Summer Springboard
ON THE CAMPUS OF
Vanderbilt University
Middle School
PICK A 1-WEEK MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE OF YOUR CHOICE; OR PICK MORE COURSES FOR A LONGER SUMMER EXPERIENCE.
Program Highlights
- Live on Vanderbilt’s campus and experience college-style dorm life with supportive supervision.
- Enjoy hands-on learning, interactive workshops, and engaging group projects throughout the program.
- Participate in fun, supervised activities and games during evening and free time.
- Explore Nashville with educational excursions to museums, landmarks, and local attractions.
- Build friendships and collaborate with peers from around the world in a welcoming environment.
- Develop independence, confidence, and teamwork skills in a structured, residential summer program.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Vanderbilt University - Middle School
Campus Overview
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 unique resources of Vanderbilt University’s campus and the vibrant city of Nashville.
Whenever possible, classes are held outdoors, on-site, or in lab-style settings to provide students with as many hands-on opportunities as possible. Field trips and guest speakers take the learning experience beyond the classroom and make the most of everything Nashville has to offer.
In addition to our morning academic courses, students spend the afternoons in skill labs working on hands-on projects or attending academic excursions that connect them with real-world professionals in their fields of interest. Students also participate in recreational activities, fostering a supportive, fun, and enriching summer experience.
RESOURCES
Apply Now
Click here to begin your application for this campus-based program.
Download Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this campus.
Request a Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our campuses and courses.
Schedule a Call
Click here to schedule a call with our Admissions Team during a day and time that is most convenient for you.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Vanderbilt University - Middle School
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 28 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 5 – July 10, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $2,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $1,498 |
| Application Fee: $99+ |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Nashville, TN |
| Campus: Vanderbilt University |
*Learn more about our campus partners and their relationship to our programs.
One-Week Summer Program
Residential Students
- Includes: all meals, lodging, excursions, academic course, weekend excursions
- Excludes: optional airport pickup and drop-off service (available for an additional fee)
Commuter Students
- Includes: lunch, academic course, excursions, programming from 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday
- Excludes: lodging, breakfast, dinner, weekend excursions (can be added on for $125 per day)
Supplements
- $250 tuition extra (mandatory) for the Medicine course
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Vanderbilt University - Middle School
Academic Courses
Middle School Business & Entrepreneurship
Students in this program will become part of a new company they devise and will work in teams on various aspects of the new business. They will dive into the world of business and learn how companies work.
Students will explore the secrets of making things, telling people about them, and selling them. They will get a chance to hear stories from entrepreneurs who have started small and made it big. The program culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation.
Middle School Medicine
This program provides middle school students interested in pursuing medicine with real hands-on experience where they can build a set of medical skills at an early age.
Imagine being able to set a splint, stop a bleed, and perform CPR as a middle school student! Students will learn medical techniques through age-appropriate simulations and guided lessons. In addition, they’ll work with small groups to research a patient’s history and symptoms, create a diagnosis based on findings, and develop a treatment plan.
Middle School Psychology & Neuroscience
This program offers students who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology and neuroscience an exploration of how psychologists study and understand how people work.
Students will explore social dynamics, emotions, personality, the nature of beliefs and the relationship between the mind, brain and body.
Middle School Trial Law
This program introduces students to vital techniques that are used by trial lawyers throughout the United States. Real world experts will share their knowledge about Trial Law and students will hear the inside scoop on law school and the admissions process.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Vanderbilt University - Middle School
Activities & Trips
Since we are based in the vibrant city of Nashville, this program combines visits to key institutions and cultural landmarks with engaging activities on the campus of Vanderbilt University.
Students have the opportunity to explore the lively Nashville area and experience the city’s rich music, food and arts scenes. In addition, participants will enjoy major attractions throughout the region. All excursions are fully supervised by Summer Springboard staff.
Bowling
Residential and commuter students will enjoy an afternoon together on campus bowling, playing games, and spending time with their new friends.
Campus Tour
All students will go on a tour of Vanderbilt University’s campus, learning from current students and getting a feel for college life.
Track-Specific Excursions
In order to take full advantage of everything the Nashville Area offers, each academic program may also take subject matter specific excursions to help round out the student experience.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Vanderbilt University - Middle School
Student Life
Immerse yourself in the energy of Vanderbilt University’s campus life as you experience the perfect blend of academics, fun, and adventure through your Summer Springboard program. From grabbing meals with new friends at Rand Dining Hall to settling into your dorm, you’ll quickly feel part of the community. Wander beneath the green campus, connect with inspiring instructors and mentors, and take in the Music City.
Whether you’re staying on campus for evening hangouts or commuting in for your academic course, you’ll grow academically and socially while on campus. You’ll explore new interests, gain real-world skills, and make memories that go far beyond the classroom. Get ready for a summer of exploration, learning, and connection at Vanderbilt University.
TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE
8:00am Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with your fellow students as you get ready to start your day on-program. Most meals will be in the on-campus dining hall.
9:00am Academic Course
Take part in your selected academic course. This college-style learning experience is designed to give students hands-on exposure to a specific field of study.
12:00pm Lunch
Enjoy lunch in the campus dining hall, which offers a wide variety of fresh and flavorful options. The menu is designed to accommodate all kinds of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and common food allergies—ensuring every student can find something satisfying and safe to eat while connecting with friends over a great meal.
1:30pm Recreational Activity or Academic Excursion
At Summer Springboard at Vanderbilt, academic excursions are off-campus field trips that connect directly to each course, giving students real-world insight into their chosen field. Recreational activities offer fun and social ways to unwind, explore the area, and build friendships through beach outings, campus games, local attractions, and more. Together, these experiences enrich both learning and student life in a vibrant, hands-on way.
3:30pm Academic Skills Lab
Students will participate in academic skill labs, where they’ll have extra time to develop their final projects. Whether preparing for a mock trial or refining their business pitches, this dedicated time allows them to collaborate and bring their ideas to life.
5:00pm Free Time
Students enjoy structured free time between Academic Skills Lab and dinner, with opportunities to relax, play games, or socialize with friends.
6:00pm Commuter Students Depart
For those students that have selected the commuter option, they will depart campus for the day while residential students prepare for dinner and evening activities.
6:00pm Dinner
It’s been a long, eventful day! It’s time to head to the dining hall or other dining location and eat well to restore your energy reserves before taking part in clubs or other nighttime activities.
7:00pm Evening Actvities for Residential Students
In the evenings, residential students participate in fun, supervised activities such as talent shows, trivia nights, and karaoke. These activities build community, encourage teamwork, and give students a chance to relax after a full day.
8:30pm Back in the Dorm
All students return to the dorms by 8:30pm to wind down and prepare for the next day.
9:30pm Mentor Check-In for Residential Students
Residential students will turn in for the night to rest in their dorm rooms and get ready for the big day ahead tomorrow.
Housing
Students will likely be housed in a modern double on Vanderbilt’s campus. Students are housed by gender. Dorm rooms contain a Twin XL sized bed, desks, drawers, mirror, and a closet. Communal bathrooms are spread out on the floor.
Summer Springboard staff live on each floor to create a community, provide support, plan activities, and help students get the most out of their stay on campus. Other members of the Summer Springboard staff also live on campus and are available to support students and address emergencies, 24 hours a day.
Security
All dormitories have 24-hour security and use electronic keys to enter each building and dorm room. Security is on 24-hour patrol and available to any student that may need assistance during the summer program for middle school students.
Facilities
Your dormitory is on Vanderbilt University’s campus which is very centrally located. Each building has laundry facilities, lounges, and wireless internet throughout.
The program 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 will be in the on-campus dining hall. The dining hall offers a wide selection of food with buffet style. There are ample food options accommodating vegetarian and vegan options, however, no certified Kosher or Halal options.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Vanderbilt University - Middle School
Testimonials
Please note that activities, courses and other items on the itinerary for this program are subject to change. This video may reflect an older version of this program. Please refer to the program infosheet and this website page for the most up-to-date information on this campus-based program.
“SSB has been an amazing experience and has opened so many doors for me. I will forever cherish the people I have met as well as the content I’ve learned. SSB has helped me learn more about myself as a person and grow exponentially.”
– Paige S. | Alumni Student
“It’s been my dream to visit the USA. I’m so happy that I completed the program and that I got opportunities to make new friends, study international relations, and practice English”
– Zhozefina Z. | Alumni Student
“I loved this experience and recommend to anyone considering their post-secondary pathways! The instructors were highly experienced and the course was well structured.”
– Elisa C. | Alumni Student
*Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, NYSID and UW Foster which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.