Pre-College Programs
The colleges and universities below offer summer programs & pre-college programs in the social studies. All the programs vary in cost, duration, and requirements. Pre-college programs prepare students for their college search and their transition to college life. View the descriptions below and click on the program titles to learn more information.
Boston College (Boston, MA)
Summer Challenge
Rising sophomores and juniors will now be able to participate in the Boston College Experience through Summer Challenge. Students will be able to enjoy everything that Boston College and the city of Boston has to offer while participating in university level coursework through this non-credit program. This program was designed by taking existing college courses (non-credit) in psychology, leadership, criminal & social justice and supplementing them with guest speakers, experiential learning, and trips in the area related to your course. Broaden your understanding of college major and career options through this fun and engaging program.
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
Pre-College Scholars Program
The Pre-College Scholars Program at Case Western Reserve University is designed to give highly motivated and able secondary school students the opportunity to enroll in challenging college courses prior to graduation from high school, either in the summer or during the academic year. Admission to the Pre-College Scholars Program is selective and competitive. Case Western Reserve University has limited seats available for this program and preference is given to qualified juniors and seniors who have exhausted academic options at their high schools and who are looking for unique educational opportunities. Pre-college scholars may take courses in history, politcal science, sociology, and other disciplines.
Emerson College (Boston, MA)
Pre-College Political Communication Institute Program
The Political Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership Institute for High School Students (PAL) is aimed at high school students who wish to understand the crucial role of communication in politics, advocacy and leadership in a democratic society. The Institute is centered upon a number of important issues, including public service, social advocacy and civic engagement, crisis management, public policy, global politics, grassroots organizing, and communicating with the media. The Institute's staff members are dedicated to an expansive view of politics. Therefore, various discussions on the interplay between politics and global understanding will also take place. The Institute rests upon the belief that young people, with understanding and practice of the art of communication, can be active agents within their respective communities, as articulate ambassadors and advocates for various stakeholders, including those whose voices have been marginalized.
George Mason University (Washington, D.C.)
Envision Programs: National Youth Leadership Forum on Law & CSI
At the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI, you will experience the full range of professions that exist in legal and forensic science fields and explore your opportunities for the future. This six-day summer program is held in Washington, DC. Through hands-on experiences in crime scene investigation, evidence analysis and courtroom simulations, you will go beyond the classroom and gain the edge you need for college and a future career in law or crime scene investigation.
George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
Pre-College: History & Humanities
GW draws on Washington, D.C.’s deep historical roots to provide culturally-rich courses in history and the humanities. Course topics include world history, American history, leadership, and more.
Hiram College (Hiram, OH)
Summer Academy
Hiram College's Summer Academy provides an enriched residential learning experience for high school students. Though some classroom instruction is involved, students will spend much of their time applying their skills through hands-on experiences. Hiram faculty and students participate as teachers and mentors, giving high school students exposure to and preparation for college-level academics and campus life. Previous academy topics have included leadership, the Middle East, and the Environment. Scholarship opportunities may also be available for students who attend Summer Academy.
Hispanic National Bar Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
Future Latino Leaders Law Camp
The Future Latino Leaders Law Camp is a nine-day program run by the HNBF in Washington, DC and provides selected Latino high school students with the opportunity to learn more about the legal profession. Established by the HNBF in 2005, the Law Camp offers students the chance to come to DC and learn more about the college application process, meet influential Latino leaders, and tour national monuments and various government agencies. The Law Camp is offered cost-free! However, there is a non-refundable application fee of $50 (fee waivers are granted based on financial need) and students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from DC (scholarships are available based on financial need). The HNBF is committed to working with accepted applicants and their families to ensure their ability to attend. Please do not allow the cost of transportation deter you from applying. This is a fantastic opportunity for Latino high school students who are interested in law to travel to Washington and connect with their peers from across the country as well as meet other successful Latinos.
Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Summer American Military History Institute
You will learn why America has gone to war over the last 230 years and how its armies have engaged its enemies here and abroad. History will come alive from Stony Point Battlefield in the south to FDR’s Springwood in the north. An overnight encampment at New Windsor Cantonment will lead to a visit to West Point at course’s end.
Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Summer Pre-Law Institute
This program will explore the practice of law as a profession as well as the crossroads of law and government. Are you intrigued by the law? Do think and write like a lawyer? The program will cover the cornerstones of family law, contracts, torts, real property, wills, and criminal law. This program will provide insight into the legal profession from: making the most of being “pre law” in college, the value of working as a paralegal before going to law school, selecting a law school, law school admission, law school experience, and selecting a field of practice. This program will provide solid advice and strong academic foundation for any student considering a career in law. Guest speakers will include law school professionals, judges, lawyers, political scientists, and historians. Field trips to include a visit to the FDR Museum and a court house.
Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Summer Scholars Program
The Summer Scholars Program provides a rich, early college experience for academically-talented rising high school juniors and seniors from across the globe. Students will join an engaged community of learners for an intense, two-week program. Previous topics have included Activists in Action: Building Social Just Leaders; Pathways to the Helping Professions; Inside State and Local Government: Leadership and Public Affairs; and Lost Cities & Civilizations: Archaeology and the Ancient World. Students will learn alongside our leading faculty and professional experts while getting a real preview of college live.
Ohio Dominican University (Columbus, Ohio)
The Ohio Leadership Institute: Ohio Global Leadership Summit
High school campers experience a unique global leadership camp at Ohio Dominican University while learning to build, enhance and expand global leadership skills. Campers hear motivational speakers, attend sessions of their choice similar to conference offerings and participate in leadership building activities. Ohio’s best and brightest young leaders attend this camp each summer. Campers are housed in dormitories on campus. The camp is ideal training for high school student council officers, club officers, community club leaders, class officers and athletic and sports leaders.
Transylvania University (Lexington, KY)
The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship Annual Student Congress
The week-long Student Congress gathers fifty high school students together with lawmakers, academics, journalists, and business leaders to discuss the importance of applying the art of compromise in every aspect of their activities. Carefully-chosen guest speakers engage with the students throughout the week. Curriculum is designed by the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, and capped off with a debate in the Old State Capitol. Students will also tour the Ashland Estate (Henry Clay’s home), visit the Council for State Government’s national office, and participate in dinners and discussions.
University of Akron (Akron, OH)
Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute is designed to motivate a group of high school students to prepare themselves to take full advantage of a college education. By virtue of the Oelschlager endowment, the Institute goals are accomplished through experiential learning. National leadership speakers will help show participants the importance of leadership, civic engagement, and academics. Team and group development will be accomplished through activities such as a low-ropes course at YMCA's Camp Y-Noah. Active presentations in academics and the importance of education will be demonstrated through speakers, activities, and group experiences. These are just a few examples of the types of innovative and fun activities that are utilized in the Institute curriculum.
University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN)
Global Issues: Towards A Just Peace
A seminar based on the premise that the problems facing the world in the 21st century—from climate change, resource wars, and ethnic and religious conflict to poverty, discrimination and human rights — cannot be addressed by any one nation, religion, academic discipline or social movement, but by collaboration across boundaries of all kinds. How are these problems interwoven, and how can we craft workable solutions to them? How can actors (individuals, movements and institutions) from religious and secular communities, developed and developing worlds, science and the arts, politics and economics work together to address these complexities with compassion and creativity? And what is Notre Dame’s role in such collaboration? With the help of Notre Dame faculty from several disciplines, we will explore these knotty questions together and sketch some ways forward.
University of Toledo
Youth Nations: Global Leadership Experience
A week long program for rising seniors that focuses on creating an opportunity for students to learn from Toledo’s skilled faculty about issues that face our world and develop a plan to solve world problems. Participants will have the opportunity to work with a team to present a plan to change the world and compete for the chance to win a UT scholarship. Students will have a real college experience. Students will stay on campus in residence halls, spend time with expert faculty, and use the Student Recreation Center.
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
AIM Summer Academy
Since the 1950s, approximately 14,700 high school students have discovered the United States Coast Guard Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. Exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school, AIM is now widely regarded as the most realistic service academy summer orientation program in the country. AIM will test and inspire those interested in serving their country and humanity as officers in the nation’s oldest continuous maritime service. In six non-stop days, immerse yourself in Academy tradition and cadet life. The program is intense and rewarding. More importantly, AIM will help you to discover if you possess the mind, body, and character to succeed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)
Summer Seminar
The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school. Summer Seminar teaches you about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's leaders. If you think that you may be interested in pursuing an appointment to one of the nation's service academies and serving your country as an officer, you should seriously consider attending the Naval Academy's Summer Seminar.
Wright State University (Dayton, OH)
Residential Institutes
Program participants will spend six hours per day in class or workshop sessions for one week. Course offerings and activities are designed to guide and encourage the educational, personal, and social growth of each participant. Evening activities allow participants to enjoy recreational activities and socialize with new friends. All participants are housed in The Woods residence complex. Topics have included: Law and Government, Social Work 101, and Take Action: Leadership.
Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH)
Summer Honors Institute
YSU's Summer Honors Institute offers gifted high school students the opportunity to explore contemporary topics from a variety of disciplines. YSU offers a week's worth of interactive summer classes for students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade, along with an optional (but highly recommended) residential program that lets you stay in our Honors dorms all week.
Summer Challenge
Rising sophomores and juniors will now be able to participate in the Boston College Experience through Summer Challenge. Students will be able to enjoy everything that Boston College and the city of Boston has to offer while participating in university level coursework through this non-credit program. This program was designed by taking existing college courses (non-credit) in psychology, leadership, criminal & social justice and supplementing them with guest speakers, experiential learning, and trips in the area related to your course. Broaden your understanding of college major and career options through this fun and engaging program.
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
Pre-College Scholars Program
The Pre-College Scholars Program at Case Western Reserve University is designed to give highly motivated and able secondary school students the opportunity to enroll in challenging college courses prior to graduation from high school, either in the summer or during the academic year. Admission to the Pre-College Scholars Program is selective and competitive. Case Western Reserve University has limited seats available for this program and preference is given to qualified juniors and seniors who have exhausted academic options at their high schools and who are looking for unique educational opportunities. Pre-college scholars may take courses in history, politcal science, sociology, and other disciplines.
Emerson College (Boston, MA)
Pre-College Political Communication Institute Program
The Political Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership Institute for High School Students (PAL) is aimed at high school students who wish to understand the crucial role of communication in politics, advocacy and leadership in a democratic society. The Institute is centered upon a number of important issues, including public service, social advocacy and civic engagement, crisis management, public policy, global politics, grassroots organizing, and communicating with the media. The Institute's staff members are dedicated to an expansive view of politics. Therefore, various discussions on the interplay between politics and global understanding will also take place. The Institute rests upon the belief that young people, with understanding and practice of the art of communication, can be active agents within their respective communities, as articulate ambassadors and advocates for various stakeholders, including those whose voices have been marginalized.
George Mason University (Washington, D.C.)
Envision Programs: National Youth Leadership Forum on Law & CSI
At the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI, you will experience the full range of professions that exist in legal and forensic science fields and explore your opportunities for the future. This six-day summer program is held in Washington, DC. Through hands-on experiences in crime scene investigation, evidence analysis and courtroom simulations, you will go beyond the classroom and gain the edge you need for college and a future career in law or crime scene investigation.
George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
Pre-College: History & Humanities
GW draws on Washington, D.C.’s deep historical roots to provide culturally-rich courses in history and the humanities. Course topics include world history, American history, leadership, and more.
Hiram College (Hiram, OH)
Summer Academy
Hiram College's Summer Academy provides an enriched residential learning experience for high school students. Though some classroom instruction is involved, students will spend much of their time applying their skills through hands-on experiences. Hiram faculty and students participate as teachers and mentors, giving high school students exposure to and preparation for college-level academics and campus life. Previous academy topics have included leadership, the Middle East, and the Environment. Scholarship opportunities may also be available for students who attend Summer Academy.
Hispanic National Bar Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
Future Latino Leaders Law Camp
The Future Latino Leaders Law Camp is a nine-day program run by the HNBF in Washington, DC and provides selected Latino high school students with the opportunity to learn more about the legal profession. Established by the HNBF in 2005, the Law Camp offers students the chance to come to DC and learn more about the college application process, meet influential Latino leaders, and tour national monuments and various government agencies. The Law Camp is offered cost-free! However, there is a non-refundable application fee of $50 (fee waivers are granted based on financial need) and students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from DC (scholarships are available based on financial need). The HNBF is committed to working with accepted applicants and their families to ensure their ability to attend. Please do not allow the cost of transportation deter you from applying. This is a fantastic opportunity for Latino high school students who are interested in law to travel to Washington and connect with their peers from across the country as well as meet other successful Latinos.
Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Summer American Military History Institute
You will learn why America has gone to war over the last 230 years and how its armies have engaged its enemies here and abroad. History will come alive from Stony Point Battlefield in the south to FDR’s Springwood in the north. An overnight encampment at New Windsor Cantonment will lead to a visit to West Point at course’s end.
Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Summer Pre-Law Institute
This program will explore the practice of law as a profession as well as the crossroads of law and government. Are you intrigued by the law? Do think and write like a lawyer? The program will cover the cornerstones of family law, contracts, torts, real property, wills, and criminal law. This program will provide insight into the legal profession from: making the most of being “pre law” in college, the value of working as a paralegal before going to law school, selecting a law school, law school admission, law school experience, and selecting a field of practice. This program will provide solid advice and strong academic foundation for any student considering a career in law. Guest speakers will include law school professionals, judges, lawyers, political scientists, and historians. Field trips to include a visit to the FDR Museum and a court house.
Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Summer Scholars Program
The Summer Scholars Program provides a rich, early college experience for academically-talented rising high school juniors and seniors from across the globe. Students will join an engaged community of learners for an intense, two-week program. Previous topics have included Activists in Action: Building Social Just Leaders; Pathways to the Helping Professions; Inside State and Local Government: Leadership and Public Affairs; and Lost Cities & Civilizations: Archaeology and the Ancient World. Students will learn alongside our leading faculty and professional experts while getting a real preview of college live.
Ohio Dominican University (Columbus, Ohio)
The Ohio Leadership Institute: Ohio Global Leadership Summit
High school campers experience a unique global leadership camp at Ohio Dominican University while learning to build, enhance and expand global leadership skills. Campers hear motivational speakers, attend sessions of their choice similar to conference offerings and participate in leadership building activities. Ohio’s best and brightest young leaders attend this camp each summer. Campers are housed in dormitories on campus. The camp is ideal training for high school student council officers, club officers, community club leaders, class officers and athletic and sports leaders.
Transylvania University (Lexington, KY)
The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship Annual Student Congress
The week-long Student Congress gathers fifty high school students together with lawmakers, academics, journalists, and business leaders to discuss the importance of applying the art of compromise in every aspect of their activities. Carefully-chosen guest speakers engage with the students throughout the week. Curriculum is designed by the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, and capped off with a debate in the Old State Capitol. Students will also tour the Ashland Estate (Henry Clay’s home), visit the Council for State Government’s national office, and participate in dinners and discussions.
University of Akron (Akron, OH)
Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute is designed to motivate a group of high school students to prepare themselves to take full advantage of a college education. By virtue of the Oelschlager endowment, the Institute goals are accomplished through experiential learning. National leadership speakers will help show participants the importance of leadership, civic engagement, and academics. Team and group development will be accomplished through activities such as a low-ropes course at YMCA's Camp Y-Noah. Active presentations in academics and the importance of education will be demonstrated through speakers, activities, and group experiences. These are just a few examples of the types of innovative and fun activities that are utilized in the Institute curriculum.
University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN)
Global Issues: Towards A Just Peace
A seminar based on the premise that the problems facing the world in the 21st century—from climate change, resource wars, and ethnic and religious conflict to poverty, discrimination and human rights — cannot be addressed by any one nation, religion, academic discipline or social movement, but by collaboration across boundaries of all kinds. How are these problems interwoven, and how can we craft workable solutions to them? How can actors (individuals, movements and institutions) from religious and secular communities, developed and developing worlds, science and the arts, politics and economics work together to address these complexities with compassion and creativity? And what is Notre Dame’s role in such collaboration? With the help of Notre Dame faculty from several disciplines, we will explore these knotty questions together and sketch some ways forward.
University of Toledo
Youth Nations: Global Leadership Experience
A week long program for rising seniors that focuses on creating an opportunity for students to learn from Toledo’s skilled faculty about issues that face our world and develop a plan to solve world problems. Participants will have the opportunity to work with a team to present a plan to change the world and compete for the chance to win a UT scholarship. Students will have a real college experience. Students will stay on campus in residence halls, spend time with expert faculty, and use the Student Recreation Center.
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
AIM Summer Academy
Since the 1950s, approximately 14,700 high school students have discovered the United States Coast Guard Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. Exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school, AIM is now widely regarded as the most realistic service academy summer orientation program in the country. AIM will test and inspire those interested in serving their country and humanity as officers in the nation’s oldest continuous maritime service. In six non-stop days, immerse yourself in Academy tradition and cadet life. The program is intense and rewarding. More importantly, AIM will help you to discover if you possess the mind, body, and character to succeed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)
Summer Seminar
The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school. Summer Seminar teaches you about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's leaders. If you think that you may be interested in pursuing an appointment to one of the nation's service academies and serving your country as an officer, you should seriously consider attending the Naval Academy's Summer Seminar.
Wright State University (Dayton, OH)
Residential Institutes
Program participants will spend six hours per day in class or workshop sessions for one week. Course offerings and activities are designed to guide and encourage the educational, personal, and social growth of each participant. Evening activities allow participants to enjoy recreational activities and socialize with new friends. All participants are housed in The Woods residence complex. Topics have included: Law and Government, Social Work 101, and Take Action: Leadership.
Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH)
Summer Honors Institute
YSU's Summer Honors Institute offers gifted high school students the opportunity to explore contemporary topics from a variety of disciplines. YSU offers a week's worth of interactive summer classes for students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade, along with an optional (but highly recommended) residential program that lets you stay in our Honors dorms all week.