10 hours of service upon completion of the program.
18. Red Lodge Music Festival
Dates: June 14 – 22
Location: Red Lodge
Application Deadline: February 24
Cost: $529 – $649
Set against the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains, this summer program combines music and fun. Students refine their musical talents with guidance from skilled performers, take part in chamber music, orchestra, and jazz band performances, and enjoy activities like ball games, scavenger hunts, and dancing.
By the end of the program’s nine days, students will have made new friends, forged bonds, and created lasting memories while making music.
19. Rattlesnake Writing Workshop
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – 11
- Session 2: July 14 – 18
Location: University of Montana
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $185
This workshop-style camp for students in grades 9 through 12 emphasizes creativity, focused writing, and literary exploration. Participants write poetry and fiction, revising their work daily with guidance and inspiration from peers and instructors.
20. Cracking the College Essay
Dates: July 14 – 18
Location: University of Montana
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $185
Rising 11th and 12th graders can get support crafting their college essay in this helpful summer program. Students spend their days brainstorming, revising, receiving assistance, and learning tips and tricks for crafting a compelling essay they can use for their college applications.
Students leave the program with a polished essay they can confidently submit to colleges.
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.
Lower-tier extracurricular activities don’t hold the same sway with admissions offices, however, 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.
