No plans for the summer? Here are some great opportunities, both close to home and across the country.

In Portland

Fir Acres Writing Workshop

Lewis and Clark College holds a residential writing program from June 23 through July 6. The program is open to rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders. The Fir Acres workshop consists of various classes taught by both local and visiting authors, as well as individual writing opportunities. Students will create portfolios throughout this course, and a final group anthology will be created at the end of the program. Registration formally closed in March, but applications are accepted until the workshop is full. Tuition for this program is $3,200, with some partial scholarships.

Portland Community College

PCC offers a wide range of classes during the summer, ranging from college prep to kayaking. Classes are available throughout the summer, but some class dates have yet to be determined. Students can choose to enroll in a class for a single afternoon, or register for a series. Prices range from $35 to $345.

Multnomah County Library

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available at the 19 Multnomah County Library locations. Possible opportunities include helping with the Summer Reading Program, working as a branch assistant, or serving on the Teen Council. Positions are generally open to everyone 12 and over, but some placements are more restrictive. Volunteers must commit to at least three months of volunteering for two hours a week. It is recommended to apply prior to May 15 to obtain your first choice of location.

In Oregon

High School Journalism Institute

Located at Oregon State University, this residence program is open to Oregon and Southwest Washington high school students. Lasting from July 13 to 20, this program is completely free for students from traditionally underrepresented communities. Specifications for no-cost enrollment can be found online. While attending the High School Journalism Institute, students produce articles to be published on OregonLive and in a program newspaper. Students who complete this program earn college credit. Applicants must be in grades 9-12 in the 2018-19 school year, and applications are due May 24.

Summer Academy to Inspire Learning

Offered as both day programs and residential programs, SAIL is completely free. Day programs are offered July 15 through 19 and July 22 through 26. Residential programs are offered July 14 through 19 and July 21 through 26. All classes take place at University of Oregon, and residence students will stay in U of O dorms. To apply, students must be from a traditionally underrepresented background. This program is available to rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Participants can choose from a variety of program options, including Global Cultures, Physics/Physiology, and Performing Arts.  

Nationwide

The Summer Languages Program

This program takes place at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. Available as a 3.5 or 7 week course, applicants can choose to study Japanese, Russian, or Chinese. Applicants do not need any previous knowledge of the language they wish to study. During the Summer Languages program, students live and learn on Beloit’s campus, speaking their chosen language from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students live in Beloit’s dorms as well. This program is open to high school juniors and seniors. The seven week program takes place June 15 through August 2, and the 3.5 week programs take place June 15 through July 9 and July 10 through August 2. Tuition for the seven week program is $5,900 and tuition for the 3.5 week program is $2,950. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until classes are filled.

Pre-College STEM Institute

In this three week residential program, students work with Ithaca College faculty in the sciences. Possible research areas include Biology, Physics and Astronomy, and Chemistry., with more specific options within each research area. While most days are devoted to hands-on research, panel discussion and lectures are held in the evening. Located in Ithaca, New York, the STEM Institute starts on June 30 and runs through July 19. All high school grade levels are welcome in this program, provided the applicant has a 3.0 GPA or higher. The program cost is $4,980, with some financial aid available. The application deadline is May 15.