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15 Summer Programs in Louisiana for High Schoolers

What’s Covered:

 

After a stressful semester, you likely want nothing more than to spend the summer kicking back and relaxing. While there’s nothing wrong with engaging in a little “me time” during the summer months, if you dream of attending a competitive college, you’ll want to go the extra mile to impress admissions counselors. That’s where summer programs come in. Also known as pre-college programs, these provide a glimpse into life at college, allow you to pursue interesting fields, develop in-demand skills and talents, and ultimately stand out from crowded fields of applicants. 

 

15 Summer Programs in Louisiana for High Schoolers

 

1. Architecture Camp

 

Budding architects in the Bayou State will want to explore this week-long program out of Louisiana State University (LSU) designed to expose students to the basic principles of the field. During the course, students build models and other structures to get a feel for what it’s like to work in the architecture industry. Additionally, they’ll meet and interact with LSU Architecture students and faculty, and tour real-life construction sites and architectural firms.

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 10th, 11th, and 12th 

Dates: June 15-19

Cost: $930

Deadline: rolling

 

2. Robotics Summer Residential Program

 

If you’re passionate about AI, consider enrolling in LSU’s Robotics Summer Residential Program. A two-week-long course, the program exposes students to basic robotics tools like VEX hardware and RobotC software. Through a combination of study and hands-on experimentation, participants will expand their knowledge of the robotics world while exploring the development, building, and programming of robots. Topics covered in the program include motor speed, gear ratios, torque, sensors, program loops, project documentation, and decision-making.

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 9th-12th 

Dates: July 10 – July 23

Cost: $1,250-$2,750

Deadline: 6/3/22

 

3. Introduction to Engineering

 

Students with an interest in pursuing engineering will want to check out this two-week summer program at Louisiana State University. During this program, students will visit engineering laboratories and take part in 15 hands-on projects related to ten different engineering disciplines. The aim of the program is to aid attendees in making more informed decisions about everything from high school electives to potential college majors.

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 9th-12th 

Dates: July 10 – July 23

Cost: $1,250-$2,750

Deadline: 5/27/22

 

4. Math Circle

 

The Math Circle program at LSU is a three-week-long course designed to help students develop their understanding of various mathematical principles, such as number theory, coding, and statistics. Working with peers who share their passion, attendees will have the chance to explore mathematics topics not typically taught at the high school level under the guidance of professors and graduate students. 

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 9th-12th 

Dates: 

June 13 – July 2

July 18 – August 6

Cost: $895

Deadline: 6/3/22

 

5. Survey of Drones

 

This two-week LSU summer program puts a student’s engineering skills to the test, as they are challenged to assemble, program, and pilot drones through an indoor racecourse. Participants will learn about the basics of flight and signal transmission, along with gaining hands-on experience programming drones to improve their mobility and better suit their flying preferences. 

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 9th-12th 

Dates: July 10 – July 23

Cost: $1,250-$2,750

Deadline: 6/3/22

 

6. eXploreCS High School

 

This week-long summer program gives rising 10th through 12th graders the chance to explore computer science and programming. During this program, participants develop problem-solving skills in addition to learning key computer science concepts such as technology systems, networks, algorithms, data structures, data analytics, visualization, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. 

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 10th, 11th, and 12th 

Dates: May 30 – June 3

Cost: $450

Deadline: 6/8/22

 

7. REHAMS Engineering

 

The Recruiting into Engineering High-Ability Multicultural Students (REHAMS) program introduces participants from all backgrounds to the various disciplines in the field of engineering. Students in this five-day program engage in numerous hands-on activities, sit in on panels led by professional engineers, and participate in a design project competition which challenges them to construct a design process that incorporates time, budget, aesthetics, and functionality. 

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University 

Grades: 10th, 11th, and 12th 

Dates: June 19 – June 25

Cost: $600

Deadline: rolling

Additional Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA 

 

8. Halliburton XCITE


Rising 9th- through 12th-grade female students are the target audience of this summer program
encouraging the pursuit of careers in engineering, computer science, and construction management. Over the course of the program’s five days, participants learn about a variety of engineering majors and college life in general. Participants can expect to take part in design projects and activities designed to build leadership skills, listen to panels focused on female engineers, and take a virtual field trip to a refinery or chemical plant.

 

Affiliate College: Louisiana State University

Grades: 9th-12th 

Dates: July 17 – July 23

Cost: $600

Deadline: rolling

Additional Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA 

 

9. SOAR X

 

Stress on Analytical Reasoning (SOAR) X is an intensive, four-week residential program designed to help prepare the next generation of highly educated professionals for success in, and after, college. Participants can choose from two tracks focused on social justice—one STEM-based, the other humanities-based—where they’re challenged to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society while gaining firsthand experience with college life and careers in the fields of health science and law. 

 

Affiliate College: Xavier University of Louisiana

Grades: 11th and 12th 

Dates: June 20 – July 15

Cost: $2,000

Deadline: 3/1/22

Additional Requirements: Transcript and recommendation from a teacher or counselor

 

10. PHYStar 

 

Students preparing to take high school physics in the fall will want to look into this three-week program at Xavier University of Louisiana. Participants in PHYStar will gain a better understanding of the basic concepts of physics through a variety of interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and team projects.

 

Affiliate College: Xavier University of Louisiana

Grades: 9th-12th 

Dates: June 6-24

Cost: $550

Deadline: 5/27/22

Additional Requirements: Current report card and completed chemistry and pre-calculus with a C or better 

 

11. Pre-Freshman Engineering Summer Program

 

Both middle and high school students can sharpen their STEM skills in this summer program at Dillard University. Participants will explore a variety of courses over the program’s five weeks, including mathematics, general biology, chemistry, and computer science. Students will also build valuable skills that transcend fields, such as communication and critical thinking.  

 

Affiliate College: Dillard University

Grades: 7th-11th 

Dates: June 6 – July 8

Cost: $400

Deadline: 6/1/22

 

12. ADVANCE

 

Open to students in grades seven through 11, ADVANCE is a three-week residential program offered by Northwestern State. Targeting students who are gifted and talented in diverse subject areas, this program is described as “intense and demanding.” While the idea of spending your summer studying might sound intimidating, it’s worth noting that the program includes plenty of time for social activities and recreation. This year’s available courses include Chemistry, Algebra, Film Studies, and Shakespeare in Performance.

 

Affiliate College: Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Grades: 7th-11th

Dates: ​​July 10 – 30

Cost: $2,850 plus a $50 lab fee for select courses

Deadline: 5/3/22

Additional Requirements: Current report card and most recent state standardized test scores 

 

13. Career Explorations in Architecture

 

This two-week course allows teens to study at the picturesque Tulane University campus. During Career Explorations in Architecture, high schoolers explore basic topics in the field. Along with participating in classroom learning, students will have the chance to attend lectures and workshops, spend time in studios, and take part in field trips. As a bonus, attendees will meet and interact with both Tulane professors and practicing architects from the local region. 

 

Affiliate College: Tulane University 

Grades: 11th and 12th

Dates: July 5-15, July 18-29

Cost: $1,995-$4,495

Deadline: rolling

 

14. Tulane Science Scholars Program

 

The Tulane Science Scholars program allows high school juniors and seniors to take a variety of two-week-long college-level courses in science and engineering—ranging from coding to climate change to computer science—and earn college credit. The program is primarily residential, providing students with a firsthand college experience. Participants will spend their days attending labs and lectures, eating in dining halls, and living in dorms. 

 

Affiliate College: Tulane University 

Grades: 11th and 12th

Dates: June 20 – July 2, July 4 – 16

Cost: N/A

Deadline: Rolling 

Additional Requirements: Transcript, teacher recommendation, and an essay

 

15. Newcomb Summer Session

 

Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can learn about gender equity in these four-day summer sessions by the Newcomb Institute of Tulane University. Participants will leave this program with a deeper understanding of gender, leadership, and social change through discussion-based seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects while ultimately improving their college readiness. 

 

Affiliate College: Tulane University 

Grades: 10th-12th

Dates: multiple sessions 

Cost: N/A

Deadline: 4/15/22 

Additional Requirements: Current report card and an essay 

 

How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?

 

Some summer programs are more competitive, requiring letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, while others 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. A good example of a top-tier Louisiana summer program is the super-selective ADVANCE program.

 

Lower-tier extracurricular activities don’t hold the same sway with admissions offices, but 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 hundreds of colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.


Short Bio
A graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in English, Tim Peck currently lives in Concord, New Hampshire, where he balances a freelance writing career with the needs of his two Australian Shepherds to play outside.