Summer doesn't have to be synonymous with just relaxation. For intellectually curious teens in India, there's a plethora of enriching summer school programmes available in 2024. These residential programmes offer a stimulating and engaging way to spend the break, allowing students to delve deeper into their interests, explore new subjects, gain valuable skills, and experience a taste of university life. By immersing themselves in a vibrant academic community, students can foster personal growth, expand their horizons, and forge lasting connections with like-minded peers.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top five residential summer schools in India, each offering a unique and transformative learning experience tailored to the needs and aspirations of high school students. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and academic exploration.

AMITY SUMMER SCHOOL (AUSS)

Overview: Established as a leading education group in India, Amity University offers a unique summer programme, now entering its 18th successful year – the Amity University Summer School (AUSS) at their Delhi NCR campus in Noida. This programme goes beyond traditional summer school experiences, encouraging students to explore a wide range of opportunities and embark on a path of self-discovery through practical learning techniques. AUSS provides a valuable opportunity for school students to experience university life firsthand, gain insights into potential career paths, and make informed decisions about their future education.

What is Taught: The programme provides a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to explore their chosen field through workshops, guest lectures, and practical activities. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge.

Duration and Dates: The programme runs for two weeks, from June 10th to June 21st, 2024.

Fees: The programme fee is Rs 12,000/- for the two-week programme, and the hostel fee is Rs 6,000/- (inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Location: Delhi NCR, Noida Campus

Residential or Day School: Residential

DOON LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Overview: Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Dehradun, India's esteemed Doon School offers a transformative summer programme – the Summer at Doon Leadership programme. This programme empowers students to bridge the gap between aspirations and action, nurturing them into leaders who strive to make a positive impact. Designed for enthusiastic young minds, the programme provides a two-week intensive course focused on leadership development. In a secure and supportive environment, students are equipped with the necessary skills to transform their ideas into tangible actions.

Eligibility: Students in the age group of 14 – 18 years

What is Taught: The programme focuses on holistic development, with courses in leadership case studies, communication, performing arts, outdoor activities, social responsibility with a project, and self-reflection. Guest lectures on leadership are also included, providing students with insights from industry experts and thought leaders.

Duration and Dates: The programme runs for two weeks, from May 24th to June 6th, 2024.

Fees: The programme fee is Rs. 180,000/-.

Location: Doon School, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Residential or Day School: Residential programme at The Doon School, Dehradun

SYMBIOSIS SUMMER SCHOOL (SSS)

Overview: Standing as India's first summer programme of its kind, the Symbiosis Summer School (SSS) empowers students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 to navigate the often-confusing post-secondary school decision-making process. The programme provides valuable exposure to a diverse range of academic programmes, disciplines, and potential career paths, allowing students to explore their interests and gain clarity on their future education goals. SSS fosters intercultural understanding by bringing together students and faculty from various backgrounds, leveraging innovative teaching techniques to engage students in thoughtful inquiry, robust skill development, and insightful discussions.

What is Taught: The Symbiosis Summer School offers a simulated college experience, providing students with a taste of Symbiosis International University's vibrant academic programmes, diverse disciplines, and unique campus culture. The programme includes career counselling, workshops on educational choices, in-depth exploration of specific academic streams (such as Management, Law, Engineering, Medicine, and more), and industry exposure through interactions with experts. Students also receive guidance on entrance requirements, curriculum content, future relevance of subjects, career prospects, specialisation opportunities, postgraduate options, job opportunities, and lifestyle considerations associated with various career paths.

Duration and Dates: The programme runs for two weeks, from May 13th to May 25th, 2024.

Fees: The approximate programme fee is Rs. 45,000/-.

Location: SYMBIOSIS BHASHA BHAVAN, GOKHALE CROSS ROAD, MODEL COLONY, SHIVAJI NAGAR, PUNE 411016, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Residential or Day School: Residential

Total Intake: 60 students

YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAMME (YSP) BY ASHOKA UNIVERSITY

Overview: Ashoka's Young Scholars Programmemes (YSP) are certified, summer, residential programmemes designed to give motivated students in classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 exposure to a liberal arts and sciences education at the university level. YSP 2024 offers five interdisciplinary streams with a hands-on approach to learning, with two sessions available: May 20 – May 31, 2024, or June 3 – June 14, 2024.

The Young Scholars Programme - Foundation, a certified five-day residential summer programme, introduces high schoolers (entering grades 9-12) to the best of Ashoka and an inter- and transdisciplinary university-level education. Students participate in lecture sessions across foundational interests, and workshops on topics like design thinking, creativity, ethics of generative AI, building resilience, and writing persuasively, and interact with leading professors, industry leaders, and counsellors.

Other streams offered include:

YSP Frontiers of Science (YSP FoS): A five-day, research-led experience for students passionate about the future of scientific disciplines, including biosciences, astrophysics, chemistry, math, and computer science.

YSP Tech, Data & Computer Science (YSP TDCS): A five-day programme offering an immersive experience in topics like generative AI & ML, basic programming, cryptography, cybersecurity ethics, and tech-driven entrepreneurship.

YSP Economics, Policy & Society (YSP EPS): A five-day programme focused on the applicability of interdisciplinary learning to tackle pressing challenges, with sessions on macroeconomics, policy development, behavioural psychology, international relations, and more.

YSP Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Impact (YSP ELI): A five-day practitioner-led programme focusing on the fundamentals of leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact, including design thinking, ethical leadership, branding, marketing, finance, and persuasive communications.

Students can also opt for the YSP Advanced (10-day certified programme), combining the YSP Foundation with any other stream.

Duration and Dates:

YSP Foundation Programme: 5 days (May 20 – May 24, 2024, or June 3 – June 7, 2024)

Other streams (FoS, TDCS, EPS, ELI): 5 days (May 27 – May 31, 2024, or June 10 – June 14, 2024)

YSP Advanced: 10 days (May 20 – May 31, 2024, or June 3 – June 14, 2024)

Fees:

YSP Foundation Programme: Rs. 49,500 (inclusive of taxes)

Other streams (FoS, TDCS, EPS, ELI): Rs. 49,500 (inclusive of taxes)

YSP Advanced: Rs. 85,000 (inclusive of taxes)

Location: Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana

Residential or Day School: Residential

ASPIRE INDIA SCHOLARS PROGRAMME (AISP) 2024

Overview: The Jindal Global Summer School (JGSS) 2024 offers high school students a unique opportunity to experience a world-class residential university campus life while exploring interdisciplinary curricula, developing critical skills, and gaining valuable insights from industry experts and peer mentors. Whether you're interested in social sciences, humanities, or future-ready leadership skills, JGSS provides a transformative learning experience that can help shape your academic and personal growth.

What is Taught: The Future Leaders Programme is an Indo-German Global Summer Residential Programme designed to drive transformation among learners by enabling them to visualise the future and build a mindset to evolve, adapt, and learn to solve problems. The students are taught in the areas of:

Creative thinking

Innovative problem-solving

Future-ready skills development

Duration and Dates: The programme runs for 10 days, from June 4th to June 14th, 2024.

Fees: The approximate fee is INR 30,000 (inclusive of GST).

Location: Sonipat, Haryana, at the OP Jindal Global University campus.

Residential or Day School: Residential

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 in any school in India are eligible to apply.

These top residential summer schools offer a transformative experience for high school students, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore their academic interests, develop essential skills, and gain a glimpse into university life. By immersing themselves in a vibrant academic community, students can foster personal growth, expand their horizons, and forge lasting connections with like-minded peers from across the nation.

Each programme has its unique strengths and focuses, catering to diverse interests and aspirations. Whether you're drawn to leadership development, scientific exploration, entrepreneurship, or the intricate worlds of economics and law, these summer schools offer a rich tapestry of learning experiences.

It's important to note that admission to these competitive programmes is typically based on academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and a genuine passion for learning. Early application is highly recommended, as spots are limited and demand is high.

Attending a residential summer school can be a life-changing experience, providing students with invaluable insights, skills, and connections that can shape their future academic and professional paths. It's an investment in personal growth, intellectual development, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

So, embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow this summer. Immerse yourself in an enriching residential programme that aligns with your interests and aspirations, and embark on a transformative journey that will leave an indelible mark on your academic and personal development.