25 Summer Programs in Alabama for High Schoolers in 2024
What’s Covered:
- 25 Summer Programs in Alabama for High School Students
- How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
If you’re a high school student from Alabama and wondering how to spend your summer in a way that will boost your chances during the college admissions process, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up some of the top summer programs in the state, which span niches like engineering, science, dance, music, writing, and much more.
25 Summer Programs in Alabama for High School Students
1. AgriTREK/SciTREK and AgDiscovery Summer Programs
Dates: June 2 – 15
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: April 5
Cost: Free
Held at Tuskegee University, these two-week residential programs focus on educational opportunities available in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics (STEAM). Students will participate in hands-on research, leadership development, and personal enrichment activities.
Both programs are free to attend, and participants will receive a small stipend (up to $200) for travel.
2. Tuskegee University VET-STEP
Dates:
- STEP 1: June 3 – 7
- STEP II: June 24 – 28
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: N/A
The Veterinary Science Training Education and Preparation Institute (VET STEP) is a one-week residential program that introduces minority high school students to veterinary medicine. STEP I is open to students entering grades 9 and 10, and STEP II is open to students entering grades 11 and 12. In both programs, students will attend classes, participate in hands-on activities and laboratory exercises, prepare presentations, and engage in discussions and field trips.
3. Summer Experiential Training in Organic Farming At Tuskegee University
Dates: June 3 – July 29
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This eight-week experiential program introduces high school students and undergraduates to the process of growing organic food. Program participants, who will ideally be interested in careers related to agriculture, will learn about sustainable food production in the classroom, lab, greenhouse, and field. The program will cover topics like the policies and regulations governing organic food production, farm management, and the principles and practices used in organic crop production.
Not only is this program free, but high schoolers can earn up to a $1,750 stipend for their participation.
4. PACT
Dates: June 16 – 22
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: $500
Participants in this week-long residential program learn about careers in architecture and construction management while getting a glimpse into life at college as they gain firsthand experience with the educational, time management, and social aspects of college life.
5. ITEST Alabama
Dates: July 1 -26
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: April 30
Cost: Free
This program aims to increase interest in computer science among high school girls and minority students from schools in Alabama’s Black Belt. Students in grades 9 through 12 are introduced to foundational computer concepts, such as software engineering, network security, and computer hardware. Participants also have the opportunity to meet Black professionals working in computers and education, explore careers in computing, and get familiar with the college admissions process.
This program is not only free, but students receive up to a $1,500 stipend for their participation.
6. Alabama Ballet Summer Intensive
Dates: June 3 – 29
Location: Alabama Ballet Studio
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $525 per week
The Alabama Ballet Summer Program is a four-week intensive workshop for intermediate and advanced students ages 11 to 19. Students participate in ballet technique, pointe and variations, modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop classes and seminars, while learning from Alabama Ballet Artistic staff, school faculty, and guest instructors and artists. The program culminates in a performance in the main studio at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance.
Students who stay for all four weeks will receive a $100 discount.
7. Auburn University Engineering Camps
Dates: Varies
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Varies
Future engineers may take part in a variety of camps at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, including:
- Minority Introduction to Engineering Program
- Paper & Bioresource Engineering Camp
- Summer Experience: Computer Science, AI, and Cybersecurity
Each program exposes high schools to the world of engineering and is led by faculty, staff, and students from the university.
8. Creative Writing Studio
Dates: June 16 – 21
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: Registration opens December 1
Cost: $880
Aspiring writers in grades 9 through 12 will want to check out this intensive writing course. Participants hone their writing skills while exploring fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, ultimately ending the week-long program with a portfolio of their own creative work. The program culminates with a reading of student work to friends and family.
9. AU Brain Camp
Dates: July 14 – 19
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: $705
Rising juniors and seniors, along with students preparing to enter their freshman year of college, can get hands-on experience in neuroscience during this week-long summer program. Participants will practice the techniques used by professional neuroscientists to map the brain’s neural tracks and create replicas of the brain.
The highlight of the program for many students is the opportunity to learn about functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and to have their own brains scanned at the Auburn University MRI Research Center.
10. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Class
Dates: June 23 – July 19
Location: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: $2,750
The Residential Marine Science Class is a four-week course that introduces high schoolers to marine science. Students will explore topics like marine ecology, fisheries, oceanography, marine technology, marine geology, and more, through fieldwork, individual and group assignments, lectures, lab investigations, field trips, research projects, oral presentations, and examinations.
Scholarships are available.
11. Broadway Bootcamp
Dates:
- Recruits Bootcamp: June 17 – 28
- Intermediate/Advanced Bootcamp: June 3 – 14
Location: Red Mountain Theater
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Recruits Bootcamp: $600
- Intermediate/Advanced Bootcamp: $720
The Red Mountain Theatre offers summer Bootcamps at three levels: Recruit, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students will hone their singing, acting, and dancing skills under the guidance of experienced, diverse professionals from across the country. Auditions are required.
12. Community Music School String Camp
Dates: June 10 – 13
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: May 4
Cost: $230
Rising 6th to 12th grade students have the opportunity to pursue one of two paths through this program: Orchestra or Chamber Music. Orchestra is available for violin, viola, cello, and bass players who can read music on all four strings and play in several keys, while Chamber Music is for advanced students. Both camps culminate in concerts.
13. Culverhouse Diversity in Business Bridge Program
Dates: June 23 – 29
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
The Diversity in Business Bridge Program (DBBP) is a college-prep program for underrepresented minority students who want to pursue a major and career in business. The week-long program will take place on the University of Alabama campus, where students will engage in professional development activities, attain skills needed for success in college, enhance their critical thinking skills, and be introduced to functional areas of business.
The program is free to attend. Dedicated college financial support will be available to program graduates who enroll at UA to pursue a degree in business.
14. Minerva
Dates: July 7 – 12
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: $850
This week-long residential academic camp for rising female high school seniors helps young women develop leadership skills and learn about business as a major and career path. Held on the University of Alabama campus, Minerva offers informative sessions with Culverhouse College of Business faculty and staff, and provides opportunities for students to complete a service project and take field trips for experiential learning.
15. Rural Health Scholars
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: Free
Future medical professionals have the opportunity to take University of Alabama courses for credit, attend tutorials and seminars, shadow physicians and other healthcare professionals, and participate in field trips to rural medical facilities.
There are two five-week programs: Rural Health Scholars is available to current juniors from rural Alabama communities, while Rural Minority Health Scholars is open to current seniors who plan to enter college next year.
Tuition, books, housing, and meals are provided.
16. UA Young Writers Camp
Dates: June 3 – 14
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $200
6th through 12th-grade students will write independently and in collaborative groups in response to a range of creative prompts, share their writing, and learn about contemporary literature, all while being taught by experienced writers in the M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama. Participants will share their work in a public reading and anthology.
Scholarships are available.
17. Theater Summer Camp
Dates: June 10 – 21
Location: University of Mobile
Application Deadline: April 5 for discounted registration fee
Cost: $325 – $500, depending on registration date and camp option selected
Theatrically inclined high schoolers in this program grow as performers and spend their summer singing, dancing, and acting with old friends and new ones. The program is open to students in grades 8 through 12 and a number of intensive topics are covered over the 10-day program, including auditioning, improv, and theatrical makeup.
The program culminates with a cabaret-style showcase, where participants can show off what they learned. Note that participation in the showcase costs extra.
18. Engineering Innovation
Dates: July 8 – 12
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $400
The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Engineering offers a variety of engineering day camps for rising 5th-10th graders. During Engineering Innovation, the high school program, students will participate in hands-on activities, lab tours, classroom learning, and projects. They will also receive mentorship from UAH faculty, staff, and students.
Need-based scholarships are available.
19. Business Explorations Day Camp
Dates: June 10 – 14
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $400
Business-minded rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will want to check out this week-long summer program for the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Students will explore career pathways in business such as marketing, finance, and investment. They will also participate in hands-on business-related activities, and build leadership skills while experiencing a slice of life at college.
20. Young Women in Business Camp
Dates: June 18 – 19
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $150
This two-day camp is aimed at rising 10th through 12th grade women who are interested in becoming business leaders. Participants build leadership and communication skills while developing their personal branding and exploring career paths in business.
21. Nursing Charger Summer Institute
Dates: June 26 – 28
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $150
This week-long summer program for 9th through 12th graders introduces students to the skills required for a career in nursing. Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as exploring anatomy with the use of a synthetic cadaver, placing IVs, and managing wound care. They’ll also get a glimpse into advanced nursing skills, like intubation and suturing.
In addition to gaining real-world insight into nursing, students also meet the faculty and staff of the University of Alabama in Huntsville School of Nursing.
22. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Summer Tech Camps
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Alabama Birmingham
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $899 and up
iD programs at the University of Alabama Birmingham are opportunities for students to explore topics like coding, game development, robotics, and design. There are courses for multiple age groups; example offerings for teens ages 13-17 include:
- Intro to Python Coding and AI
- Advanced Minecraft Modding with Java
- Java Coding and Game Development
- Roblox Developer: Lua Coding and Game Design
23. Summer Science Institute | Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology
Dates:
- Session 1: June 3 – 7
- Session 2: June 10 – 14
Location: University of Alabama Birmingham
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $200
Students in this week-long summer program will learn the fundamentals of cellular and molecular biology and biotechnology as they differentiate bacteria with chemicals, identify the genetic basis for brain disorders, and extract genomic DNA. Participants will also simulate a drug discovery for the prevention of the flu.
High schoolers of all ages can participate.
24. Programming and Computer Knowledge (PACK) Camp
Dates: June 10 – 14
Location: University of South Alabama
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $200
The University of South Alabama hosts a number of Programming and Computer Knowledge (PACK) Camps for students of all ages, including this one aimed at rising 10th through 12th graders. Participants get an introduction to programming concepts, engage in hands-on activities, and learn to solve problems using Python and other programming tools.
Participants will also experience what life is like in a college classroom and on a college campus, meet peers who are also passionate about computer science, and connect with the faculty and staff of the University of South Alabama’s School of Computing.
25. Timothy Leadership Training
Dates:
- Session 1: June 2 – 7
- Session 2: June 9 – 14
- Session 3: June 16 – 21
- Session 4: June 23 – 28
- Session 5: July 7 – 12
- Session 6: July 21 – 26
Location: The Maranatha Camp
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $200
The Maranatha Camp & Conference Center is home to a faith-based leadership program for rising juniors and seniors who want to develop their “biblically-driven leadership skills.” Over the course of the week-long program, students will work with leadership staff and learn how to integrate faith into their daily lives. They will also work alongside camp staff to help the camp run smoothly.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Most selective colleges and universities evaluate extracurriculars according to four tiers. Tier 1 encompasses activities that are the most prestigious and specialized, while Tier 4 represents those that are the most common.
While most summer programs are usually considered Tiers 3-4, there are some highly prestigious ones, particularly those that are free and very selective, that fall into higher tiers.
If you’re wondering how your summer program of choice and other activities will affect your chances of admission to your dream school, try our chancing engine. This free tool takes into account factors like grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of acceptance to hundreds of colleges and universities. Plus, you’ll get tips on how to boost your profile!
