9 Summer Programs at Brandeis University for High Schoolers

Are you thinking of participating in a summer program? This extracurricular is a great way to explore a passion while building your resume for college.

Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts provides many summer opportunities for high school students, whether or not you’re considering Brandeis for college. Here are nine programs across a range of niches.

Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers

High school students can get a taste of college life while exploring their interests and developing new ones through summer programs. Not only does participating in this type of extracurricular give you experience living on a campus and meeting people with similar interests to yours, but you’ll also impress college with your investment in your passions. In some cases, you’ll even be able to get a head start by earning college credits.

Summer Programs at Brandeis University

1. Brandeis App Design

Learn the in-demand skill of coding at this two-week summer program. You’ll receive 45 hours of classroom instruction from  Brandeis Computer Science Professor and develop into important software and coding topics. You’ll also go on field trips and create your own app.

• Area of Specialization: Computer Science
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $3,350
• Deadline: 1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

2. BIMA Jewish Arts | Writing

In this five-week program, you’ll grapple with important texts while honing your own craft. This workshop-style course covers poetry, playwriting, fiction, and creative nonfiction. You’ll be encouraged to take creative risks in your work and provide feedback to fellow writers while visiting important literary sites.

• Area of Specialization: Writing
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $6,300
• Deadline: 1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

3. BIMA Jewish Arts | Music

This program provides both vocal and instrumental music experience over the course of five weeks. In an integrated musical environment, you’ll participate in ensemble work, music theory, private lessons, improvisation workshops, and small-group projects. You’ll also attend world-class musical performances.

• Area of Specialization: Music
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $6,300
• Deadline:  1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

4. BIMA Jewish Arts | Visual Arts

You’ll work with a variety of two- and three-dimensional media during this five-week program. Assignments and open-ended questions will help you test new ideas and techniques, as well as create individual pieces and a self-directed final portfolio. You will also participate in group critiques and go on visits to institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts.

• Area of Specialization: Studio Art
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $6,300
• Deadline:  1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

5. BIMA Jewish Arts | Theater

Is theater your niche? This five-week program will help you refine your technique. You’ll participate in technique and master classes and work on an original theatrical work, as well as see professional productions.

• Area of Specialization: Theater
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $6,300
• Deadline:  1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

6. Genesis Jewish Leadership

Look at different topics through a Jewish lens. The program has two- and five-week options. You’ll explore texts, traditions, and perspective on subjects including gender, world religions, and technology while learning important critical thinking skills.

• Area of Specialization: General Humanities
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $6,300
• Deadline:  1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

7. Global Youth Summit of the Future of Medicine

This five-week program will help you gain a new perspective on 21st-century healthcare. Through experiential learning, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, you’ll discover new insights into the healthcare industry and develop skills like leadership and collaboration.

• Area of Specialization: Medicine
• Grades: 10th-11th
• Program Cost: $2,990
• Deadline: 1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

8. Service Corps

Community service-oriented students will relish the opportunity to participate in volunteer projects over the course of two weeks. In addition to engaging in community service, you’ll explore issues facing Greater Boston and beyond while earning up to 45 hours of community service credit.

• Area of Specialization: Community Service
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $3,350
• Deadline:  1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

9. Queer Academics and Activism

Learn about and gain new insight into queer activism during this six-day program. In the first summer program of its kind, participants will gain new insights on queer activism through research and scholarship. Students will also create a plan for action in their communities.

• Area of Specialization: General Academic
• Grades: 9th-11th
• Program Cost: $1,800
• Deadline: 1/10/19 (priority); 4/10/19 (final)
• Application

For more summer programs, check out Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Programs for High Schoolers.

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