Planning Summer in Winter? Yes, Please!
A little early planning opens doors to unique opportunities
START PLANNING FOR SUMMER NOW!
When the weather gets colder and winter sets in, summer may feel far away, but now is actually the prime time to start planning how high schoolers can get the most out of those precious weeks off. A little early planning opens doors to unique opportunities, academic growth, and experiences that can really shape a student, both for life and for their college journey.
Where do you start?
The conversation starts with what your student would love to try this summer. Here are a few directions to consider (and you don’t need specific programs lined up just yet):
A meaningful summer job: Working, even part-time, demonstrates to colleges that you are responsible, independent, and reliable. Plus, it’s a powerful way to gain real-world skills, save money, and learn about the rhythm of a professional environment.
Regular, impactful volunteering: Committing to a cause or organization over weeks or months demonstrates real initiative and care for the community. Whether it’s helping out at a local library, food pantry, or animal shelter, volunteering fosters empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Creative pursuits: For the artists, writers, or musicians in your family, summer is a chance to dive deeper—maybe through independent projects, virtual workshops, or community arts events. Creative experiences help kids find their voice and build confidence.
Academic enrichment: There’s no shortage of summer classes, online and in-person, that let students explore a new interest or get a taste of college-level work in subjects they love.
Entrepreneurial projects: Encouraging a student to launch a small business, start a passion project, or organize a community initiative helps build leadership skills and shows initiative.
Experiences connected to your major: Pursue opportunities that directly relate to future academic or career interests. Examples might be looking into hospital volunteer jobs, shadowing specific careers locally, or participating in research projects. This kind of hands-on experience can help clarify career goals and build valuable networks.
Personal growth and exploration: Sometimes, the best growth comes from less-structured experiences—travel, outdoor adventures, or even family projects can spark new perspectives and memories.
Remember, the magic comes from finding a balance that lets your student both grow and recharge. Deadlines for bigger programs and scholarships often hit in early spring, so keeping an eye out now can help make those opportunities a reality. But even local, smaller-scale experiences count just as much—summer is what your student makes of it.
To jumpstart your search, here are some helpful resources:
TeenLife Summer Teen Guide: Dive into this resource for up-to-date listings and expert tips on all kinds of summer opportunities, from pre-college programs to volunteering and more.
College MatchPoint Summer Program Directory: A curated list of summer programs for high schoolers spanning a wide range of interests, including academic enrichment, career exploration, and creative pursuits.
Ultimate Guide to Summer with Teens: Creative ideas, safety info, and practical tips for making the most of summer as a family.
Summer Match.me: Easily find internships, research, and service opportunities connected to specific academic interests.
Start planning early, keep communication open, and you’ll set the stage for a summer full of growth, memories, and new adventures.
Final Thoughts
The real goal? Encourage your teen to step into experiences that feel authentic and meaningful to them. Whether it’s earning a paycheck, volunteering every week, or building a portfolio, these adventures not only round out a college application but also let them discover what truly excites them—setting the stage for whatever comes next.
