Quinnipiac University

Summer Programs, Camps and Courses

Get a Head Start This Summer

Students walk in the new South Quad

Summer Programs, Camps and Courses

Get a Head Start This Summer

Quinnipiac's pre-college summer programs give high school students a real college experience. You'll learn in our classrooms, work in our labs, explore our studios and build relationships with the same faculty who teach our undergraduates. This summer, we're giving you the opportunity to investigate a crime scene, design a game from scratch, navigate a nursing simulation, or pitch a business. You'll leave with sharper skills, a clearer sense of what you want to study, and an experience you can describe on a college application.

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Dozens of students walk across the Quinnipiac quad in the autumn

Pre-College Summer Programs

2027 Summer Programs

Learn to lead with AI, not be led by it during this a one-week AI camp at Quinnipiac University. Students who thrive in the coming decade will not just use AI – they'll know how to use it well, question it and keep their own voice. Explore how AI is changing school, careers and culture while practicing real-world applications, creating projects and debating ethics. 

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Students work at desktop computers in a computer lab while an instructor provides guidance during a hands-on lesson in artificial intelligence and coding.
Students work at desktop computers in a computer lab while an instructor provides guidance during a hands-on lesson in artificial intelligence and coding.

Whether you're interested in law, public service, politics, nonprofit leadership, or community activism, the one-week Ethical Leadership in Public Affairs summer program will help you explore pathways to creating meaningful impact while developing the tools to lead with purpose and integrity. 

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Students gather in a classroom for a discussion-based activity, standing and conversing in small groups near desks, chairs and a whiteboard.
Students gather in a classroom for a discussion-based activity, standing and conversing in small groups near desks, chairs and a whiteboard.

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.

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A student clicking a mouse looking at a monitor while a faculty member stands next to him looking on.
A student clicking a mouse looking at a monitor while a faculty member stands next to him looking on.

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.

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A female student sitting at a desk talking to other students in the foreground who are blurry.
A female student sitting at a desk talking to other students in the foreground who are blurry.

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.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

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.

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A group of students working around a microscope at a lab table.
A group of students working around a microscope at a lab table.

Experience College Before You Apply

Our summer programs offer high school students the opportunity to:

  • Explore topics of interest at the college level, free from college-level pressure

  • Build a portfolio of work within an academic field of interest

  • Connect personally with Quinnipiac faculty, staff and other students

  • Build high-demand soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking and confidence

  • Earn valuable certifications and experience to add to a resume

 

Not a high school student?

Quinnipiac University offers summer programs, camps and courses for learners of all ages, including veterans, students transitioning to college, and current undergraduates.

Explore our Summer Experiences

Enjoy Discounts for Early Registration, Alumni, Employees and Partners

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

  • Early-Bird Discount: All attendees who register and pay in full by January 15, 2027 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.

Financial Assistance

Financial aid for Pre-College Summer Programs is limited and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. To be considered for financial aid, you must fully complete an online application including two letters of recommendation. Please email summerprograms@qu.edu to request the link to the financial assistance application.

Please know that applying for financial aid does not guarantee that you will be awarded any assistance. Financial aid is awarded based on a combination of merit and financial need as well as available financial aid budget. We cannot guarantee or disclose how many students will receive financial aid nor in what amounts at any time.

Financial aid awards may take between 4-8 weeks to be determined and reviewed by a committee, so please know that applying for financial aid will take time. Your place in Pre-College Summer Programs will not be confirmed after submitting financial assistance applications unless you place a deposit or pay a full balance. Financial aid may be awarded later as a refund to those who have already paid the balance of the program.

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In Their Words

Eileen Sheridan in front of an "Ambition Unleashed" sign

Eileen Sheridan

"My experience in the Healthcare Career Exploration Academy was so memorable — it was an amazing opportunity to experience a little taste of what college would be like, provided insight to many healthcare professions in the field and helped me figure out what I wanted to do in my future, which is occupational therapy. All fo the staff were knowledgeable and friendly and I met great friends that I will talk to every day."

Professor Wasim Ahmad and high school student Norah Araujo looking at a camera

Norah Araujo

“I had such an amazing experience in the QU Summer Program. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. I was able to bond with so many different people, even those from other courses outside of the one I was taking. It really helped me get an idea of what college is like and also helped me decide if photography is what I want to pursue. The atmosphere felt safe, welcoming and positive.”

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

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