• ​Make this an AMAZING SUMMER!
    Here's a launching pad from the GHS College and Career Center to inspire you to explore your options!

    While we checked to make sure every link on here was working as of April, due to the changing nature of Covid protocols it is always a good idea to check and then check again before you move forward on a plan. 

    We've done some research to help you find Oregon-based summer programs. ​This is ​not​ an exhaustive list and does not include sports camps. Don't forget to check out our other pages like Internships, Jobs, and Study Abroad. Please note that while we don't post everything that comes our way, we also do not endorse or recommend any specific program on the list below. Many are fee-based, some offer scholarships/sliding scale fees and some are free. 

    Oregon Goes to College has a list of Summer Programs in Oregon that is helpful! 

    We also post summer opportunities on our instagram account ALL YEAR ROUND. Look for the posts that start with the sunshine emoji! ​@ghscollegeandcareercentral

    BodyVox​ workshops and intensives​ for ​dancers​ (beginner-advanced)

    Coding​ with Kids offers ​coding summer camps​ (Python, arduinos, game development, etc.)

    Fire Fighter Camp​ ​for Young Women from Portland F​ire and Rescue. a fire training camp for young women ages 16 - 21 years old. This three-day camp is an opportunity to experience the unique aspects of being a firefighter (did you know that the Chief of our local fire station is a woman?). Registration deadline 5/30/22.

    Free Geek’s​ volunteers​ learn how to ​build computers,​ save the environment from toxic e-waste, and transform the lives of people in your community.

    iDTech,​ a national tech education company, offers ​STEM ​education on the Lewis & Clark campus

    Multnomah County ​Library​ ​Summer Reads​ ​is the largest youth volunteer program in the county. Offers transportation assistance if needed, and is located right in your communities.

    My Voice ​Music​ offers ​music lessons, classes, Hip Hop Lab and an Artist Mentorship Program

    NW Children’s ​Theater​ High School musical and drama labs and productions.

    NW Film Center​ ​Summer Camp for Kids + Teens at the Portland Art Museum, is an informal, interest-based program which provides young people entering grades 4-12 with the chance to experiment with and learn about media arts and technology from experienced teaching artists. Scholarships available.

    NW Youth Corps​ ​non-residential, day program for 15 to 18 year olds. With the experience of field staff guiding them, participants complete service projects in their own community each day and return home at night. The Camping programs combine education and job skill training with outdoor adventure for 16 to 18/19* year olds. With the guidance of experienced field staff, youth crew members work on conservation, reforestation, and recreation projects, while developing leadership skills and learning how to work as a team. Crews camp in the field for their entire 5-6 week session, traveling to a new project each week and recreating on the weekends.I
    American Sign Language Crew
    Rainbow LGBTQ Crew
    Tribal Stewards Crew

    OMSI’s Youth Volunteer Program​:​ Teen Science Alliance​ solve creative design challenges, get a backstage look at museum education, and build skills perfect for your next step.

    OMSI’s 9-12​ grade​ summer science c​amp​s​. ​An individual can receive financial assistance for up to two classes, or one camp per year.

    OMSI ​Counselor​ jobs:​ position requires living with campers in cabins for the duration of the program at the Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray, in Newport, Oregon; at Hancock Field Station near Fossil, Oregon; and on overnight campouts at other sites.

    Oregon Department of Transportation’s ​Driver ​Education​ Teen Parent Resources

    Oregon State University’s​ ​pre-college​ summer programs

    Oregon State University’s​ ​Summer Experience in Science & Engineering for Youth welcomes ​girls and minorities interested in math

    Oregon Story Board’s ​Intro to ​Virtual and Mixed Reality​ Summer Courses

    Oregon Writing Project ​Writing the College Essay​ workshop​ $175, $100 for free/reduced lunch students. 

    Oregon ​Zoo​ has many​ volunteer opportunities​ for youth.

    Outward Bound's​ ​wilderness​ adventures​ (some Oregon rafting/mountain trips, most programs in other states)

    Portland Center Stage,​ Summer Intensives​ in ​Theatre

    Portland Community College,​ Summer Teen Program

    Portland Parks & Rec,​ Teen Force​ has lots of free activities! And lots and lots of jobs, some starting at age 14!

    Portland State University’s ​Invention Bootcamp​ (free, four week program includes lunch and TriMet pass!)

    Portland State University’s​ Transportation Institute ​(free programs for women and students of color-sign up for updates)

    Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival (POWFest) offers​ POWGirls filmmaking classes​ for girls

    Process Institute’s ​Summer Youth Leadership Intensive​: ​A 5 Day Workshop Empowering Teens In Leadership, Conflict Facilitation, and Creativity.

    Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls A Portland classic. 

    Saturday Academy​, offers a wide variety of hands-on classes and camps all year round and on school holidays.

    Trackers Portland offers ​teen adventure camps​ and jobs for counselors for both day and over night camps.

    University of Oregon’s ​FREE Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL)​ is an innovative bridge program for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, which include lower income and/or first generation college students, with the aim of encouraging students to enroll and succeed in college through early exposure and exploration. SAIL offers free one-week summer programs on the Eugene, where students learn about various subjects from distinguished University of Oregon faculty members through fun social and interactive activities. Each summer, returning students choose a new academic subject. SAIL programs include sessions on the college admissions process, scholarship availability, and the financial aid process.

    Young Entrepreneur’s Business Camp is a statewide initiative to educate Oregon youth in business, leadership, teamwork, and more, hosting week-long experiential education programs for high school students at college campuses each summer, including at UofO, OSU Corvallis and Cascades, and the University of Portland. 

    Youth and adults can find one-time and extended volunteer opportunities at Hands-On Portland’s website. Type in your zip code or a keyword like​ ​computers ​or​ ​animals to find non-profits that need your time and talent!

    Volunteer Match is another great online resource for finding a cause or non-profit that needs your passion and talent.