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Summer Programs

Just because the school year has ended, doesn't mean the learning has to end. Summer learning programs allow students to continue learning and prevent the "summer slide", the loss of academic skills and knowledge during the summer break. Summer learning opportunities provide a safe and supportive environment for students during the summer. Here we have posted several summer programs and camps that you might be interested in. Feel free to look around and see if anything pops out to you. If you have any questions please see your counselor. 


B.U.C.S Academy 

Dates: July 12 - Aug. 1 | Eligibility: Incoming ETSU students | Cost: Covered | Deadline: May 1

The B.U.C.S. Academy Program is designed to give entering first-time college students a solid foundation before they start their first year. Incoming college freshman are invited to join the three-week immersive summer program. The application opens December 1, 2024 and runs through May 1, 2025. Earn 3 credit hour summer college course. This program includes housing, meals and entertainment. For more information, email bucsacademy@etsu.edu or call 423-439-4844. 

Wake Forest Online Immersion Programs

Dates: Throughout the year | Eligibility: Ages 13+ | Cost: $1,295 per course

Exciting topics, covered in-depth, through online coursework led by Wake Forest University professors. The program is available year-round, and the online format allows you to study anywhere, anytime, while working at your own pace. This flexibility enables you to take multiple courses and explore a variety of academic areas of interest.

Vanderbilt Summer Academy 

Dates: June 8 - July 19 | Eligibility: Grades 7-12 | Cost: TBA | Deadline: March 2025

Vanderbilt Summer Academy students take accelerated one- and two-week courses designed to meet the needs of gifted and high-ability students with Vanderbilt University instructors. At VSA, students join peers from around the world stretching their intellectual boundaries through choice-based classes. Together, students enjoy learning and connecting with peers and engage in on-campus and community activities in the heart of Music City.

Vanderbilt: Mentor Immersion 

Dates: Jan. 25 - May 30 | Eligibility: Grades 7-12 | Cost: $550 to $2,750

Vanderbilt's Programs for Talented Youth’s mentorship program is a unique experience offering in-depth exposure in a field and the potential for independent research or a culminating product to be created with expert feedback from a content expert/mentor. If paired with a mentor, students will participate in meetings with their mentor and approximately 8-10 other students in the same mentorship experience. Each week students will learn more about the content area of their mentor and explore real world topics about how to be successful in the field of study. Full immersion sessions are available for high school students in grades 10-12, and mini-immersion sessions are available for students 9-10.

Boys and Girls State 

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs. High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

The American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State program is offered annually to more than 575 of Tennessee’s rising high school seniors and is centered on citizenship, teamwork, and fostering a love of God and country. Experienced volunteer staff and counselors — each one a program alumna — help guide participants, or “citizens,” through the week as they elect city, county, and state officials, engage in party politics, debate legislation, and collaborate in a host of fun team activities.

West Point Summer Leaders Experience 

Dates: S1 May 31 - June 6; S2 June 7 - June 13 | Eligibility: Rising Seniors | Cost: $625  | Deadline: March 15

Led by current West Point cadets, Summer Leaders Experience is a week-long immersion into the academic, military, and social life of a West Point cadet.  At SLE, you will explore West Point from all angles, including our high-tech educational facilities, team-building athletic activities, and realistic military training. SLE gives you a taste of the character, determination, commitment to excellence, and leadership skills required to become a cadet at West Point.

University of Tennessee College of Engineering Pre-College Programs

The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville will host two in-person summer engineering programs during the summer of 2025:

  • Engineering Volunteers for Rising 10th graders (eVOL10)
  • High School Introduction to Engineering Systems for Rising 12th graders (HITES12)

Each program is a one-week residential program for rising high school students. All students are encouraged to apply. There are no major costs to attend these programs.

Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs

Dates: Summer 2025 | Eligibility: Rising Juniors and Seniors | Cost: Varies by program (scholarships available | Deadline: Feb. 1

Through Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs, rising juniors and seniors in high school have the opportunity to experience a world-class education on a beautiful, vibrant college campus. Our programs prepare students for their upcoming college experience, help them narrow their career focus, and build critical knowledge and skills.

Georgetown University Pre-College Program

Dates: Available throughout year | Eligibility: Ages 13+ | Cost: Enrichment - $1,795; College Credit - $3,995 | Deadline: Varies

Georgetown University offers both enrichment and college credit pre-college online courses for high school students ages 13 and older. Each features dynamic video lessons by renowned Georgetown faculty and access to support. The program is available year-round, and the online format enables you to study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to take multiple courses and discover a variety of academic areas of interest.