For students and families, summer feels like a valuable time to “do something meaningful.” On the other hand, many are increasingly aware that burnout, stress, and overscheduling can work against a student’s long-term success.
After a demanding school year, students need time to reset emotionally and cognitively. Sleep, downtime, and unstructured days support executive functioning, motivation, and resilience. When students return to school rested, they are better able to focus, engage deeply in their classes, and manage stress. Colleges understand this. They are not looking for students who never stop: they are looking for students who make intentional choices and can reflect on how they’ve grown.
Below are several categories of summer options, ranging from free or low-cost experiences to those that require a financial investment.
Rest and Reset Time
Unstructured time is so important. Reading for pleasure, spending time outdoors, traveling with family, or simply having space to decompress all support mental health and long-term academic stamina. This is definitely not “wasted time” but can be very grounding.
Local Volunteering and Community Service
Volunteering helps students develop responsibility, empathy, and perspective while exploring interests. A few NYC-area options include:
- New York Cares – Teen-friendly volunteer projects across NYC
https://www.newyorkcares.org/youth-friendly - Volunteer New York! (Youth Opportunities) – Searchable listings by age, interest, and location https://www.volunteernewyork.org/youth
- DOROT Summer Teen Internship – Leadership and service focused on intergenerational connection – https://www.dorotusa.org/volunteer/summer-teen-internship
- Bronx Zoo Teen Programs – https://bronxzoo.com/education/teens & Queens Zoo Teen Programs – https://queenszoo.com/education/teens
Personal Projects and Independent Exploration
Personal projects such as starting a small business, learning to code, writing, creating art, or building a portfolio all demonstrate initiative and curiosity. Colleges value these experiences because they reflect genuine interest rather than résumé padding.
Part-Time Work and Paid Opportunities
Summer jobs build time management, accountability, and confidence. Programs to explore include:
- NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) – https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/jobs-internships/summer-youth-employment-program-syep.page
- Futures and Options – Paid internships paired with career readiness support – https://futuresandoptions.org
Pre-College and Academic Enrichment Programs
Structured programs can be valuable when aligned with a student’s interests and readiness. A valuable resource to explore pre-college programs based on academic and professional interest is: Summer Programs for High School Students
Research and Specialized Academic Experiences
Students interested in STEM or research may consider programs such as:
- Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) –
https://www.rockefeller.edu/outreach/ssrp - TeenLife – Searchable database for academic programs, research, and internships – https://www.teenlife.com
SAT/ACT Test Preparation as a Summer Option
For some students, especially those entering grade 11, the summer can be an ideal time to focus on SAT or ACT preparation. Without daily school demands, students often experience less stress and can build skills more steadily. When approached strategically, summer test prep can reduce pressure during the school year rather than add to it.
Summary
A strong summer is not about doing the most but determining what is balanced, meaningful, and appropriate for your student. When students combine rest with purposeful exploration, they return to school more grounded, motivated, and better able to articulate who they are and what they care about.
If you want to develop a strong plan for the summer and learn more about the college admissions process, please reach out to Dana at info@nycadmissionssolutions.com to schedule a complimentary initial call.