While the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling has put an end to the use of race in college admissions, many colleges are still interested in promoting diversity, especially in fields which traditionally lack it. To this end, many colleges and universities offer summer programs for students who demographically are less likely to be involved with particular majors or fields of study.
These are often aimed at black and hispanic students, but many take applications from first generation or low socio-economic status students as well. The purpose of all of these programs is the same; to promote access to disciplines these students otherwise might not be exposed to. These are available in a range of disciplines. In this article, we’re going to go over a sampling of these programs. This isn’t a definitive list, but a tour of what’s out there, and what your options are. Let’s get started!
MITES Summer
The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science is a six-week on campus program run by MIT (as the name suggests). Students take five courses in a variety of subjects, participate in lab tours and social events, and receive college counseling. This program is specifically focused on STEM fields, and seeks to help students gain a broader and deeper understanding of the possibilities within them.
This is a completely free program, including housing and instruction. The only thing students are responsible for is their travel to and from MIT. Only US citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this program. You must be a high school junior to apply. While all students are welcome to apply, they strongly encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to do so.
They are looking for students with a clear passion for STEM, who have a very strong academic record. Applications should be submitted in the Fall of your junior year. The application requires the following:
- An online form, where you enter demographic information.
- Your high school course history, including an unofficial transcript.
- Test scores are optional, but you are strongly encouraged to submit them. They accept SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP scores.
- Five short answer essays of 300 words each.
- A description of your extracurricular activities.
- Three letters of recommendation. One from a math or science teacher, one from a humanities teacher, and one from a counselor or administrator.
All applications must be submitted by February 1.
SUMMET at Mines
The Summer Multicultural Engineering Training program (SUMMET) is offered by the Colorado School of Mines, and focuses on engineering, technology, and science. It is designed specifically for underrepresented students, including racial minorities, women, and first generation applicants. The program offers three week-long sessions, which are held on the school’s campus in Colorado.
During the program, students experience college life, take courses in STEM fields, and participate in social activities. Students will complete a team project over the course of the week. The only cost for the program is a $50 confirmation fee if you are accepted; tuition and residency on campus are free. You are responsible for your own transportation to the school.
The application is due March 1.
Student Science Training Program
The University of Florida offers the SSTP as a seven week residential research program, held on their campus. Students join an existing research team on campus, and are expected to contribute to the work being done. Students spend 30 hours each week participating in research, and additionally take coursework, complete a seminar, and experience life at college.
You must commit to the entire seven weeks of the program in order to attend. You must be a current junior, and at least 16 by the start date of the program. The program costs $5,200, including tuition and residential fees. Limited need based scholarships are available to students attending Florida high schools.
You may apply for the program online. It requires the application form, two essay responses of 500 words each, two letters of recommendation from math, science, or computer science teachers, and an academic record form completed by a counselor. Official transcripts must be faxed to them. There is no application deadline; review of applications begins in March, and continues until the program is filled. Students invited to participate must respond within 10 days or lose their spot.
Purdue MITE
Purdue’s Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program is a four week summer program modeled on their engineering bootcamp. The program is designed to attract underrepresented minority students to pursue engineering at Purdue. Participants live at and take coursework at Purdue, while exploring the engineering majors offered by the school. All participants may apply to Purdue at the end of the program.
Students will complete engineering projects under the direction of graduate students as part of this program. The cost is $2,164 for Indiana residents, or $3,365 for nonresidents. Need based scholarships are available. The program is open to all students who are current juniors; minority students are especially encouraged to apply, but students from all backgrounds are accepted.
Applications must be completed online, and are due by April 22. These require the online application and a transcript. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Bruin Ascent Summer Experience
Offered by UCLA, BASE is a virtual program for Californian students who are members of economically under-resourced communities. This is a six week program, where students enroll in one online UCLA summer course free of charge. In addition, participants meet with a UCLA summer mentor, and attend workshops on college advising and academic preparation.
You must be a California resident, currently in 10th or 11th grade, have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and meet the income requirements to apply for this program. Applications must be submitted online. The portal opens February 15, all applications are due by April 15.
The application requires:
- The online form
- An unofficial transcript
- A resume of extracurriculars
- A parent or guardian’s 1040 tax form
- Two essay responses; a 650 word personal statement and a 350 word short response.
- A letter of recommendation may optionally be included.
Mathematics & Science for Minority Students
Abbreviated as (MS)2, this program is run by Phillips Academy Andover, one of the top boarding schools in the US, as an outreach program. This is a five week program that occurs every summer. Students admitted to the program return for three summer in a row, after 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. Students in the program take advanced STEM courses and learn about different specialties in the fields.
The program is free of charge. Students must provide their own transport to and from the program, but live on ANdover’s campus for the duration. Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program:
- Be current 9th grade students at a public high school
- Reside in Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Cleveland; Fort Worth, Texas; Lawrence, Mass.; Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Tenn.; and New York City, as well as Washington, D.C. (Native American/indigenous students may reside in any geographic area of the United States.)
- Identify as African American, Latino, or Native American
- Have a strong interest in STEM
Applications must be submitted online. This requires academic records, demographic information, letters of recommendation from your current math and science teachers and your 8th grade math teacher, plus your current counselor, essays, a parent/guardian statement, and a financial statement. Once you submit your application, you will be emailed an online math assessment. You must have completed Algebra I by the time the summer session begins. Applicants are judged on their academic preparedness, and preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need.
Sphinx Performance Academy
This is an intensive music performance summer program for string musicians ages 11-17. It is offered in coordination with Juilliard and University of Colorado Boulder’s School of Music. Separate programs are held at each school’s campus. This is a residential program. The program is entirely free, including housing and tuition, though students are responsible for transportation to and from the program.
This program is specifically intended for Black and Hispanic students. You must be a US citizen or legal resident to participate. The instruments covered by the program are violin, viola, cello, and base. The program consists of individual and ensemble lessons, lectures, and social activities.
You can apply for the program online; this requires both the online application and an audition video. The application requires a repertoire list, a 200 word personal statement, proof of citizenship, and a high resolution headshot. Three separate audition videos are required. These can’t be edited, and should have clear audio and visual.
These are:
- 3-octave scale in any key
- Movement or piece of choice with or without piano accompaniment. The selection should be at least 2 min in length.
- Additional contrasting movement or piece of choice with or without piano accompaniment. The selection should be at least 2 min in length.
- Personal Statement Video: In a few minutes, please tell us who you are, how you heard about Sphinx, what you hope to accomplish this summer at SPA, and anything you’d like Sphinx to know about you
Applications are due by February 16.
Final Thoughts
While colleges may not factor race into admissions any more, they are still dedicated to advancing diversity and social mobility, and summer programs like these are a result of those aims. They serve to give students who otherwise may not have the same level of access a chance to explore their passions in more depth. This is not a comprehensive list, but we hope it has given you a good taste of what your options are.
There are many ways to spend your summer, and programs like these are a small fraction of what’s available. We have a lot of experience guiding students to the activities which are the best suited to their passions through our candidacy building program. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you, or check out our Laurel Scholars program.
