7 Summer Programs for High School Students in Alabama
Alabama offers many summer programs designed to inspire and engage high school students. Whether you're interested in science, technology, engineering, the arts, or leadership, there's a program tailored to match your passions and aspirations. These programs provide not only an academic boost but also a chance to explore potential career paths, meet like-minded peers, and experience life on a college campus.
From immersive engineering camps at Auburn University to creative workshops in the arts, Alabama's summer programs can not only help you build new skills but also add to your college admissions profile. By participating in a summer program, you show admissions officers that you have the initiative to pursue your academic interests beyond the traditional high school curriculum. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
In this blog, we'll explore 7 summer programs available to high school students in Alabama.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to high school students anywhere in the world
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 2 – 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute is an immersive, two-week residential experience designed to introduce high school students to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics (STEAM). Participants will engage in hands-on research, leadership development, and personal enrichment activities, gaining valuable insights into educational and career opportunities in agriculture and related sciences. Since their inception, these programs have provided more than 300 high school students with the opportunity to explore the latest developments in AgriScience and related disciplines.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 31
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Alabama Youth Institute at Tuskegee University offers an opportunity for high school students passionate about tackling global challenges. This program allows you to engage with local leaders, participate in hands-on activities, and explore ways to make a meaningful impact in Alabama and beyond. Participants gain recognition as Borlaug Scholars, qualifying them for prestigious internships and further opportunities.
During the institute, you present your research and recommendations on solving critical global issues, engage in discussions with statewide experts, and connect with peers from across Alabama. The program also includes interactions with global leaders and innovators, offering insights into the efforts to end hunger and poverty and to improve food security worldwide. Students' papers are evaluated by The World Food Prize Board of Reviewers, who provide personalized feedback to encourage and mentor each participant.
Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Cost: Free or $75, depending on program
Application Deadline: Dates vary based on program
Program Dates: Dates vary based on program, typically in June and July
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University offers a range of summer programs designed to introduce high school students to the diverse and dynamic field of engineering. These programs, ranging from one-day expos to week-long residential experiences, provide hands-on learning opportunities in various engineering disciplines, including robotics, computing, and bioresource engineering. You can explore engineering majors, engage in activities that simulate real-world engineering challenges, and interact with Auburn faculty and current engineering students.
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: TBA. Two sessions were offered:
Students entering Grades 9-10: June 3 – 7
Students entering Grades 11-12: June 24 – 28
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Veterinary Science Training, Education, and Preparation Institute (VET STEP) at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine is a dynamic one-week residential program aimed at minority high school students interested in veterinary medicine. This program offers students the chance to immerse themselves in the world of veterinary science through a combination of academic classes, hands-on activities, lab exercises, and field trips.
VET STEP is divided into two programs: VET-STEP I and VET-STEP II. Each program features a unique curriculum, covering topics such as anatomy, veterinary pathology, clinical learning, public health, and specialized areas like equine and small animal medicine. You will also gain practical experience with visits to animal facilities and research labs.
Location: Alabama Ballet, Birmingham, AL
Cost: $525/week
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 3 – 29
Eligibility: Students aged 11 – 19
The Alabama Ballet Summer Program is a four-week intensive workshop designed for intermediate and advanced ballet students. Held at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance in Birmingham, this program offers rigorous training in ballet technique, pointe, variations, modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop, providing a comprehensive experience for developing dancers.
On the first day of the program, students are carefully placed into levels based on their technical ability and physical strength, ensuring that the curriculum is tailored to your individual needs. You will receive personalized instruction to progress in your technical and artistic abilities. The program also includes daily classes, seminars on topics crucial to young dancers, and rehearsals leading up to a culminating Workshop Performance.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.