Founded in 1966 by the Musiker Family as Musiker Student Tours, Summer Discovery’s pre-college program dates back to the mid-1980s when it was first offered at UCLA.
Since then, Summer Discovery has partnered with prestigious universities across the United States, the UK and Singapore to offer pre-college programs for middle and high school students.
These programs give students access to “world-class academics, high-school internships, enrichment courses, community service, cultural immersion, sports and residential life,” according to Summer Discovery.
Students can choose from more than 300 courses taught by university instructors at institutions such as UCLA, Michigan, Georgetown, Cambridge and University of Pennsylvania. And, depending on the course they take, students can even earn college credit.
Programs for High School Students
Summer Discovery’s high school programs are open to students in grades 9-12 who are between the ages of 14 and 18.
There are two programs for high school students: Pre-College Enrichment and Inc. Young Entrepreneurs.
- Pre-College Enrichment Programs
Summer Discovery’s Pre-College Enrichment programs for high school students are offered on various campuses, including University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UT Austin, Georgetown University and Cambridge, and vary in length from one, two, three, four and six weeks.
The programs blend pre-college academics and fun activities designed to help students gain independence, strike new friendships, deepen friendships and explore interests, according to Summer Discovery. And students are free to customize their academic experience.
During class time, students learn from experienced university instructors through hands-on experiences intended to build teamwork and communication. Outside of class, trained staff help students explore new cities, guide them on excursions and plan fun activities.
- Inc. Young Entrepreneurs Program
Summer Discovery’s Inc. Young Entrepreneurs program’s curriculum was developed by learning professionals at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and approved by Inc. Magazine.
It aims to teach students the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including opportunity recognition, market research, business financials, marketing and presentation of ideas. Students also have the opportunity to connect with business executives and successful entrepreneurs.
The program is available at the NYU, University of Michigan, Haverford College and UNC Chapel Hill campuses, and students can choose between one- and three-week programs.
Programs for Middle School Students
Summer Discovery’s Middle School Enrichment programs are meant for students in grades 6-8 who are between the ages of 12 and 14.
The programs strike the “right balance” between academic rigor and all-inclusive activities (sports, trips, excursions and more), combined with active supervision from teachers and resident counselors so students get the mentorship and guidance they need, according to Summer Discovery.
The programs are offered on various campuses, including UCLA, Georgetown University and Bryn Mawr, and students can choose between one- and three-week programs.
Students have a wide selection of courses to choose from, including 3D Design & Printing, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Crime Scene Investigation, Hip Hop Dance, Mock Trial, Pre-Algebra and Smartphone Photography.
