BY SUZANNE SHAFFER

n the past, summer programs might’ve involved your parents shipping you off to a camp for three months of camping, outdoor activities and fun. And while experiences like that are still widely available to teens, many students today can choose programs that are more focused on a particular interest.

Many such programs last only a week or two but can focus on interests such as sports, business, the arts, and STEM careers. And these camps are more than fun times away from home; they also give students a chance to explore what they love. Academic summer programs in particular give students a preview of their potential major within the college experience and often provide the opportunity to earn some college credit at the same time. It doesn’t hurt either that, when it comes time to apply for college, the summer math or science program will look good on that college application as well.

However, with so many summer programs out there, how do you narrow it down to one (or two or three) that are perfect for you? Well, we recommend following these three steps!

There are so many programs to choose from: local, national and international programs in all kinds of different academic fields. Understanding all the different options and opportunities available is key to finding a program that’s right for you or your teen.

A great place to start is on teenlife.com, where you can filter and search by many of these different parameters. You can also search on a specific college website for pre-college summer programs, as many colleges offer STEM programs during the summer to high school students. These programs usually require an extensive application process, so start early if you’re interested in applying. Some programs can also be quite pricey; but the education and hands-on experience your student receives can also be priceless. Additionally, many of the college-based programs offer scholarships or other financial aid.

Before deciding on a summer program, it’s important to evaluate the program itself. Ask yourself these questions before choosing a program: • Is the classroom or facility safe for all students? • Do the teachers and staff have the proper training for their duties? • Are students engaged in project-based learning? • Are the activities engaging, interesting and age-appropriate? • Does the instructor give a compelling presentation? • Are students given time to reflect on activities? • Are students allowed to explore and be wrong?

Once you’ve dedicated on a program, learn everything you can about it before leaving, so you can ensure you have the best experience possible.

Many programs give students the opportunity to live and study on a college campus while working on their studies. Are you or your teen prepared for such an experience? Also,many of these programs consist of much more than just classes and lectures. Are you prepared for the full range of activities you’ll encounter? If not, that’s okay, but be sure to familiarize yourself with what’s coming so as not to be surprised or overwhelmed!

One week of knowledge saves a lot of time and effort in the future when making choices about careers and colleges. Students who are not sure what they want to major in college, and even what colleges they are interested in should consider a summer program, as it’s a great way to be exposed to both!