Why Participate in Summer & Enrichment Programs?
Enrichment programs are a powerful way to explore your passions, develop new skills, and gain experiences that make you stand out. Whether you’re interested in academics, the arts, technology, or leadership, participating in these programs can help you:
- Enhance your resume with meaningful activities that demonstrate initiative and commitment
- Explore new interests and discover potential career paths
- Build valuable networks by connecting with peers, mentors, and professionals
- Add depth to your college, scholarship, and job applications by showcasing your growth beyond the classroom
Engaging in enrichment opportunities not only prepares you for future success but also helps you learn more about yourself and what it takes to thrive in college and beyond. Start exploring today and invest in your future!
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Enrichment Program Directory: March 2026
1. Fox Chase Cancer Center: High School Summer Fellowship
The Announcement: Spend 10 weeks in a real laboratory! This is an immersive, paid research program where students work alongside world-renowned scientists on actual cancer research projects.
- Who it’s for: Rising Seniors in the Tri-State area with a strong interest in STEM.
- Resume Impact: Provides rare, hands-on laboratory experience (pipetting, data analysis, lab safety) and mentorship from PhDs/MDs that is highly prestigious for medical school or science-track college apps.
- Apply Here: Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) Explore
2. Drexel University: LeBow Summer Business Academy
The Announcement: Get a head start on your business degree. This program introduces students to accounting, marketing, finance, and leadership through workshops and a "Shark Tank" style team competition.
- Who it’s for: Rising Juniors and Seniors.
- Resume Impact: Shows initiative in professional development and team leadership. Students often walk away with a completed business pitch/project for their portfolio.
- Apply Here:https: Lebow Business Program
3. WorkReady Philadelphia (via PYN)
The Announcement: Get paid to work this summer! WorkReady links Philly students with paid internships, service learning, and pre-apprenticeship tracks in fields like IT, healthcare, and city government.
- Who it’s for: Philadelphia residents ages 12–24.
- Resume Impact: This is the gold standard for "Work Experience" on a high school resume. It proves reliability, professional communication, and provides a paycheck.
- Apply Here: WorkReady.org
4. ACE Mentor Program (Greater Philadelphia) - Summer Trades/Design
The Announcement: If you are interested in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering, the ACE summer programs and internships offer a deep dive into the "built environment."
- Who it’s for: High school students interested in trades or design.
- Resume Impact: Offers industry-recognized networking and often leads to scholarships or direct entry into apprenticeships post-graduation.
- Apply Here: ACE Mentor Philly
5. Temple University: B4USoar
The Announcement: Want to earn college credits for FREE while still in high school? Temple University’s B4USoar program allows Philadelphia high school students to take real college courses on campus, covering tuition and books.
- Who it’s for: Rising Juniors and Seniors in Philadelphia public and charter schools.
- Resume Impact: Nothing says "college-ready" like having a 3.0 or higher GPA on an actual college transcript before you even graduate high school.
- Apply Here: Temple B4USoar
6. The Wistar Institute: High School Summer Program in Biomedical Research
The Announcement: Work at the nation’s first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute! This program is a deep dive into cancer biology and vaccine development. It is a highly competitive, hands-on lab experience.
- Who it’s for: Students completing 11th grade with an interest in science/medicine.
- Resume Impact: This is a "tier-one" research credential. Students learn advanced techniques like DNA electrophoresis and tissue culture that most students don't see until junior year of college.
- Apply Here: Wistar High School Program
7. JEVS Human Services: Project WOW (Works of Worth)
The Announcement: Looking for a hands-on career in the trades? Project WOW provides free training in Property Maintenance and IT. This is a pre-apprenticeship style program that helps students get certified and employed.
- Who it’s for: Students (18+) or those about to graduate who are looking for an alternative to a traditional 4-year degree.
- Resume Impact: Students earn industry-recognized certifications (like OSHA-10) and gain direct access to job placement and trade unions.
- Apply Here: JEVS Project WOW
8. Villanova University: NovaEdge Summer Business Program
The Announcement: NovaEdge is a residential program that introduces students to the world of business. You’ll work on a team project, learn from Villanova School of Business faculty, and visit local corporations.
- Who it’s for: Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (specifically looking for students from diverse backgrounds).
- Resume Impact: Villanova is a top-ranked business school. Having this on a resume demonstrates high-level interest in finance, marketing, and corporate leadership.
- Apply Here: Villanova NovaEdge
9. Philadelphia Zoo: ZooCrew
The Announcement: If you love animals and the environment, ZooCrew is a multi-year youth development program. It’s not just about animals; it’s about public speaking, conservation research, and leadership.
- Who it’s for: High school students (ages 14-18) in the Philadelphia area.
- Resume Impact: Excellent for students interested in Veterinary Science, Biology, or Education. It shows long-term commitment and professional communication skills.
- Apply Here: Philadelphia Zoo ZooCrew
10. SEPTA: High School Internship Program
The Announcement: See how one of the largest transit systems in the country operates. SEPTA offers paid summer internships in various departments, including IT, Engineering, Finance, and Operations.
- Who it’s for: High school students (16+) currently enrolled in Philadelphia area schools.
- Resume Impact: Demonstrates professional experience within a major government agency. It’s excellent for students interested in urban planning, civil engineering, or public administration.
- Apply Here: SEPTA Careers - Internships (Search "Intern")
11. CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia): Research Family Internship Program (RFIP)
The Announcement: Work at one of the top pediatric hospitals in the world! This program provides students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine with the opportunity to work in a research laboratory or clinical setting.
- Who it’s for: Rising Seniors in the Philadelphia School District.
- Resume Impact: This is a premier "Pre-Med" or "Pre-Health" credential. Having CHOP on a resume is a significant signal to competitive university admissions officers.
- Apply Here: CHOP Research Institute Education
12. Penn Medicine: High School Pipeline Program
The Announcement: This is a comprehensive program designed to expose students to the vast world of healthcare careers—from clinical roles to hospital administration. It includes mentorship, job shadowing, and academic support.
- Who it’s for: Students attending specific West Philadelphia high schools (check eligibility on their site).
- Resume Impact: Provides direct networking with UPenn healthcare professionals and a clear "pipeline" toward future employment or medical school.
- Apply Here: Penn Medicine Pipeline Program
13. Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters: CARP (Carpentry Apprentice Readiness Program)
The Announcement: Skip the classroom and get to the job site! This pre-apprenticeship program introduces students to the tools, safety, and math required for a career in professional carpentry and the building trades.
- Who it’s for: Seniors graduating in 2026 or 2027 looking for a direct path to a high-paying trade.
- Resume Impact: Completion of a "Pre-Apprentice" program often gives students "preferred entry" into the Union, meaning they can start their career with zero debt and high wages immediately after high school.
- Apply Here: EAS Carpenters Apprentice Program
14. Mural Arts Philadelphia: Art Education Summer Programs
The Announcement: Use the city as your canvas. Students work with professional artists to design and execute public art projects while learning about creative entrepreneurship and community organizing.
- Who it’s for: Creative students (ages 14–18) in Philadelphia.
- Resume Impact: Perfect for students building a portfolio for art school. It shows "Project Management" and "Community Engagement" skills that are valuable in any field.
- Apply Here: Mural Arts Art Education
15. National Constitution Center: Young Citizens Council / Summer Institute
The Announcement: For the future lawyers and politicians! This program brings students together to debate constitutional issues, meet with legal experts, and develop civic leadership projects.
- Who it’s for: High school students interested in Law, History, or Government.
- Resume Impact: High-level civic engagement looks excellent on applications for Liberal Arts and Law-track programs. It proves critical thinking and public speaking abilities.
- Apply Here: National Constitution Center Programs
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Enrichment Opportunities in Philadelphia and Beyond
Colleges and Universities
Many local colleges offer summer and pre-college programs that provide hands-on learning, college credits, and exposure to various fields:
- University of Pennsylvania (e.g., AI4ALL@GRASP robotics and AI program)
- Drexel University (STEM and arts summer institutes)
- Temple University (leadership academies and STEM camps)
- Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) (ACE Summer Program and dual enrollment)
Community and Nonprofit Organizations
These groups offer internships, camps, and leadership programs, often with a focus on career readiness and underserved youth:
- Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) — Paid internships and career programs
- The Franklin Institute — STEM camps and workshops
- Mural Arts Philadelphia — Arts education and apprenticeships
- Urban League of Philadelphia — Youth leadership programs
Government and Public Sector
City and state programs provide paid internships and summer jobs that build work experience:
- Philadelphia Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
- Philadelphia Parks & Recreation — Environmental and recreational camps
Career-Focused Programs and Internships
Explore specific industries through internships and workshops:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) — Healthcare internships
- Independence Blue Cross — Business and mentorship programs
- TechGirlz — Technology and coding workshops for girls
Dual Enrollment: Earn College Credit While in High School
Dual enrollment is one way to enrich your high school experience by taking college courses for credit. Franklin Towne partners with:
- Manor College at Franklin Towne (our signature program)
- Holy Family University
- Community College of Philadelphia (CCP)
These options are available primarily for 11th and 12th graders and provide a head start on college while still in high school.
ACE Summer Program (Open to Rising 9th–12th Graders)
The ACE Summer Program at CCP offers free college courses during the summer to help build college readiness and strengthen your resume. This program is open to all rising high school students and is a great way to experience college-level work.
How to Get Started
- Explore your interests: Identify what excites you—STEM, arts, business, healthcare, leadership—and seek programs that match.
- Check eligibility and deadlines: Each program has specific requirements and application windows. Plan ahead!
- Talk to your counselor: Get help finding the best fit and navigating applications.
- Commit to growth: Treat these experiences as investments in your future.
Stay Informed and Organized
- Visit program websites regularly for updates and application details.
- Use a scholarship or enrichment tracking tool to manage deadlines and applications.
- Sign up for school newsletters and follow local organizations on social media.
- Reach out to your guidance office for personalized support.
Helpful Links
Questions?
Contact a Franklin Towne school counselor with questions or for application support.