For most, summer means having 3 months off from school with free time to do what they enjoy and spend time with family and friends. In high school, the time off also provides an opportunity to elevate resumes and college applications through volunteering, internships, or jobs. Participating in programs and gaining work experience should be balanced with making time to relax and take a break from doing work.

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The first step to finding the best thing to do during summer is to think about your interests and goals. You should find whatever you choose to do interesting and enjoyable. You might want to think about finding a program or job that aligns with your potential major or minor if you are looking to apply to competitive colleges for after high school, or have in mind one specific career path you want to gain experience in. For example, if you are interested in a major such as political science, you might want to look at volunteer opportunities with up and coming political campaigns or internships with government officials, such as the United States Senate Page Program in Washington D.C. 

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There are many other, more logistical things to consider when looking for summer activities, such as budget, schedule, and application deadlines. Many programs, especially ones that are run by popular universities, have to be paid for, but some offer financial aid and scholarships if applied for. They may also require you to search for housing if they are far from where you live. Pre-college programs often offer or require their applicants to board on campus while participating, but many internships that are held in other states do not. Additionally, many internships and programs require you to fill our applications with set deadlines, many of which may have already passed or are about to. Some applications might include essay questions, a resume, and/or a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or another adult in your life whom you are not related to. 

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Here in West Hartford, there are many opportunities provided to high school students for volunteer and job experiences. The local outdoor pools hire those 16 and older to be lifeguards or cashiers and the public libraries offer several different volunteer opportunities throughout the year. High school and college students can also become camp counselors at Westmoor Park or Buena Vista Camp. 

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While participating in some of these types of activities will help you gain new experiences and often do help build up your college applications, most people have other things they would like to do during the summer that they find more enjoyable. It isn’t necessary to fill up your entire break with programs and internships solely to increase your chances of getting into a good college. You should spend time outside, and enjoy the presence of your family and friends as much as you can.

 

Sources:
Employment Opportunties - Town of West Hartford
Summary Summer Learning Programs
Competitive (And Free) Summer Programs For High School Students