Summer Programs

Expanding college access to communities that have been historically under-represented in higher education is a shared goal among Coalition schools. Many members provide pre-college summer opportunities with financial aid available.

Explore this website to learn more about each school’s affordable summer programming designed to promote access to higher education. Remember, as a student, participating in a pre-college summer program is a great way to further explore your interests, get a taste of what it is like to be a college student, visit a college campus, and even boost your academic profile.

BESt summer programs are four weeks in duration and focused on a STEM-based curriculum. The goal is to spark students interests in STEM-based professions and to create a pipeline of diverse healthcare providers to the St. Louis Region. Students get exposure to the healthcare profession through healthcare lectures and site visits. Professional development emphasizes personal brand, character, and leadership development. Applications are due March 9, 2026

• Our free virtual summer programs are open to 9-12th graders who identify as girls or non-binary. Any coding experience level is welcome!

• In addition to our free programs, we offer a financial support grant of up to $300 and laptop and hotspot access for eligible students.

• https://girlswhocode.com/programs

For High School Students, Grades 9 – 12

Learn from a former commander of a crime scene investigation unit • Basic Criminal Investigation • Forensic Analysis Techniques • Crime Scene Processing • Evidence Collection

June 8 – 11, 2026 or July 27-30, 2026    9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $275, includes daily lunch and a camp t-shirt • Lifting & Examining Fingerprints • Casting Tread Impressions • Identifying & Examining Blood Splatter/Stains • Andmuchmore!

Click Here to Register

Gateway Global is excited to share information about our upcoming NextGeo Summer Academy, a hands-on summer training program designed to introduce students to high-demand careers across multiple sectors and emerging tech fields. 

Program Flyer

Program Details:

• Geospatial & GIS training and credentialing 
• 8-week summer training (located in North City St. Louis)
• Professional networking opportunities
• Workforce readiness and preparedness (resume building, LinkedIn profile creation, professional headshots, industry mentorship).
• Introduction to emerging technology fields and how they integrate with ALL industries (healthcare, engineering, political science, arts, and more).

Local 36 Sheet Metal Workers and SMACNA St. Louis are hosting the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a free two week hands-on summer program for high school students interested in skilled trades and technical careers.

Dates: July 14 to July 24
Eligible Ages: 17 to 19

This is a structured career exploration program. Students will gain real-world exposure to the HVAC and sheet metal trade through hands-on work with contractors and instruction at our training center. Program completion also provides advantages for students who later apply to our registered apprenticeship program.

Students who complete the program receive a starter tool kit and work boots at no cost.

Spots are limited. Students must apply online and will be required to upload a resume and letters of recommendation.

Sign up here!

For more than 20 years, Leadership Initiatives has partnered with outstanding high school students to gain real-world experience, explore future careers, and develop critical skills to create the next generation of leaders worldwide.

As a nonprofit, we are proud to offer in-person internships that impact the lives of students and the individuals they are partnered with.

Visit the website to learn more: https://lichangesummer.org/

If you are in high school (or graduating this year) and have a disability, you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to learn about and build leadership skills to become better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living after you graduate from high school!

The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) is a five-day overnight program that empowers high school students with disabilities. It brings together approximately 30 students from across Missouri to develop leadership skills and career awareness. Through interactive sessions, delegates gain a deeper understanding of their disabilities and those of their peers, while analyzing strengths and weaknesses to become self-determined individuals. MO-YLF also equips students with knowledge of the legislative process and disability laws, empowering them to advocate for themselves and others. With visits to the state Capitol and a mock legislative session, delegates learn firsthand how laws are made. The program fosters self-advocacy skills and promotes disability awareness, connecting students with community resources for independent living. Fun group activities facilitate networking and the formation of lifelong friendships. MO-YLF ultimately leaves students with renewed confidence and a clearer vision for their post-secondary goals in education, employment, and independent living.  The Forum is a life-changing experience that combines leadership training with self-discovery to change the future for aspiring young leaders with disabilities.

Don’t miss out on this incredible and life-changing opportunity – applications are available at https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf.htm.

Open to:  Missouri high school students with ANY disability who have an IEP or 504 Plan

Cost:  The Forum is FREE for all of our participants

Location:  University of Missouri (Mizzou) in Columbia, MO

How to Apply:  Visit our website and complete the application (https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf.htm)

If you have questions, need assistance filling out your application, or need an alternative format, please email gcd@oa.mo.gov or call our office at 573-751-2600 or 800-877-8249

The University of Missouri School of Medicine invites current freshmen and sophomores to apply for the Mizzou Medical Explorations Program. This two‑week online workshop includes a one‑day in‑person visit to the University of Missouri–Columbia campus. Students will have the opportunity to engage, explore, and experience careers in healthcare. The program is designed to support self‑awareness, career development, and connection with peers, students, staff, and faculty.

We encourage students to apply online using the application link below. Creating an account, starting an application, completing each tab, and submitting materials can all be done online.

Apply Here: Medical Explorations - University of Missouri School of Medicine

Medical Explorations 2026 Program Details

Online program: June 1–12, 2026
In‑person program: June 12, 2026
Location: 745 Kentucky Blvd | Columbia, MO 65212
Fee: $75 - Financial assistance is available\

Registration is now open, and participation is limited to 40 students. Early application is encouraged.

High School Mini-Med School at the University of Missouri Columbia is returning this June for two sessions. Session 1 runs from June 7-11, and Session 2 is from June 14-18.

This overnight camp is for current Missouri high school juniors (rising seniors) who are interested in a career in medicine. Students will attend lectures and will participate in the same Patient-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum that Mizzou medical students do. They will have lots of hands-on clinical experiences, time in the simulation and anatomy centers, and social events in the evenings. This is a great experience for anyone who is considering medical school after college.

The application is now open and is due March 13th. For more information about the camp and the application visit: https://medicine.missouri.edu/offices-programs/education/pre-med-outreach-programs/mini-medical-school

The High School Internship Program is for high school students, aged 16 or older, that are looking for real-world experience. This internship will offer students the opportunity to gain relevant work experience while contributing to an important and purposeful mission.

NGA High School Interns perform a variety of entry-level functions and tasks in support of the organization to which they are assigned. They are given a work project that involves problem identification, analysis, and resolution. Specific duties may include the preparation and presentation of briefings directly related to the work assigned.

To learn more about NGA’s Student Opportunities visit: https://www.nga.mil/careers/Student_Opportunities.html

Summer Internship program information will be sent to qualifying students via Parent Square/Student Square in early October. All interested students are strongly encouraged to attend the Student Information Meeting at their school (information about the meetings will be communicated via Parent Square/Student Square).  We will share important information about the program and the application/interview process. The application opens up during the Student Information Meeting process. There is not an option to apply early.

SIUE is offering a Summer Pharmacy Camp for high school students interested in health sciences and healthcare careers. Students will participate in hands-on activities, interactive learning sessions, and gain exposure to clinical skills, medication safety, and the diverse career paths within pharmacy.

See flyer for more information.

Camp Details:
• Open to  high school students
• Hosted at SIUE School of Pharmacy
• July 12th - 16th 2026
• Application link: https://siue.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_79x2hpM8aKO7BdQ

The Starkloff Disability Institute’s Dream Big Career Camp supports youth ages 14–21 in exploring career pathways, building transition skills, and preparing for the workforce. Through partnerships with employers such as Bayer, Nestlé Purina, and World Wide Technology, students gain hands-on exposure to high-demand career fields. 

Check out the DreamBigCareerCampFlyer2026.pdf for more information.

 St. Louis Internship Program 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) Career & Workforce Readiness Unit operates career and workforce development programs year-round for members ages 6-18, along with additional opportunities for our alumni ages 19-24. In addition, the Career & Workforce Readiness Unit offers and/or operates programs throughout the St. Louis region. Services include one-time soft skills workshops to a structured internship program, including credentialing, skill development, college preparatory, and dual enrollment opportunities. 

For more information, please call (314) 371-7547. You may also email questions to slip@bgcstl.org.

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)—a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.

SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

• Hands-on academic workshops: Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.
• Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.
• Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Check out the SLE 2025 VIDEO to learn more about the experience.

Students can choose between three SLE sessions:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3
• Session 2: June 5 – June 9
• Session 3: June 11 – June 15

Applications for SLE open on February 15, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.

West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need. Learn more here: West Point Summer Leaders Experience

Apply to SLE: SLE Application

The Summit STEM Fellowship is a virtual summer fellowship empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM. Open to rising 9th-12th grade students, the fellowship aims to identify top students around the world.

As a Summit STEM Fellow, students learn from a network of mentors from Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and other top institutions, and explore different opportunities and career pathways in STEM. The fellowship is a flexible 10-15 hours/week commitment, allowing students to participate alongside other summer activities.

Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. To learn more and apply, please visit www.summitstemfellowship.org. For any questions, please email info@summitstemfellowship.org.

Looking for a stimulating summer experience? Consider attending a summer program geared toward your skills and interests. TeenLife makes it easy to find them. Just go to TeenLife.com/Summer, use the filters to refine your search, or enter a special interest in the search bar at the top of the page. Then browse the results and click on any listing to get more information. 

This fully funded six-week summer virtual experience teaches high school students to formulate and implement STEM projects in their local communities. To learn more, click here. 

What:  A one-day, activity-packed experience giving students a glimpse of what it's like to be a pharmacist, as well as an opportunity to see firsthand what it's like to study at one of our three UMKC Pharmacy campuses. Providing hands-on exercises and the ability to learn about the wide variety of pharmacy career practice areas!

Who: Any student who has completed 9th grade or above, current college students, or individuals looking for career change are encouraged to attend!

Find more information HERE.

Questions? Contact pharmacy@umkc.edu or 816-235-1613.

A great opportunity awaits this summer at the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program.

AIM is an intense, hands-on, six-day immersion that challenges, tests, and inspires. Participants develop teamwork and leadership skills, complete engineering projects, and learn what it is like to be a cadet at USCGA. For many students, AIM is life-changing. 

For more information, check out our AIM website, which has application guidance, student blogs, and program FAQs.

he University of Missouri St. Louis Bridge Program has begun its recruitment of area high school students for participation in the 2025 Summer Academy, Bridge to the ACT Summer Intensive, and Spend the Summer Write Workshop Series!

The Summer Academy is offered Monday through Friday on the University of Missouri- St. Louis north campus. Students who possess the following criteria are eligible to apply:

·       Currently enrolled in grades 9^th – 10^th, in a St. Louis metropolitan area high school 

·       Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher 

·       Enrolled in or have completed Algebra

Visit https://www.umsl.edu/precollegiate/programs/index.html for more information.

The U.S. Naval Academy’s summer programs applications are live! Summer STEM is for current 8th, 9th, and 10th graders and is a six-day residential camp here at the Academy. Attendees get to do hands-on math and science activities in our labs with our faculty and midshipmen. Summer Seminar is for current 11th graders and is a great opportunity for attendees to see what it would be like to be a student at the Academy. Need-based scholarships are available for both programs, including fees and/or travel. Click HERE for more information!

The Webster University School of Communications hosts summer camps include: Animation, Game Design, Film Production, and Sound Recording

Camps are open to students age 14-18 and are held in the state-of-the-art Sverdrup Building on Webster University's main campus in Webster Groves, MO. Campers will learn the basics of their subject and will work on projects throughout the week. On Friday, campers will present their personal projects they’ve worked on for the week in an assembly which family and friends are invited to attend!

For more information visit: https://www.webster.edu/communications/summer-camps.php

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer two unique opportunities for high school and middle school students to experience the Academy this summer.

Opportunity 1: Summer Leader Experience (SLE)
This one-week program is designed for current high school juniors, offering them a unique opportunity to experience life as a Cadet at West Point. The action-packed week will be both challenging and rewarding, with participants taking part in:

• Four hands-on academic workshops selected from 17 different options, taught by West Point faculty.
• Physical and mental challenges, including indoor and outdoor obstacle courses, intramurals, and the Candidate Fitness Assessment.
• Leadership and character development through team challenges, the Leader Reaction Course, and ethics discussions led by West Point Cadets.

Learn more here: West Point Summer Leader Experience 

Opportunity 2: Summer STEM Workshops
For students in 6th through 9th grade, West Point will host its annual Summer STEM Workshops. During these workshops, students will explore the Academy grounds, experience cadet life, and participate in a variety of hands-on STEM activities. Workshop topics include human physiology, fuel cell cars, propellants, robotics, cantilevers, soldering circuits, fish biodiversity, water chemistry, meteorology, egg drop engineering, data analytics, and more.

The workshops are scheduled as follows:

• June 2–6 for 6th-7th graders
• June 9–13 for 8th-9th graders

For more information, visit the Center for Leader Development in STEM (CLDSTEM) website:

Center for Leader Development in STEM | United States Military Academy West Point