Cambridge, MA
Summer Springboard program for high school students on the campus of MIT
Campus Overview
Our program is held on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA. In addition, we leverage resources from other top institutions (including Harvard and Brigham and Women's Hospital) to create an elite learning experience. As one of America’s oldest regions, the Greater Boston area is home to some of the nation's most prestigious universities and historic icons. Cambridge and Boston are idyllic places for Summer Springboard students to experience college life.
Residential Tuition:
$6,498
Commuter Tuition:
$3,298
Session 1:
June 22, 2025
July 4, 2025
Session 2:
July 6, 2025
July 18, 2025
Cambridge, MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Testimonials
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 Greater Boston area. Whenever possible, classes are held outdoors, on-site or in a lab-type setting 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 Boston and Cambridge have 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.
Artificial Intelligence - A Responsible Approach
The demand for expertise in AI and machine learning is rapidly increasing. Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the world we live in by facilitating the uprise of new technologies as well as improving old ones. Students will spend time exploring several emerging technology spaces and will learn how to leverage artificial intelligence capabilities in various industries. Additionally, students will discover how to leverage artificial intelligence capabilities for good. The experience will conclude with an opportunity for students to apply their learnings to solve a current world problem.
Business & Entrepreneurship
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.
Excursions – Students visit the production center of DetraPel, following the production process to produce their own sample size of DetraPel. The visit culminates with a meeting with Shark Tank winning owner and founder, David Zamarin (2021 Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list), who shares his entrepreneurial story.
Biotechnology
Are you interested in medicine, science, and technology? Is your goal to create a life-saving drug? This is a unique opportunity for high school students to gain real exposure and hands-on experience working in a biotechnology lab utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. The goal of this program is to provide students intensive laboratory skills experience, and to understand fundamental chemical processes common in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology, and classical and molecular genetics with an emphasis on gene expression and genetic engineering. The biotechnology industry draws from a variety of different specialties, with microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, and I.T. all having a significant impact. In addition to lab work, students will have an opportunity to visit biotech incubators and hear from industry professionals.
Cyber Security
Cybersecurity is an increasingly growing field which plays a vital role around the world. Cybersecurity needs the brightest minds to attack some of the biggest global challenges and corporations are hiring cybersecurity professionals at a rapid clip. The Summer Springboard Pre-College Program in Cybersecurity will introduce students to the foundational concepts, commonly used tools, key technical skills, and potential career pathways that the cybersecurity industry has to offer. Students will leave the program armed with technical skills and creative thinking that can be applied across university courses and professional industries.
Excursions: Students will visit MIT’s Information Security and Technology facilities and data centers, talk to the students about how they protect MIT students and faculty from cyber threats, etc.
Engineering a Project-based Introduction
Prof. Dan Frey, an MIT professor of Mechanical Engineering and Undergraduate Officer of Mechanical Engineering and PI for the ASPIRE program, returns to Summer Springboard for summer 2025 to lead a new program tailored for high school students eager to explore multiple aspects of engineering. This engaging experience has no prerequisites, making it accessible for freshmen while still offering valuable challenges for seniors, as project decisions will influence task complexity. The teaching philosophy encourages students to independently build on their understanding of physics and mathematics through the creation of practical artifacts. There will be an integrated project that weaves together many smaller projects to ultimately build and fly a radio-controlled model aircraft. This will link physics, structures, fluid dynamics, controls, and electrical power systems This course promises to ignite students’ passion for engineering and equip them with essential skills for their future academic pursuits.
Fundamentals of Engineering
Engineering is an expertise for applying science along with real practical data for solving a problem, given some limitations/specs. In this program you will learn about fundamental principles behind various engineering fields (mechanical, electrical, computer/programing, aero-astro, civil, … ) from MIT seasoned Instructors/Practitioners. This program will also help you to explore your potential college fields of interests while improving your odds of getting admitted to top Engineering schools.
Dorm Accommodations: Students in this program will reside at the Simmons University dorms and will be provided transportation to and from their class at MIT each day.Excursions – Students will have an opportunity to take their newfound skills outside of the classroom and visit multiple MIT Engineering Labs. Past excursions have also included a vist to Boston Steel.
Neurobiology
This course offers students a comprehensive introduction and exploration of neurobiology and the fascinating interdisciplinary study of neuroscience, the brain and nervous system. Students will explore “normal behavior” by dissecting the precise mechanisms the nervous system orchestrates thought, action, and emotion. Through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, students will delve into the intricate world of molecules, cells, and the circuits that shape human behavior. From understanding developmental processes to examing the impacts of brain injury and disease, students will gain a holistic understanding of neurobiological principles while fostering a broader perspective on this fascinating field of research. Students will also explore the wide range of job prospects in neurobiology across many sectors including academic research, biotechology, drug discovery, clinical and medical settings, biomedical engineering, neuroinformatics and more.
Dentistry
Are you interested in a career that combines science and healthcare? The Summer Springboard Dentistry course is perfect for high school students eager to explore the field of oral health. In this engaging program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of dentistry, including dental anatomy, common procedures, and patient care techniques. Through hands-on activities and simulations, you will practice basic dental skills while receiving guidance from professionals in the field.
This course will offer valuable insights from your instructor, guest speakers, and peers who will share their journeys and provide advice on pursuing a career in dentistry. Boston is an ideal area for exploring your interest in dentistry, with its reputable healthcare institutions and dental schools offering a rich environment for learning and discovery.
Take your first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare and dental science on the campus of MIT this summer.
Pre-Med at MIT
Are you thinking about medical school? Do you know what field of medicine you’d like to pursue? This course in collaboration with physicians from Brigham and Women’s Hospital is designed to help students explore a career in a variety of fields in medicine. In this program, students will get a chance to explore the various fields of study that exist in medicine, and rotate through potential fields such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and more. They will also have the opportunity to learn about pursuing study in medical research from current medical students. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about getting into medical school, studying for medical school entrance exams, researching and planning medical residency, and learning about the role of scientific inquiry and scientific curiosity in becoming a medical professional. Through the course students will interact with doctors, medical students and residents while being exposed to various medical disciplines.
Excursions – Students will visit the STRATUS medical simulation center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, a nationally-recognized teaching hospital for Harvard University, as well as Harvard Medical School. Visit Boston University School Medicine to meet with admissions team.
Activities & Trips
There is so much to do in Boston! The city is full of history, charm and endless attractions. Additional highlights include shopping at Quincy Market, walking the Freedom Trail, and exploring the interactive exhibits at top museums.
Boston, MA
There are over 50,000 students at the nearly 120 college and university campuses located within 25 miles of Boston. With it's rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone and you'll get a true sense of a college town.
Freedom Trail
Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1951, the Freedom Trail (a 2.5 mile long path through downtown Boston) is a unique collection of museums, churches, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
Six Flags New England
Six Flags New England has over 100 rides, shows, attractions and is home to New England’s largest water park, Hurricane Harbor. New in 2019, the park launched CYBORG™ a new indoor spinning dark ride!
Track-Specific Excursions
Each academic course may also take subject matter specific excursions to help round out the student experience. Excursions may include: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Partners In Health, Museum of Science in Boston, Suffolk County Superior Court, and more.
Student Life
Boston is known as a center of education and culture with a multitude of educational resources at your fingertips. No matter the course, you’ll experience a buzzing campus filled with fellow bright, ambitious, energetic students.
Housing
Students live on the MIT campus. 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 Resident Advisor (RA) will live on your hall to create a community, provide support, plan activities and help you get the most out of your stay in Boston. 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. University security is on 24-hour patrol and available to any student that may need assistance during the Boston summer 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
Most meals on campus will be at the local dining hall, conveniently located near our dormitory. We can accommodate diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or specific food allergies.
Breakfast
Academic Course
Lunch
Recreational Activity or Academic Excursion
College Readiness Workshop or True You
Commuter Students Depart/Break Time
Dinner
Clubs
Dorm Checks
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.