Tens of thousands of middle and high school students around the globe are getting the chance to explore their academic passion, potential future career paths, and college life on real university campuses thanks to Summer Discovery.
One student thought they wanted to become a doctor. This summer program at the University of Texas at Austin taught her about treating patients who arrive in an emergency room by triaging the situation, and allowed her to do practice labs in a simulated hospital, complete with robotic responsive training mannequins, which then confirmed that medicine was the career path she wanted to pursue.
Another student studied the Business of Entertainment at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. During the program, he was able to directly learn from locally based practicing producers, agents, and entertainment marketers who engaged with the class as part of the program — offering real-world experiences and perspectives. He was able to directly connect and build a relationship with one of the guest lecturers which led to an internship the summer after his first year in college.
A third student, who spent two summers attending programs at the University of Michigan and studied multiple disciplines of psychology, went on to attend Brown University for her undergraduate degree, majored in psychology at Brown, and obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology. Today, she is a well-known expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy in New York City and a published author.
These are just three of the more than 100,000 students who have participated in Summer Discovery programs, which provide immersive, hands-on academic curriculums tailored to high school, pre-college, middle school, and gifted students.
The Musiker family founded Summer Discovery in 1966 “with a mission to become a leading summer academic program provider for kids and teens,” said Summer Discovery CEO Adriane Thorpe. “Almost six decades later, our vision has become much larger.
“Not only did we become leaders in exceptional academic pre-college summer programs for high-potential students, but we have evolved to include programs for gifted students, offering students across the globe unparalleled access to world-class academics, enrichment courses, socialization, activities, and adventures in a fun and safe residential life experience,” Thorpe added.
All Summer Discovery programs are aimed at sparking curiosity, fostering personal growth, and preparing students for future success. With 16 university campus options in the US and abroad, plus over 300 courses designed for student growth, academic excellence, career path discovery, and college preparedness, Summer Discovery's best-in-class curriculum ensures that every student discovers the perfect fit for their interests and aspirations.
Exploring Career Paths
Here are some of the subjects Summer Discovery offers programs in:
STEAM
STEAM disciplines cover an expansive array of subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). With a Summer Discovery STEAM course, you’ll dive into hands-on projects, experiments, and collaborative activities that span across disciplines from genetics, molecular biology, the natural sciences, and forensics.
Led by experienced educators and experts in these interdisciplinary cutting-edge fields, our programs will unleash students’ creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a passion for innovation. Whether designing sustainable solutions to climate change, learning about the functions of the brain, or exploring cutting-edge scientific research, our courses provide invaluable opportunities for intellectual growth and prepare students for future academic and professional pursuits in STEAM-related fields. Join us for an immersive and transformative educational experience that will ignite your curiosity and inspire you to reach new heights in the world of STEAM.
Sports Business
Summer Discovery’s one-of-a-kind sports business courses will take you into the dynamic intersection of sports, marketing, finance, and leadership through engaging lectures, hands-on projects, and interactive simulations. Led by world-renowned professionals and industry experts, our programs offer a comprehensive understanding of sports business operations, event management, athlete representation, and strategic planning.
Whether analyzing sponsorship deals, developing marketing campaigns, or crafting business proposals, our courses provide valuable insights and practical skills for aspiring sports professionals.
Medicine
Summer Discovery offers a variety of courses in the health sciences that cover the fascinating field of medicine. Led by experienced healthcare professionals and educators, our programs offer a dynamic learning environment where you will deepen your understanding of the human body, disease processes, and healthcare systems. Whether dissecting specimens, conducting experiments, or exploring medical ethics, our courses provide invaluable insights and practical skills for aspiring healthcare professionals. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and empowered as you embark on a transformative educational journey in medicine and the health sciences.
Law & Government
Delve into the intricate workings of legal systems, political structures, and civic engagement with Summer Discovery. Whether you are ready to be front and center in the courtroom arguing a legal case, or prefer to sit back and contemplate the complexities of the criminal justice system, our law & government courses will prepare you for a variety of careers through engaging lectures, interactive simulations, and thought-provoking discussions.
In a dynamic learning environment, students can explore fundamental concepts such as constitutional law, civil rights, international relations, and public policy. Whichever course you choose, you will learn invaluable insights into the principles of justice, democracy, and governance, and be empowered students to become informed, active citizens and inspiring future leaders.
Humanities
Explore your creative side with a Summer Discovery humanities course! Covering a wide variety of subjects, the humanities help you create, contemplate, and expand your thinking.
Summer Discovery humanities courses will immerse you in the rich tapestry of human culture, history, literature, philosophy, and the arts through engaging lectures, discussions, and experiential learning activities. Led by passionate educators, these courses offer a stimulating environment where you will deepen your understanding of the human experience, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the humanities.
How to Apply
Summer Discovery reviews applications on a rolling basis each summer. The Summer 2024 program applications are open, and space is starting to fill up as it gets closer to summer. Tuition starts at $3,799, however, costs vary depending on the campus, length of program, and commuter or residential housing options. Learn more and apply at summerdiscovery.com.
“We review every application to ensure students will be successful at the program they selected based on academic rigor and acceptance criteria,” Thorpe said. “As we forge new university relationships, programs may be added throughout the season, so we recommend checking back regularly. We also encourage families to apply early, as space is limited at each campus and program — and the most popular programs fill up quickly with students looking to attend a top university.”
Summer Discovery is accepting applications for its 2024 programs now.