Duke University

Summer Springboard program located in Durham, North Carolina

Campus Overview

Duke is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the United States. Often called one of the most beautiful campuses in America, this university boasts modern teaching and research facilities, lush botanical gardens, and is home to top ranking sports teams.

Duke University campus with teens walking by
Tuition:

Residential Tuition:
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$2,998


Dates:

Session 1:
June 29, 2025 July 11, 2025

Session 2:
July 13, 2025 July 25, 2025

Location:

Duke University
Durham, North Carolina

Testimonials

  • "Overall it was an amazing experience. I felt like each day was always better than the last. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime and I’ve also learned more about myself which is extremely valuable"

    Andrew A.

  • "I learned so much about nursing and it made it clear that this is what I want to do in the future"

    Zoe Elizabeth M.

  • "This experience of designing and creating our own games is the most amazing things I ever experience"

    Bradon Z.

Academic Courses

At Summer Springboard we believe learning should be inspiring and interactive. We have worked hard to design courses, field trips and guest lectures that reflect the resources of the Durham area. Classes are designed to allow students as many ’hands on’ opportunities as possible. Field trips and guest speakers take the learning experience beyond the classroom and leverage all that the Research Triangle has to offer.

In addition to our academic morning courses, students spend the afternoon either in College Readiness Workshops (Speaking with Confidence, Finance 101, Leadership and College Admissions ), participating in academic excursions or doing our True You program which explores elements of one's real self including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

Business & Entrepreneurship

students on university campus

Whatever you do in life, foundational business skills such as effective communication, sales and marketing, and financial management will serve you well. These skills let you transform your ideas into a real business that will give you greater control of your destiny. Students will learn firsthand from business veterans about starting and running a business. Over the course of the program, they will develop a plan for a new venture and pitch their idea to real world investors. Along the way, meet with leaders from different areas of business and finance.

Note: Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for the Summer Springboard program in any way.

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Nursing

Nursing is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most respected of all healthcare professions. Nursing employment is expected to increase by 9% by 2030, post-pandemic, progressively more students have been considering this career path. Nurses are responsible for providing primary health care and specialty services to individuals, families, and communities. Discover the diverse career opportunities and what a day in the life of a nurse looks like. During the program, students will learn the fundamental concepts of caring and gain an interesting perspective on how patient care is provided.

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Game Development

This course aims to provide the knowledge of implementing a computer game using one of the industry-standard game development engines. This course describes the 3D virtual world creation process from a computer graphics perspective, introduces corresponding game components, explains how to use these components effectively in a game development process, and how to successfully deliver a fully working and entertaining game.

During the course, students can improve their Computer Science and Computer Graphics knowledge, both personally and collaboratively. They will explore professional video game design while using popular industry tools. They will begin by learning about how to create 3D objects and then using their new skills to design a fully realized world of their own. Students will get a chance to customize their newly built worlds and leave the course with a comprehensive view of how to professionally design a game and have skills to showcase in their portfolio.

No prior coding knowledge is needed for the course. Fundamentals of C# programming language and the basic requirements for game scripting are taught at the beginning of the course. Whether students are interested in 3D modeling, gameplay programming, or level design, they can expand their project’s portfolio, gain exposure to critical game industry insights, and connect with talented peers and mentors. What more fun way than applying this knowledge towards the process of creating a video game?

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Public Policy

lecture hall

The government today can affect all aspects of our lives. Curious to find out more about issues addressed by public policy such as public health, criminal justice, gun rights, immigration, reproductive rights, drug use, education, and disaster preparedness. Learn and discuss the system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental entity or its representatives. This course aims to create conditions for learning, opportunity and experience, which enable young people to develop knowledge, skills and competences.

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Psychology & Neuroscience

Artificial intelligence, processing neurological data, brain

Curious about the brain? Want to discover and learn the fundamentals of brain biology and the functioning of the central nervous system? By attending the Neuroscience Summer Springboard course students will be able to explore and familiarize with perception, decision-making, neuroethics, neurotechnology, and many other topics. Learn how the development of the brain affects emotions, physiology, and cognition, as well as develop a foundation for future study paths and careers in medicine, biology, biomedical science, psychology, and more.

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Veterinary Medicine at Duke

Are you ready to apply your love and compassion for animals to learning? In this Veterinary Medicine course you will learn about the diverse course opportunities within surgery, internal medicine, pathology, radiology, research, and public health. Students will gain an overview of the field, including its history, scope, and significance in animal healthcare.

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Biomedical Engineering

autodesk interactive gallery

Do you love engineering, computers and also life sciences? Are you interested in diagnosing and designing devices to diagnose and treat diseases? The Summer Springboard Biomedical Engineering course exposes students to the basics of a career in one of the hottest engineering fields today.

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Activities & Trips

Duke is known for its award winning sports team and passionate fans, while being nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle. Visit some of the key attractions in the Raleigh-Durham corridor, including the basketball museum and Lemur Center. The campus holds much to explore and is perfect for diving into your favorite subjects in a beautiful setting. All excursions are fully supervised by Summer Springboard staff.

  • Durham North Carolina home of Summer Springboard program at Duke University

North Carolina State Farmer's Market

Students enjoy exploring North Carolina's largest farmers market, discovering new foods, homemade treats, local crafts, and souvenirs for family and friends.

Durham Bulls

The Durham Bulls are a beloved minor league baseball team known for their spirited games and fun atmosphere. The stadium is in downtown Durham and students enjoy cheering on the bulls every year.

Frankie's Fun Park

Enjoy a day of amusement with the group at Frankie's a large facility that has entertainment for all interstes. Students will enjoy lunch while playing arcade games, bumper carts, laser tag, and collecting tickets to trade in for prizes before heading back to Duke.

UNC Chapel Hill

To get another perspective on college life, students will also tour UNC Chapel Hill. While on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill, students will learn about student life from a undergrad tour guide while exploring academic buildings, libraries, dorms, athletic fields, and more.

Student Life

During the Summer Springboard program, you'll live on the campus of Duke University. This is the campus most often identified with the University. Residential quads, academic buildings, athletic facilities, research facilities, and graduate and professional schools make up the geography of West Campus.

  • A statue on a roundabout in the centre of Durham, North Carolina, USA.
  • high school students in class at northwestern
  • students walking across campus
  • Deering Library on the campus of Northwestern University

Housing

Just like a college student, students share a dorm room with roommates and use a common bathroom. Floors are gender-segregated and rooms contain an extra-long twin size bed, desks, drawers, mirror and a closet.

Your Summer Springboard staff (mentor) will live on your hall to create a community, provide support, plan activities and help you get the most out of your stay. Other members of the Summer Springboard staff also live on campus and are available to support students and tackle emergencies, 24 hours a day.

Security

All dormitories have 24-hour security and uses electronic keys to enter each building and dorm room. Campus security is on 24-hour patrol and available to any student that may need assistance during the Summer Springboard program for high school students.

Facilities

Your dormitory is part of a complex of buildings around a courtyard. Each building has laundry facilities, lounges and high speed wireless internet throughout.

The university is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free environment for students, faculty and staff. Accordingly, no smoking is permitted in student rooms or inside buildings, including lounges and balconies.

Dining

Ranked 1st by the Daily Meal for “Best Colleges for Food in America” in 2017. Summer Springboard students enjoy three meals a day included in the tuition. Most meals on campus will be in one of the student dining halls. There is a great variety of menu choices, and can accommodate diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or specific food allergies.

Note: Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for the Summer Springboard program in any way.

Get started today

Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program