15 Delaware Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers
- Summer Programs in Delaware
- How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
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 pre-college summer programs, these courses allow students to learn more about a subject or hobby they enjoy, with topics ranging from literature and science to theater, arts, and everything in between.
Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers
Summer programs provide high schoolers with an intellectual way to spend their summer. They can be a great addition to your extracurriculars as they show you are willing to go above and beyond to pursue your interests and passions. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that some summer programs through universities offer the opportunity for high schoolers to earn college credits that can be transferred once they start college.
Additionally, summer programs allow high school students to get a feel for college life in a less stressful environment—you could potentially live on campus, eat in dining halls, access campus facilities like libraries, and learn from full-time professors. 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 build a network of like-minded peers.
So what pre-college programs offer the best advantages for talented high schoolers looking for a leg up? Read on to discover 15 Delaware summer programs sure to help students succeed.
Summer Programs in Delaware
1. College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI)
Dates:
- Session 1 (9th and 10th graders): June 22 – 27
- Session 2 (11th and 12th graders): June 16 – 27
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Aimed at first-generation and underserved high school students, this free summer program prepares students for college and encourages them to become lifelong learners. Participants take part in a variety of activities, including academic seminars, pre-college readiness workshops, and career planning. Participants also receive support and attend sessions during the school year to help ensure that they’re college and career-ready.
2. Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp: Marine Science
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,250
This week-long residential camp run at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment provides students with first-hand experience exploring marine ecosystems like a real scientist. Open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, participants will observe kayak coastal waterways, catch fish with a seine net, study crabs, and ultimately view the marine environment like a scientist.
A junior cohort is available for students in grades 7 to 9.
3. ECO Camp: Technology in the Environment
Dates: July 10 – 14
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $400
This week-long program run at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment focuses on the technology used to study and protect the environment. Students will take part in activities like building a remotely operated underwater vehicle, piloting drones, and analyzing digital photography to learn about beach erosion.
A junior cohort is available for students in grades 7 to 9.
4. Upward Bound Summer Academy
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
An extension to the traditional Upward Bound program, this two-week-long academy is aimed at easing the transition from high school to college. Participants attend classes in English, math, science, and foreign language Monday through Friday. They’re also provided with mentorship and gain access to services and programs like tutoring, counseling, and work study.
5. Edge Summer College Program
Dates: July 20 – August 9
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $5,495
Ambitious high school juniors and seniors learn what it’s like to attend a top national university in this engaging summer program. Participants take one to two college-level classes (for up to six transferable college credits) while living in a residence hall at the University of Delaware. In addition to classes, students receive college readiness preparation—learning about the college application process and how to compose a winning college essay.
Admission to the Edge Program is competitive and applicants are required to have a 3.0 or better GPA and a strong letter of recommendation for admission.
6. Governor’s School for Excellence
Dates: July 13 – 18
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
This week-long residential program brings together the state’s most academically and artistically talented students who have completed their sophomore year. The school is divided into two programs: the academic program and the visual and performing arts program. The academic program revolves around a specific theme and students take part in discussions, listen to lectures, engage in debates, and watch films centered around it. Those in the arts program work with a noted artist and stage a public performance or display of their work.
Admission to the Governor’s School for Excellence is extremely competitive and students are nominated to participate.
7. Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation | Destination Mars
Dates: July 6 – 11
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $775
Students in this week-long residential camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders will take part in a variety of hands-on activities and challenges, such as designing a robotic vehicle, building a rocket, and assembling a space station. Participants will also engage in a Mars simulation and take field trips. In the end, students gain firsthand experience applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to real-world applications.
8. Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation | Destination Moon
Dates: July 6 – 11
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $775
This week-long residential program for students in grades 7 through 9 introduces participants to lunar studies. Students will gain real-world experience with fields like rocketry, remote sensing, robotics, and telescope building. Participants will also gain a sense of what it’s like to be a college student—living and learning at the University of Delaware.
9. Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Dates: June 23 – 27
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: June 13
Cost: $1,995
This summer program is a great choice for students interested in biomedical sciences, laboratory medicine, biotechnology, criminal justice, and crime scene investigation. Participants gain hands-on lab experience while learning real-world forensic techniques from crime investigation units and forensic experts. The program culminates with students presenting a court-ready report to a panel of faculty forensic experts and the Delaware State Police.
10. Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Summer Program
Dates: July 14 – 18
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: June 13
Cost: $2,250
Students are immersed in the field of autonomous vehicle technology in this five-day summer program. Participants will explore topics like vehicle control fundamentals, sensor technology, and programming tools like Python and C++. In addition to hard skills, students also build soft skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and communication as they work in groups to put their knowledge to the test on the final day’s racing challenge.
11. Inspire U! Summer Programs
Dates: Varies
Location: Delaware Valley University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $409
Delaware Valley University’s Inspire U! Summer Program is designed for students ages 14 to 18 interested in pursuing a career in animal studies, creative arts, media, equine management, healthcare, and more.
12. First State Summer Intensive
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Location: Wilmington Grand Opera House
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $900 – $1,700
This ballet-focused summer program for students ages 9 and up covers a variety of topics—including ballet, pointe, contemporary, and character—through which participants will hone their technique and artistry. The intensive culminates with a performance in The Baby Grand Theatre. Participants are required to have three years of previous ballet training to participate in the program.
13. Camp Wall Street
Dates: August 5 – 9
Location: Delaware State University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $100
Students in grades 9 through 12 learn about finance and the stock market in this summer program. Participants gain real-world trading experience, taking advantage of DSU’s state-of-the-art Financial Network Trading Room, while learning the basics of financial management. Students also meet professionals working in finance and like-minded peers—growing their professional network.
14. HEIDE STEPS
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
While not a summer program per se, this four-week summer internship for students in grades 9 through 12 provides students with firsthand experience with how social factors affect people’s health. Through the Health Equity Institute of Delaware (HEIDE), STEPS (Summer Training in Equity Program for Secondary Students), participants meet with experts, engage in real-life public health work, and provide community service—ultimately forging a deeper understanding of health and fairness while making a difference in their communities.
15. Upward Bound Math and Science Scholars
Dates: N/A
Location: Delaware Technical Community College
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
This six-week program aims to engage low-income and potential first-generation college students in math and science and increase their desire to succeed academically. Participants will enjoy hands-on experiences in the fields of math, technology, and science, explore potential career paths, and experience what it’s like to live and learn on a college campus.
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. Good examples of top-tier Delaware summer programs are the super-selective Edge Summer College Program and the extremely competitive Governor’s School for Excellence.
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 over one thousand colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
