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Pre-College Summer Programs

Give the Gift of Summer Learning

Students smile at the holiday lighting.

Pre-College Summer Programs

Give the Gift of Summer Learning

Looking for the perfect gift for high school students? Give them a preview of the college experience! With a variety of 1-2 week summer programs, ambitious high school students can explore areas of interest, learn key skills and make new friends in an engaging learning environment. View our programs below.

Register by January 15, 2026 for special holiday pricing!

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Register for Summer Programs

We've recently launched a new application and registration system for summer programs, camps and courses. Each new student must create an account in order to access this system. If you already have an account and are a returning student, please sign in using your credentials from the main page. If you plan to attend multiple programs, please use the same account, although courses will need to be purchased individually.

The College of Arts & Sciences at Quinnipiac University welcomes high school students who have stories to tell. In this one-week summer program, participants will immerse themselves in the art of short fiction — exploring what makes stories compelling, memorable and uniquely their own. Guided by experienced faculty, students will brainstorm ideas, develop characters and plots, and write daily in a supportive, workshop-style environment.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Poet John Murillo visits Quinnipiac University to talk about his book
Poet John Murillo visits Quinnipiac University to talk about his book

The Data Sciences Lab summer program is perfect for high school students who love problem-solving, looking for patterns, creative thinking and the idea of using technology to tackle real-world challenges. Students will learn to leverage math, statistics and computer programming to analyze data, detect patterns, solve problems and influence the decisions we make.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

A high school student working on a computer in the piazza during a summer career camp.
A high school student working on a computer in the piazza during a summer career camp.

Want to start your own business or help an existing business grow? We've designed a summer workshop for high school students interested in innovating and launching new business ideas. Over the course of the week, students will learn about problem solving and ideation, critical thinking, team dynamics, leadership, research and validation of ideas.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

A local high school student works with a Quinnipiac student on a project in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
A local high school student works with a Quinnipiac student on a project in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Come learn how to create a podcast from start to finish. In this program, you will learn from our award-winning instructors about how to have fun conversations with a purpose. Spend the week exploring strategies for ideation, pre-production and planning while picking up tricks for interviewing, mixing music and promoting episodes on social media. At the end of your experience, you'll walk away with your very own podcast pilot episode.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Two students in the School of Communications Podcast Studio
Two students in the School of Communications Podcast Studio

Have you ever wondered how crime scene investigations actually work, or thought about the science behind your favorite true crime series? If the answer is yes, this 2-week forensic science summer program is a perfect fit. Participants will enjoy hands-on instruction investigating a mock crime scene following the same methods professionals utilize in the field.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

A professor gives direction to high school students participating in a hands-on forensic science lab.
A professor gives direction to high school students participating in a hands-on forensic science lab.

This summer, Quinnipiac is offering the perfect one-week program that gets your ready for a career in sports. Want to sit behind the anchor desk of SportsCenter? Create social media for the NFL or WNBA? Come up with advertising campaigns for your favorite team or athlete? Make the next great sports documentary? The opportunities to work in sports are limitless! This camp covers all of it and shines a light on the opportunities to put yourself on the sidelines or in the press box.

Learn More

Session 1: July 13-17, 2026

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Session 2: July 27-31, 2026

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

High school student Andrew Kiang photographs George Santoli (left) interviewing Madeline Crosby (right) during the Game Changers summer camp in the Open Air Studio.
High school student Andrew Kiang photographs George Santoli (left) interviewing Madeline Crosby (right) during the Game Changers summer camp in the Open Air Studio.

Acquire actionable skills and experience what it's like to work in high-tech work environments during our intensive game design summer camp! During this exciting 2-week course, participants will form teams and build a 2D or 3D platformer game from start to finish before presenting their products to friends and family at the final showcase.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Student at the Game Design showcase
Student at the Game Design showcase

The Healthcare Career Exploration Academy introduces high school students to ten different healthcare disciplines to make it easier to decide which degree program matches their skills and interests. Students will learn about career opportunities within allied health professions, gain certification in health-related skills and earn two credits that will transfer to Quinnipiac University.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

High school students work with a Quinnipiac professor and students during a health exploration camp.
High school students work with a Quinnipiac professor and students during a health exploration camp.

Ever wanted to create an app or digital product? Step into the future of tech with our Innovate with AI: Digital Product Design program. This hands-on project-based program is designed for high school students who are curious about artificial intelligence and passionate about creative problem-solving. You will learn to blend core design thinking principles with the power of modern AI tools to create innovative digital products.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Students in the School of Communications
Students in the School of Communications

Step into the future of tech with our immersive Innovate with AI: Visual Imagery and Design for High School Creators summer program. Throughout the week, students will harness AI to create striking visual art and graphic design. You will dive into AI tools, prompt crafting and dynamic imagery to transform how you visualize what you create, brand and design.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

A male student seated at a table works on a laptop in a workspace with lines of code projected on the walls.
A male student seated at a table works on a laptop in a workspace with lines of code projected on the walls.

This fast-paced program is open to high school students who dream of telling their stories across all types of media platforms. Participants will work with award-winning media professionals and use our industry-standard cameras and editing suites to translate their creative ideas into engaging short films and video pieces.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

High school students collaborating to frame a shot on a UX-90 camera while consulting a shot list during Quinnipiac University’s Movie Making Summer Camp.
High school students collaborating to frame a shot on a UX-90 camera while consulting a shot list during Quinnipiac University’s Movie Making Summer Camp.

The Exploring Your Future in Nursing summer program brings students to the doorstep of the world of nursing. Students will spend two weeks in our best-in-class facilities, including the simulation center, nursing lab and simulation operating and recovery room areas.

Learn More

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Nursing student works in the Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences building
Nursing student works in the Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences building

This 1-week comprehensive program offers hands-on learning in medical microbiology, including culturing microbes, analyzing results and diagnosing infectious diseases. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the functions and importance of the human microbiome in health and disease and will learn more about the topics of antibiotic resistance and disease outbreaks.

Learn More

Session 1: July 20-24, 2026

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Session 2: July 27-31, 2026

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

woman examining cultures in a science lab
woman examining cultures in a science lab

Combine and Save with Summer Program Packages

New this year, we're offering expanded access to our summer programs at a significant discount. Combine your experiences across two programs over three weeks and get on the fast track to a successful college experience!

After spending two weeks exploring various healthcare careers through practical experiences, simulations and field trips, expand your horizons and join us for another week covering disease prevention and studying microbes during hands-on lab work.

Program Dates: July 6-24, 2026

Program Cost: $4,900 Residential | $3,600 Commuter

Learn more about Healthcare Career Exploration Academy

Learn more about Pre-Med Preparation: Medical Microbiology

 

Take the Next Step

Students must declare if they plan to attend for either the residential (overnight) experience or the commuter experience at the time of registration. Register and pay in full by January 15, 2026 to secure $100 off the cost of attendance.

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

If you are not paying in full at the time of registration, you must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit to reserve your spot for 30 days. Any student who places the non-refundable deposit must pay the full remaining cost of the program within 30 days from the date of deposit to be enrolled in the program.

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

After exploring the game design process through real time activities and projects, it’s time to launch your game into reality as you become your own entrepreneur! Add to your summer program experience and discover what it takes to make your hobby into a business — from developing a business plan to launching a product.  

Program Dates: July 6-24, 2026

Program Cost: $4,900 Residential | $3,600 Commuter

Learn more about Game Design Lab

Learn more about Entrepreneurship Academy: From Classroom to Corner Office

 

Take the Next Step

Students must declare if they plan to attend for either the residential (overnight) experience or the commuter experience at the time of registration. Register and pay in full by January 15, 2026 to secure $100 off the cost of attendance.

Register and Pay: Residential

Register and Pay: Commuter

If you are not paying in full at the time of registration, you must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit to reserve your spot for 30 days. Any student who places the non-refundable deposit must pay the full remaining cost of the program within 30 days from the date of deposit to be enrolled in the program.

Deposit Only: Residential

Deposit Only: Commuter

Special Holiday Pricing and Discounts

Quinnipiac University is pleased to offer a number of discounts for summer programs, camps and experiences.

  • Holiday Early-Bird Discount: All attendees who register and pay in full by January 15, 2026 enjoy $100 off the cost of attendance.

  • Quinnipiac Alumni: Children and dependents of Quinnipiac alumni may be eligible for up to 15% off pre-college summer programming.

  • Quinnipiac Employees: Children and dependents of current Quinnipiac employees may be eligible for up to 15% off pre-college summer programming.

  • Employees of Corporate Partners: Children and dependents of employees of our corporate partners may be eligible for up to 10% off pre-college summer programming.

Please email summerprograms@qu.edu to request your discount code. No code is necessary for Early-Bird Registration.

Required Forms for Registration

All participants in summer programs, camps and experiences must download and submit the forms below through the registration system prior to arriving on campus. Once your information has been filled out, please save these files as a PDF and upload through the registration platform. Email summerprograms@qu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Contact Us

How to Use the Registration Platform

The instructions below provide an overview for new and returning learners who need to register for summer experiences at Quinnipiac. All registrations are managed on an external platform, so prospective learners are encouraged to start the process by clicking the "Register Now" button on their program(s) of interest. 

Learners are able to register and pay in full for Commuter (day) or Residential (overnight) experiences, or place a deposit to reserve a spot. If you choose to submit a deposit only, you will need to return to the registration portal to pay the remaining full program balance within 30 days.

Did You Know? 3 Unique Features at Quinnipiac That May Surprise You video

How to Register for Summer Programs

Watch our walkthrough video to learn how to register for Summer Programs on Elevate.

  1. Click on the "Register Now" link on your summer program of interest. This link will take you to the registration options for that specific program, including pay-in-full or deposit-only choices for Residential (overnight) or Commuter (day) experiences.

  2. Once you determine your selected registration option, click the link to access Elevate, our registration platform (this link will open in a new window). 

  3. Confirm that the program you've selected is appearing in the top right corner of the screen. Think of this as your shopping cart.

  4. If you have never registered for a summer experience before, or if you have not taken a QU Academy course since August 2024, click "New Account".

    1. If you have registered for a summer experience at any point after August 2024, sign in using your credentials and skip to step 12.

  5. On the "Create Account" page, enter the first name, last name and email address of the attendee. Parents and guardians will have an opportunity to add their own information later on.

  6. Continue following prompts from the registration wizard. Any questions/fields marked with an asterisk* are required.

  7. On the "Your Details" page, enter your date of birth and legal sex.

  8. On the "Choose Username & Password" page, create a username and password and select your security reminder question.

  9. On the "Address" page, enter your Home Address and verify that the address is correct and recognized by the system.

  10. On the "Personal Data" page, enter your demographic information. 

  11. On the "Emergency Contacts" page, enter contact information for at least one parent/guardian. You may need to selection Parent 1 or Parent 2 under the "Relationship" field.

  12. Use the document upload to attach required forms. If possible, please do this at the time of registration. If you are unable to submit all required forms, you will need to provide those documents to us by email at a later date in order to attend. Blank copies of the forms we will need can be found lower on this page.

  13. Complete the additional details screen, with special attention to any food and dietary restrictions, allergies, or medications that the student will need at the program.

  14. Use the secondary parent or emergency contact screen to indicate the name and contact information for a relative or trusted person who will be authorized to check your student out of programs.

  15. Use the yes/no boxes to complete the program waiver form.

  16. View the "Payment Summary" screen and enter any codes or discounts you quality to use.

  17. Complete payment via the TouchNet secure payment portal.

  18. Following payment, you will receive an additional confirmation email with contact information for any follow-up questions.

  19. You have successfully registered for a summer experience!

Accommodations

Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.

Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.

 

Rules & Regulations

Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.

Review all FAQ's