Sadhvi Mathur April 25, 2022 12 Extracurricular Activities,Summer Activities

15 Summer Programs in Missouri for High Schoolers

What’s Covered:

• Why Participate in a Summer Program?
• 15 Summer Programs in Missouri for High Schoolers
• How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?

Missouri is a charming midwestern state with a lot to offer a college-minded high school student. With great universities like Drury University, Kansas City Art Institute, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and more, high schoolers looking to gain exposure to college-level curricula need only look within their community to find a great program that suits their interests and needs.

Interested in Missouri-based summer programs for your high school student? Read on.

Why Participate In A Summer Program?

There are few opportunities for high school students to learn how to live on a college campus as a real student, but summer programs offer that exact opportunity. During your student’s summer program, they will be able to navigate their way around campus, eat in dining halls, and maybe even live on their own in university. By participating in summer programs, your student would have a head start on college adjustment when they finally attend college.

Also, summer programs are geared towards giving your student valuable skills and knowledge that they can use both in college and in their future career. Regardless of the program, your student will learn something about a particular academic discipline or skillset in a hands-on environment. This great exposure can help your child narrow down what disciplines they may want to pursue in the future.

15 Summer Programs in Missouri For High Schoolers

While summer programs are often worth the cost, it is important to note how much each program would cost you and your student to attend. Below, we have outlined a brief description of fifteen great summer programs, and we have included the costs of each program. Please note, however, that these are approximate costs and will vary based on a number of factors, including whether your student is a resident/commuter, how much money they spend on activities outside of the program, etc.

1. Drury Leadership Academy | The Day Everything Changed

Dates: July 10-17, 2022
Location: Drury University
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $400 plus $115 per class

The Drury Leadership Academy offers a truly unique program called “The Day Everything Changed,” which gives students a comprehensive historical overview of global inventions that changed the landscape of society forever. In this program, your student will come to understand just how today’s world came to about through the lens of technological progress.

This program is specifically designed for students in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school. In order to qualify for this program, your student must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Previous attendance in Drury Leadership Academy’s Summerscape/Summer Quest.
2. Previous/Present attendance in a State-approved Gifted Program
3. Qualified to attend Missouri Award Ceremony for Duke University TIP
4. IQ of 120 or above
5. GPA of 3.5 or above on core curriculum.

If your students meets one of the above qualifications, they simply need to fill out the application and pay the $885 program fee. This includes both the costs of the class itself and the residential costs for the summer. There are no deadlines for registration, though classes do fill up quickly, so it’s best to apply sooner rather than later.

2. Drury Leadership Academy | Wellness Throw Down: DLA Style

Dates: July 12-22, 2022
Location: Drury University
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $885

This course is all about teaching your student how to take care of him/herself in college and throughout their adult life. Specifically, this course is structured around helping your student maintain their health and wellness in stressful environments. For example, your student would be able to sit down with a fitness coach and nutrition expert that can help them establish healthy eating and exercise habits. This is an extremely valuable course for any student who is looking to attend a top college.

This program is specifically designed for students in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school. In order to qualify for this program, your student must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Previous attendance in Drury Leadership Academy’s Summerscape/Summer Quest.
2. Previous/Present attendance in a State-approved Gifted Program
3. Qualified to attend Missouri Award Ceremony for Duke University TIP
4. IQ of 120 or above
5. GPA of 3.5 or above on core curriculum.

If your students meets one of the above qualifications, they simply need to fill out the application and pay the $885 program fee. This includes both the costs of the class itself and the residential costs for the summer. There are no deadlines for registration, though classes do fill up quickly, so it’s best to apply sooner rather than later.

3. Drury Leadership Academy | The Big Bang Theory and Other Big Stuff

Dates: July 12-22, 2022
Location: Drury University
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $885

Is your student fascinated by our solar system, the universe, and beyond? If so, they will find this class engaging. This 12-day course is meant to teach students about the Big Bang, the beginning of the universe, and other half-explained phenomena like Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and more.

This program is specifically designed for students in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school. In order to qualify for this program, your student must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Previous attendance in Drury Leadership Academy’s Summerscape/Summer Quest.
2. Previous/Present attendance in a State-approved Gifted Program
3. Qualified to attend Missouri Award Ceremony for Duke University TIP
4. IQ of 120 or above
5. GPA of 3.5 or above on core curriculum.

If your students meets one of the above qualifications, they simply need to fill out the application and pay the $885 program fee. This includes both the costs of the class itself and the residential costs for the summer. There are no deadlines for registration, though classes do fill up quickly, so it’s best to apply sooner rather than later.

4. Kansas City Institute of Art Pre-College Summer ArtLab

Dates: July 17-29, 2022
Location: Kansas City Institute of Art
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $2,300

If your student is a burgeoning artist, this is definitely the program for them. The Kansas City Institute of Art offers this program for high school students to get a feel for what it is like to be a student at KCAI. By enrolling in this program, students will have the opportunity to take a wide range of college-level courses put together by KCAI’s expert faculty, including animation, illustration, and painting.

Acceptance into this program is competitive and space is limited. The application deadline is February 1st for scholarship consideration and admissions decisions are released on March 1st. The application requires your student to submit an art portfolio of 1-5 pieces to be considered.

If accepted into this program, the cost is $2,900 for the entire summer. This includes three college-level credits, campus housing, meals, supplies, and more.

5. Missouri Science & Technology Summer Programs | CyberMiner Camp

Dates: July 10-14, 2022
Location: Missouri Science & Technology University
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $575

This competitive computer science program is worth looking into. Through this 5-day camp, students will learn about big data and information visualization, participate in an AI challenge, build and program robots, and much more. This program takes place from July 10th-June 14th, 2022, and is only eligible for rising 11th and 12th graders. This program only takes 60 students, so be sure to register sooner rather than later.

If your student wishes to participate in this program and live on campus, they will pay a fee of $575, which includes room and board, meals, and activities. If your student wishes to commute to and from the program, the cost is $525.

6. Missouri Science & Technology Summer Programs | Explosives Camp

Dates:
Session I: June 5 – 10, 2022
Session II: June 12 – 17, 2022
Location: Missouri Science & Technology University
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $1,450

This competitive one-of-a-kind 5-day camp experience is exploding with fun. The Explosives Camp gives students a safe, hands-on learning experience with explosives, from detonators to demolition. At the end of the camp, students will get to put together their very own fireworks display.

Only 15 students are admitted per session (there are two sessions throughout the summer), and students must apply and mail in their application to be considered. In the application, your student must include:

1. A One-Page Resume
2. A letter of Recommendation from a high-school teacher or counselor
3. A short 300-500 word essay describing, “Why am I interested in a career that focuses on the application of explosives?”

If accepted into the program, the total cost is $1,450, which includes room, board, activities, and transportation during the week.

7. Missouri Science & Technology Summer Programs | Formula SAE Electric Car Camp

Dates: July 24 – 28, 2022
Location: Missouri Science & Technology University
Application deadline: Rolling admissions 
Cost: $750

Electric vehicles are often considered to be the future of transportation. If your student is thinking of getting involved in this lucrative field, they can get a head-start on learning the ins and outs of electric vehicle design through this week-long residential program. In the program, your child will learn the basics of electric vehicle design and the Formula SAE competition. They will also get a chance to experience what being on a collegiate design team.

Space in this program is limited to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Only 25 students may register for this program, and space fills up quickly, so it’s best to register early. Upon registering, you must pay a registration fee of $750 which includes room and board.

This program takes place from July 24-July 28th, 2022.

8. Summers @ Mizzou | Scrub-in to a Health Career

Dates: July 14-18, 2022
Location: University of Missouri
Application deadline: June 1st
Cost: $600

The University of Missouri offers a great opportunity for interested 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students to explore various healthcare careers through its 5-day Scrub-in to a Health Career program. Your student will get to explore different healthcare-related college majors and career opportunities while learning about campus life. This program takes place from July 14-18, 2022.

Interested candidates must register using their online portal. If you register by May 1st, the cost of the program will only be $550. After that, the fee becomes $600. You must register by June 1st. If your student plans to commute to and from the program each day, they must register by June 30th and will only need to pay $375. Only 20 students are permitted to register for this program, so act fast if you want to secure your spot.

9. Summers @ Mizzou | Network Forensics for Hacker Trackers

Dates: July 14-18, 2022
Location: University of Missouri
Application deadline: June 1st
Cost: $615

The University of Missouri allows 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students to explore the exciting field of Network Forensics through this 5-day  program. Your student will get to explore the ins and outs of data science and cybersecurity while discovering career opportunities and learning about campus life. This program takes place from July 14-18, 2022.

Interested candidates must register using their online portal. If you register by May 1st, the cost of the program will only be $615. After that, the fee becomes $650. You must register by June 1st. If your student plans to commute to and from the program each day, they must register by June 30th and will only need to pay $435.

10. Summers @ Mizzou | Dog Days of Summer

Dates: July 14-18, 2022
Location: University of Missouri
Application deadline: June 1st
Cost: $550

Does your student love working with animals? In this 5-day program, the University of Missouri offers 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students have the opportunity to explore the exciting field of Veterinary science. Your student will see what it takes to take care of animals while discovering career opportunities and learning about campus life. This program takes place from July 14-18, 2022.

Interested candidates must register using their online portal. If you register by May 1st, the cost of the program will only be $515. After that, the fee becomes $550. You must register by June 1st. If your student plans to commute to and from the program each day, they must register by June 30th and will only need to pay $335.

Note: Registration is full for the Summer 2022 Program. Interested students must enter the waitlist to be considered for this program.

11. Students and Teachers As Research Scientists (STARS)

Dates: July 13-22, 2022
Location: University of Missouri–St. Louis
Application deadline: March 22nd
Cost: $3,942

This prestigious program allows students interested in any STEM field to gain real laboratory experience and work with renowned scientists in their specified field of research. The STARS program allows academically-motivated students entering their senior year of high school to work in one of a number of STEM fields with a real research team, guided by experts. The specific type of research will vary per student.

Applications for this program are accepted from March 1st through March 22nd, and they will be notified of their admissions decision no later than April 10th. In order to apply, students must answer the following questions in their application:

1. What are your long-range career goals?
2. If you were allowed, in what area or on what problem would you like to investigate or do a research project?  
3. How much time and effort are you willing to put into a research project of your own?
4. Type a one-page essay on one of the following topics:
   1. The science or mathematics research project that you would personally like to do.
   2. A particular problem in math or science that you feel needs to be addressed.
   3. Your relationship as an individual to society, science and/or technology.
   4. Something you feel is of particular importance or significance to society.

The application fee is $100. The cost of the entire program is $3,942, including one credit hour fee.

12. High School Summer Institutes | Creative Writing

Dates: June 19-July 2, 2022
Location: Washington University at St. Louis
Application deadline: rolling
Cost: $3,985

Washington University at St. Louis offers a state-of-the-art creative writing program for high school students who are passionate about their work and are looking to improve in a supportive and collaborative environment filled with peers and experts. During this 2-week program, students will learn key writing techniques and hone their skills through discussion-based activities, free writing time with innovative prompts, and sharing their work with their classmates. In addition, students conclude the summer with two final projects, a reflective essay that sums up their experience in the program and a final piece of work that gets published in WashU’s online literary journal.

To be eligible for this program, high school students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school (graduating in 2020, 2021, or 2022).
• Have an academic average of B+ (3.3/4.0) or better.
• As an international student, provide documentation of your ability to complete coursework in English (the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 90).

In addition, interested students must complete an online application. This application includes a transcript submission, teacher recommendation, and proof of English ability for international students. There are also two essay prompts:

1. What traits or abilities do you possess that would make you successful in a pre-college environment? (150-250 words)
2. Please list one goal you hope to achieve if selected to attend a Summer Experience at Washington University. (50-100 words)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 1st. Once all parts of the application are submitted, students are usually notified of their admissions decision within 10-12 days. If accepted into the program, the costs are $3,985, which includes all academic and residential expenses.

13. High School Summer Institutes | Environmental Studies

Dates: July 10-16, 2022
Location: Washington University at St. Louis
Application deadline: rolling
Cost: $2,585 for two-week institutes and $1,285 for one-week institutes

Washington University at St. Louis also offers a summer program for high school students who are passionate about Environmental Science and how we can preserve our ecosystem for future generations. During this 2-week program, students will discover the ecological principles that are the basis of environmental studies and sustainability. In addition, students conclude the summer with two final projects, a reflective essay that sums up their experience in the program and a case study project where students work together in teams to address a current issue in environmental sustainability.

To be eligible for this program, high school students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school (graduating in 2020, 2021, or 2022).
• Have an academic average of B+ (3.3/4.0) or better.
• As an international student, provide documentation of your ability to complete coursework in English (the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 90).

In addition, interested students must complete an online application. This application includes a transcript submission, teacher recommendation, and proof of English ability for international students. There are also two essay prompts:

1. What traits or abilities do you possess that would make you successful in a pre-college environment? (150-250 words)
2. Please list one goal you hope to achieve if selected to attend a Summer Experience at Washington University. (50-100 words)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 1st. Once all parts of the application are submitted, students are usually notified of their admissions decision within 10-12 days. If accepted into the program, the costs are $3,985, which includes all academic and residential expenses.

14. Webster University Summer Music Camps | Flute Camp

Dates: June 3-7, 2022
Location: Webster University
Application deadline: May 15th
Cost: $145

This 5-day program is meant for any passionate high school flute player who is looking to hone their skills in an ensemble setting with help from a professional mentor. During this program, your student will have the opportunity to improve their flute skills through daily exercises and classes. At the end of the week, they will perform in a final performance showcasing their improvement.

This program takes place from June 3-7, 2022. Students in any year of high school are eligible to apply; however, your student must have completed one full year of playing flute in a school band program or have had at least one full year of private flute instruction.

In order to qualify, students must apply through a simple online application by May 15th. In addition, they must pay a registration fee of $145. If this sounds like something your student would be interested in, they can apply now.

15. Webster University Summer Music Camps | String Orchestra Camp

Dates: June 3-7, 2022
Location: Webster University
Application deadline: May 15th
Cost: $165

If your student plays a string (violin, viola, cello, or base) instrument and wants to hone their skills, this is the program for them. Your student can make both music and new friends through this summer program, where there will participate in full string orchestra rehearsals, engage in master classes, and showcase their improvement in a final performance.  

This program takes place from June 3-7, 2019. Students in any year of high school are eligible to apply; however, your student must have at least one year’s experience reading sheet music and complete a pre-camp questionnaire for placement.

In order to qualify, students must apply through a simple online application by May 15th. In addition, they must pay a registration fee of $165. If this sounds like something your student would be interested in, they can apply now.

How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?

Some summer programs are more competitive than others, requiring letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, while other programs 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. 

Lower-tier extracurricular activities don’t hold the same sway with admissions offices, however, 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.