Summer Programs for High School Students
The best summer programs for high school students in 2026 don't hand you a syllabus — they hand you a problem to solve. At Loona, you'll spend your summer building a real product from scratch — using AI, guided by mentors.
Most Summer Programs Are Resume Padding
Here's the uncomfortable truth: most summer programs for high school students exist to fill a line on a college application. You sit through lectures, complete assignments, collect a certificate, and move on. College admissions officers have seen this pattern thousands of times — it doesn't stand out.
Loona is an entrepreneurship program where students build real products, not a classroom. Instead of studying entrepreneurship in theory, you practice it. You identify a real problem, form a team, build a product, test it with real users, and launch it — all in one summer. The result isn't a grade; it's something you made that exists in the world.
That's why families looking for the best summer programs in 2026 are choosing venture-building over lecture halls. If you want to understand what building real products does for college applications, the answer is simple: it gives you a story only you can tell.
What You Get with Loona
Build a Real Product
You won't write a report that nobody reads. You'll build a working product or service that solves a real problem in your community — something you can demo, share, and keep growing after the program ends.
Expert Mentorship
Every team is paired with founders, designers, and operators who have built real companies. They push you to ship something real — and help you get better every week.
College-Ready Portfolio
Walk away with a tangible body of work: a live product, pitch deck, measurable results, and a personal narrative that admissions officers remember. This is the opposite of a participation certificate.
Lifelong Network
Join a tight-knit community of students, mentors, and alumni who care about the same things you do. Collaborations and friendships from Loona last well beyond the summer.
How Loona's Summer Program Works
Apply
Submit a short application telling us who you are and what problems you want to solve. No test scores, no prerequisites — just genuine curiosity and drive.
Build
Spend 10 weeks working in a small team with dedicated mentors. You'll go through real startup stages: research, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.
Launch
Present your product on Demo Day, gather real feedback, and join the Loona alumni network. Many students continue building long after the program ends.
Curious about the full experience? See our full program offerings or read our parent's guide to summer programs.
Loona vs. Other Summer Programs
Not all summer programs are created equal. Here's how a venture-building program compares to traditional options.
| Loona | Traditional Camps | Pre-College Programs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-World Output | A working product or service you built and can keep growing | Memories and maybe a craft project | A grade on an unofficial transcript |
| Mentorship | 1-on-1 with founders and industry operators | Camp counselors (often college students) | Professors with large class sizes |
| College Impact | Tangible portfolio with impact metrics for applications and essays | An extracurricular line item | Shows academic interest but no unique output |
| Cost | Competitive tuition with need-based financial aid | Varies widely ($500 – $5,000+) | Often $3,000 – $10,000+ with no aid |
| Format | Virtual-first with optional in-person events — join from anywhere | In-person residential or day camp | Usually on-campus residential |
Real-World Output
Mentorship
College Impact
Cost
Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Loona's summer program?
Any high school student in grades 9 through 12 can apply. You don't need prior business or coding experience — we look for curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in solving real problems. International students are welcome to join our virtual cohorts.
How much does the summer program cost?
Program tuition varies by session. We offer need-based financial aid and scholarships to ensure cost is never a barrier. Visit our financial aid page for details on how to apply for support. Learn more about financial aid.
What is the time commitment?
The summer program runs for 10 weeks, typically from mid-June through early August. Expect roughly 15 to 20 hours per week across structured sessions, mentor meetings, and independent project work. The format is primarily virtual with optional in-person events.
Will this help with college applications?
Absolutely. Admissions officers consistently say they value depth over breadth. Loona gives you a concrete, demonstrable project with real impact metrics — far more compelling than a line item on an activities list. Many alumni reference their Loona venture in their personal essays and interviews.
How is Loona different from a traditional summer camp or pre-college program?
Traditional camps focus on recreation, and most pre-college programs are classroom-based courses that mirror college lectures. At Loona, you build a real product with a real team, guided by real mentors. The output is yours to keep and grow, not a grade on a transcript.
Ready to Build Something Real?
Spots are limited. If you're a high school student ready to spend your summer building something real, we want to hear from you. Applications close when cohorts fill.
Not sure which program is right for you? Compare our college prep options.