Students are anticipating summer as it is just weeks away, but while many have plans to travel, work or just simply relax, others intend to participate in summer programs offered through various universities. Universities around the country offer programs throughout the summer to empower, educate and enrich the youth.

On a local level, there are many universities in North Carolina that offer enrichment programs this summer. Some of these universities include: Appalachian State University, Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, Meredith College, and Salem College.

Although some deadlines have passed, many of the universities offer these programs every summer. Depending on your interests, you may find some of the following to fit your liking.

1. Design Camp at Appalachian State University: Discover Design students work with the Technology Department faculty at ASU. Students visit undergraduate teaching assistants and other faculty to work on projects. Some of which include: industrial design, interior design, graphic arts, and imaging technology.
2. Summer Youth Athletic and Academic Programs at Appalachian State University: Students study various fields, depending on which camp they choose/attend. Some of the programs students can choose from include: animal science, forensic anthropology, anatomy, basketball, tennis, soccer, and more. For more information, navigate to http://www.conferences-camps.appstate.edu/youth.php.
3. Duke Summer Youth Programs: For academically motivated students, this enrichment program is for you. Programs to choose from include: biosciences and engineering, constructing your college experience, creative writing, science for young women, and young writer’s camp. To learn more, visit www.learnmore.duke.edu/youth.
4. Summer on the Edge Comprehensive Cancer Center Student Internship Program: This program is available to rising juniors, seniors or recent graduates interested in biomedical research or clinical medicine. The program requires a student to work full-time for six weeks from June 16 to July 25 at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more details and an application, go to www.cancer.duke.edu/summerontheedge.
5. Project REACH – Soaring into Teaching at NCCU: Recruiting Educators Across Carolina High Schools, or REACH, is a unique program for rising sophomores. It is a three year program which extends into a prospective student’s senior year. REACH is designed to entice and inspire seniors to become teachers and eventually attend NCCU. For more information, email [email protected].
6. Summer Science Program at NCSU: This two week summer course is offered to rising juniors and seniors. Students learn advanced topics in the field of reproductive biology. It is a free course at NCSU that begins June 18 and ends June 29. Visit https://emas.ncsu.edu/precollege/ to learn more.
7. Academic Enrichment Opportunities at NCSU: This summer school program offers college level courses to high school students. Students have the potential to earn high school credit for the courses they take. There is a 3.5 GPA requirement. Go to www.ncsu.edu/acp for more information.
8. Summer College in Biotechnology and Life Sciences at NCSU: This laboratory research program is available to applicants with a minimum 3.5 GPA. It runs on a first-come-first-served basis. To read more and apply, navigate to www.cals.ncsu.edu/scibls.
9. Engineering Summer Program at NCSU: This program is perfect for those who plan on studying engineering in their future. Students have the opportunity to study various engineering programs, some of which include: aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, computer science and nuclear technology. For further details, visit http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/.
10. NC Governor’s School: This six-week summer program is offered at Salem College and/or Meredith College from June 14 to July 25. The program integrates academic disciplines, arts, and unique courses. What is unique about this program is that it is entirely free of charge and it does not involve any tests or grades. To learn more information, see your counselor and go to www.ncgovschool.org.