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Summer Programs: Listed by Topics of Interest
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Davidson Institute for Talent Development

This article is a list of summer programs organized by topics of interest and available to students across the nation. The programs mentioned are either designed for gifted students or would be appropriate for profoundly intelligent students. Each listing includes the program's location, a short description and a link.

The following is a list of summer programs organized by topics of interest in two separate categories, summer programs specifically for gifted youth and summer programs that may interest gifted students. The topics of interest include: Arts, Enrichment, Leadership, Literature, Math, Outdoor, Precollege, Science, Talent Search, Technology and Varies (for programs that vary in subject category).

Links to websites are provided so that parents and students may investigate more about an individual program. While the Davidson Institute does not endorse any specific programs, this list includes programs that have been recommended by parents, professionals and young people associated with the Davidson Institute.

Varies
Gifted Specific Art, Drama, Math,
Science,
Literature,
Technology		 Asheville School’s Academic Summer Adventures (North Carolina)
Asheville School's Summer Academic Adventures is a three-week camp that combines academics with the spirit of summer camp. Class work is transformed into adventure through experiential learning.
Arts Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Michigan)
Programs at Blue Lake are designed to educate through a carefully developed and balanced curriculum as well as elective courses in art, drama, dance, or music.
Enrichment SPARKLE (Louisiana)
SPARKLE is a Saturday and Summer afternoon enrichment program for academically gifted and talented students. The program is organized and directed by faculty from the Department of Special Education of the University of New Orleans.
Enrichment Camp Broadstone at Appalachian State University (North Carolina)
This college offers a specialized summer camp for academically gifted youth.
Enrichment Governor’s Program for Gifted Children in Louisiana (Louisiana)
The Governor's Program for Gifted Children is seven weeks of academic enrichment, artistic opportunity, and friendship. A residential program at McNeese State University, the GPGC is the oldest and most comprehensive enrichment program for gifted students in Louisiana. With an approach that aims to develop the whole child, the GPGC provides for the intellectual, creative, and social needs of gifted children.
Enrichment Institute for Educational Advancement Apprenticeship Program (Varies)
This residential program for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders provides gifted students with an intensive learning experience while working in some of the nation’s leading universities and research facilities.
Enrichment Junior Scholars Academy (Iowa)
Junior Scholars Academy (JSA) is a one-week residential summer academic program at The University of Iowa for Belin-Blank Center students. Each session is one week long. Students take a single advanced level course for the entire week.
Enrichment Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth (New York)
The Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth conducts a four-week, non-residential summer program for gifted children, which offers students a unique combination of academic and recreational activities within a university setting.
Enrichment National Scholars Academy (Iowa)
The courses offered are: Modern Approaches to Biomedical Research, The Law: Trial Style & Litigation, Advanced Biomedical Research, Reel Reading: Introduction to Film Analysis, Materials Engineering, Explorations in Contemporary Art, Materials Engineering, Leadership, Reel Reading: An Introduction to Film Analysis, Environmental Science, Presidents, Power and the Art of Persuasion.
Enrichment Summer Enrichment Program at the University of Virginia (Virginia)
This residential summer program is for gifted and talented students . It is a two-week session where the curriculum emphasis will be on extending a student's capabilities in problem-solving, creativity and critical examination, and evaluation of content-rich fields of study.
Enrichment University of Oregon Summer Enrichment Program (Oregon)
The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a campus-based residential program offering stimulating academic experiences designed for gifted and highly able students.
Enrichment Western Kentucky University Center for Gifted Studies (Kentucky)
They offer summer programs for different ages of gifted students.
Enrichment The Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS) (Grades 6-8) (Kentucky)
This two-week summer camp for students in grades 6-8 provides a diverse curriculum and a wide range of enrichment experiences. Students choose four classes ranging from computer science and mathematics to science and foreign languages.
Enrichment Florida Governor’s Summer Program for Gifted and High-Achieving Students
This program is full of summer courses that utilize the Florida State College systems resources. It appears to cater toward Florida residents in grades 8-12.
Enrichment Gifted Education Resource Institute: Summer Youth Programs (Indiana)
Super Summer is a day camp program offering a variety of course topics for students to choose from, including mathematics, science and technology, visual and performing arts, and language arts, as well as original interdisciplinary courses.
Enrichment Manchester Community College in Connecticut (Conneticut)
These programs are offered for students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. This program is designed for gifted, talented, and high-achieving students will have the opportunity to take a variety of college courses during the first two weeks of August.
Enrichment College for Kids is a program offered by St. Louis Community College at Meramec. (Missouri)
Summer program for gifted and talented children. Courses are designed to challenge and advance general skills already possessed by the student.
Enrichment Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) (Varies)
The institute offers many programs depending on your preference.
Enrichment The Gifted and Talented Development Center, Inc. Challenge 2005 (New York)
This day camp, located in Westchester County, New York, offers enrichment opportunities where children can realize their own potential
Enrichment University of California at Irvine’s Gifted Students Academy (California)
This program encourages students to collaborate with peers, utilize resources and gain knowledge from a major research institution.
Enrichment,
Precollege		 Satori (Washington)
This summer camp offers junior and senior high school students an outstanding opportunity to expand and challenge both their minds and characters in a collegiate setting.
Math Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) (Kentucky)
The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, through a cooperative arrangement with the Duke Talent Identification Program, is pleased to offer the three-week residential Summer Program for very bright students.
Math,Science Aurora University Scholars Program with the Packer Foundation (Illinois)
Only for students in specific Illinois counties.
Math,Science CHESS, Challenges for Elementary School Students (Iowa)
The CHESS program offers classes that are taught at a faster pace than traditional school instruction, and higher order thinking skills are emphasized.
Math,Science,
Literature,
Technology,
Economics		 A.C.E. Academics Camps of Excellence at Calvin College (Michigan )
Summer camps for gifted middle school students in math, science, literature, computer science, and economics.
Precollege Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted Youth at Iowa State University (Iowa)
This program matches students with appropriate learning experiences and emphasizes an approach to teaching that underscores strengths and encourages high achievement.
Science Math, Science, and Technology at Michigan State University (Michigan)
Math, Science, and Technology (MST) at Michigan State University is a two-week residential summer program for gifted and talented middle school students. Each day the students take two two-hour classes in astronomy, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, or environmental science.
Science,
Technology		 Texas A&M Talented and Gifted Distinguished Achievement (Texas)
T.A.G., a summer program for high ability students is being offered this summer at Texas A&M University at Galveston. These career-oriented courses will help students expand their horizons with a preparatory course in the field of their choice.
Chautauqua Institution (New York)
The institution offers summer classes in art, theater, music, and dance.
Gifted
Interest		 Arts Hartwick College Summer Programs (New York)
Our uniquely varied and flexible program provides an enriching educational experience to students of all levels. Students can take advantage of a comprehensive program comprised of classes, private instruction, solo and group performances.
Arts University of Pennsylvania School of Design, Art & Architecture: Summer at Penn - Julian Krinsky Summer Program (Philadelphia)
Explore the arts and architecture at this four-week intensive studio program for students ages 15 to 18. Art students choose major courses in animation, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography or sculpture. In addition, they select two-week projects in ceramic wheel throwing, figure drawing, filmmaking, graphic design, photography, printmaking and book arts, or Web design. Architecture students follow a full-day studio intensive every day and do not study a minor.
Arts University of Pennsylvania, WHYY Film Production Academy - Julian Krinsky Summer Program (Philadelphia)
Come work with the award-winning film and video professionals at Philadelphia’s state-of-the-art public broadcasting station for a complete script-to-screen experience. During the intensive three-week program, students ages 15 to 18 will explore all facets of film production — including scriptwriting, scouting locations in historic Philadelphia, directing, and post-production for your own film.
Arts School of Cinema and Performing Arts (SOCAPA) (New York,California)
Tired of sitting in the audience? Want to be up on the screen instead? Join the next generation of dramatic performers and visual storytellers at SOCAPA, the School of Cinema and Performing Arts.
Arts Summer Camp for Film and Acting at the New York Film Academy (Varies)
These high school summer camps (Ages 14 - 17) are designed for students with little or no previous filmmaking, acting, or animation experience. They are intensive, short term courses that fully immerse students in the craft of writing, directing and casting.
Arts University of Connecticut Confratute (Conneticut)
This program is for educators to take summer classes about gifted and talented education.
Arts Interlochen Arts Camp (Michigan)
This residential summer arts program provides students in grades three through 12 the opportunity to train with world-class instructors and work alongside over 2,000 of the world’s best and brightest students.
Educators The Robert E. Cook Honors College - Summer Honors Program for High School Students (Pennsylvania)
Robert E. Cook Honors College's Summer Honors Program is a place where talented high school students come together for two weeks and form a community of scholars who explore academic and collegiate living in a real college setting.
Enrichment Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP) (Colorado)
TASP is a six-week educational experience for high school juniors that offers challenges and rewards rarely encountered in secondary school or even college.
Enrichment Exploration Summer Programs (Varies)
Exploration Summer Programs is an academic summer enrichment program where young people can expand their horizons, try something new, and learn in a pressure-free environment.
Enrichment UConn Mentor Connection (Conneticut)
We believe students' interests, abilities, and motivation are very important talents. We also believe that it is essential for students to have opportunities to manifest their talents in high levels of creative productivity.
Enrichment University for Youth (UFY) at the University of Denver (Colorado)
The University of Denver is pleased to provide an opportunity for students to explore and expand their talents and abilities on our campus this summer. UFY offers science, math, humanities and art classes.
Enrichment Academic Talent Development Program (California)
The Elementary Division (ED) invites outstanding students to a three-week summer session near UC Berkeley, at Castro Elementary School in El Cerrito. The Secondary Division (SD) brings academically talented students to the Berkeley campus for a six-week.
Enrichment Roswell Park Cancer Institute (New York)
This program offers students the ability to do summer scientific research at America's Cancer Research Center.
Enrichment College Gate & College Academy (Massachusetts)
This program provides students in grades K-8th the opportunity to participate in project-based learning activities. Camps are broken up by age group.
Enrichment Belin-Blank Center - Blank Summer Institute (BSI) (Iowa)
The Blank Summer Institute for the Arts & Sciences is a two-week residential summer program held at The University of Iowa. .
Enrichment College of William and Mary Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Early American History (Virginia)
This summer program is a trip back in time for students who get to experience early America and its interactions with Africans,Colonists, and Native Americans.
Enrichment Duke TIP Summer Studies (North Carolina)
Duke TIP Summer Studies Programs offer students the opportunity to learn highly challenging material at a rate suited to their advanced abilities. Students enroll in a single Duke TIP-designed course for three weeks of in-depth study; they attend nearly 40 hours of class each week between Monday morning and Saturday afternoon.
Enrichment Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars (Missouri)
The Joseph Baldwin Academy offers highly talented students a head start on their future university careers by allowing them to spend three weeks as college freshmen
Enrichment Center for Talent Development (CTD) - Northwestern University - Summer Programs (Illinois) (Illinois)
CTD offers a variety of summer programs including Apogee, Spectrum, & Equinox that mix academics with fun to accelerate the learning process. Pre-K through grade 12.
Enrichment EPGY Summer Programs (California)
The EPGY Summer Institutes Middle School Program (MSP) consists of three two-week sessions for students. However, rather than pursuing focused study on a single topic, students study several related topics within a single subject area.
Enrichment University of Delaware Summer College Program
The University of Delaware offers students the ability to live on campus and take offered courses to earn University credit. Classes have included; world religions, general chemistry, general psychology, and mass communication and culture.
Enrichment Sacramento State Academic Talent Search (California)
Academic Talent Search (ATS) provides academically challenging, fast-paced courses to highly able and motivated students.
Enrichment Leap Frog (Illinois)
The three, week-long sessions offer enrichment courses designed to combine different topics with students’ area of academic strength.
Enrichment Rocky Mountain Talent Search Summer Institute (Colorado)
Students with exceptional ability in mathematical and verbal areas are offered a special selection of enrichment courses on the D.U. campus. Classes are small and curriculum is fast-paced. Courses in math, science, and humanities are taught using a variety of approaches including laboratory experiments, small group discussions, multimedia presentations, field trips, simulations, lectures, and guest speakers.
Enrichment Summer Challenge (Washington)
The Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington offers summer academic programs. All classes are offered on the UW-Seattle campus, and provide challenging and fun summer experiences for academically talented students.
Language Arts Young Writers Workshop (Virginia)
The Young Writers Workshop of the University of Virginia, established in 1982, brings together a community of writers with a common purpose: to create a supportive and noncompetitive environment where teenagers can live and work as artists.
Leadership Summer Enrichment Programs at the University of Northern Colorado (Colorado)
Each participant will be involved in four classes per day plus evening options. Two of the classes are designed to enhance leadership abilities. In addition, students will assist a teacher in the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) class of their choice.
Leadership Duke Institutes (North Carolina)
The Duke TIP Institutes are campus-based programs developed for the motivated high school student wishing to gain real world experience. The Duke TIP Leadership Institute, based at Duke University, allows students to discover their own leadership potential through study, discussion, and service experience.
Leadership Civic Education Project (Illinois)
CEP's Civic Leadership Institutes combine rigorous and engaging academic work with community service and hands-on field experiences designed to help young people develop the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills they need to make a positive impact on society.
Leadership All Girls All Math (Nebraska)
The summer mathematics camp for high school girls provides a stimulating and supportive environment for girls to develop their mathematical ability and interest.
Leadership University of Pennsylvania, International Leadership With Model UN - Julian Krinsky Summer Program (Philadelphia)
If you are interested in world politics, this program can help increase your experience, knowledge and skills in this fascinating arena. Living and working with students from around the world, you will gain a unique perspective on international affairs and how to achieve solutions through diplomacy. This program offers exploration of International Relations, Foreign Policy, and Diplomacy in a four-week session for students ages 15 to 18.
Math Clay Mathematics Institute PROMYS (Massachusetts)
PROMYS is a challenging program designed to encourage ambitious high school students to explore the creative world of mathematics.
Math CMI Ross Program (Ohio)
The Ross Program at the Ohio State University is an intensive course in mathematics for pre-college students.
Math MathCamp (Varies)
Canada/USA MathCamp is an intensive 5-week-long summer program for mathematically talented high school students
Math MathPath (Varies)
A summer program and resource for middle school students showing promise in math.
Math Stanford University Math Camp (SUMAC) (California)
Mathematically talented and motivated high-school students from across the United States, and from around the world, spend four weeks at Stanford University, focused on mathematical pursuits.
Math COSMOS California State Summer School for Math and Science (California)
The COSMOS course clusters address topics not traditionally taught in high schools such as astronomy, aerospace engineering, biomedical sciences, computer science, wetlands ecology, ocean science, robotics, game theory, and more.
Math, science,
language arts		 MichiganTech University (Michigan)
Explorations in careers and knowledge for pre-college students cover such programs as Summer Youth Explorations, Women in Engineering, American Indian Workshop or Explorations in Engineering.
Math,Science Research Science Institute (RSI) (Virginia)
Selected from the United States and other nations, these students participate in a rigorous academic program which emphasizes advanced theory and research in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering.
Math,Science Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies (BCWS) (Virginia)
The purpose of the camp is to nurture in children and teens a respect and sensitivity to the natural world through greater knowledge of self and nature.
Precollege Stanford University Summer Session for High School Students (California)
As a High School Summer College student during summer you will take undergraduate courses and earn Stanford University credit. You will also participate in many interesting and entertaining activities that enhance the academic experience.
Precollege Columbia University Precollege Summer Programs (New York)
Rigorous summer pre-college programs for students in grades nine through twelve.
Precollege Summer of Excellence Program at the University of Arizona
This program offers high school students the ability to take college courses during the summer while living on campus at the University of Arizona.
Precollege University of California at San Diego Academic Connections (California)
This program is a pre-college summer academic and residential experience targeted to highly motivated, high achieving, college-bound high school students who want to explore the best UCSD has to offer.
Precollege Summer Science Institute (Wisconsin)
The Summer Science Institute (SSI) is a seven-week residential experience in which students gain an understanding of biological/physical research while learning about college life.
Science Camp Invention (Varies)
Camp Invention is a weeklong summer enrichment day program offered in your local elementary school.
Science Archeology Summer Field School
The Archaeology Summer Field Program is designed for elementary students who enjoy archaeology, history and science.
Science Science Scholar Research Institute (Missouri)
The Science Scholar Research Institute (SSRI) is an award winning program that provides laboratory research experiences in the sciences, engineering, computer science, social sciences, or mathematics.
Science Sea Camp (Texas)
Students are able to learn in marine and estuarine environments while having access to labs and vessels available at Texas A & M.
Science Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) (Massachusetts)
Smith's Summer Science and Engineering Program has a mission: To encourage teenage girls with a bent for science to shine.
Science Students and Teachers as Research Scientists (STARS) (Missouri)
Students and Teachers As Research Scientists (STARS) is a program that introduces both rising high school juniors and seniors and teachers to the various aspects of the scientific enterprise.
Science U.S. Space and Rocket Center Space Camp (Alabama)
These programs are offered to a variety of ages depending on the course that you pick.
Science Young Scientist Program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (Missouri)
Young Scientist Program is designed to attract high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds into scientific careers through activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active scientists.
Science Astrocamp (California)
Students spend time using microscopes and telescopes and exploring "mystery planetary surfaces".
Science Explorations in Engineering (Michigan)
This program is offered to minority and underrepresented students interested in math and science
Science CAA Science Courses (Maryland)
Students in CAA science courses gather and interpret data, master important scientific concepts, and learn to recognize relationships among physical phenomena. In addition to lectures and reading assignments, science courses include oral presentations and written assignments, particularly lab reports.
Science Science Scholar Research Institute (SSRI) (Missouri)
This award winning program provides laboratory research experiences in the sciences, engineering, computer science, social sciences, or mathematics with nationally known scientists at three major research universities: Saint Louis University, Washington University, and University of Missouri-St. Louis, which includes two medical schools and an optometry school. Students choose a topic of interest and then they are matched as close as possible to an internationally recognized research mentor. Students are introduced to the total scientific enterprise and learn various problem solving strategies.
Science Science Adventures (Varies)
Our week-long science day camps and programs are offered throughout the summer in casual indoor or outdoor settings.
Science University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Penn Nursing Summer Institute - Julian Krinsky Summer Program (Philadelphia)
This program offers a unique four-week intensive program for rising high school juniors and seniors that features cutting-edge research, the latest advances in virtual learning, and clinical experience in Philadelphia's top hospitals. As the only undergraduate Ivy League nursing school, Penn is recognized worldwide for setting the standard of academic excellence in this field.
Science,
Technology		 Cybercamps (Varies)
Cybercamps is a fun summer program where you can experiment and learn all about technology.
Technology iD Tech Camps (Summer Computer Camp) (Varies)
iD Tech Camps are summer technology camp held at 40 premiere universities including Stanford, Princeton and MIT.
Technology National Computer Camp (Varies)
This program offers both residential and non-residential options in curriculum consisting topics from video game design to computer languages and web page design.
Technology Emagination Computer Camps (Varies)
This camp offers typical fun camp activities with a touch of technology. Students learn computer animation, web design, digital photography, lego robotics and much more.
Technology Usdan Summer Camps (New York)
Usdan's 1,700 young musicians, dancers, artists, writers and actors establish lifelong friendships with those who share their passion for creative exploration. Usdan offers you a world class faculty and an incredible campus.
Varies Center for Talented Youth (CTY) (Maryland)
This website is for all summer programs through the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. The programs cater to academically talented children from second to twelfth grade.
Varies University of Pennsylvania, Summer Internships in Philadelphia - Julian Krinsky Summer Program (Philadelphia)
This program gives students entering grades 11 and 12 the opportunity to explore work in a chosen field while living on the University of Pennsylvania campus, during the three-, four- and seven-week sessions.
Varies Xploration - Julian Krinsky Middle School Summer Camp (Bryn Mawr, PA)
This is an opportunity for students 10 to 13 years old to enjoy learning, sports and activities on a classically beautiful tree-lined campus. Held at Bryn Mawr College on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line, Xploration offers expert instruction in the arts, sciences, popular culture and dozens of fascinating subjects specially selected for the interests of middle school students.
Varies Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth
There is a variety of residential as well as online summer programs offered for students who have taken and passed specific tests and are of a specific age.


Permission Statement

This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting profoundly gifted young people under 18. To learn more about the Davidson Institute’s programs, please visit www.DavidsonGifted.org.

The appearance of any information in the Davidson Institute's Database does not imply an endorsement by, or any affiliation with, the Davidson Institute. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is solely the opinion of and the responsibility of the author. Although reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the Davidson Institute makes no guarantees of any kind, including as to accuracy or completeness. Use of such information is at the sole risk of the reader.

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