10 Delaware Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2024
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 that 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 an intellectual way to spend their summer. They can be a great addition to your extracurriculars as they show you are going 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 10 Delaware summer programs sure to help students succeed.
Summer Programs in Delaware
1. DCAD’s Pre-College Program
Dates:
- Session 1: July 22-26
- Session 2: July 29-August 2
Location: Delaware College of Art and Design
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Offered through the Delaware College of Art and Design, this exciting summer program enables aspiring artists to study art alongside other talented teens. Open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, participants learn what it’s like to study art in college, enhance their skills, and explore career paths open to creative individuals.
2. College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI)
Dates:
- Session 1 (9th and 10th graders): June 23-28
- Session 2 (11th and 12th graders): June 17-28
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: April 15
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.
3. Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp: Marine Science
Dates: July 31-August 4
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,200
This week-long residential camp run at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment provides students first hand experience in atmospheric, oceanic, and biogeochemical processes. 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.
4. Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp: Technology in the Environment
Dates: July 10-14
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $380
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.
5. Upward Bound Math and Science Scholars
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
This program intends to engage low-income and potential first-generation college students in math and science and increase their desire to succeed academically. Participants engage in hands-on experiences with the engineering and biological science departments of the University of Delaware, take daily math and science classes, and become members of a community of student scholars.
6. Edge Summer College Program
Dates: July 7-27
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $4,900
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.
7. Governor’s School for Excellence
Dates: July 14-19
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.
8. Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation: Destination Mars
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Delaware
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Students in this week-long residential camp for 8th, 9th, and 10th 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 will get firsthand experience applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to real-world applications.
9. 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 interested in pursuing a career in animal studies, creative and performing arts, media, equine management, and more.
10. First State Summer Intensive
Dates: June 24-July 19
Location: Wilmington Grand Opera House
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $750-$1,650
This ballet-focused summer program for students ages 9 years 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 Wilmington’s The Baby Grand Theatre. Participants are required to have three years of previous ballet training to participate in the program.
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. 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 over one thousand colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
