Summer is right around the corner, so close that you can almost taste the cherry flavored popsicles and smell the sweet ocean breeze. But many high school students aren’t just eager to leave the classroom and begin their two months of freedom; some have chosen to go a different route by enrolling in summer courses to make better use of their vacations.
To some teenagers, the idea of endless beach days and carefree late nights spent with friends sound a whole lot more tempting than doing something school related after just spending the past ten months in classrooms. But for those who are willing to give up some extra time in the sun or valuable hours working a part time job, a summer program is a great idea.
There are many different ones to choose from, ranging from the performing arts to creative writing, or trying out college level courses to traveling around the world. With all of these options out there to choose from, there is no question whether or not a particular interest will be met.
Boston University holds two, week-long Summer Challenge Seminars. The programs are split into morning and afternoon sessions, with the morning topics including Business, Creative Writing, The History of Boston, International Politics, and Visual Arts. The afternoon courses contain Law, Mass Communication, Persuasive Writing, Psychology, and Science. The program mainly targets students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of High School. The two weeks students spend in the program will help them to explore two subject areas of their choice, giving them a taste of the college life, helping them gain insight and experience that can be used towards their future.
If you are more of the artsy type, then maybe one of the summer programs offered at Emerson College is the right one for you. In their Summer Arts and Communication Academy, they look for students interested in building off of their talent and expanding their creative passion. You can apply to partake in the Young Writers Program, Summer Stage, Studio-Television Program, or Digit al Media Program. Within these programs you will develop skills and knowledge by participating in hands on workshops and receiving constructive feedback on your work.
Another option for the adventurous is the Abbey Road Summer Program for High School students. You get the option of traveling to Spain, France, Italy, Canada, or Greece. During the program you will get the amazing opportunity to explore simply some of the world’s most beautiful towns and cities, learn a new language, and discover a new culture. You can find information about attending by visiting www.goabbeyroad.com/>.
Even in Waltham, WHS students entering ninth and 10th grades have the opportunity to enroll in The Summer Daze program, which is taught by Waltham High teachers. The program lasts about a month and focuses mainly on MCAS preparation along with developing strong study skills and close reading and analysis.
"We even try and throw a little fun in there, with games and outdoor activities," Waltham High English teacher Ms. Perna said.
All of these programs have one main requirement for the type of student they’re looking for to involve themselves in their program: dedication. They want a student who is going to fully apply themselves to the program and make the most out of the unique experience.
If you are worried that one of these enrichment programs will consume your entire summer, leaving you with no time to just kick back and relax, you don’t need worry. Unless you are traveling around the world with Abbey Road, you still have free weekends to enjoy. With most programs lasting only about a month, you will still have free weeks to go on a family vacation or pick up where you left off last summer and get some R&R.
