If you’re a high school student in South Dakota looking to make the most of your summer, there are plenty of enriching programs that can help you explore potential career paths, develop new skills, and enhance your college applications. Whether you’re interested in science, technology, the arts, or leadership, there’s a summer program that can help you grow both academically and personally. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

Check out these 9 summer programs for high school students in South Dakota. 

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world

Cost: $2,990. Need-based financial aid is available

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

Lumiere Education, established by Harvard and Oxford researchers, is a virtual platform for high school students to conduct advanced academic research. Through the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you will engage in rigorous, university-level research under the guidance of mentors from top institutions.

The program offers three distinct tracks that cater to varying research goals. The Individual Research Program is a 12-week course where students work one-on-one with a mentor to produce a 15-page research paper on a topic of their choice. For those seeking publication, the Premium Research & Publication Program spans 16-20 weeks, including additional sessions with a publication specialist and a customized publication plan, though publication is not guaranteed. 

The most intensive option, the Research Fellowship, extends over 6-12 months and involves original data collection and analysis, aiming for publication in international journals or presentation at prestigious competitions like MIT’s THINK or ISEF Regeneron. Each track is designed to provide a rigorous academic experience, preparing students for university-level research and beyond. Apply here. 

2. University of South Dakota’s Business Analytics Adventure

Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

Cost: No information available

Program Dates: July 7 – 11

Deadline: May 26

Eligibility: High school students

The University of South Dakota offers a five-day business analytics program for high school students. You’ll work on business projects at USD’s Ellis Finance and Analytics Lab and learn from business leaders. You’ll tour companies in Sioux Falls, getting the chance to learn about the paths that lead to careers in business. The program balances academics with recreation, incorporating activities like movie nights and sports into the curriculum. High school students also have the opportunity to earn college credit from USD. 

3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) 

Location: Virtual

Program dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).

Application deadline:  Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts. 

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here

Horizon Academic provides high school students with advanced research opportunities through its two main programs: Horizon Labs and Horizon Seminar. Horizon Seminar offers a structured experience where students engage in a college-level research project under the guidance of experienced professors or lecturers. The program combines individualized research topics with small group classes, ensuring that each student receives focused attention. With an average class size of just 4 to 6 students, participants benefit from personalized instruction over 14 classes led by senior instructors, as well as additional review sessions with teaching assistants. 

Horizon Labs, on the other hand, is a one-on-one mentorship program tailored for students looking to delve deeply into specialized research areas. Participants work closely with leading researchers and lecturers from top universities, gaining access to cutting-edge studies and data. Over 20 hours of individualized mentorship, students can develop unique research projects, craft customized reading lists, and receive expert feedback on their paper drafts. Horizon Labs also provides guidance on publication opportunities, making it an ideal option for students aiming to produce research that could contribute to academic journals or conferences.

4. University of South Dakota’s Summer Music Camp

Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

Cost: 

• Early Bird Registration: $500 (Resident Campers), $375 (Commuter Campers)

• Regular Registration: $525 (Resident Campers), $400 (Commuter Campers)

• Scholarships: Available for students with Division I ratings on contest solos or selected for All-State ensembles (up to $50). Private scholarships may also apply

Application Deadline: No specific deadline mentioned, but early registration is encouraged for lower fees

Program Dates: July 13 – 18

Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 5-12

For students passionate about music, the University of South Dakota’s Summer Music Camp offers an immersive experience where participants can refine their musical skills under the guidance of university faculty. The camp includes daily rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances, and it culminates in a final concert. It’s a great way for students to meet others with similar interests while improving their instrumental or vocal abilities.

5. Healthcare Summer Careers Camp

Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

Cost: $100, which covers meals, lodging, and activities. Financial aid is available based on need

Deadline: May 12

Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year

Dates: June 8 – 13

In this career exploration camp, you will engage in hands-on medical experiences, attend demonstrations, tour facilities, and connect with healthcare professionals. The cohort has 40 spots. You’ll have the chance to talk to medical students and healthcare workers to learn what entering the medical field is like. You’ll learn about courses that can prepare you for the pre-med track. The camp also includes recreational activities to foster community among attendees. To apply, you need to submit transcripts, a personal statement, and a completed application form. 

6. South Dakota Mines Metallurgical Engineering Camp

Location: South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD

Cost: Free with a refundable $100 deposit

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: June 10 – 13

Eligibility: High school students 

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers a day camp called ‘Science of Pottery and Glass–Metallurgical Engineering.’ You’ll use materials from the surrounding Black Hills region to create ceramics and glasses. Through lab activities, you’ll learn how these substances are created, enhancing your understanding of minerals. Other topics covered include color theory, clay-body processing, and glaze forming. 

7. Black Hills Playhouse Junior Camp

Location: Black Hills Playhouse, Custer, SD

Cost: $950 (Financial aid available)

Application Deadline: June 1

Program Dates: July 13 – 19

Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12

This week-long residential theater camp takes place in the scenic Black Hills and is perfect for students interested in performing arts. You will work on acting techniques, stage direction, and production design, culminating in a final performance. The camp provides an opportunity for you to develop your skills and creativity while working with theater professionals in a fun, collaborative environment.

8. Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute

Dates: June 2 – 14

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 

Cost: Free (includes meals, housing, instruction, and art supplies)

Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

Application Deadline: April 1

The Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute at the University of South Dakota offers an enriching environment for high school students to explore their artistic talents in various media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and photography. The curriculum emphasizes the significance of Indian culture and heritage, providing students with a contextual framework for their artistic expression.

Throughout the program, you will engage in collaborative projects, fostering peer interaction and creative brainstorming. Professional artists will mentor you, guiding you through techniques and concepts. The experience culminates in a gallery exhibition, showcasing your creations to the public, followed by a ceremony that recognizes your accomplishments and contributions.

9. South Dakota Governor’s Camp

Cost: $600 (all inclusive); $560 if registered by April 15

Application Deadline: June 1

Program Dates: July 21 – 26

Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-9 in fall

Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

This camp at the University of South Dakota brings together high-achieving students from across the state for a week of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) courses. You will take 12 courses on topics like robotics, playing the guitar, visual art, 3D printing, veterinary dissection, and more. In addition to your coursework, you’ll hear from guest speakers and participate in team-building activities. By exposing students to a wide array of subjects, this program aims to help you discover your academic interests as you begin high school. 

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.