1. Summer programs have a reputation of being expensive, but a number of programs in California are free.

Map of Summer Programs in California
Key:
Purple: free
Orange: research based
Yellow: help local community
Teal: sports

2. Want to play sports in college? Most schools offer summer camps that allow athletes a chance to show off their skills without any scouting.

3. By attending a research-based camp over the duration of the summer, students can enter their project into competitions like the Intel Science Talent Search. The thorough research with guidance from a mentor allows researchers to delve deeper into their projects.

4. Get involved with the local government. From political campaigns to teaching children to creek cleanups, many sectors allow high schoolers to volunteer for a cause they feel is important.

5. Attending a summer program at a top-notch college, according to the Huffington Post, does not increase chances of acceptance into the school. It is a common misconception of students and parents to sign up for expensive programs that have little educational benefit.

6. Now’s the time for students to become camp counselors at camps they attended as children. Some camps offer job opportunities while others accept only volunteers.

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7. If students are interested in a particular field, they should contact a professor or professional for opportunities to help in their workplace. These types of experiences give students a different lens and stand out on college applications.

8. To avoid travel or long commutes, many colleges offer online courses that allow participants to learn through videotaped lectures and online lessons.

9. Get fine arts requirements out of the way by taking a summer course at a local community college. If a student speaks to MVHS administration beforehand, the course can be included on their official transcript.

10. Summer programs don’t have to be about just education. Many offer opportunities for teens to volunteer and travel abroad. Look at the map below to see programs that provide these kinds of chances.