12 Summer Programs for High School Students in Kentucky
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 2, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Kentucky offers a wide range of summer programs designed to engage and inspire high school students. Whether you're interested in the arts, science, leadership, or entrepreneurship, there's something for everyone. These summer programs not only provide valuable educational experiences but also allow you to explore potential career paths, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
Besides helping you learn more about subjects that interest you, summer programs can be a useful addition to your college admissions profile. They can demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and ability to excel in advanced courses.
In this blog, we’ll explore 12 summer programs available to high school students in Kentucky.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
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: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Cost: $3,600. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: June 22 – July 12
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 7 to 10 and earn qualifying SAT/ACT scores
The Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) is a three-week residential camp at Western Kentucky University (WKU) for high-ability students. The program offers six hours of class time each weekday plus an hour-long nightly study hall, with a curriculum taught by WKU faculty and high school teachers. You’ll choose one subject to delve deeply into.
In the past, courses offered included Chemistry, Astronomy, DNA and Genetics, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, Presidential Politics, and Psychology. Classes include lectures, field trips, and projects. You’ll stay on WKU's campus, participate in activities like sports, cookouts, and creative arts, and meet peers from across Kentucky, the nation, and even internationally.
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: Varies based on program
Cost: No information available
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: Varies based on program
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center offers a variety of engaging and educational programs aimed at middle and high school students interested in health careers. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences through activities such as summer camps, in-classroom lessons, and health career fairs across 15 counties in Southern Kentucky. Most activities must be requested by your high school. You can participate in experiences like augmented reality anatomy simulations, DNA necklace creation, and karyotyping. These programs are designed to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in health care while providing enriching educational experiences.
Location: Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY
Cost: $180 to $315, depending on half-day or full-day
Application Deadline: Varies according to academy, usually 2 weeks before the start date
Program Dates: Varies according to academy, typically 5 days in June and July
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th grade students
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers STEM summer academies designed for high school students interested in subjects like neuroscience, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence. These week-long programs combine hands-on experiences, interaction with NKU students and professionals, and access to college labs and equipment. Sample activities include dissecting animal brains, playing educational cyber games, and building circuits.
Location: Western Kentucky University (WKU), Bowling Green, KY
Cost: Free (includes all program activities, materials, and meals)
Application Deadline: TBA. Last year’s deadlines were:
April 14 for current Upward Bound students
May 15 for newly admitted students (after March 1)
Program Dates: 6-week summer residential program (exact dates to be confirmed, typically late May/early June through mid-July)
Eligibility: High school students from Allen, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, or Russellville districts who:
Demonstrate a need for the services provided by the program
Are from families that meet certain income guidelines and/or their parents did not graduate from a four-year college
Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25
Have a desire to attend college or vocational school
Upward Bound (UB) is a college access program specifically designed to help low-income and potential first-generation high school students prepare for success in higher education. As part of this initiative, UB offers a 6-week summer residential program at Western Kentucky University, where you can get a taste of college life while strengthening your academic skills.
You will live on campus, take six classes—including English composition, literature/reading, math, lab science, Spanish, and an elective—and participate in cultural and bonding activities. The program includes activities centered on career exploration and the college admissions process.
Location: University of Kentucky's Robinson Forest, KY
Cost: $500
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 2 – June 7
Eligibility: High school students
The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program offers an immersive educational experience focused on three key tracks: Forestry, Entomology, and Wildlife. You will choose a specific track to focus on but also collaborate across tracks to gain a holistic understanding of natural resource management. This program is ideal for high school students interested in learning about Kentucky’s forests, trees, insects, water, and wildlife through hands-on activities.
Throughout the week-long residential program held at the University of Kentucky's Robinson Forest, you will engage in a variety of field activities. In the Forestry track, you’ll explore tree and plant identification, forest management, and fire management. Those in the Entomology track will delve into insect identification, collection, and their ecological roles. The Wildlife track offers training in wildlife sampling, species diversity surveys, and population management.
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: July 16 – 20
Eligibility: Kentucky high school students entering their junior or recent graduates who will begin post-secondary education in the fall. Students must have a documented disability (IEP, 504 plan, or medical documentation) and must meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to be approved for participation
The Summer Leadership Experience (SLE), hosted by the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute in collaboration with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, is a summer program aimed at empowering Kentucky high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. SLE offers you a chance to experience campus life, including a 4-night stay in a university residence hall, all meals, and engaging sessions focused on education, career planning, and financial resources.
Through a mix of interactive workshops, inspirational speakers, and fun activities, you will develop essential skills to confidently navigate life after high school. The program is designed to provide guidance on accessing academic accommodations, overcoming social challenges, and exploring future career options.
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: Usually in the summer
Eligibility: Kentucky high school students who have completed at least one year of high school
The Young Leaders Academy (YLA) is an exclusive, all-expenses-paid, four-day residential program at the University of Louisville. This program offers an immersive educational experience centered on the theme "Revisiting American Constitutionalism." You will delve into the origins of the U.S. Constitution, explore the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and engage with other critical topics related to the founding of the United States.
The YLA conference is facilitated by faculty, staff, and students from the University of Louisville along with experts in American history and politics. Selected students will receive a full scholarship covering lodging, meals, and all conference materials. The program aims to deepen your understanding of American government, history, and politics, preparing you to become informed and engaged citizens.
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: July 14 – 21
Eligibility: Kentucky high school students who have completed at least one year of high school, including students from both public and private high schools
The Brown-Forman INSPIRE Summer Enrichment Program is designed to introduce high school students from historically underrepresented populations to the world of engineering. The INSPIRE program is a fully residential experience and offers you a chance to connect with peers, industry professionals, and university faculty, staff, and students.
The curriculum includes college preparation, an introduction to engineering concepts, and career/workforce guidance. You will engage in workshops led by university faculty, go on interactive field trips to local industry sites, and collaborate on a design challenge guided by a student mentor. The program culminates in a final presentation and ceremony.
Location: MSU Business Building, Murray State University, Murray, KY
Cost: $25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: June 17
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through recent high school graduates
Designed for students interested in understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions, the Fun with Economics Youth Camp offers a deep dive into economic principles and their real-world applications. You will participate in interactive sessions that cover personal finance, economic development, and the practical application of economic theories through games and activities.
Led by faculty members, the camp provides a unique opportunity to explore the broad and impactful field of economics. Whether you're considering a future in business, finance, law, or another related field, this camp is a great way to enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills. The day concludes with an Economics Kahoot competition, where you can test your newfound knowledge and win prizes.
Location: Various college campuses, including Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: April 5
Program Dates: June 9 – 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11, ages 16-17
AgDiscovery is a free summer outreach program designed for teens to explore careers in agricultural sciences while living on a college campus. Hosted at various colleges and universities, this program gives you hands-on experience through labs, workshops, and field trips. You'll have the chance to learn directly from USDA experts and university professors in fields like plant and animal sciences, biotechnology, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and agribusiness.
Throughout the program, you'll participate in a variety of educational and character-building activities that provide insight into the numerous career paths in agriculture. AgDiscovery offers multiple tracks, including Agribusiness, Animal Science, Plant Science, and Combination programs that mix different disciplines. Learn more about the program here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.
