Make Your Summer Count: Liberal Arts
Auburn University: World Affairs Youth Seminar
Date: July
Application Date: Until full
Course Delivery: In person
Tuition: $890
The World Affairs Youth Seminar at Auburn University combines Model United Nations simulations with academic research, where high school participants serve as country delegates tackling global issues through daily General Assembly sessions, guided by Auburn education students and faculty lectures, while experiencing full campus life in dormitories with evening activities—plus an optional research component studying how students engage with human rights and international affairs learning.
High School Diplomats
Date: July & August
Application Date: January
Course Delivery: In person
Tuition: Free
The High School Diplomats program at the University of Virginia creates an intensive 8-day cultural immersion experience where Japanese and American students live together as roommates on the historic campus, participating in diverse daily themed activities like Japanese summer festivals, sports tournaments, and karaoke nights designed to build cross-cultural friendships and understanding. Beyond social activities, the program offers a robust academic curriculum featuring daily language classes taught by native speakers at all skill levels, student-led cultural presentations covering topics from history to social issues, and small seminar-style learning sessions—all guided by a dedicated staff of program alumni to ensure the most engaging and informative cultural exchange possible between the two student groups.
University of Virginia: Summer Language Institute
Date: June, July & August
Application Date: March
Course Delivery: In person
Tuition: $5,640+
The Summer Language Institute (SLI) creates a vibrant, diverse learning community for students with varied academic, professional, and personal goals—whether preparing for study abroad programs, graduate research, international careers, or simply exploring new cultures—offering comprehensive instruction in seven languages including Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Latin, and Chinese to help participants achieve their unique linguistic and cultural aspirations during the summer program.
21st Century Leadership Institute
Date: June
Application Date: March
Course Delivery: In person
Tuition: Free
The 21st Century Leadership Institute runs intensive week-long summer programs that immerse high school students in residential college experiences while building essential leadership capabilities through mentorship from industry experts and collaborative learning with peers. The program is designed to be inclusive, accepting participants with any career focus or leadership background, and centers on developing both personal effectiveness and professional skills in a campus living environment.
Colorado Student Leaders Institute
Date: June & July
Application Date: February
Course Delivery: In person
Tuition: $400
The Colorado Student Leaders Institute (COSLI) is a state-legislated summer residential program established in 2015 as part of the prestigious 50+ year Governor's School network, where Colorado's top high school students spend a month on the University of Colorado Denver campus, earning three college credits while choosing between International Social Studies or STEAM majors. The competitive program emphasizes hands-on learning through three major projects—Colorado Social Problem Lab, Short-Term Business Lab, and National History Day—alongside university-level lectures, with at least 50% of participants coming from low-income or first-generation college backgrounds. COSLI develops critical leadership skills, including independence, innovation, and creative problem-solving, to prepare students for college success, while supporting Colorado's economy by retaining talent, as up to 80% of Governor's School alumni stay in-state for higher education and 90% complete four-year degrees in four years compared to the national six-year average.
