NEW and returning programs in partnership with local universities and businesses help students – especially Black, Brown and first-generation-to-college – pursue dreams in major career sectors
July 15, 2024 (Philadelphia) – Heights Philadelphia (“Heights”), an economic mobility catalyst that creates pathways to educational and workforce success, is welcoming the return of summer programming with expanded experiences and offerings for Philadelphia students. With corporate and higher education partners, including Temple University (“Temple”) and the University of Pennsylvania (“Penn”), Heights’ widespread Summer 2024 offerings will welcome middle school, high school, and college students to explore interests and gain hands-on experience in some of Philadelphia’s major career sectors, including business, technology, and engineering. Heights will also introduce a brand-new program: Healthcare Foundations, which will offer students invaluable, first-hand experience in the healthcare sector.
“Summer programming is an essential aspect of student retention, engagement, and success,” said Sean Vereen, Ed.D., President of Heights Philadelphia. “We are grateful to our partners who help us bring opportunities to young people outside of the traditional school year, providing them with a transformative summer experience. Through summer programming, students have the opportunity to pursue various career interests, while building the skills needed to achieve their college and career goals. ”
Working towards their goals, more than 1,000 students will participate in Heights’ high school prep courses, college admissions workshops, college-level courses and internships, making for an impactful summer in their education and workforce journeys.
Heights’ new Healthcare Foundations will welcome 25 rising 10th and 11th grade students for a transformative 5-week experience. Upon completion, students seamlessly transition into an upper-level Health Equity course during the school year. Students will dive into experiential learning with site visits and field trips in the healthcare industry, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience.
In addition to this new offering, Summer 2024 will welcome the return of well-known programs from Heights Philadelphia. All Heights Summer 2024 programs are listed below:
Middle Grades Summer Bridge Program
Bridging the transition from middle to high school with academic enrichment and personal growth, the program is tailored for 6th – 7th grade students to explore math, career pathways, and high school prep, including science and math classes to equip students with essential skills for success in high school and beyond. The program is led by part-time teachers, and offers field trips, fun events, and stipends for participants.
9th Grade Bridge
A month-long summer program, the 9th Grade Bridge is designed to empower students with academic enrichment and personal growth, as they transition into high school. The curriculum includes engaging classes in math, biology, and English Language Arts (ELA), providing a comprehensive academic experience. Students take part in field trips and inspiring college/university tours that broaden their horizons beyond the classroom. The highlight of the program is our Youth Empowerment Conference, where students gain invaluable insights and tools for personal development.
Summer Institute
Rising college freshmen are invited to participate in Heights’ 5-week Summer Institute, tailored for incoming college students to ease their transition into university life. This program aims to facilitate a seamless shift from high school to college, offering participants a glimpse into the college experience before the fall semester begins. Students engage in core courses such as Math, English, Science, and College Seminar, specially crafted to introduce college-level reading, writing, and mathematical concepts, equipping them with essential tools for success in their inaugural semester.
Steppingstone Academy Summer Program
Offering 5th – 8th grade students the chance to strengthen their academic skills while school is out, The Steppingstone Academy Summer Program provides rigorous learning opportunities to develop scholars’ critical thinking, writing, and reading skills through math, science, ELA, electives, and advisory courses. Students are encouraged to be curious learners and stretch their academic abilities in the Academy program, while exploring their interests and getting exposure to colleges.
College Admissions Kickstart
The College Admissions Kickstart is a four-day interactive program hosted at Temple University for rising high school seniors to learn how to draft a strong application essay. The program includes writing workshops, advice from admissions experts, and a college fair for students to learn more about what makes a good “fit” school.
Dual Enrollment with SDP Advanced Senior Year Program
The Advanced Senior Year (ASY) Program is designed for qualifying high school seniors to complete their final year of high school at the Community College of Philadelphia. By the end of senior year, students enrolled in ASY will have the ability to earn their high school diploma as well as up to 27 college credits towards an associate degree with a Liberal Arts focus. This opportunity gives students a jump-start on their college career and provides exposure to more rigorous coursework in preparation for academic success. The summer program is four days a week, and students will take classes on CCP’s campus during the following school year.
UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program
The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program offers a rigorous academic experience for outstanding high school juniors and seniors to take credit-bearing courses covering various aspects of Wharton’s business curriculum. With a combination of interactive live sessions, self-paced coursework, hands-on activities, and access to extensive university resources, students immerse themselves in a top-tier education renowned worldwide for its intellectual prowess and groundbreaking innovations.
Dual Enrollment with Temple
This summer, Temple and Heights are offering a diverse range of workshops designed to ignite curiosity and foster learning. From delving into the realms of Bioengineering and 3D printing to unleashing creativity in Creative Writing, our lineup encompasses engaging sessions on World Affairs, Intro to Web Design, Building Wealth Investment Challenge, and beyond. With an array of enriching topics to choose from, participants will embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and personal growth.
Dual Enrollments with Temple Fox School of Business
Rising 11th and 12th grade high school students are invited to earn college credit at Temple’s Fox School of Business this summer, by taking HRM 1101: Leadership and Organizational Management with Heights. Students will be introduced to the Financial Services and Business Career pathway at Heights and can apply knowledge from this class to real-life situations through site visits, networking, and connection to Heights partners.
Summer Business and Entrepreneurship Program
High school students are invited to Temple University Fox School of Business to embark on a transformative journey with Heights’ Introduction to Fundamentals of Business and Entrepreneurship course. During the summer, students will dive into an immersive educational experience where they’ll explore essential concepts such as business planning, professional branding, marketing strategies, and financial literacy. Students will engage in dynamic experiential learning activities including business site trips, team challenges, competitions, and an entrepreneurial showcase event. Through hands-on experiences and interactive sessions, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the world of business and entrepreneurship.
BLI Computer Science Academy
Heights is offering introductory and intermediate Computer Science (Java) programs at Penn Engineering. Led by college Computer Science majors, students will dive into classes and coding projects aligned with a college-level UPenn curriculum. Students will immerse themselves in interactive learning experiences and gain insights from college and career panels, participate in special events including lab tours, and enrich their understanding of computer science principles to prepare for future academic and professional endeavors in the field.
Temple + Heights STEM Research Program
High school students are invited to Temple Engineering to join the lab research internship and mentorship program tailored for students passionate about engineering and STEM fields. Students can explore opportunities in diverse engineering labs such as Biomedical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, and Electrical/Computer, alongside mentors. They will engage in hands-on research projects while enjoying fun trips and events that will nurture their interests and foster growth in the STEM field.
ACS Project SEED
10th and 11th grade students are invited to explore cutting-edge scientific research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or Computational Chemistry labs at prestigious institutions including Temple University, St. Joseph’s University, Drexel University, or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. During the program, students work closely with a lab mentor to delve into real-world projects. SEED students also can apply for ACS scholarships.
BEAM (Biomedical & Life Science Foundations Program)
Current 9th and 10th graders are invited to embark on a Biomedical Science exploration and enrichment program designed to ignite a passion for science. Led by college science majors and industry professionals, the program offers hands-on labs, engaging science and math lessons, and interactive activities with scientists and college students. Students can delve into the fascinating world of biomedical science, gaining practical skills and insights while experiencing the thrill of discovery.
For interested media looking to explore programming and speak with students and partners engaged with programs, please contact: Kate Foley, kfoley@signature57.com
