25 Summer Programs in Michigan for High Schoolers in 2024
What’s Covered:
- Summer Programs in Michigan for High School Students
- How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Home to a number of educational programs and institutions, including one of the country’s top “Public Ivies,” the University of Michigan, Michigan is full of opportunities for students of all ages. If you’re in high school, there are plenty of ways to learn, grow, and get a taste of your future career over the summer. If you’re looking to explore your passions in more depth, check out these top programs!
Summer Programs in Michigan for High School Students
1. ArcStart
Dates: July 8 – 26
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: February 29
Cost: $3,600
ArcStart is a 19-day, residential, pre-college program for future architects. Students participate in a college-level architecture studio, where they will learn through skill-building workshops and by exploring projects. The program introduces high schoolers to the many aspects of the craft, from specialized drawing to history to portfolio curation. Students will also watch presentations on college preparation, visit architecture firms, and create their own original design proposals.
The program is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as rising college freshmen. If cost is a barrier for you, the Watson A. Young Scholarship is available to students who are Michigan residents, come from families making under $75,000 a year, and complete a separate application.
2. Center Stage Strings
Dates: June 16 – July 13
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: February 9 (priority deadline)
Cost: $4,725
Founded by University of Michigan professor Danielle Belen, Center Stage Strings helps develop the talents of serious young classical music students through solo and chamber music performances. The four-week institute offers intense practice, lessons, and coaching, along with recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and trips to downtown Ann Arbor. Students will also watch guest artist recitals and faculty concerts.
Note that the application for this program requires a range of different components, including an audition video, a personal statement video, and a headshot, so be sure you leave yourself plenty of time to put everything together. Limited need-based scholarships are available to students coming from families who earn under $100,000 a year.
3. Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – July 5
- Session 2: July 7 – 19
- Session 3: July 21 – August 2
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,300 (commuter option); $2,300 (residential option)
This summer enrichment program for high school students offers a sneak peek into current developments and research in the sciences. It’s intended to encourage the next generation of researchers to nurture and retain a love of mathematics and science. Three two-week sessions are available throughout the summer. The program takes place at the University of Michigan.
Limited need-based financial aid is available, as well as the Watson A. Young Scholarship for eligible students, which requires a separate application.
4. Musical Theater Workshop
Dates: July 17 – 27
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: January 20 (priority deadline)
Cost: $5,610
The Musical Theatre Workshop is designed for rising high school seniors who are considering BFA degree programs. The residential program, offered by the University of Michigan Department of Musical Theatre, explores topics like acting techniques for songs, Broadway dance styles, contemporary trends, song lyric analysis, audition skills, and much more.
A limited number of need- and merit-based financial awards are available to help cover the cost of the program. Eligible students can also fill out a separate application for the Watson A. Young Scholarship.
5. Summer Discovery
Dates: Varies
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: Varies
Summer Discovery takes place at several prestigious college campuses, including the University of Michigan. Through the program, students will explore courses in STEM, arts, business, leadership, psychology, and more. They will connect with industry-leading instructors, engage in exciting subjects, and hone important education and career skills. They will also take part in activities, trips, and events in Ann Arbor.
6. AI Magic
Dates: August 12 – 16
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $700
This non-residential camp teaches participants about the impacts of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Students will explore ethical questions related to technologies like Chat GPT and Dall-E, learn the fundamentals of AI, and gain firsthand experience in data analysis and visualization.
7. Power Up
Dates: August 5 – 9
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $700
This commuter program at the University of Michigan introduces students to electrical engineering. Students will discover how systems are powered, the challenges presented by different energy sources, and how electric vehicles work. They also gain real-world experience working with simple circuits, transformers, solar cells, and electric drives.
8. Ross Summer Business Academy
Dates: June 14 – 28
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $5,000
This program for rising seniors introduces them to life as a business student and helps them better understand how companies are run and how businesses solve problems. Participants are challenged with college-level coursework, meet like-minded peers, and connect with faculty and business leaders at the University of Michigan’s prestigious Ross School of Business.
9. Girls in Music and Technology (GiMaT)
Dates: August 5 – 16
Location: University of Michigan
Application Deadline: February 1
Cost: $500
High school students in grades 9 through 12 with an interest in music and technology will want to check out this day program at the University of Michigan. Participants have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using a variety of creative technologies while learning about audio programming and creative coding. They also meet with guest artists, watch live performances, and have the chance to show off their own work.
Some need- and merit-based scholarships are available. The Watson A. Young Scholarship is also an option for Michigan residents whose families make under $75,000 a year.
10. Joy of Coding
Dates: June 19 – July 31
Location: Online
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $149
This online course offered by the University of Michigan introduces students to coding. They learn to use Python and how coding powers everything from TikTok to Siri. The course is self-paced, which allows busy students to easily fit it into their schedules. No prior coding experience is required–however, participants should have taken algebra, love math, and be excited by creative problem solving in order to maximize their experience in the program.
Need-based financial aid is available for this program.
11. Cyber Camp
Dates: June 16 – 28
Location: Northern Michigan University
Application Deadline: February 16
Cost: Free
For students in grades 9-12, Cyber Camp offers an exciting look into the world of coding, programming, and creating through technology. The residential program takes place at NMU Seaborg Center at Northern Michigan University. No previous coding or cyber experience is necessary for participation.
12. Environmental Science Camp
Dates: July 21 – 27
Location: Northern Michigan University
Application Deadline: June 1 to receive a discount
Cost: $699 (if registered by June 1); $799 (post-June 1 registration)
During this week-long program, students in grades 9 through 12 will explore the scenic vistas and natural resources of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They will gain first-hand experience with the technology and field research of real scientists, through studying the changing environment and sustainability issues. When not doing fieldwork, they will get a taste of college life while staying on Northern Michigan University’s campus.
13. Future Educator Academy
Dates: July 7 – 12
Location: Northern Michigan University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $499
This week-long residential camp is aimed at students with an interest in becoming educators. The program is open to students in grades 9 through 12 and explores teaching and learning principles. Participants will meet peers also interested in education, connect with professors, and network with professional educators while experiencing a slice of college life and they live and learn on Northern Michigan University’s campus.
14. EdReady
Dates: Varies
Location: Online
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free for students from Michigan
EdReady offers programs in Math and English to empower students to meet their college and career aspirations with a personalized study plan to master crucial skills. The web-based programs will assess student competencies, map their strengths and weaknesses, target knowledge gaps, and help students develop competencies that are assessed on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
15. MSU High School Engineering Institute
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – 27
- Session 2: July 7 – 11
Location: Michigan State University
Application Deadline: June 17
Cost: $1,048
Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this one-week, residential program is catered to students who are seriously studying engineering in college, or even pursuing a career in the field. Participants will learn about the major and spend time with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students at Michigan State University while attending lectures, observing demonstrations, and engaging in hands-on activities, team-based problem solving, and tours.
16. Making a Game of it (MGIT)
Dates: July 7 – 12
Location: Michigan State University
Application Deadline: July 2
Cost: $1,160
High school juniors and seniors can grow their software skills in this summer program. Participants use Python to develop software, design a video game, and learn about life as a collegiate computer science student while working with Michigan State University faculty and graduate students.
17. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN)
Dates: July 22 – 26
Location: Michigan State University
Application Deadline: March 25
Cost: Free
This free week-long summer program is sponsored by the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB)—one of the world’s leading rare isotope labs. Participants in this exciting program learn about the extensive career opportunities in fields such as astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear science. They even get hands-on experience with conducting their own nuclear physics experiments.
Participants get free room and board on Michigan State University’s campus, if needed, which gives them insight into college life as a whole.
18. AIMS
Dates: July 21 – 26
Location: Michigan State University
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
This week-long summer program introduces students in grades 9 through 11 to the multitude of careers in agriculture and natural resources. Students will learn about fields like agricultural engineering, agribusiness, and environmental resource management through a variety of hands-on activities, tours, and demonstrations. Students will also get to experience what it’s like living and learning on Michigan State University’s campus.
19. High School Honors Science, Math, and Engineering Program (HSHSP)
Dates: June 16 – August 3
Location: Michigan State University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $4,000
Founded in 1958, the HSHSP is the oldest continuously running program of its kind in the country. The program is open to high school juniors with an interest in STEM subjects and careers. Participants develop a deeper understanding of the process of inquiry and gain personal experience with life on a college campus—living away from home, with a diverse group of peers, while tackling a challenging research project.
There is need-based financial aid available for this program.
20. Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program
Dates: June 24 – August 16
Location: Wayne State University
Application Deadline: April 5
Cost: Free
High school juniors and seniors gain real-world research experience in areas such as reproductive biology, immunology, and oncology during this eight-week summer program. Participants are assigned a mentor and research project, and tasked with formulating a hypothesis, designing and performing experiments, and analyzing data. Throughout the program, they will get to work in one of Wayne State University’s own labs. At the culmination of the program, students present their findings.
Participants are generally expected to work from 9-5, Monday to Friday, although specific hours are determined by each individual mentor.
21. Women in Engineering
Dates: June 16 – 21
Location: Michigan Tech
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $395
Participants in this program explore careers in engineering and science in fields such as mechanical, computer, environmental, electrical, chemical, biomedical, civil, geological, and material engineering. Students will take part in hands-on activities, work on group projects, and compete in competitions while connecting with peers who are also passionate about engineering.
Although the program’s focus is on supporting young women with an interest in engineering, students of all genders can apply.
22. NEXT Scholars: Geospatial Engineering
Dates: June 16 – 21
Location: Michigan Tech
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $395
Through this program, students are introduced to the rapidly growing field of geospatial engineering—a highly technical field that uses data on locations to solve real-world problems. Participants learn how geospatial engineers merge aspects of computer, software, and civil engineering to create operating systems and apply them to fields like underground mining and monitoring marine environments.
The program is open to participants in grades 9 through 11, so long as they’ve completed algebra and geometry.
23. Interlochen Summer Arts Camp
Dates: Varies
Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,830 – $10,080 (depending on number of weeks enrolled)
Interlochen Summer Arts camp offers a variety of opportunities to creative high schoolers, including one-week, three-week, and six-week programs in fields ranging from music to visual arts to creative writing. Participants will explore their fields of interest, surrounded by supportive instructors and talented peers, and also get to explore the scenic Interlochen campus and opportunities it affords, like swimming, kayaking, and hiking.
Note that some programs require you to submit a sample of your work with your application. Need- and merit-based financial assistance are both available.
24. Science Engineering Exploration Camp (SEEC)
Dates:
- Session 1: July 15 – 19
- Session 2: July 22 – 26
Location: University of Detroit Mercy
Application Deadline: May 31 to receive early bird discount
Cost: $250 (one session); $450 (two sessions, early bird discount); $500 (two sessions)
The first session of this program is focused on the field of engineering and the second session introduces students to the biomedical sciences. Students will gain first-hand experience through hands-on activities similar to those undertaken by college students. They’ll also take field trips and explore areas such as coding, robotics, and biomedical engineering.
Students can enroll in either session alone, or both. Scholarships are available for this program.
25. Promesa Summer Success Program
Dates: June 17 – August 8
Location: Ferris State University
Application Deadline: May 10
Cost: Free
This free eight-week summer program is open to rising juniors and seniors. It aims to support and develop Hispanic/Latino students, so that they are prepared to succeed in college and beyond, by providing them with academic support and cultural experiences. Participants can earn up to seven college credits through the program.
The program is hosted by the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center at Ferris State University, which aims to be a leader in connecting with Hispanic/Latino communities, to ensure students from these communities can transition smoothly from high school to college.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Many selective colleges assess your extracurricular activities according to four tiers. Tier 1 includes the rarest and most exceptional activities, while Tier 4 includes those that are relatively common—the ones admissions offices encounter often on applications. You should aim to have at least a couple of Tier 1-2 activities if you’re aiming for top colleges and universities.
Summer programs are usually considered Tier 3-4 activities. However, if the program you’re considering attending is particularly selective (and free or low cost), it may fall into a higher tier.
To find out how your extracurriculars will impact your chances of admission, check out CollegeVine’s free chancing engine. This tool will not only estimate your real odds of acceptance to hundreds of colleges across the country, but also give you free tips on how to improve your profile!
