15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in South Carolina

If you’re a high schooler, getting some exposure to college academics while in school can help you feel better prepared for undergraduate studies. If you’re a high school student in South Carolina, you can find a variety of college-led summer programs that can help you explore academic interests, build new skills, and experience college life without having to travel out-of-state. 

These programs can offer opportunities to attend undergraduate-level lectures in a wide range of subjects, from STEM and business to the arts and social sciences. Additionally, college programs provide structured, hands-on learning environments and combine coursework with practical experience. As a participant, you may get to work on team or individual projects, conduct or contribute to research, and deliver presentations.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of 15 college summer programs for high school students in South Carolina. We have prioritized options that are rigorous, low-cost or funded, and backed by strong academic and professional networks.

15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in South Carolina

1. University of South Carolina’s Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 students per course

Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Cost: $665 (commuter), $750 (commuter plus evening), or $1,150 (residential); partial scholarships available

Dates: High school camps: June 15 – 20 | June 22 – 27 | July 13 – 18; each course runs Monday–Friday with orientation on Sunday

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; applications open on January 27

Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders who meet the academically gifted/talented criteria, such as a 3.25 GPA or qualifying standardized test scores

The Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series provides academically talented students with a week-long university experience centered on hands-on activities and college courses. Hosted by the University of South Carolina, the program offers courses ranging from STEM and law to game design and medicine, with the option to enroll in one intensive course per week. During each course, you will participate in workshops, academic instruction, social programming, and a final presentation. For instance, the Graphic Design and Content Creation course covers zine production fundamentals like sketching, inking, layout design, sequencing, and printing techniques, allowing you to create your own zine by the end of the session. 

2. Anderson University’s Trumpet Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Cost: $250

Dates: May 27 – 30

Application deadline: May 22

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders

Anderson University’s Trumpet Camp is a focused four-day program for high school trumpet players aiming to sharpen both ensemble and solo performance skills. Under the direction of the South Carolina School of the Arts faculty, you will rehearse and perform in trumpet ensembles, strengthen section playing, and receive direct coaching on individual technique. Each day, you will engage in activities to build practical strategies for performance improvement and set personal practice goals. You will also get to work and connect with peers who share your musical interests.

3. Presbyterian College’s School of Pharmacy Summer Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC

Cost: $400 (residential) | $200 (commuter); scholarships available upon request

Dates: June 22 – 28

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores through rising college freshmen with an interest in pharmacy or biomedical sciences

Presbyterian College’s Pharmacy Summer Camp offers students hands-on experience in pharmaceutical sciences through a week-long residential or commuter program. Each day focuses on a different area of pharmacy, with labs and activities led by faculty in biomedical science, pharmacy, and medicinal chemistry. You will get to conduct experiments, record data, analyze results, and explore the impact of pharmacy on patient health and society. Residential students live in campus housing and experience college life, while commuters participate in all daytime programming. The program can also offer insights into careers in pharmacy, medicine, or research.

4. Furman University’s Young Artist Vocal Experience

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots available

Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC

Cost: $640 (resident) | $520 (commuter); optional private lessons $35 each; scholarships available

Dates: July 6 – 11

Application deadline: July 1; application window opens on February 1

Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18, with prior vocal experience and two performance-ready works

The Young Artist Vocal Experience is a one-week summer workshop for high school singers interested in refining their vocal artistry. During the program, you will study a range of styles, including musical theater, opera, art song, sacred music, and oratorio, under the guidance of Furman University faculty and alumni. Daily instruction includes voice classes, acting, masterclasses, faculty recitals, and special topic sessions. You can also opt for private voice lessons for focused instruction. You will perform in a final student recital, giving you some performance experience. This program combines vocal training with campus life, providing students with early exposure to skill development in a university setting.

5. Clemson University’s Summer Scholars Program 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Clemson University, Clemson, SC

Cost: Residential participation: $1,300 | Commuters: $575 for the three-day program and $700 for the five-day program; scholarships and early-bird discounts available

Dates: Weekly sessions throughout the summer

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; registration opens January 21

Eligibility: Rising 7th–12th grade students up to age 17 

Clemson University’s Summer Scholars Program offers one-week academic experiences to introduce middle and high school students to college life and specialized subjects. You will choose from a wide range of courses such as biology, engineering, creative writing, or computer science and engage in classes taught by Clemson faculty, campus tours, lab visits, and peer-led mentoring. The program combines hands-on instruction with afternoon exploration and evening social events, including ice cream socials, games on Bowman Field, and end-of-week celebrations. You will live in campus residence halls and engage directly with Clemson undergraduates. This program can offer a preview of college both in and out of the classroom.

6. College of Charleston Upward Bound

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Serves a limited number of students per cohort

Location: College of Charleston, Charleston, SC

Cost: Free

Dates: Summer component runs for 4+ weeks, followed by a five-day out-of-state college tour; academic-year sessions held twice monthly on Saturdays

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; space is limited

Eligibility: Rising 9th–11th graders from Charleston County enrolled in Burke, North Charleston, Stall, St. Johns, and West Ashley; applicants must be low-income and/or first-generation college-bound

Upward Bound is a college access and academic enrichment program designed to support motivated high school students in preparing for higher education. Here, you will receive year-round academic support, career guidance, leadership development, and college planning, with a strong focus on first-generation and low-income students. Additionally, you will engage in the summer component, a four-week, residential experience at the College of Charleston, complete with courses, cultural events, and a multi-state college tour. You will also get the chance to take a free, credit-bearing course after high school graduation. Upward Bound is a combination of mentorship, community, and structured programming to help improve college readiness.

7. Furman University’s Fantastique! Band & Orchestra Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective with acceptance based on video audition, instrumentation, and ensemble balance

Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC

Cost: $650 (resident), $525 (commuter); optional private lessons $35 each; discounts and scholarships available

Dates: June 8 – 13

Application deadline: May 25; applications open on February 1

Eligibility: Students ages 12–18 with at least two years of ensemble experience (middle school) or three years (high school); video audition required

Furman’s Fantastique! Band & Orchestra Camp is a week-long learning experience for talented young musicians across the country. Here, you will be placed into one of four large ensembles, two concert bands, one string orchestra, or a full symphony orchestra, based on a video audition. Daily activities include ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses, and electives such as conducting, music history, and improvisation. Optional one-on-one private lessons with professional musicians can help you refine your skills. You will live on campus and participate in supervised social activities in this pre-college music experience. 

8. University of South Carolina’s Summer Seniors

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; preference given to underserved and first-generation students

Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Cost: Free

Dates: Session I: July 9 – July 12 | Session II: July 23 – July 26

Application deadline: May 1

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in South Carolina; priority given to first-generation students, those from select counties, or those qualifying for lunch or fee waivers

Summer Seniors is a four-day residential program that introduces rising seniors to the academic and social experience of college at USC. Here, you will participate in college admissions workshops, campus tours, peer group sessions, visits to academic departments, and student life activities. In the process, you will learn what the University of South Carolina has to offer and the majors to consider. The program also features a student talent showcase and a parent-focused financial aid session, providing an informative experience to both students and their families.

9. Anderson University’s Repertory Theatre

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Cost: $500

Dates: July 7 – 26

Application deadline: Auditions held May 12 or June 2

Eligibility: Rising 7th–12th graders; prospective college freshmen also welcome

Anderson University’s Repertory Theatre is a three-week immersive program that brings young actors, singers, dancers, and technicians together to stage a full-length musical. The focus changes each year, with a previous production being The Addams Family. While working on the musical, you will undergo intensive training under Anderson’s performance and design faculty as well as access the mentorship of advanced university theatre students. You will get to refine skills in acting, vocal technique, choreography, set construction, costume work, and lighting. The program culminates in performances open to the community, providing you with a glimpse into collaborative theatre production in a collegiate setting.

10. Furman University’s Summer Keyboard Institute

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; intermediate to advanced skill level required

Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC

Cost: $640 (residential students) | $520 (commuters); optional private lessons $35 each; scholarships available

Dates: June 22 – June 27

Application deadline: June 8; applications open on February 1

Eligibility: Students who are 12–18 years old, able to read music, and trained in piano or organ

The Summer Keyboard Institute is a residential program for intermediate to advanced pianists and organists. You can select a primary area in classical piano or organ and a secondary focus in organ, ensemble piano, or improvisation. The program offers daily musicianship classes, small-group instruction, masterclasses, and performance preparation, culminating in an end-of-week student recital. You will also participate in faculty-led evening recitals that are open to the public. The experience can help you get some exposure to professional-level performance and refine organ and keyboard skills.

11. Engineering Summer Institute @ Anderson University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Cost: $60

Dates: June 13, June 20, July 11, and July 25

Application deadline: June 1

Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through incoming college freshmen

Anderson University’s Engineering Summer Institute offers high school students a multi-day introduction to STEM with a focus on engineering. Across four individual sessions, you will explore engineering applications through hands-on projects guided by AU’s College of Engineering faculty and participate in site visits to local industry partners. Each day blends practical lab or workshop activities with professional exposure, helping you understand both academic concepts and how they translate to real-world engineering environments. The low cost and short sessions make the program an accessible option for those trying to build early technical and problem-solving skills without committing to a lengthy program.

12. Anderson University’s Dance Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Cost: $250

Dates: June 2 – 6

Application deadline: May 28

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders with intermediate or advanced dance experience

Anderson University’s Dance Camp offers high school dancers an intensive week of morning training sessions across ballet, modern, jazz/musical theatre, and (optional) tap. Under the guidance of university dance faculty, you will build technical skills, refine choreography, and explore stylistic versatility. The program culminates in a Parent Showcase on Friday, providing a low-pressure performance opportunity. With its concentrated schedule, the camp can help you refine your technique and stage readiness in a collegiate studio setting without committing to a long program.

13. College of Charleston’s STEM 360

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 students per session

Location: College of Charleston, Charleston, SC

Cost: $300Dates: July 14 – 18

Application deadline: Rolling until spots are filled; official deadline: June 13

Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders

STEM 360 is an intensive week-long day program designed to offer high school students a deeper look at advanced STEM fields through daily lab sessions, project-based modules, and interactive workshops. In a small cohort of just 18 students, you will work closely with instructors on exploratory projects spanning multiple STEM disciplines, gaining both technical experience and personalized feedback. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted students receive a comprehensive program timeline and preparation checklist. The program also offers a focused introduction to college-level STEM academics.

14. Choir and Vocal Camp @ Anderson University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Cost: $495 (residential) | $350 (day); $100 discount for All-State and ACDA Honor Choir members

Dates: July 21 – 25

Application deadline: June 15

Eligibility: High school students, rising 9th graders through rising college freshmen

Anderson University’s Choir and Vocal Camp is a five-day intensive designed for high school and incoming college vocalists looking to advance their ensemble and solo performance skills. Under the direction of Anderson’s voice and choral faculty, you will refine vocal technique, build musicianship, and develop audition strategies through daily rehearsals, workshops, and sectionals. The camp places a strong emphasis on ensemble singing, vocal health, and interpretive skills, helping you prepare for future college auditions or advanced high school performances. Both residential and day options allow flexibility while helping you learn in a collegiate music environment.

15. Anderson University’s Art & Design Camp

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Cost: $75

Dates: June 4

Application deadline: May 28

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders

Anderson University’s Art & Design Camp offers high school students a full-day intensive to build technical and creative skills across multiple studio disciplines. Under the guidance of professional artists and educators at the South Carolina School of the Arts, you will explore art and design techniques, receive personalized feedback, and strengthen your artistic confidence. The program emphasizes hands-on instruction and portfolio development in a collegiate studio environment, providing aspiring artists with an opportunity to refine their craft.

Bonus summer programs for high school students in South Carolina - 

1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual 

Cost: Varies depending on program type

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

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

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here. 

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. 

Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. 

2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Varies depending on program type

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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 Ph.D. 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.

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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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