15 Programs for High School Students in Delaware
If you are a high school student looking to explore your interests beyond the classroom, participating in academic and structured programs can be an ideal way to do so. These programs help you develop practical skills, gain industry experience, and connect with professionals and peers who share your ambitions. These experiences can make a significant difference in building your profile and enhancing your college applications.
Delaware offers a range of respected programs led by universities and organizations known for their close ties to business, research, and technology. You will be learning from experts who are leaders in their fields and building your network. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, these programs can help you test your interests and start building a real foundation for your future.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled 15 of the best summer programs for high school students in Delaware.
1. Nemours Children’s Hospital Summer VolunTeen Program
Location: Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, Delaware
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: 7-8 weeks
Application Deadline: February 28 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school sophomores (16+)
The Summer VolunTeen Program from Nemours Children's Hospital allows you to provide meaningful service and support to patients and families. Throughout the summer, you will support staff throughout 80 departments of the hospital, including roles with direct patient and family interaction as well as a more behind-the-scenes role. The focus of the program is to build professionalism, understanding, and service, which are all tenets of the Nemours mission. All volunteers will be trained and health compliant and must commit to at least seven of the eight weeks of the program.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students from anywhere in the world
Veritas AI, led by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high schoolers interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session boot camp that introduces those new to AI, ML, and data science to the fundamentals while they work on real-world projects. If you have prior experience, however, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program offers 1:1 mentorship from top university graduates on an individual project. A key benefit of this program is access to an in-house publication team that will help you secure publications in high school research journals.
3. Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: About 130 students
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: January 27 (tentative)
Eligibility: Delaware high school sophomores and juniors nominated by their schools
The Delaware Governor's School for Excellence is an overnight educational program sponsored by the State of Delaware for academically talented high school students and students with artistic abilities from all over Delaware. During the program, you will reside in the University of Delaware residence halls and participate in either an academic program consisting of lectures and discussion on a central theme or an arts program consisting of individual instruction with professional artists culminating in a performance or exhibit. The program provides you with opportunities to connect to actual Delaware state leaders and explore issues that have relevance in the real world. You’ll also get to collaboratively work with like-minded students to think about your own standard of excellence.
4. Lumire Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (GPA of 3.3+)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a competitive research opportunity for high school students that provides substantial 1-on-1 research experiences in a variety of disciplines. As a participant, you will be matched with a Ph.D. mentor who will work with you on a research project of your choosing. You may choose research topics from various subject areas such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Trail Ambassadors Program (RENEW)
Location: DuPont Environmental Education Center, Wilmington, DE
Stipend: $275/week (summer); $275/month (school year); $850 completion bonus
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: October 15 – August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th-11th graders, with priority given to Wilmington residents
The Trail Ambassadors Program is an initiative of the Delaware Nature Society that is part of our RENEW program. As a participant, you will help the Wilmington community build connections to outdoor spaces and places through education and outreach, and hands-on environmental projects. You'll meet for two days a week during the school year, planning and programming for younger children and further developing leadership and communication skills while logging community service hours. During the summer, you'll help facilitate outdoor programming at the DuPont Environmental Education Center and learn about kayaking, canoeing, and environmental stewardship.
6. Apollo: Youth in Medicine
Location: Various locations across Delaware
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year
Application Deadline: September 23
Eligibility: Delaware high school juniors and seniors
Apollo provides opportunities for in-person clinical shadowing across a wide range of medical specialties, allowing you to gain insight into the daily practice of medicine. You will have the chance to observe 17 different disciplines and participate in occasional "enhanced experiences," such as cadaver dissection and specialty seminars. The program is multistep: You apply in the fall, attend a mandatory education session (where you receive HIPAA training), then sign up for shadowing slots through repeated “Match” cycles. You’ll spend time observing physicians, attend medical seminars, and may be invited to exclusive hands-on events that go beyond typical high-school opportunities. Apollo is ideal if you want direct clinical exposure before college and a flexible program that runs alongside your school year.
7. College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI)
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 22 – July 2
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: First-generation or low-income high school students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5+
The College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI) at the University of Delaware is a free summer and year-round program designed to help high school students prepare for success in college and beyond. During the summer session, you’ll take part in academic seminars with UD faculty, college-readiness workshops led by admissions professionals, and activities focused on personal growth and leadership. You’ll also join social events like movie nights, field games, and talent shows that build community among peers from across Delaware. After the summer, the program continues through the school year with monthly sessions to strengthen your academic and professional development.
8. Jazz Band Camp
Location: Roselle Center for the Arts, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $295; Financial aid available
Cohort Size: Space limited by instrument
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; Early bird discount if registered by April 15
Eligibility: Rising 8th-12th graders and graduating 12th graders; All instrumentalists (recommendation letter required for new applicants)
The Jazz Band Camp at the University of Delaware’s Community Music School is a one-week intensive program where you’ll deepen your musicianship through ensemble playing, improvisation, ear training, and small-group sectionals. You’ll work with UD faculty and guest artists while exploring the art of jazz performance, culminating in a Friday evening concert in Puglisi Recital Hall for family and friends. You’ll get personalized feedback in rehearsals, attend masterclasses, and connect with fellow young musicians who share your passion for jazz. You must bring your own instruments and supplies, and a teacher recommendation is required for first-time participants (unless previously enrolled or an all-state performer).
9. ECO Camp: Technology in the Environment
Location: University of Delaware, Lewes, DE
Cost: $380
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders
This one-week camp focuses on using technology, including robots and drones, to study and protect the environment. You'll build your own underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and test your design skills in a team competition simulating a sea turtle rescue during the oil spill. The program includes practicing environmental monitoring at White Clay Creek. You will also learn about beach erosion and land use change using digital photography from drones, test piloting skills with drones, and map data using GIS.
10. Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $1,995; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one high school biology or general science course
The Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program at the University of Delaware is a hands-on, noncredit program. Throughout the week, you'll explore topics like DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprinting, and forensic chemistry with UD faculty and professionals from Delaware's Division of Forensic Science and State Police. You’ll visit active forensic labs, process simulated crime scenes, and present a final case report to a panel of experts. This program offers a realistic and engaging look into modern forensic work for those curious about biomedical science, lab research, or criminal investigation.
11. ECO Camp: Marine Science
Location: University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware
Cost: $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders
This one-week residential camp is designed to explore the coastal marine environment and offer a scientist's perspective on Delaware's ecosystems. You will observe coastal waterways by kayak, use a seine net to catch species like croakers and pipefish, and explore the Great Salt Marsh to interact with crabs. The instruction takes place Monday through Friday at and near the University of Delaware's marine campus in Lewes, with lodging and meals provided at Cape Henlopen State Park. You will be transported to Lewes from Cab Calloway for this outdoor, hands-on experience.
12. Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $2,500; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students with experience in robotics and Python, preferably those in honors or AP-level STEM courses
The Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Summer Program is a weeklong, advanced noncredit program for high school students interested in robotics, engineering, and artificial intelligence. Developed with UD's CAR Lab, this program introduces the algorithms, sensors, and control systems that enable autonomous vehicles. As a participant, you'll learn to use ROS, Python, and C++, assemble and program robotic vehicles, and test them in racing and parking simulations. The experience concludes with a high-energy autonomous vehicle competition where teams present and race their final projects.
13. SAT Live-Online Test Prep
Location: Virtual
Cost: $475; Financial aid and discounts available for UD dependents and Delaware residents
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions offered from January to September
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students preparing to take or retake the SAT
The SAT Live-Online Test Prep Program from the University of Delaware is a comprehensive, instructor-led course designed to help you strengthen your test-taking strategies and build confidence for the SAT. Across 16 contact hours, you'll review key math, reading, and writing concepts, practice with real exam questions, and develop a personalized study plan. The online format offers flexible scheduling and includes recorded lessons, instructor Q&A forums, and 120 days of extended access to materials for independent practice. This program offers structured guidance, proven strategies, and expert instruction to assist in improving your SAT score.
14. Edge Summer College Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $5,495 + $100 non-refundable deposit; Need-based scholarships may be available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 19 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: International and domestic rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Edge Summer College Program offers you an opportunity to engage and learn on UD’s Newark campus with motivated students from around the world. As a participant, you will enroll in one to two college-level courses taught by UD faculty and earn up to six transferable college credits. You will also attend college preparation workshops led by college admissions experts, where you will learn how to craft an effective college essay and streamline the college application process. This experience is a good way to push yourself academically while establishing independence, leadership, and community-building skills through social and cultural programs.
15. Delaware Health Career Collaborative
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 2 weeks
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders interested in healthcare
The Delaware Health Career Collaborative is a free summer program for high schoolers that offers a hands-on look at healthcare. As a participant, you’ll join virtual interactive learning experiences on the professional disciplines of neurology, cardiology, behavioral health, oncology, and public health, and other clinical or non-clinical careers. The project aims to enhance your understanding of healthcare. Additionally, it is intended to cultivate early awareness and confidence as you explore potential careers in medicine, public health, and healthcare administration.
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