Summer Programs - free or low fee

(See also the list of programs for minority, first-generation and/or underserved students.)

The most comprehensive printed guide to opportunities promoting college readiness is probably the one produced by the Center for Student Opportunity; see information here: http://www.csopportunity.org/ They are working on a searchable online database as well: http://www.csocollegecenter.org/programs.aspx

BOYS STATE (in conjunction with the American Legion, see site for individual state programs): 

http://www.legion.org/programs/youthprograms/boystate

Carnegie Mellon University's SAMS (Summer Academy for Math & Science) - for rising HS seniors:

https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/access-sams

CITY YEAR, WASHINGTON DC (Americorps)  - Graduating seniors who are not sure what they want to do after high school should consider applying for a paid community service position with City Year, Washington, DC., a group of 17-24 year olds committed to full-time service for ten months in the Washington, DC community.  Benefits include:  living stipend ($200 per week), health care coverage, free metro pass, and $4,725 educational scholarship.  For more info:   www.cityyear.org or email:   cmurphy@cityyear.org

or call:  202-776-7780, Amanda Seligman.   Recruitment open houses will be held once a month at their headquarters:   918 U Street, NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20001.

ECONOMICS FOR LEADERS (HS juniors, multiple locations, some scholarship support available):

http://www.fte.org/student-programs/economics-for-leaders-program/

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Science & Engineering Apprenticeship program (summer) -  This program places academically talented H.S. students (at least 16 yrs old, sophomores/ juniors) with interest in science & math in Dept. of Defense laboratories for an 8-wk period over the summer. This is an invaluable experience in the world of scientific research, with hands-on exposure to scientific & engineering practices not available in the HS environment. It is a paid apprenticeship ($2,000) and the students are assigned a scientist or engineer as their mentor. To apply online or get more information about the program: http://www.usaeop.com . Students must submit their transcript (minimum GPA 3.0) and teacher recommendation to the program director for consideration and daily transportation is the student's responsibility. Program typically runs from late June through mid-August.

GIRLS STATE (in conjunction with the American Legion Auxiliary, see site for details):

http://www.legion-aux.org/Programs/GirlsState_GirlsNation/index.aspx

THE JOYCE IVY FOUNDATION FOR SUMMER SCHOLARS--The Summer Scholars program makes it financially possible for talented female high school students from the Midwest to attend summer academic programs at some of the most rigorous and selective colleges and universities.
Summer Scholars receive full and partial scholarship grants, based on demonstrated financial need, to apply to summer program tuition, room and board, and travel expenses.  http://www.joyceivyfoundation.org/programs/summer-scholars.html

Miami University's Multicultural Leadership Program - http://www.miami.muohio.edu/admission/mlpsli/index.cfm

Miami University's Multicultural Leadership Program Summer Leadership Institute (MLPSLI) is an intensive residential, pre-college program during which academic, leadership, and career-choice activities are explored through collaborative work with corporate and other educational development partners. Throughout the four days, MLPSLI participants interact with current Miami University students, faculty, and staff as well as professional corporate representatives. If you are selected, all costs are covered, although you must pay for your own transportation to and from Miami University.

MIT announces its MITES Program , (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science ), a challenging (FREE) 6 week summer program that prepares promising rising seniors for careers in engineering and science . If you are selected, all educational, housing, meals and activity costs are covered. You must, however, pay for your own transportation to and from MIT. To apply, go to http://summerapp.mit.edu/

NASA sponsors the National Space Club Scholars Program, a 6 week summer internship at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. It is open to students who will be 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade by June 2009, have demonstrated high academic success, and have an interest in space science or engineering as a career. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are available in the Career Center or online at www.education.gsfc.nasa.gov/pages/placement.html 

The National Center for Health Marketing's Global Health Odyssey Museum is pleased to offer the 2009 CDC Disease Detective Camp (DDC). DDC is an academic day camp for students who will be high school juniors and seniors during the 2009-2010 school year. Campers will take on the roles of disease detectives and learn how CDC safeguards the nation's health. The camp will be offered twice from June 22-26 and July 13-17. For more info and to apply to go www.cdc.gov/gcc/exhibit/camp.htm . 

Princeton University announces its Summer Journalism Program for low-income sophomores or juniors with at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) who have an interest in journalism . The cost is FREE including travel costs to and from Princeton! Go to www.princeton.edu/sjp

Rowan Creates: https://rowancreates.org/news/2018/nsti-2/

"The Institute is for New Jersey high school students interested in learning more about engineers and the ways in which they impact our world and society. This two-week educational program is free of charge to all accepted students; housing, meals and transportation for field trips are also included."

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute (some need-based scholarships available)

http://www.stanford.edu/group/summer_hum_inst/cgi-bin/wordpress/ 

Summer Search - http://summersearch.org/

Summer Search is a national leadership development program that helps low-income young people graduate high school, go to college, gain successful careers, and give back to society. Starts in the students' sophomore year.

Talaria Summer Institute - https://talariasummerinstitute.org

Talaria Summer Institute (TSI) is a free summer STEM research mentorship program for female and genderqueer students.

Telluride Association Summer Programs
Free six-week educational experience for rising seniors. VERY selective. Mid-January application deadline. 
https://www.tellurideassociation.org/our-programs/high-school-students/summer-program-juniors-tasp/

University of Maryland, College Park : Women in Engineering, E2@UMD, July 12-18 or July 19-25 ; rising juniors and seniors. Go to www.wie.umd.edu/precollege or call 301-405-3283

University of Maryland Young Scholars Program targets rising juniors and seniors who have a strong academic record and a desire to excel to experience college life while earning three academic credits. Multiple courses are offered for three weeks, in both online and in-person formats, and there are some scholarships available.  Visit https://oes.umd.edu/pre-college-programs/terp-young-scholars/program-fees-scholarships for more info.