Summer offers the vital resource of time: time to relax and vacation, time to connect with family and friends, and time to set and meet goals. At Class 101, we encourage our students to set personal goals. For some, that means expanding knowledge through research, a class, independent study, or a pre-college program. Others will strategically build their resume through volunteering or a summer job. 

Students who want to distinguish themselves through independent study can do so through free and low cost options, including courses on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/).  Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses as well as flexibility for students to explore areas of study. 

We also highly recommend that students consider the opportunities on Schoolhouse.world. This platform will certify students in various areas of study and create a “transcript” that can supplement college applications. This site also offers a platform for online tutoring; students can be tutored or become volunteer tutors. 

Students also can prove themselves as leaders through service without sacrificing outdoor time this summer by volunteering with local parks or programs that document local wildlife or ecosystems. A great example is Project Budburst, a national network of volunteers dedicated to monitoring plants through changes. Learn more here: https://budburst.org/getting-started

For teens planning to major in business, a summer job provides experience that demonstrates discipline, responsibility, and teamwork, and builds fluency in customer service, sales, and operations. Some students might even launch their own small business. 

When students want to test drive various components of business, Ohio Business Week (OBW)  is an outstanding program where high school students from across the state learn the strategies needed to take a business from  concept to reality. The cost to attend OBW at Wright State University (new location this year) is only $399 if registered by June 1. Learn more about OBW here:  https://go.wright.edu/register/?id=07bf19fe-133d-4326-a7c5-46f4fdbf0989

Summer pre-college programs at a college or university offer the chance for teens to explore subjects that they might be interested in before they enroll at a college. Class 101 students and friends can stop in our office to check out the summer opportunities board. Another place to search for options is the curated site https://www.snow.day/

Here is a sample of options that are still open for applications (on May 14, 2025). 

High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University
https://www.ohio.edu/scripps-college/journalism/special-programs/hsjws

Pharmacy Camp at Ohio Northern University
https://www.onu.edu/camps-and-events

Ohio Summer Law & Trial Institute
https://www.ohio.edu/cas/law-center/about/summer-institute

AES AI Camp (one day experience)
https://business.wright.edu/events-and-orgs/summer-camps#ai-camp

With pre-college summer programs, students challenge themselves without the pressure of grades while building skills in time management and social confidence in the college environment. Aside from bolstering a student’s confidence and abilities, pre-college programs also help a college application stand out in admissions. 

Colleges want to understand how students spend their time. Summer is the canvas on which a student can demonstrate initiative, interests, passions, and drive. Make the most of it!