Rebecca Weinstein April 29, 2022 4 Extracurricular Activities,Summer Activities

5 Summer Programs in Montana for High Schoolers

What’s Covered:

• 5 Summer Programs in Montana
• How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?

For high schoolers who already know what their major is going to be, summer programs offer a great opportunity to explore this topic in more depth. The programs tend to consist of small, intimate classes that allow students to get more face time with their instructor. Students will get insight into what it means to study a topic in a college setting; whether it confirms or confutes their interest, the experience is guaranteed to be a valuable one.

For students who don’t yet know their intended major, summer programs are equally helpful. It is an opportunity to ask questions, explore interests, and learn more about what attending college is like. They may leave the program with a better idea of what their major will be, or equally important, what it won’t be.

In a few unique cases, attending a summer program may even mean the chance to acquire transferable college credits. This can help a student graduate early, satisfy undergraduate requirements, or possibly even count toward future fulfillment of a major.

Finally, summer programs offer the chance to forge lasting connections with students who share their passions. Some of these programs will draw kids from all over the country, cultivating a space in which students of different backgrounds can learn from one another.

Ready to find the right summer program for you? Read on to learn about five summer programs offered in Montana.

5 Summer Programs in Montana

1. Schwanke Honors Institute: Prep for College and Beyond | Creative Writing in the Environment

Hosted by the University of Montana, the Schwanke Honors Institute is perfect for students looking to explore an interest in creative writing. Students in this two-week program will gain hands-on experience in exploring the outdoors and channeling their reflections into written form.

Specialty: Writing

Who is it for? 9th, 10th, 11th graders

Program Cost: $1,495

Application Deadline: April 1st, 2022

Required Essay: In 500 words or less, please describe your interest in participating in the Schwanke Institute’s summer honors program. Please be specific in the relevant experiences you have had, what you are interested in learning, and why you would like to participate in this institute.

2. Schwanke Honors Institute: Prep for College and Beyond | Climate, Science, Society, and Solutions

This program is also offered by the Schwanke Honors Institute, but offers an alternative with less emphasis on writing. If your child is passionate about exploring sustainability, this two-week program at the University of Montana might be a match.

Specialty: Sciences/Biology

Who is it for? 9th, 10th, 11th graders

Program Cost: $1,495

Application Deadline: April 1st, 2022

Required Essay: In 500 words or less, please describe your interest in participating in the Schwanke Institute’s summer honors program. Please be specific in the relevant experiences you have had, what you are interested in learning, and why you would like to participate in this institute. 

3. Red Lodge Music Festival

This exciting summer program lasts ten days and is acclaimed as Montana’s premier music camp. Students admitted to this program will participate in an intensive music ensemble, with an agenda packed full of rehearsals and recitals, as well as a range of recreational activities.

Specialty: Music

Who is it for? 9th, 10th, 11th graders

Program Cost: $499

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

4. Heads Up Camp – AHEC Montana

This one-week program, hosted by the Area Health Center in Montana, will teach students valuable trade skills in the field of behavioral health. Past attendees have praised the impressive lineup of professionals—from social workers to counselors to psychologists—as one of many highlights of this program. At the end of the week, students receive their Youth Mental Health First Aid certificate.

Specialty: Medicine

Who is it for? 9th, 10th, 11th graders

5. Montana Learning Center: Lewis and Clark Leadership Course

Interested in exploration? This eight-day excursion takes 24 students on a trip through nature to explore the dynamic history of Lewis and Clark. The program consists of canoeing, discovery training, trekking through historic sites, and more.

Specialty: Management/Leadership

Who is it for? 9th, 10th, 11th graders

Program Cost: $1,499

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?

Some summer programs are more competitive than others, requiring letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, while other programs 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 Montana summer program is the super-selective Lewis and Clark Leadership Course. 

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.