While students want to pursue college studies after high school, many have no idea what college life is like or what to study in college. To expose high school students to the college experience, many parents send them to a summer program. Usually, summer programs come with numerous benefits, as we shall see below. Before enrolling your student in a summer program, there are various considerations. Cost is one of the core factors to consider. The cost of summer programs ranges from $500 to $3,000. Other things to consider include:
The Summer Camp Program Should Represent the Student’s Interests, not that of their Parent’s
Before thinking about the available summer programs, ask your child about their interests. While some high school students are artistic, others have academic interests. The summer program you choose should proportionally represent their interests over the summer period. For example, suppose a high school student is passionate about painting and business. Determine how to nurture both interests, whether through one or multiple programs. Students can settle for a wide range of interests.
Determine the Problems they Want to Solve
Students may want to solve scientific or social issues. Arming yourself with the problems your child wants to solve is an ideal way of finding the ultimate programs that meet their needs. One of the core mistakes that many parents make is pressing their high school students to pursue a particular summer program. Instead, a parent should encourage students to focus on the problems that specific programs can solve. That way, students won’t feel compelled to go against their wishes.
Choose a Summer Program that Students will Likely Focus on Throughout their Lives
Attending a summer camp in Switzerland program is only valuable if high school students enjoy or learn a wide range of lessons. These things can be achieved if a summer camp program is integrated into the student’s existing interests. That way, students will likely use lessons from the program in their future ventures, developing never-ending learning and journey. After attending a summer program, high students will reap the following benefits.
1. Interacting with and Learning from Worthwhile Role Models
During high school summer programs, experts are available to teach students in all their preferred subjects, including space exploration and coding, or Model United Nations. Attending a summer program allows students to get mentorship from established role models like college students, professors, or lecturers. Young high school students will learn how these individuals have achieved their goals and succeeded in their preferred fields. At the end of the program, they will be inspired by their trainers’ determination and hard work.
2. Gain College Credits
Some high school summer programs offer college courses that help students earn credit which they can apply toward their degree. That is an excellent method of reducing the cost and time of completing their undergraduate degree. A summer program is a great strategy to help students determine the program they wish to major in.
Doing so helps students choose the required courses. For example, high school students wishing to pursue architecture can enroll in a pre-college course to study the basics of architectural design, drawing, and history. There are no official pre-requirements for enrolling in an architecture program. However, some students usually have two years of art training before enrollment. Students also get to interact with current architecture students and learn from them.
3. Meeting New People and Making Friends from Different Backgrounds
Studies conducted by the Century Foundation suggest that exposing students to their peers with different challenges and ideas improves their cognitive skills. They can think critically and solve problems with ease. Exposure to unfamiliar and new backgrounds and cultures pushes students to develop a broader understanding of the world surrounding them. Students will eventually be well prepared to prevail in a religiously, ethnically, and racially diverse world.
4. Students can Boost Their College Application
Attending high school summer programs is a great strategy for boosting a student’s college application. This is more effective if the program is related to your preferred major. Colleges are interested in knowing that learners are committed to their studies and have taken steps to explore their preferred fields. Summer programs are an excellent way of improving your resume. They show you’re ready to go the extra mile and try new challenges. Including your high school summer experiences boost your college applications, increasing your chances of being chosen.
5. Activities for Different Types of Learners
Many high school students get bored of learning in ordinary school environments. High school programs usually incorporate various environments and activities in their curriculum. This ensures students maximize their learning experience. From guest speakers to field trips, open house presentations, and group projects, this diversion from regular classroom setups can benefit different types of learners.
6. Putting the Summer Slide at Bay
Studies suggest that students are highly likely to experience learning loss during the summer break, also known as the summer slide. The summer slide occurs because students hardly learn during the vacation. As a result, they forget nearly everything they have learned during the school year. However, students can prevent learning loss by attending a summer program where they engage in learning-related activities. A high school summer program is the ideal way of engaging students and ensuring they remember everything they have learned in school. This kind of learning takes place in a fun environment, making it memorable.
7. Students Explore New Study Fields and Academic Topics
Many high school students have no idea what careers they want to pursue in the future. Attending a high school summer program exposes students to new subjects they may have no idea of. Delving into new study fields during a summer program allows students to discover their interests and get comfortable selecting what to major in college after high school.
8. Students Develop Independence and Self-reliance
Students attending a summer program develop a robust sense of independence and self-reliance. They’ll be entirely responsible for their learning and advancement. They also have to navigate between learning and being away from home. That helps the students prepare for college, where independence and freedom can be unlimited.
9. Summer Programs Prepare Students for College and Future Careers
Today, college admissions are becoming overly competitive. This competition goes on after college and in the job market. Attending a high school summer program allows learners to gain the experience and skills employers and colleges consistently search for in applicants. These skills include critical thinking, communication, time management, and dedication to particular subjects.
High school students who attend summer programs gain knowledge, skills, and benefits that last a lifetime. If you are looking for reasons to enroll your high school student in a summer program, this article should convince you to do so.
