4 Delaware Summer Programs for High Schoolers
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 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
Dates: Summer 2022
Location: Delaware College of Art and Design
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Cost:
- Day Student; 1 Week: $650
- Residential Student; 1 Week: $950
- Day Student; 2 Weeks: $1170
- Residential Student; 2 weeks: $1710
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.
2. UD Health Sciences Summer Camp
Dates: June 26 – July 1, 2022
Location: University of Delaware
Application deadline: April 10
Cost: free
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.
3. Edge Summer College Program
Dates: July 10 – 30, 2022
Location: University of Delaware
Application deadline: May 1
Cost: $4,600 (Delaware resident); $7,100 (Non-Resident)
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.
4. Inspire U! Summer Programs
Dates: Summer 2022
Location: Delaware Valley University
Application deadline: May 1
Cost: $4,600 (Delaware resident); $7,100 (Non-Resident)
Delaware Valley University’s Inspire U! Summer Program is designed for students with an interest in pursuing a career in animal studies, creative and performing arts, media, equine management, and more.
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 Delaware summer program is the super-selective Edge Summer College Program.
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.
