Choosing the Right Summer Program for Your Student: A Guide for Middle and High School Families

Summer is one of the most powerful (and underrated) tools in a student’s journey. When used well, those weeks can spark new interests, build skills, and give students a clearer sense of direction for high school and beyond. When they drift by without intention, students can lose academic ground and miss opportunities to grow.

This guide is written to help families choose summer experiences that fit their student’s stage, goals, and personality. You will see many options: service, courses, campus-based programs, virtual experiences, research, and even starting a business. The goal is not to “do it all,” but to choose what is purposeful and sustainable for your student.

PEAK Guide to Summer Programs

Why Summer Experiences Matter

Research consistently shows that many students lose academic skills over the summer. Studies have found that students can lose roughly a quarter to a third of the progress they made in math during the school year, and a sizable portion in reading as well. Over multiple summers, that loss compounds and widens achievement gaps.

High-quality summer programs can change that story. They help students:

• Keep skills sharp and sometimes move ahead.

• Build confidence outside the pressure of grades.

• Explore interests they do not have time for during the school year.

• Practice independence, time management, and self-advocacy.

• Show colleges a pattern of curiosity and initiative.

For middle schoolers, summer is about exploration and confidence. For high schoolers, it is about depth, direction, and authenticity.

The Main Types of Summer Programs

Below are the major categories most families encounter, with on-campus and virtual options in each. As you read, notice which categories feel energizing for your student.

1. Academic Enrichment Programs

These programs let students go deeper in a subject or try college-style learning.

On-campus academic programs

Students live in dorms or commute to a campus, attend classes, and participate in activities. Pre-college programs at many universities offer:

• Introductory or advanced courses in STEM, humanities, arts, or social sciences.

• Short sessions (1–2 weeks) or longer intensives (3–6 weeks).

• Sometimes, the chance to earn college credit.

Benefits:

• A realistic “test drive” of college life.

• Direct access to faculty, labs, studios, and campus resources.

• Practice navigating a new environment and managing daily life.

Virtual academic programs

High-quality online programs can now mirror much of the academic rigor of in-person options. Many include:

• Live Zoom classes and discussions.

• Group projects and office hours.

• Recorded sessions for flexibility.

Benefits:

• No travel, lower cost, and flexible scheduling.

• Access to programs that might be across the country or overseas.

• A good fit for students who are self-motivated and organized.

Good fit for: Students who enjoy learning for its own sake and want a taste of advanced coursework in a low-risk setting.

2. College Credit and Dual Enrollment

Some students are ready to try actual college classes while in high school. Dual enrollment allows them to earn both high school and college credit at the same time.

Options often include:

• Community college courses (in person or online).

• University summer terms open to high school students.

• General education courses (English, math, history, science) or introductory courses in a potential major.

Benefits:

• A clear demonstration of college readiness.

• Potential cost savings later if credits transfer.

• A chance to see whether a field really fits.

Good fit for: Responsible students who manage deadlines well and are ready for true college-level expectations.

3. Research and Independent Study

Research opportunities are some of the most powerful experiences for students who love to ask questions and solve problems.

Structured research programs

These are formal programs, usually at universities or research institutes, where students:

• Work on ongoing projects in labs or with faculty mentors.

• Learn to read scientific papers or scholarly articles.

• Present a poster, paper, or talk at the end of the program.

These programs are often competitive and may be free or funded.

Independent or mentored projects

Not every student needs a name-brand research program. Many:

• Reach out to local professors, labs, nonprofits, or professionals.

• Work with a teacher or mentor to design and carry out a project.

• Enter fairs, competitions, or publish on a student research platform.

Benefits:

• Deep practice in critical thinking and problem solving.

• Real experience with uncertainty, trial and error, and persistence.

• Strong material for college essays and future interviews.

Good fit for: Students with genuine intellectual curiosity who are ready to stick with a question over time.

4. Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business

Summer is also a natural time for students to build something of their own. This can mean a formal entrepreneurship program or launching a small venture independently.

Entrepreneurship programs

These typically guide students through:

• Identifying a problem or need.

• Talking to potential “customers” or users.

• Creating a product or service.

• Pitching to a panel of mentors or judges.

Students leave with a prototype, a pitch deck, and a better understanding of whether business energizes them.

Starting a business on their own

This can be just as powerful and often more accessible. Common examples:

• Tutoring younger students.

• A lawn care, pet-sitting, or babysitting business.

• Social media management or basic web design for local small businesses.

• Handmade products sold online or at local markets.

What matters most is that the student:

• Identifies a real need.

• Takes initiative without being spoon-fed every step.

• Learns to communicate with customers and handle money responsibly.

Benefits:

• Practical skills in planning, budgeting, marketing, and customer service.

• A strong story about initiative, resilience, and problem solving.

• A sense of ownership and pride that many teens rarely experience.

Good fit for: Students who are creative, resourceful, and excited to test ideas in the real world.

5. Service and Community Engagement

Service can be as structured as a national program or as simple as a student noticing a local need and responding.

Organized service programs

These might include:

• Hospital volunteer programs for teens.

• Habitat for Humanity builds.

• Summer reading or tutoring programs for younger children.

• Faith-based or community center service projects.

Many of these come with orientation and reflection components so students understand the issues behind the work they are doing.

Student-designed service projects

Some of the most meaningful experiences come when a student:

• Sees a gap in their own community.

• Designs a project to address it.

• Recruits peers, sets up systems, and shows up consistently.

For example, creating a book drive and reading club for younger students, or organizing meal deliveries for seniors.

Benefits:

• Growth in empathy, leadership, and communication.

• Insight into real-world problems and systems.

• Evidence of sustained commitment, not just “check-the-box” hours.

Good fit for: Students who care about people and want to see a direct impact from their efforts.

6. Specialized Programs for Student-Athletes

Student-athletes walk a tightrope in summer. They often need to:

• Train and develop skills.

• Navigate camps and showcases for recruiting.

• Keep their academics and test prep on track.

• Comply with NCAA rules.

Main categories:

Skill development camps

Focused on fundamentals, strength, conditioning, and sport IQ. Best for younger high school students and those still building their game.

ID and showcase camps

Designed for exposure to college coaches. Here, quality matters more than quantity. It is better to attend one or two camps where coaches from realistic target schools will be present, rather than signing up for every camp in sight.

Elite or invitation-only camps

Intended for athletes already playing at a high level. These can be useful if the student genuinely belongs in that pool, but can be discouraging if not.

For all levels, it is important to:

• Understand when college coaches can legally contact students, make offers, or have recruiting conversations.

• Balance athletic opportunities with at least one academic or personal-growth experience each summer.

Good fit for: Athletes who are ready to be thoughtful and strategic, not just busy.

Virtual vs On-Campus: Which Is Better?

Many families now weigh online and in-person options side by side.

Virtual programs work well when:

• Budget is a concern.

• Travel is difficult.

• The student has work, family, or training commitments.

• The content is discussion-based or project-based and does not require specialized equipment.

On-campus programs work well when:

• The student wants to test-drive dorm life and independence.

• Lab work, studio work, or hands-on experiences are central.

• Your student will benefit from built-in structure and routine.

• Social connection and networking are priorities.

Some families choose one residential experience across high school for the “college feel” and pair it with other lower-cost virtual or local experiences in other summers.

How Much Does Program “Prestige” Matter?

This is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for families.

Here is the honest, PEAK answer:

• Highly selective, funded programs (especially in research and leadership) do carry significant weight because acceptance itself is an accomplishment.

• Many expensive “pre-college” programs at big-name schools are educational and enjoyable, but they do not magically boost admissions results just because of the logo on the brochure.

• Admissions officers care far more about what a student did, learned, and contributed than about simply where they spent two weeks in July.

What this means:

• If you are admitted to a competitive, funded program, that is wonderful. Lean into it wholeheartedly.

• If that is not realistic or not accessible, a well-designed local or self-directed experience can be just as strong when a student shows initiative, depth, and impact.

Matching Programs to Your Student’s Stage

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Focus on:

• Exploration over pressure.

• Confidence over competition.

• Fun, hands-on learning over transcripts.

Great options:

• Local enrichment camps in STEM, arts, or writing.

• Introductory university or community-based middle school programs.

• Age-appropriate service.

• Low-key, interest-based clubs or workshops.

Goal: Help students discover what lights them up and keep learning feeling positive and engaging.

Early High School (Rising 9th–10th)

Focus on:

• Trying a few areas with more depth.

• Building study habits and independence.

• Experimenting without everything feeling “for the resume.”

Great options:

• Subject-based camps (coding, engineering, writing, debate, visual or performing arts).

• First experiences with dual enrollment or slightly advanced coursework.

• Introductory research or entrepreneurship programs that welcome younger students.

• Steady involvement in one or two service or extracurricular activities.

Goal: Begin to see patterns in what the student actually enjoys and is willing to work hard at.

Upper High School (Rising 11th–12th)

Focus on:

• Depth in one or two areas that matter most.

• Authentic stories and outcomes, not just participation.

• Experiences that will inform college essays and choices.

Great options:

• Research (formal programs or mentored projects).

• Advanced subject intensives in likely major areas.

• Entrepreneurship or substantial work experiences.

• Leadership roles in service, clubs, or community projects.

• Thoughtful athletic camps and showcases for student-athletes.

Goal: By the time applications go in, the student can point to a small number of experiences that truly shaped who they are and where they are heading.

Using Summer Experiences in College Applications

A summer experience becomes most powerful when students know how to reflect on it and communicate it.

Encourage your student to think about:

• What did I actually do (in clear, specific terms)?

• What challenged me?

• How did I respond when something did not work?

• How did this change my interests, confidence, or plans?

• Who did I meet or learn from, and how did that matter?

In applications, that reflection shows up in:

• Activity descriptions that focus on actions and outcomes, not buzzwords.

• Essays that show growth and self-awareness, not just program descriptions.

• Recommendations from mentors or supervisors who saw the student in action.

A Simple Framework for Choosing a Program

When you and your student sit down to plan summer, try walking through these five questions:

1. What do you most need this summer?Academic stretch, rest, clarity about interests, test prep, income, fun, or some mix?

2. What are your real constraints?Budget, transportation, family schedule, jobs, sports, health, comfort with travel.

3. What types of experiences energize you?Hands-on projects, discussion-based learning, solo work, team environments, being outside, being on a screen, and so on.

4. What would success look like by August?A finished project, a new skill, a decision about a major, a stronger transcript, a clearer sense of what you do not want.

5. What is one step outside your comfort zone, not ten?Choose experiences that stretch your student, but do not snap them.

Final Thoughts

Summer does not have to be packed to be powerful. Some of the best summers include:

• One meaningful structured experience.

• Some combination of work, family, and rest.

• Space to read, think, and be bored enough to get curious again.

The most impressive students are the ones who can say, “Here is what I chose to do, here is why it mattered to me, and here is how I grew.”

If you would like help building a summer plan that fits your student’s goals, personality, and college aspirations, this is exactly the kind of work PEAK loves. Together, we can map out a summer strategy that feels purposeful, realistic, and aligned with the bigger journey ahead.