Free and Low-Cost Pre-College Summer Programs
Pre-college summer programs allow high school students to explore college life, academic interests, and potential career paths before officially applying or enrolling. These programs often take place on college campuses and offer a chance to participate in college-level courses, hands-on projects, and campus activities.
Pre-college summer programs provide an invaluable opportunity to prepare for the future and make informed decisions about next steps. Here, we'll cover what you need to know to connect your students with them.
Pre-college summer programs work
Studies suggest a positive correlation between participation in pre-college programs and a stronger sense of belonging in college. For example, research by the National Summer Learning Association found that students who participated in pre-college programs reported feeling more connected to their peers and faculty at their chosen universities.
Studies have also shown a link between pre-college program participation and improved academic performance in college. A study published in the Journal of College Admission found that students who participated in a pre-college program had higher GPAs in their first year of college compared to those who did not.
Simply put, pre-college programs open doors to more college and career options for students who participate in them.
Visit the Pre-College Summer Program websites below for more information about course options, program eligibility, start and end dates, required materials, housing, additional activities, and more.
Pre-college summer program or summer bridge program?
Pre-college summer programs and summer bridge programs are both valuable opportunities for students, but they serve distinct purposes. Pre-college summer programs allow high school students to explore academic interests, experience college life, and strengthen their college applications. These programs often focus on specific fields of study, such as STEM or the arts, and may include workshops, lectures, or hands-on projects.
In contrast, summer bridge programs are tailored for incoming college freshmen and aim to ease the transition to college life. They focus on academic preparation, social integration, and building support networks, often targeting first-generation or underrepresented students. While pre-college programs are about exploring college options, summer bridge programs help admitted students start their first semester with confidence.
How to use this pre-college summer program list
View the full list in this window or click ‘view larger version’ in the bottom right corner of the table for an expanded view. The list can be filtered, sorted, or grouped based on applicable characteristics.
