13 Summer Programs for High School Students in Delaware
As a high school student, participating in a summer program—such as a pre-college program, research program, or summer camp—can lay the foundation for a successful college experience. Colleges and other institutions offer several summer programs for high school students in Delaware that give you the chance to learn from college faculty and other industry professionals.
You’ll also have the opportunity to expand your network, whether with fellow students or experts in your field. Many summer programs are available at no cost or with financial assistance, making them affordable options to consider.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 13 summer programs for high school students in Delaware that you can explore!
13 Summer Programs for High School Students in Delaware
1. Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence
Location: University of Delaware, Newark campus, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Register by February 10; More details here
Eligibility: Delaware high school sophomores and juniors nominated by their school’s principals
The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence is a one-week, residential summer program for high school students who are gifted in academics or the arts. The program offers two tracks: the Academic Program and the Visual and Performing Arts Program. As part of the academic program, you will participate in various discussions, lectures, debates, and screenings of films that explore relevant themes. In the arts program, you'll participate in hands-on tutoring sessions with a renowned artist and have the chance to showcase your work at the end of the program. To participate in the Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence program, you will have to be nominated by your high school’s principal.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (summer included)
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students to offer programs where high school students can have a hands-on experience in the world of artificial intelligence. The program is open to beginners in AI as well as more experienced students. If you’re just starting your AI journey, you can try the AI Scholars program. It is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science through hands-on work on real-world projects. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more challenging experience, try the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program. It will give you the chance to work on an individual project while receiving 1:1 guidance from mentors from top universities. During this program, you’ll also get access to the in-house publication team, which will help you publish your work in high school research journals. However, to participate in this program, you should have either finished the AI Scholars program or already have experience with AI concepts or Python.
3. College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI)
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – 27 (11th-12th graders) | June 22 – 27 (9th-10th graders)
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors in Delaware; Have a 2.5+ cumulative GPA; Either be a first-generation college student or a low-income student
The College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI) provides low-income high school students with opportunities to engage in summer programs and multiple academic-year sessions aimed at preparing them for college. As a participant, you will attend workshops led by UD faculty and staff that give you insight into the college application process. You will also learn how to craft compelling college essays and interact with other staff and students at UD, gaining insights from their experiences. The summer program also offers personal development workshops, field trips, movie nights, and many other activities. Throughout the remainder of the academic year, the program will continue to support you, helping you prepare for college and your future.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (summer included)
Application Deadline: Differs based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3; Prior experience not required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective online program for high school students interested in research. During the program, you will get to work on an independent research project while working under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You can choose from a broad range of subjects, including engineering, science, psychology, international relations, data science, and so much more. By the end of the program, you should have an independent research project, which you’ll also get to present at the Lumiere Research Symposium. You can apply here!
5. Edge Summer College Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $5,495; Limited partial need-based scholarships available
Dates: July 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors with a 3.0+ cumulative GPA; Open to international students
The Edge Summer College Program is a competitive program that prepares high school students for college life. As a participant, you will get to attend one or two college-level courses, while also receiving up to six transferable credits. You’ll gain insight into the college application process and how to draft a college essay that stands out by attending workshops led by college admissions professionals. Some of the college courses offered during this program include Human Heredity & Development, Introduction to Engineering Product Design, The Leadership Challenge, and more. Courses are limited to a maximum of 25 students. In addition to electives, you are also required to take the Edge Seminar course, where you'll learn about college admissions, career exploration, and other topics.
6. Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: Varies by program
Dates: ECO Camp: Technology in the Environment: July 21 – 25 | ECO Camp: Marine Science: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Varies depending on camp
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
During the ECO Camp program, you will have the opportunity to join either the Technology in the Environment camp or the Marine Science camp. During the Technology in the Environment camp, you'll explore technologies aimed at studying and conserving the environment. You’ll have the chance to build your own underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and participate in team competitions that test your design skills. Additionally, you'll gain hands-on experience in environmental monitoring at White Clay Creek and learn about beach erosion and land use changes. The Marine Science camp will involve observing coastal waterways, catching croakers and pipefish, studying crabs in the Great Salt Marsh, and additional activities. It will give you the chance to explore and learn about Delaware’s marine environment, just as a scientist would.
7. Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $1,995; Financial aid available
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: June 13; Register by May 15 (early registration) to receive a 10% discount
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; Should have completed at least one high school biology or general science course
If you’re a high school student interested in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, laboratory medicine, or crime scene investigation, the Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program could be a great option for you. During this program, you’ll get to learn from UD faculty as well as forensic experts from the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences. You will explore topics and concepts like crime scene investigation, forensic photography, forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, and more. You will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips to the Division of Forensic Science. At the program’s final event, you'll need to present a “court-ready” report to a panel of forensic scientists.
8. Delaware Health Career Collaborative by ChristianaCare
Location: ChristianaCare, Wilmington, DE (Virtual options may be available)
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders
ChristianaCare offers the Delaware Health Career Collaborative program to high school students interested in exploring the healthcare industry. As a participant, you can explore both clinical and non-clinical roles while gaining insights into fields such as neurology, cardiology, oncology, and more. The program also offers a virtual learning experience. Participating in it can boost your resume, whether you’re preparing for college and seeking well-rounded experiences, or you're interested in the healthcare industry and want to gain early exposure.
9. Microelectronics Week
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified; Space is limited, so early application is recommended
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen to rising seniors in Delaware
The University of Delaware’s Microelectronics Week aims to provide high school students with hands-on learning experiences in microelectronics and cybersecurity. During the program, you will learn about the history of the field of microelectronics as well as its importance in today’s world. Each day, you will get to experience hands-on work, building your own Timer circuit using a 555 chip on a breadboard on day one and more. Over the week, you will explore the intricacies of the field, learning about fundamental electronic components, voltage regulation, MOSFETs, and other related topics.
10. Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation: Destination Mars
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $775; Limited scholarships available
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: Not specified; Spots fill up quickly, so early application is recommended
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-10
The Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation offers high school students hands-on training and experiences in STEM and aerospace-related activities and fields. Destination Mars is an overnight academy that encourages you to conduct Mars-related experiments and participate in computer simulations. During this program, you’ll engage in activities such as assembling an underwater space station, constructing and launching a rocket from spare parts, building a magnetic levitation vehicle, designing a rover, and more. You’ll also simulate astronaut training and learn from Mars experts. Additionally, the program features a field trip to Iron Hill Park.
11. Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $2,500; Partial need-based scholarships available
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Register by June 13 (Early registration) to receive a 10% discount; on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students with a robotics background and proficiency in Python, with some C++ coding experience
The Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Program is a competitive initiative aimed at high school students eager to explore robotics, engineering, artificial intelligence, programming, and computer science. Participants will gain knowledge about sensor technology, vehicle control, autonomous driving systems, and more. You’ll also learn programming tools that are essential to autonomous systems, like ROS, Python, and C++. You will collaborate with a team to design and enhance autonomous driving systems that simulate real-world driving conditions. The program concludes with a competition day, during which you will race your autonomous vehicles in a challenge.
12. HEIDE STEPS (Summer Training in Equity Program for Secondary Students)
Location: Hybrid; Various locations
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; Open till slots are full; Apply here
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The HEIDE STEPS (Summer Training in Equity Program for Secondary Students) is a four-week program that gives high school students a glimpse into the public health industry. As a participant, you'll explore how jobs, education, healthcare, neighborhoods, and community connections influence health, and discover ways to contribute to your community. During the program, you will attend weekly virtual sessions, where you will hear from experts from the Division of Public Health (DPH). You will also have the opportunity to engage in practical public health activities, which include visiting water treatment facilities, restaurants, and more. You’ll also be expected to complete at least 20 hours of service, which may include activities such as public cleanups and volunteering at food pantries. The program will end with you presenting the work you’ve done over the past four weeks to an audience of health experts and your fellow peers.
13. Upward Bound Math & Science Program
Location: Delaware Technical Community College: Georgetown and Wilmington campuses
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: April 15 (Tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen to juniors; U.S. citizens or legal residents; Must be a first-generation college student or a low-income student
Delaware Tech's Upward Bound Math & Science program is a free summer program for students interested in math and science. Throughout the program, you'll receive support to finish high school and explore STEM majors in college. Over roughly six weeks, you will engage in academic enrichment alongside practical STEM activities. You'll also have opportunities to shadow professionals, tour university campuses, engage in college-related events, and more. In addition to the summer program, you'll receive support during the academic year and participate in the program’s activities.
Image source - Veritas AI Logo