12 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Indiana
Summer programs for high school students provide a focused environment to explore academic interests and build practical skills. These offerings, many of which are supported by universities and nonprofits, are more financially accessible than year-round programs. In these programs, you’ll typically engage in projects, lab work, or guided instruction that mirrors college-level coursework.
For Indiana high schoolers interested in engineering and technical fields, local summer programs offer a chance to test those interests early. Participation can help clarify your college goals or future major. With growing options available, we’ve compiled a list of 12 summer college programs for high schoolers in Indiana. These programs are all based in Indiana and are especially relevant for students considering careers in engineering or related STEM areas.
1. MEET Kelley
Location: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, IN
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 13 - March 23
Dates: June 8 – June 13 (Men's week); June 22– June 27 (Women’s week)
Eligibility: High school junior with a 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale
MEET Kelley is a pre-college summer program for high school students interested in business education. During the program, you’ll attend classes led by Kelley School of Business faculty and work in teams to create a business plan for a case competition. Through academic and social sessions, you’ll also engage with Kelley staff, current students, and fellow participants. The experience includes an introduction to Indiana University’s Bloomington campus and guidance on admissions and scholarships. This program offers an overview of what academic life at Kelley entails and helps you understand the path from high school to business school.
2. University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $60 application fee + $150 enrollment fee
Application Deadline: October 14 - January 22
Dates: July 19 - July 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors entering senior year in the fall with demonstrated leadership abilities in school, church, community, and/or social organizations; At least 16 years old by or on August 1
Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars offers high school students a 10-day academic and service-oriented program. The university covers all program costs, including housing and meals. You’ll attend seminars by Notre Dame faculty on leadership and global issues, with opportunities to earn transferable college credit. Structured activities such as open mic nights and peer bonding exercises are built into the experience. You’ll live in campus dorms and work with undergraduate Resident Counselors throughout. You will also contribute to community service projects in areas such as animal care, food drives, and youth mentorship.
3. Business Is Global: Summer Language Program
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Cost: $2,000
Application Deadline: April 14
Dates: June 22—July 5
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Business Is Global is a two-week summer program hosted at Indiana University Bloomington, focusing on the intersection of international business, language, and culture. You’ll explore key business concepts through sessions based on the Kelley School of Business curriculum. Mornings are structured around business and language lessons, while afternoons feature cultural activities, regional studies, and team discussions. The program covers multiple world regions and examines communication styles and global economic practices. You’ll also complete a team project and present it at the program’s end.
4. Kelley Women's Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 18
Dates: Virtual Sessions: April 1 & April 8
Eligibility: Female sophomores and Juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
High school students can explore both the academic and career aspects of business through the Kelley Women's Leadership Institute. The program includes workshops conducted by Kelley School of Business faculty and discussions with alumni and students. You’ll be tasked with solving a business problem, helping build your teamwork and leadership experience. Sessions focus on essential soft skills, including public speaking and collaboration. You may choose between a one-day in-person event or a virtual option that extends across a few days. Space in the program is limited due to its selective nature.
5. Purdue University's Precollege Program
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Varies depending on the type of course. Click here to know more.
Application Deadline: February 1 (Priority deadline); April 15 (Final deadline)
Dates: Varies depending on the type of course. Click here to know more.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale; Will be at least 16 years old and must have completed sophomore year of high school by the time the program begins
Purdue’s Precollege Program offers an early introduction to college-level academics. You’ll complete one short-term course—online or in person—alongside current Purdue undergraduates. With more than 650 options across disciplines, you can select a subject that aligns with your academic goals. The structure encourages a focused learning experience by limiting participation to one course per student per summer. This program gives you time to adjust to college expectations while exploring your interests.
6. Earlham Summer
Location: Earlham College, Richmond, IN
Cost: $2,000
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: Session 1: June 15 - June 20
Session 2: June 22- June 27
Eligibility: Current high school student who will be a sophomore, junior, or senior in the fall
Earlham Summer is a weeklong pre-college program that allows you to earn college credit while exploring campus life. You'll choose from courses such as game design, psychology of food, rivers, museum studies, or metalsmithing. Classes are taught by Earlham faculty and include practical components and lecture-based sessions. You’ll join social activities and receive guidance on college applications and financial aid. After completing the program, participants who enroll at Earlham may also qualify for a $500 yearly scholarship. The experience is designed to simulate a real college week while offering both academic and social engagement.
7. Luddy Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Virtual/Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, IN
Cost: $300 - $850
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: Depends on the program you apply for
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
The Luddy Precollege Program is a residential summer experience focused on technology and computing, hosted at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus. You’ll explore how data, design, and software intersect with society through sessions in microbiome sequencing, automation, and cybersecurity. The curriculum includes Python programming and exposure to current research in computing. You’ll be grouped by experience level to ensure balanced instruction. The program also consists of a virtual cybersecurity camp specifically for high school women, where you can design projects and work with tools used in cybersecurity.
8. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 - August 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University allows students to work on STEM research projects with faculty mentors. The program includes training in modern lab settings, including molecular medicine, computer simulations, and renewable energy. You will contribute to ongoing research and may have your name appear in scientific publications. Research areas include game design, women’s health, coastal flooding, and atmospheric science. You’ll gain experience with scientific practices while working with advanced tools and data.
9. Sycamore Summer Scholars
Location: Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $425 - $525
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 8 - July 12
Eligibility: High school students with a 2.4 or higher high school GPA
Sycamore Summer Scholars is a pre-college academic program that allows high school students to sample college life while earning academic credit. You’ll stay on campus at Indiana State University, where you’ll attend a seminar taught by faculty members in fields ranging from sciences to the humanities. The program helps you test possible majors and develop skills for future coursework. Participants who finish the seminar successfully will receive one college credit that may be applied toward an Indiana State degree or transferred. You’ll also meet other students and experience living in university housing.
10. Summer Scholars - Notre Dame Pre-College Programs (IN)
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $4,950 + $60 application fee + $300 enrollment fee
Application Deadline: February 19
Dates: Session I: June 7- June 21, 2025 | Session II: June 28 - July 12
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors in strong academic standing with solid extracurricular activities; At least 16 years old by or on August 1
Through Notre Dame’s Summer Scholars program, you’ll spend two weeks on campus immersed in an academic track such as humanities, STEM, or business. The classes are taught by university faculty and designed to simulate college-level instruction. You’ll work with other students on coursework, participate in discussions, and complete assignments as you would in college. The program includes service learning, encouraging you to contribute to community projects. One transferable college credit is offered to those who complete the course. Your daily schedule consists of academic sessions and time for social and residential life on campus.
11. Pre-Freshman and Cooperative Education (PREFACE)
Location: Purdue University, IN
Cost: $1,100
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: June 22 - June 27
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th-grade students or students who have completed the 9th and 10th grades
PREFACE is a one-week residential summer program for high school sophomores and juniors interested in engineering. It offers one college credit and emphasizes projects that introduce engineering concepts. You’ll meet undergraduate and graduate engineering students, explore research labs, and learn about different engineering majors and career options. The program includes a strong academic focus on math, beginning with a pre-assessment and continuing through a personalized online learning license you can use after the program ends. Engineering design projects encourage collaboration and public speaking through team competitions.
12. Rose Power
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $1,600
Application Deadline: April 21
Dates: June 8 - June 13; June 15 - June 20
Eligibility: High school girls currently in the ninth grade who will be heading into sophomore year
Rose Power is a weeklong summer program for high school girls interested in science, math, and engineering. You’ll work directly in Rose-Hulman’s innovation centers, developing your technical skills. The program is guided by Rose-Hulman faculty and students, offering opportunities to engage with fundamental tools and machines. You’ll explore engineering applications through building tasks. The curriculum is designed to expose you to various technologies commonly used in engineering and design. By the end of the week, you’ll have experience creating devices and using professional-grade equipment.
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