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15 Summer Programs in Alabama for High Schoolers
What’s Covered:
Summers are no longer a time to just relax. As a high school student, it’s critical to start thinking about your future — and that means preparing for college and beyond.
Alabama students have plenty of options when it comes to ways to enrich themselves this summer. We’ve rounded up some of the top programs in the state, spanning niches like engineering, science, dance, music, writing, and much more.
Summer Programs in Alabama
1. AgriTREK/SciTREK and AgDiscovery Summer Programs
Dates: June 4-18, 2022
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
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. Alabama Ballet Summer Program
Dates: June 6 – July 2, 2022
Location: Alabama Ballet Studio
Application Deadline: April 4th, 2022
Cost: $525 per week
The Alabama Ballet Summer Program is a four-week intensive workshop for intermediate and advanced students ages 11–19. Students participate in ballet technique, pointe and variations, modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop classes and seminars, 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.
3. Auburn University Engineering Camps
Dates: July 10-15
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $750
Future engineers may take part in a variety of camps at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering:
- Senior Tigers Engineering Camp (rising 12th graders)
- Auburn Engineering Summer Expo (rising 9th-12th graders)
- The Future of Paper, Pulp and Paper Camp (rising 12th graders)
Each program exposes high schools to the world of engineering and is led by faculty, staff, and students from the college. Costs vary by program.
4. Broadway Bootcamp
Dates:
Recruits Bootcamp: June 20-July 1
Intermediate/Advanced Bootcamp: May 31 – June 10
Location: Red Mountain Theater
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $600 and $720
The Red Mountain Theatre offers summer Bootcamps at three levels: Recruit, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students will hone their singing, acting, and dancing skills from instruction from experienced, diverse professionals from across the country. Auditions are required.
Cost varies by program length, and financial aid is available.
5. Community Music School String Camp
Dates: June 20-25
Location: The University of Alabama School of Music
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $150
Rising 6th-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.
6. Culverhouse Diversity in Business Bridge Program
Dates: June 19th to June 25th.
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: April 30
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 gain professional development, 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.
7. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Class
Dates: June 19 – July 15
Location: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Application Deadline: April 30
Cost: $2,250
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.
8. Engineering Innovation
Dates: June 6th-10th
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $400
The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Engineering offers an Engineering Day camp 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.
9. Minerva
Dates: 12-17, 2022
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: rolling
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.
10. Rural Health Scholars
Dates: May 29 – July 1
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.
11. Student Introduction To Engineering
Dates:
June 19-24
July 10-15
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: June 1
Cost: $850
Student Introduction To Engineering (SITE) is a program for rising juniors and seniors with an interest in STEM. Over one week, students will live in a University of Alabama residence hall, participate in team exercises, and tour an industrial plant. They will also collaborate with fellow students in a design competition.
12. Timothy Leadership Training
Dates:
Session 1: June 5-11 & June 12-18
Session 2: June 19-25 & June 26-July 2
Session 3: July 10-16 & July 17-23
Location: The Maranatha Camp
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $795
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 two weeks, 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.
13. Tuskegee University VET-STEP
Dates: Summer 2022
Location: Tuskegee University
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost:
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 9-10, and STEP II is open to students entering grades 11-12. In both programs, students will attend classes, participate in hands-on activities and laboratory exercises, prepare presentations, and engage in discussions and field trips. The 2022 program will be virtual.
14. UA Young Writers Camp
Dates: June 7 – June 18, 2021
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $100
Taught by experienced writers in the M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing at The University of Alabama, the Young Writers Camp is open to 6th-12th-grade students. Students will write independently and in collaborative groups in response to a range of creative prompts, share their writing, and learn about contemporary literature. Participants will share their work in a public reading and anthology.
Scholarships are available.
15. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Summer Tech Camps
Dates: Summer 2022
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: rolling
Cost: $1,049
iD programs at the University of Alabama 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 for Machine Learning
- Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies 101
- Java Coding and Game Development
- Roblox: Lua Coding and Development
Most courses are one week, and pricing starts at $1,049.
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!
