Although COVID 19 has resulted in the cancellation of some summer programs, there are still some creative and safe ways teens can spend the summer months. Using summer months wisely can boost college applications as well as help your child make decisions about career pathways. With sixty days of unstructured time on the horizon for most teens, let’s think about ways their time can best be utilized. 
How to fill those long, hot summer days? Check out Teen Life for a list of online academic programs. Some of the programs do have fees associated with them but there are some free activities available as well.
Don’t overlook places like the YMCA, local community centers, and your church where your child can find employment and community service opportunities. Animal shelters often welcome helping hands and sometimes provide job shadowing for students. For students who are thinking of careers like business, law, or technology, reach out to companies in your community and ask if they are willing to take on high school summer interns.
For the more scholarly students who love learning, take an online class over the summer–honestly, the same applies for students who detest school. For both, it is an opportunity to get ahead, possibly improve GPA, reinforce an old skill or learn something new. Look up course offerings at your community college or state university. Check with your high school to see if you can improve a grade on your transcript by taking a summer class or move ahead in a subject in which you excel. Looking for something free? Take advantage of iTunes University, podcasts, and your public library.
Love travelling, but reluctant to get on an airplane due to COVID 19? Tour your own town or nearby cities! Peruse museums, hike national parks, and visit historical landmarks. Take a few short road trips to nearby college campuses for an unofficial tour or quick drive through.
Want to make money? There is always the ever popular summer job. Spend days by the pool or beach lifeguarding, scoop ice cream at Friendly’s, work as a cashier at the grocery store or sales associate at a favorite store. For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, while they may have out-grown lemonade stands, there are still lawns to be mowed and babysitting, among many other things! Decide early what percentage of summer earnings will be put aside for college.
Whatever your child’s summer activity, think of it as a nice addition to their resume/college application, a potential college essay, career exploration, and perhaps even a topic of conversation during a college interview.
If you have a rising high school senior, be sure to have them set aside some time for college applications and essays. Don’t know where to start? College Planning 411 can help. Schedule a free consult and learn how.
