25 Summer Programs in Alabama for High Schoolers in 2025
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 15 – 28
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: March 31
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 9 – 13 (Rising 9th & 10th graders)
- STEP II: June 23 – 27 (Rising 11th & 12th graders)
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: March 1
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 2 – July 31
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 15 – 21
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: $800
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 -25
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: TBA
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 9 – 3
Location: Alabama Ballet Studio
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $625 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.
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 – 20
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: N/A
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 – 18
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: N/A
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 22 – July 18
Location: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Application Deadline: TBA
Cost: $3,000
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: TBA (usually June)
- Intermediate/Advanced Bootcamp: TBA (usually June)
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. Minerva
Dates: July 6 – 11
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: May 27
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.
13. Rural Health Scholars
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: N/A
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.
14. UA Young Writers Camp
Dates: June 2 – 13
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $225
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.
15. Theater Summer Camp
Dates:
- Session 1: June 9 – 13
- Session 2: June 16 – 20
Location: University of Mobile
Application Deadline: TBA
Cost: $550
Theatrically inclined high schoolers can grow as performers and spend their summer singing, dancing, and acting with old friends and new ones at University of Mobile’s theater camp. The program is open to students in grades 8 through 12, and several 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.
16. Engineering Innovation
Dates: June 23 – 27
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $400
The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Engineering offers an engineering day camp for rising 9th and 10th graders. During Engineering Innovation, 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.
17. Business Explorations Day Camp
Dates: June 9 – 13
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $400 (Scholarships available)
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.
18. Young Women in Business Camp
Dates: June 17 – 18
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $150 (Scholarships available)
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 branding and exploring career paths in business.
19. Collat CampBIZ
Dates: June 9 – 13
Location: University of Alabama, Birmingham
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: Free
Students with an interest in business would enjoy this week-long camp held at the Collat School of Business. A variety of activities and workshops throughout the day help participants develop their confidence, learn key business concepts, and build relationships with their fellow campers. The camp is intended for high school students who live in the Birmingham area.
20. Summer Science Institute | Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology
Dates:
- Session 1: June 2 – 6
- Session 2: June 9 – 13
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.
21. Advanced Principles of Immunology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – 11
- Session 2: July 14 – 18
Location: University of Alabama, Birmingham
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $250
SSI-II will be a week-long course that will dive into advanced principles and techniques of microbiology, immunology, and biotechnology in a hands-on laboratory experience. Research projects and experimentation include:
- Genetic bacterial transformation of plasmids
- Determine blood types with simulated samples
- Testing for viral antigens and disease diagnosis
- Seminars and interactive discussions with expert researchers
- A look into vision science and much more!
This course is open to students who have completed grades 10th and 11th,
22. Programming and Computer Knowledge (PACK) Camp
Dates: June 9 – 13
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.
23. Timothy Leadership Training
Dates: June 1 – 6
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.” Throughout 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.
24. UA Early College Summer on Campus
Dates:
- Term I: May 25 – June 28
- Term II: June 30 – August 2
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $385 per credit hour
High schoolers looking to get a taste of college life can do just that at the University of Alabama’s Early College program. You’ll get to live on campus, eat in the dining halls, take classes, and earn up to 6 or 7 college credits while you’re still in high school!
In order to participate, you need to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, be 16 years old by move-in day, and submit an application to UA Early College. Alabama residents are eligible for up to a 50% tuition scholarship, while out-of-state students are eligible for up to a 25% tuition scholarship.
25. Alabama’s Governor’s School
Dates: June 15 – 27
Location: Samford University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,000
Rising high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their studies can be nominated by their high school to attend the Alabama Governor’s School program. Hosted on Samford University’s campus, students get the chance to live on a college campus for two weeks while attending seminars and workshops on topics of their choosing.
In order to be eligible to participate in this summer program, students need to be identified and nominated by their high school for having exceptional academic and/or creative talent. The nomination process begins as soon as October of the previous academic year.
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 could fall into a higher tier.
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!
