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Summer could be not only for relaxing but physical and mental well being too. We’ve analyzed 10 best summer classes for teens that can actually change your teens life if they immerse themselves into it.
Summer classes are a great way to make the most of your idle time and explore a creative passion. Your teen can attend multiple online and offline summer classes to discover what they want to do in the future. Moreover, a certification from a relevant program can help boost their college or internship applications.
Summer classes provide students with an environment that fosters growth and learning. It differs from schools and other academic institutions since they are encouraged to explore and invent new things instead of getting stuck in the routine academic loop of thinking.
In summer camps and classes, students can interact with like-minded individuals and share ideas, perspectives, and experiences. They can also develop long-lasting relationships that can benefit them in the future.
In this article, we look at multiple summer programs, including global online programs and ones offered at institutions around the US. Through a rigorous vetting process, we have picked the 10 best summer classes to help unlock your child’s hidden potential.
If you don’t have the time to read through the details, click to see the comparison table at the end.
How did we analyze and rate the programs?
The summer classes we chose for you have undergone an intense vetting process to ensure their quality and relevance. First, we use feedback from students who have taken part in each program to improve the list. Second, experts in the field also assess the quality of the classes, and only the best programs were selected.
This rigorous assessment ensures that the classes meet high standards of quality and relevance, and students can be confident that they are getting the best possible education. So you can trust us to help your teen discover the best opportunities to ensure a proactive and productive summer that will stay with them for a long time.
In addition to the quality of the classes, we have also considered their flexibility and convenience. You can choose between in-person and online learning. Whether you prefer the classroom setting or the comfort of your home, we have you covered.
1. BETA Camp (Paid)
BETA Camp is an online program that teaches students valuable entrepreneurial and leadership skills to create a revenue-generating startup. It allows them to gain real-world knowledge and problem-solving skills and excel in every sphere of their lives.
Moreover, industry professionals, global leaders, and experts give their full support and valuable guidance to the students every step of the way.
Duration
BETA Camp’s summer program is four weeks long. In the first week, students get to know each other and attend workshops then they form groups to create their startups.
Pros
- Students are taught by industry professionals, global leaders, and experts in their field from many leading companies.
- Provides unique opportunities for teenagers to develop their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.
- Multiple mentors providing one-on-one advice and discussions with students allowing them to get different perspectives.
- Students can start their own revenue-generating startup even before starting college.
- The summer classes are hands-on and interactive, ensuring real-world knowledge development.
- The boot camp allows teens to network with successful alumni and other influential people since BETA Camp graduates go on to study at many prestigious universities as well as internships in companies.
- Students develop real-life critical thinking and problem-solving skills that help them excel in whichever career path they choose.
Cons
- BETA Camp is a fully online-based program, so it cannot fully replicate in-person programs' immersive learning atmosphere.
- BETA Camp has yet to provide full-ride financial aid to students.
Pricing
For the Summer program, the total cost is $3,000 or more.
Financial aid is provided to students who need help paying the full amount. To be eligible for aid, the student must provide financial statements of their parents’ income, which must be less than $10,000. Awards can cover up to 80% of the tuition fees.
2. Research Science Institute, MIT (Free)
The RSI program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is among the most prestigious programs students can attend. This program is a comprehensive STEM-based program that combines on-campus coursework with off-campus research opportunities.
This is a very selective program, so those who become part of it get massive preference over others when they choose a similar line of work.
Duration
The total duration of the program is seven weeks. In the first week, students participate in STEM classes with MIT professors. Then, the five-week research internship program starts.
Students conduct individual projects under the mentorship of expert scientists and teachers. During the final week, they present their research in a written and oral format.
Pros
- Candidates are selected based on their accomplishments and academics.
- It is a free course, so students in need are not at a disadvantage.
- The ratio of candidates to selected applicants is very high. So, only the most deserving students get to be a part of this.
- Students get to be a part of a research project from start to finish. This hands-on research experience helps immensely in your future career, regardless of your chosen field.
- International students can apply.
Cons
- RSI has a very low acceptance rate making it hard for all capable students to get in.
- Students are chosen solely based on their academic achievements, so those who lagged in their grades won’t be considered..
3. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) (Free)
The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science program is for middle and high school students from grades 7 to 12. This program is determined to make education accessible to build equity in STEM-related fields.
Students from low-income families can benefit from a transformative pre-college experience that will help them tremendously in the future.
Duration
The total duration of the program is six weeks.
Pros
- MITES is determined to promote equity and diversity in every sector, so minority and underrepresented students get a preference.
- Makes quality education accessible to underprivileged but deserving students.
- The program covers tuition, accommodation, and food.
- Travel scholarships are available to students who need them.
- Students get real college experience, including lab facilities and college counseling.
- The curriculum has five courses, including high-level math and science.
- This program also teaches real-world STEM applications like Machine Learning, Architecture, and Genomics that most high school academics do not cover, putting them miles ahead of their peers even before starting college.
Cons
- Only available for US citizens or permanent residents.
4. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) (Free)
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar is one of the most prestigious summer programs the US has to offer, and it is open to all high school sophomores, and juniors.
Duration
The program is six weeks long.
Pros
- Covers all costs from tuition, books, accommodation, board and field trips.
- Open for students from all backgrounds
- International students can apply and their accommodations are funded as well
- Real-life college experience because of the on-campus program.
- Learn about the contemporary topics of the world and have critical discussions about them
- Curriculum teaches about democracy, the history of oppression, and the still prevalent discrimination in the world from a political standpoint
- Inclusive community of like-minded people engaginh in multiple community service projects together
Cons
- It has limited spots, and the application has very few criteria. So chances are students might not be able to get in unless they apply very early.
5. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (Free)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a college preparation program that enables students to learn the basics of journalism from the most brilliant professionals in that field.
Duration
The whole program is one year long. However, students can apply to enter just the summer program, which is 10 days at the Princeton University campus. Students will have to complete a three-week virtual program before that.
Pros
- Students attend online lectures, workshops, and seminars with well-known journalists from all over the country.
- Unconventional liberal arts approach to the exploration of journalism.
- Write, edit, and produce their newspapers.
- See journalists in action and cover events like sports, theater, entertainment, or local news.
Cons
- Mostly benefits students who want to pursue a career in journalism.
6. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS), New York University (Free)
Computer Science for Cyber Security is a fundamental course that teaches students the basics of hacking, data encryption and decryption, privacy, data usage, and more. In today’s digital world, to stay up-to-date and ensuring that your data is protected and secured makes this industry on the rise.
Duration
The summer program is three weeks long.
Pros
- Does not require any background in cybersecurity or computer programming.
- Starts with the very basics of cybersecurity and gradually builds on that.
- Covers both the technical side, like the application of tools and software, and the behavioral side to identify when you are being scammed, mitigate threats, etc.
Cons
- Only applicable to NYC residents.
7. YYGS, Yale University (Paid)
The Yale Young Global Scholars program is a two-week in-person program that promotes an immersive, open, and collaborative learning environment. Through breakout discussions, lectures, and seminars, students are taught to challenge their thinking and explore new ideas.
Duration
Two weeks long.
Pros
- Opportunities to explore creativity and enjoy the on-campus college experience without the pressure of grades
- Participate in many thought-provoking discussions and projects with diverse communities
- Need-based financial aid is available.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide any course credits
- Relatively expensive
It is also important to mention that most of the program is run by YYGS, not Yale professors, which can be a common misconception among students. So, if networking with Yale professors is what you're looking for, you might be disappointed.
Pricing
$6500 for the whole two-week on-campus residential program. Financial aid and scholarships are given to students who need them to cover tuition costs.
8. Cornell University Summer Course (Paid)
Cornell Summer Courses are condensed online programs–almost 100 to choose from–that teach the basics of the course before entering college.
Duration
Students can choose between a three- or six-week course.
Pros
- Get the full college experience before college by taking university classes, earning course credits, and a transcript once you complete the course.
- Allows students to explore potential college majors.
- Connect with students from diverse backgrounds and different views.
- Condenses 15 weeks of coursework preparing you for what’s to come.
Cons
- A residential program is not offered for 2023.
- Full scholarships are not available.
- Gives a very limited time of two days once the application is approved to submit payment or the student’s place is dropped.
Pricing
$1680 per course credit. The courses are 3 to 8 credits apiece.
9. Leangap (Paid)
Leangap is an entrepreneurship program that allows students to generate their own startups.
Duration
Four weeks long.
Pros
- Students create their own revenue-generating startups before college.
- Allows students to create and implement a smaller version of their idea before finalizing and presenting it to the public for feedback.
- Assists students one-on-one, ensuring each is given enough time and care to flourish.
Cons
- The offline location is limited to San Francisco, CA, making it difficult for students from other states to attend.
- The high tuition price makes it inaccessible for low-income families. The full-ride scholarship is still not available.
- Gives limited funding for the winning startup idea.
Pricing
Leangap has both online and offline programs. The cost for the online program is $5,950, and for the offline program (based in San Francisco) is $7,950. They can provide financial aid up to 80% based on needs.
10. LaunchX (Paid)
The LaunchX Summer Program is for students who want to create their own startup and learn about entrepreneurship. It focuses on teaching teamwork, research, and sales. As a result, students can build strong foundations for starting their future businesses.
Pros
- Access to multiple resources
- Networking opportunities
- Creating a business plan and executing a startup from start to finish with full mentorship
Cons
- High tuition cost makes it unaffordable for most
- Limited locations for offline programs
Pricing
The price ranges from $5980 to $9540. There is also a non-refundable $75 application fee.
Final Words
In BETA Camp, while acquiring valuable life skills from industry professionals, you can start your own revenue generating startup, which you get full ownership of. BETA Camp also offers financial aids and a money-back guarantee if you didn’t generate revenue from the camp. This makes BETA Camp stand out among most of the programs mentioned.
Summer break is the perfect time for teens to focus on their education and personal development, and summer programs are a great way to utilize that time. Summer classes provide a supportive and encouraging environment for teens to develop their skills and confidence.
Summer programs cover a range of subjects, from business fundamentals to STEM-based subjects, journalism, writing, and more, which ensure that students receive well-rounded practical knowledge in a particular discipline.
With the range of classes we have provided, students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals, ensuring that they get the most out of their summer break.
So why wait? Apply at BETA Camp right away!
Comparison table
