Juniors

Junior Summer Experiences

As a junior, you have the opportunity to embark on an impactful summer experience! The Junior Summer Experience is an opportunity for you to choose an experience based on your aspirations, ideally allowing you to explore and discover what you are hoping for in life. 

We have a variety of different program options that will allow you to: 

  • Explore new parts of the world or the US to better understand your place in it 

  • Experience first-hand what it could be like to do what you think you want to do in the future for work or for yourself  

  • Discover and learn something new  

  • Practice your known strengths while investing in your growth areas  

  • Engage deeply in community or research projects, either at home or abroad!

Navigate through the resources below to learn more about the types of program options and the steps you need to complete to be successfully placed on a program.   

 
 

2026 Programs

This summer, we're excited to offer a variety of experiences! Depending on your hopes and aspirations for next summer, we have a variety of programs that fall within five themes: Academic, Arts, Cultural Immersion & Service Learning, Internships, and Wilderness & Outdoor Education.

Below are the specific programs we're partnering with this summer. Click on their links to learn more about each partner, what activities they offer, and links to check-out their websites. 

Putney offers intensive workshops, dorm-living, and regular evening activities.

Academic Programs

  • Located in New York state OR Washington State on the West coast

  • Choose & participate in a wide range of academic courses OR Business

  • Opportunity to live on-campus at a college

  • Offers more independence, you can structure your time with classes & social activities

  • Acceptance for some programs dependent on GPA/Regents scores

  • Earn college credits

  • At Syracuse University, you will spend 1-2 weeks on-campus learning what it's like to be a college student. Dive into interesting subjects, meet like-minded people, and walk away with a Certificate of Completion and a Syracuse University transcript.

  • WBW programs are six-day, five-night immersive experiences including curriculum, mentorship, room & board, 2 college credits. Programs begin on Sunday and end Friday. All WBW programs are cohort-based mentor supported experiential education programs. Teams of 8 -12 students work to solve real-world problems with the support of an industry expert, competing against other teams. Students receive just-in-time instruction through workshops led by the business professionals & education community in topics like Teamwork, Leadership Styles, Networking, Personal Finance, and more. Current Programs include: • Business - Leadership development program that exposes students to many career pathways under the framework of leading a business and launching a new one. Students develop self-efficacy, leadership & teamwork skills, career direction, academic skills, an understanding of business & entrepreneurship. Open to all students from rising freshman to recently graduates. • Advanced Business – Using the WBW model, students develop their skills further by working on real-world startup principles. Open to previous WBW students from rising Sophomores to Graduated Seniors.

 

Choose from a variety of art workshops to improve your craft or try something new!

Arts Programs

  • Located in New Jersey

  • Choose & participate in a wide range of art workshops and camp activities

  • Opportunity to stay overnight at camp

  • Offers structure while also providing a lot of individual choice and freedom to explore

  • At Appel Farm, students will participate in a 2-week arts-based camp experience focused on process-based learning, radical acceptance, and enjoying the classic overnight summer camp experience.

 

Cultural Immersion & Service Learning Programs

Community service projects are chosen by local leaders.

  • Travel nationally or internationally & have the opportunity to engage in the local community

  • Includes a service project that supports the larger community or a local organization

  • Service can range in intensity and will either span across the entire program or last just a few days

  • Groups tend to be larger (12-20+ participants)

  • NY REAL ID required to fly

  • U.S. Passport required to travel internationally

 

Working hard!

Internships Programs

  • Paid, local or in-state programs

  • Groups are small or students work individually

  • Opportunity to learn transferable skills and gain professional experience

  • Practice planning and leading wilderness trips for first-time campers

  • Learn to add an intersectional dimension to your writing and analysis

  • Working papers may be required

 

Deer Hill is a rigorous, rewarding trip that hikes through various Southwest landscapes.

 

Not sure what summer experience you’ve been placed on? Click the button below to learn more about what might be happening.

Not Yet Placed
“I learned a lot more communication skills and I learned that although I may be a quiet person at times it is okay to, you know, express yourself. On my program, I really didn’t make friends, I made a family. ”
— Summer Search Student

Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!

Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.

Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!

Summer Experience Checklist
FAQs & Resources

a glimpse into our summer experiences

Summer Experience Support Resources