7 Summer Programs for High School Students in Vermont
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 9, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Participating in summer programs can be a solid experience for high school students. These programs offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into academic interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Engaging in internships, immersions, and educational programs not only enhances your knowledge but also boosts your confidence and independence.
These experiences can be particularly beneficial for your college applications, as they demonstrate your commitment to learning, willingness to challenge yourself, and ability to handle challenging academics - something that admissions officers love! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Early exposure to specialized fields and hands-on learning environments shows that you are proactive and willing to explore your interests beyond the classroom. Additionally, these programs often provide mentorship opportunities, helping you build valuable networks and gain insights into potential career paths.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program stands as a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. In our flagship program, we pair talented high school students with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper.
You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more! Participating in this program can be a significant differentiator for students applying to college or internships, demonstrating their commitment to their education and their career. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based scholarships available.
Lumiere Individual Research Program – $2,990
Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program – $5,900
Lumiere Research Fellowship – $8,900
Lumiere Professor Premium Publication Program – $9,400
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Eligibility: High school students
The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is an engaging and interactive program held on the Randolph campus, offering high school students a unique opportunity to explore careers in transportation. Sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, NSTI provides hands-on learning experiences through labs, field trips, and guest speakers.
During the program, participants drive a big rig in a CDL simulator, visit mass transit systems, and learn about bridge design and construction. The program also focuses on eco-friendly transportation, and exploring how math, science, and English relate to transportation careers.
NSTI includes extensive field trips throughout Vermont, guided by qualified instructors. Students engage in both group and independent activities, gaining valuable insights into the transportation industry and its connection to multiple academic disciplines.
Location: Vermont State University, Randolph, VT
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July 19 – 26
Eligibility: High school students
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science and AI. In the program, students learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program. Through the program, students build real-world, hands-on projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase their interests and skills. You can also apply for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-1 with mentors from top universities to build unique machine learning projects over 12-15 weeks. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available.
AI Scholars – $2,290
AI Fellowship – $5,400
Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) – $6,900
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI. Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program.
The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) offers high school students a variety of immersive, residential summer learning programs hosted at college campuses across the state. Each institute focuses on a specific area of interest, such as engineering, entrepreneurship, technology and design, the arts, and more.
Participants spend 1-2 weeks immersed in a topic of their choice, learning from experts in their field and networking with mentors and peers. For example, students in the Health & Medicine institute practiced assessing vital signs, earned First Aid certifications, and attended workshops conducted by healthcare professionals.
Students at GIV experience life on a college campus, benefiting from its resources and making new friends from all over Vermont. Each institute occurs at different times and on various campuses. Additionally, you can earn credit, including high school and college credit.
Location: Various university campuses in Vermont, depending on the Summer Institute.
Cost: Tuition uses a sliding scale model, which means students only pay what their family can afford. Additional financial aid is also available. More details can be found here.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Varies depending on the Summer Institute, typically between June – July
Eligibility: 9th – 11th grade students who go to school in Vermont or a school that has an arrangement with Vermont school districts. Out-of-state students are also considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Art & Design Portfolio Course at Champlain College is a credit-bearing summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors. This experience immerses students in art, graphic design, and digital technology, offering hands-on practice with various mediums and software. You can specialize in graphic design, game art, or creative media, earning 3 transferable college credits.
The curriculum includes drawing, digital media, and composition using tools like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign. With a small class size, each student gets individualized attention from Champlain College professors. Instructors offer constructive feedback on your existing work, helping you prepare your art portfolio for college admissions. By the program's end, you will have a professional-level design portfolio and a clearer understanding of studying art at the college level.
Location: Champlain College, Burlington, VT
Cost: $4,500. Need-based scholarships are available. Vermont high school students are eligible for reduced tuition through the Vermont Dual Enrollment Flexible Pathways program.
Application Deadline: Registration opens in Fall
Program Dates: July 6 – 21
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11 or 12, ages 16-18
The Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains is a two-week program for high school students held at Vermont State University in Castleton, Vermont. This program aims to inspire and equip students to take action on climate change by engaging with experts from Columbia Climate School and exploring innovative solutions.
Participants collaborate with like-minded peers, working together to take meaningful action. Over the two weeks, you will participate in seminars, small group discussions, field excursions, team-building activities, and complete final projects. The program also helps students prepare for college.
Location: Vermont State University, Castleton, VT
Cost: $6,790 + $200 application fee + travel fees. Full and partial need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: June 30 - July 12
Eligibility: Students in grade 9-12 (and rising 9th grade students)
The UVM Summer Academy is a four-week, for-credit academic program for students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. This experience allows students to live on campus or commute while earning three transferable college credits. Courses are taught by UVM faculty, providing a taste of college life and academics.
The program includes eight days of on-campus instruction followed by two weeks of online learning, with some courses offered entirely online. Through planned activities after class and on the weekends, you will form new connections. You will also participate in a college admissions workshop.
UVM Summer Academy helps students explore new ideas and perspectives, aiding in the decision of their major and career path. Whether you’re interested in medicine, writing, or exploring unique subjects, this program will help you prepare for future academic endeavors.
Location: University of Vermont campus, Burlington, VT or online
Cost: TBA. For the past program:
In-state: $3,727 + lab fees
Out-of-state: $5,290 + lab fees
High school students receive a 50 percent in-state/out-of-state academic year tuition reduction, and Vermont residents can learn tuition-free through Vermont’s Dual Enrollment Program.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 29 – July 25. 4 weeks (2 weeks on campus, followed by 2 weeks online) or 4 weeks online.
Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are at least 15 years old by the start of the program.
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.