University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2, 3, or 6 Week ProgramsTBD- Commuter Options
- - Social Justice Research Academy
- - Biomedical Research Academy
- - Chemistry Research Academy
- - Experimental Physics Research Academy
- - Mathematics Academy
- - Neuroscience Research Academy
- - Penn Prep
- - 6 Week College Credit
- See All Available Courses
Ready for a first-rate summer experience at America’s first university? Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, Penn offers an authentic Ivy League experience in the heart of Philadelphia for academically gifted high school students. Penn flourishes in and is enriched by a vibrant urban ecosystem steeped in history and brimming with arts, culture, and innovation. Explore America’s history in Philly’s urban setting and feel the pulse of arts, culture, and innovation.
Engage with leading faculty and build intellectual connections while taking challenging courses selected from a variety of disciplines. Penn is widely known for its expertise in medicine, business, and law, and students can immerse themselves in science, research, social justice, and mathematics classes.
Get the Penn academic experience through one of our commuter programs. Commuter students join the program Monday-Friday for classes only. Our Resident Counselors help to ensure students' acclimation to campus and a positive experience.
Learn More
Courses & Academies
![Social Justice Research Academy]()
University of Pennsylvania Social Justice Research AcademyExamine the struggles to overcome inequality and injustice.3 WeeksOn Campus: TBD2 dates availableDates + Details![Biomedical Research Academy]()
University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research AcademyAn introduction to the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology.3 WeeksOn Campus: TBD2 dates availableDates + Details![Chemistry Research Academy]()
University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Research AcademyDiscover the foundational knowledge to understand the chemistry of cutting-edge research projects. 3 WeeksOn Campus: TBD2 dates availableDates + Details![Experimental Physics Research Academy]()
University of Pennsylvania Experimental Physics Research AcademyLearn modern physics, specifically mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics.3 WeeksOn Campus: TBD2 dates availableDates + Details![Mathematics Academy]()
University of Pennsylvania Mathematics AcademyExamine mathematical concepts rarely offered at the high school level.3 WeeksOn Campus: TBD2 dates availableDates + Details![Neuroscience Research Academy]()
University of Pennsylvania Neuroscience Research AcademyExplore the biological foundations of the brain.3 WeeksOn Campus: TBD2 dates availableDates + Details![Penn Prep]()
University of Pennsylvania Penn PrepExplore Penn’s liberal arts and sciences curriculum in an immersive and dynamic Ivy League environment.2 WeeksOn Campus: TBDOnline: TBD5 dates availableDates + Details![6 Week College Credit]()
University of Pennsylvania 6 Week College CreditExplore the intellectual challenge and residential freedom of a true undergraduate experience. 6 WeeksOn Campus: TBD1 dates availableDates + Details
Campus Life & Activities
After class, take a walk down Locust Walk in the heart of campus, visit Ben on the Bench, or admire the campus architecture and tree-lined walkways. Penn is known for its extraordinary athletic and recreational facilities. Organize pick-up games, work out at the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center or play tennis with a friend at the Hamlin Tennis Center.
Located in the University City neighborhood, Penn is near a multitude of shopping and dining options. Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s history and culture with supervised visits to art museums, parks, historic sites, and more! Test your skills at detecting counterfeit bills at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia or relax with friends overlooking the Delaware River. “The City of Brotherly Love” has something for everyone!
Students in our programs live in one of the upperclassman residence halls, which are only a short walk from the 1920 Dining Commons, academic buildings, and the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center.
Top 10 University of Pennsylvania Activities
- Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches at the Jersey Shore.
- Ride the rollercoasters at Hershey Park.
- Tour Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza during our day in New York City.
- Cheer for the Philadelphia Phillies at a major league baseball game.
- Visit the monuments and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital.
- Explore the history of Philadelphia at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Society Hill.
- Shop over 400 stores at King of Prussia Mall, the East Coast’s premier shopping destination.
- Test your skills at detecting counterfeit bills at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
- Try the city’s authentic cheesesteaks at Steve's Prince of Steaks.
- Test your knowledge at our weekly “Trivia Night”.
2 week and 3 week students participate in many but not all activities listed. All on-campus activities are subject to change based on current safety protocols.
Dates & Tuition
- Jun 30 - Aug 5 TBD6 WeekstestPre-CollegeSee Available Courses
- Jun 30 - Jul 23 $4,7993 WeeksResearch AcademySee Available Courses
- Jul 1 - Jul 22 TBD3 WeeksResearch Academy (Commuter Option)See Available Courses
- Jul 12 - Jul 22 $2,9992 Weeks Session APenn PrepSee Available Courses
- Jul 13 - Jul 21 TBD2 Weeks Session APenn Prep (Commuter Option)See Available Courses
- Jul 26 - Aug 5 $2,9992 Weeks Session BPenn PrepSee Available Courses
- Jul 27 - Aug 4 TBD2 Weeks Session BPenn Prep (Commuter Option)See Available Courses
- Aug 3 - Aug 13 TBD2 Weeks Session CtestOnlineSee Available Courses
Testimonials
- “The program has honestly been the highlight of my summer. The classes and after-class activities kept me in an excited state for the entirety of the two weeks. I am beyond grateful for my experience at Penn.” Sarah Z.2018 Alumni
- “This program was great! The dorms were nice, the RCs were nice, and the academics were spectacular. This experience allowed me to be independent for the first time, and it has helped me understand more of what I’m interested and what path I wish to follow in the future.” Riona W. 2018 Alumni
- “I really enjoyed my time here. I made lifelong friends, learned from incredible professors, got to experience campus life, and had learning experiences that I never before thought I would have access to as a high schooler.”Jessica Z.2019 Alumni
- “This gave me a really good feel of how college will be. It made me super excited and I think I've become more motivated to become a better student and person overall due to the welcoming atmosphere here. I was also able to time manage really well, getting my work done while also participating in fun activities.”Linda S. 2019 Alumni
Program Details
6 week program open to students completing grades 10 & 11.
2 and 3 week programs open to students completing grades 9, 10 & 11.
Living: You will be part of a dynamic community of students and staff, living together in one residence hall. Students live in a single or double room in an apartment style suite. Students share an in-room bathroom with just their suitemates. Every air conditioned room includes a bed, study desk, closet, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, laundry facilities, and the Summer Discovery Office are all in our residence hall. We are located only short walk from 1920 Dining Commons and the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center.
Dining: Unique to Summer Discovery is our all-inclusive meal plan. Enjoy two meals daily (breakfast and dinner), while on campus at 1920 Dining Commons. Choose from daily options at the salad bar, deli counter, pizza oven, burger bar, dessert bar, and more. Are you a vegetarian? Do you have food allergies? Special diets are not a problem.
Residential tuition includes: Term fees, academic programs, laundry, use of facilities, housing, 2 meals daily while on campus (2 on Sunday, none on Saturday), recreation pass (for students ages 15 and above), activities and trips.
Not included: Application fee, airfare, airport transfers (available for $75 each way), class materials, course supplements, meals eaten off campus, medical expenses, linens, blanket and pillow, souvenirs, and personal spending money.
Commuter tuition includes: Commuter students join the program Monday-Friday for classes only. They do not attend evening or weekend activities and excursions and no overnight stays are permitted.