A summer of possibilities
As the summer winds to a close, many Massachusetts families may find themselves wishing they had been able to provide a more enriching season for their children. Whether aiming to prevent “summer slide” or just get kids off of their phones for a bit, countless Commonwealth residents may be finding themselves on the hunt for enriching learning opportunities that keep young minds engaged without breaking the bank in preparation for next summer.
If this sounds like you, read on.
Across the state, there are a number of high-impact, low-cost educational programs offering everything from civic leadership training to environmental science exploration. Here’s a comprehensive list of five standout summer programs that are both accessible and transformative for young people of all ages.
1. Farming and leadership at the Food Project
For teens who want to make a difference in their community–and earn some pocket money while doing it—the Food Project offers a unique blend of agriculture, leadership, and social impact.
With locations in Lincoln, Roxbury, Lynn, and Beverly, its summer youth program brings together young people from urban and suburban communities to work on farms and distribute fresh produce to local food pantries and markets.
Participants, typically ages 14 to 18, spend six to eight weeks in the fields learning about sustainable farming, food justice, and community service.
What makes this project special is that it is so much more than just a summer job! The Summer Youth Program gives teens a first-hand look at what it takes to provide nutritious food for local initiatives, while building leadership and teamwork skills in an inclusive environment.
Best of all, it’s paid employment—making it both accessible and empowering for families who need summer income opportunities for teens.
2. STEM skills at the Museum of Science
For high school students interested in science, education, or museum work, the Museum of Science in Boston offers a free and paid summer internship opportunity that is as educational as it is exciting.
Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school, this seven-week program gives teens hands-on experience working in museum exhibits, engaging with visitors, and assisting in youth science programs.
Interns also participate in workshops on resume writing, college planning, and financial literacy, and take field trips to other cultural institutions throughout the summer.
The internship is highly competitive and requires an application in early spring, but accepted students benefit from both professional experience and a stipend—making it an excellent opportunity for career exploration in a prestigious setting.
3. Outdoor learning at Hale Education
Families seeking a more traditional summer camp experience that still emphasizes learning should look to Hale Education in Westwood and Dover.
Spread across over 1,000 acres of forests, ponds, and trails, Hale offers a variety of day camps for children from preschool through high school. Programs include everything from swimming and mountain biking to environmental science and outdoor leadership.
One of Hale’s most impactful programs is HOLA (Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures), a partnership with Boston Public Schools that provides outdoor enrichment to elementary and middle school students at risk of summer learning loss. The program blends academics with camp activities in a way that keeps kids engaged, supported, and active.
Sliding scale fees and generous financial aid make Hale one of the more inclusive day camp providers in the state.
4. STEM and sailing at Piers Park
In East Boston, Piers Park Sailing Center offers more than just maritime adventure. Its summer youth programs blend sailing instruction with marine science, environmental education, and youth development.
Open to children and teens ages 6 to 18, the programming is especially geared toward underserved and special-needs youth, with scholarships and adaptive sailing available.
One of its most educational offerings is the Science of Sailing Fridays, where participants explore the Boston Harbor Islands and learn about marine ecosystems, wind power, and water chemistry through hands-on science lessons.
The program’s mission of access and inclusion ensures that cost is never a barrier to participation, making it a hidden gem for families looking for a unique, STEM-rich summer experience.
5. Empowering future leaders at Massachusetts Girls State
Each summer, over 200 young women from across the Commonwealth gather for a weeklong immersive experience in civic education at Massachusetts Girls State, held at a local college campus and sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.
The program is open to girls who have just completed their junior year of high school and have shown interest in leadership and public service. During the intensive week, participants create a mock government – from city councils to state legislatures – and run for office, pass laws, and engage in debates.
They also attend workshops on leadership, communication, and American democracy. Girls State attendees also have the opportunity to apply for various awards and opportunities—including the Samsung Scholarship that can be applied toward post-graduation programs.
Most students attend for little to no cost, thanks to local sponsorships from American Legion chapters. Girls State alumni often cite the program as a pivotal experience in their development as leaders and active citizens.
A summer of possibilities
With rising costs in child care and camp enrollment, many families across Massachusetts are looking for options that are both meaningful and affordable. These five programs – ranging from outdoor adventure and STEM internships to civic education and paid youth employment – offer just that.
Each initiative prioritizes access, whether through free tuition, sliding scale pricing, stipends, or community sponsorships. More importantly, they give young people the chance to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally in a supportive environment.
Whether your child is harvesting vegetables on a community farm, studying wind patterns on a sailboat, or writing legislation in a mock state house, Massachusetts offers summer learning experiences that are as diverse as they are impactful—and well within reach for families from all walks of life.
This article was produced for HorizonMass, the independent, student-driven, news outlet of the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism and is syndicated by BINJ’s MassWire news service.
