Summer Springboard
on the campus of
Vanderbilt University
PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
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free program catalog!
Summer Springboard on the
Campus of Vanderbilt University
At Summer Springboard, we believe learning should be inspiring, engaging, and full of discovery. Our courses, field trips, and guest lectures are intentionally designed to showcase the unparalleled resources of Vanderbilt University and the vibrant culture of Nashville.
Whenever possible, classes take place outdoors, on-site, or in dynamic lab environments, giving students abundant hands-on learning opportunities. Field trips and guest speakers extend education far beyond the classroom, allowing students to experience Nashville’s innovation, creativity, and professional landscape firsthand.
Each morning, students dive into their academic courses, then spend the afternoons in skill labs working on immersive projects or taking part in academic excursions that connect them with real-world professionals in fields they’re passionate about. Alongside these learning experiences, students enjoy recreational activities that build community and create a fun, supportive, and enriching summer environment.
Please note: Our Middle School programs at Vanderbilt operate independently from our High School programs, with dedicated staff, separate accommodations, distinct schedules, and their own classes and activities.
You can attend one of these sessions this summer as a residential student, where you’ll get to live on campus. Or if you’re close enough, you can commute to campus.
Session 1:
June 28 – July 3, 2026
Session 2:
July 5 – July 10, 2026
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Summer Springboard
Schedule a Call with Us
Summer Springboard’s expert Admissions Team is here to help you plan your summer program every step of the way.
Our Program at Vanderbilt
At the heart of your Summer Springboard program is the academic track you choose. Depending on your field of interest, you will take a course, led by an expert instructor, that is designed to give you a taste of the real-world college experience at a competitive university.
Each course is designed by educators and real world experts to allow high school students to quickly grasp core concepts in an easy and enjoyable way.
Courses at this Campus
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 Nashville, Tennessee area. Choose from these courses at Vanderbilt:
• Middle School Business & Entrepreneurship
• Middle School Medicine
• Middle School Psychology & Neuroscience
• Middle School Trial La
Campus Overview
Immerse yourself in the energy of Vanderbilt University’s campus as you dive into a perfect mix of academics, fun, and adventure with Summer Springboard. From sharing meals with new friends at Rand Dining Hall to settling into your dorm, you’ll feel at home fast. Explore the green campus, connect with inspiring instructors and mentors, and soak in everything Music City has to offer.
Activities & Excursions
Based in the vibrant city of Nashville, this program blends visits to notable institutions and cultural landmarks with engaging activities on Vanderbilt University’s campus. Students will have the chance to explore the energetic Nashville area and immerse themselves in the city’s rich music, food, and arts scenes. They’ll also experience major attractions across the region. All excursions are fully supervised by Summer Springboard staff.
Summer Springboard
Get Your Free Program Catalog
The Summer Springboard program catalog is your best go-to resource for exploring programs by campus, course and more. We’ll send you one at no cost!
Pre-College Summer Programs Designed with Middle Schoolers In-Mind
At the heart of your Summer Springboard middle school program is the academic track you choose. Depending on your field of interest, you will take a course, led by an expert instructor, that is designed to give you an early taste of the real-world college experience at a competitive university.
Each course is one-week long and is designed by educators and real world experts to allow middle school students to quickly grasp core concepts in an easy and enjoyable way.
Our Mission and Values
Our mission at Summer Springboard is to help students increase their self-awareness so they can make decisions about college selection, academic majors, and careers that reflect their personal vision for success.
Summer Springboard has adopted six key values from the African Leadership Academy that sit at the heart of our mission.
ALA is at the root of the journey that eventually led to the formation of Terra Education and its programs around the world, including Summer Springboard, and these values continue to embody everything Summer Springboard represents as an organization.
★ Integrity: We are a people of our word, with the courage to do what is right.
★ Curiosity: We challenge the status quo and take the initiative to pursue new Ideas.
★ Humility: We are thankful for opportunities and are aware of our limitations.
★ Compassion: We empathize with and care for those around us.
★ Diversity: We respect all people and believe that difference should be celebrated.
★ Excellence: We set high standards for our own achievement and celebrate the achievements of others.
Why Start in Middle School?
While most Summer Springboard programs are designed exclusively for high school students, our summer programs for middle schoolers are curated for ambitious and curious students in this younger age range.
Middle school students should join a Summer Springboard program because it transforms an ordinary summer into a launchpad for BIG possibilities. Instead of waiting until high school to explore their interests, they get to jump in early, trying out exciting fields, tackling real-world challenges and discovering what truly sparks their curiosity.
It’s the perfect mix of independence, adventure and growth, all set on inspiring college campuses that make them feel like they’re stepping into their future. With new friends, new skills, and a huge boost in confidence, students “level up” while on campus.
Summer Springboard
Save Your Spot on This Program
Enrolling in this program or any other Summer Springboard program is quick and easy! Simply navigate to our online application form to get started.
Curate Your Summer Springboard Experience
At Summer Springboard, both Commuter and Residential options are available.
If you live within the area, you can opt to be a commuter student. Each day, simply arrive at campus for the start of the program, and depart from campus when your course and activity schedule is complete. This is a phenomenal option for local families. You can even save on program tuition if you choose this option.
Whether you’re a local or live far away from campus, you can choose to be a residential student. Live full-time on-program and experience campus life, while staying overnight in our dorms. Residential students enjoy additional weekend excursions included with program tuition!
Choose a Campus
Summer Springboard hosts summer programs for middle schoolers at the following university campus and city locations:
• NYU
• Berkeley
• Georgetown University
• UC San Diego
• University of Washington
• Vanderbilt University
• Cambridge, MA (MIT Campus)
We also operate summer programs for high school students at many other university campuses across the United States and United Kingdom.
Select an Academic Track
You can choose from these Academic Tracks when you attend a campus-based program:
• Business & Law
• Computer Science
• Engineering & Science
• Humanities & Liberal Arts
• Media & Design
• Medicine & Healthcare
Join Us Again In High School
Summer Springboard can take you from middle school to high school on your pre-college journey! Through the guidance of talented professionals and dedicated mentors, college-bound teens will experience an unmatched mix of academic immersion, hands-on learning, career exploration, and college prep on the campuses of top universities in the United States and United Kingdom. Students gain professional insight, discover their strengths, and build the confidence to thrive in college and beyond.
Summer Springboard
Get Your Free Program Catalog
The Summer Springboard program catalog is your best go-to resource for exploring programs by campus, course and more. We’ll send you one at no cost!