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15,000 Opportunities for Students in Grades 7-12.

Teenagers with a range of outside-the-classroom experiences often do better in school, in the college admissions process, and in their adult lives. Our mission is to help teens and their parents find and participate in meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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  Summer Programs

  Spend part of your summer expanding your horizons. Check out thousands of summer programs, covering everything from rocket science to musical theater to wilderness training.

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  Gap Year Programs

  For many teens, taking a pre-college year to explore and grow is a great thing to do. Check out once-in-a-lifetime gap year programs ranging from one month to one year long, all over the world.

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  Volunteer Opportunities

  Volunteering for a worthy cause expands your horizons and builds empathy for your less fortunate neighbors. It may also be a graduation requirement. These organizations want your help.

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  STEM Programs

  STEM careers are on the rise, and students can start learning skills in STEM as early as middle school. Browse topic specific STEM summer programs and colleges.

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  Performing & Visual Arts Programs

  Colleges, gap year programs, and summer programs all offer opportunities in the performing & visual arts. Pursue your passions and grow your strengths with a performing and/or visual arts program.

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  Colleges & Universities

  Begin your college search with our comprehensive college & university database. Or explore summer programs taking place on college campuses. College is a big investment. We can help you try before you buy.

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  Private High Schools

  Looking to choose a private boarding, day, or semester school with the values and teaching approach that best match your needs? These 2000+ high schools, in the US and abroad, also offer summer programs.

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  Therapeutic Programs

  Every teen can overcome obstacles to become successful at school, at work, and in the community. Our database of therapy programs, treatment centers, and schools for learning differences can get you started.

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  Independent Advisors

  Choosing the right school, college or program can be overwhelming. A local independent advisor can help you navigate these important decisions. Find the best path for you and your personal goals, with their help.

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  Tutoring & Test Prep

  Good grades and test scores make a difference in the college application process. Check out thousands of in-person or online tutoring and test prep resources. There's something here that fits your goals and budget.

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  College Admissions Resources

  Learn everything you need to know about the college admissions process. With our college resources, teens can discover their dream school, find application help, and fund their undergraduate education.

Trending Posts on the TeenLife Blog.

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  Why Malia Obama’s Gap Year will Make a Big Difference

  May 3, 2016, 10:45 a.m. by Marie Schwartz

  Why Malia Obama's Gap Year will make a Big Difference Dear Malia: It’s great that you’re going to Harvard but hearty congratulations on a more important long-term choice: your decision to take a gap year. While Harvard encourages freshmen to take a year off after high school, it’s not easy for most seniors to buck the typical American pattern of going straight to college. Gaps may be popular in the United Kingdom and other places but here in the United States we have yet to make it realistic for the vast majority of students. Your decision encourages us to talk ...

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  Watch for These 6 Red Flags the Summer Before College

  May 2, 2016, 11:36 a.m. by Suzanne Shaffer

  Watch for These 6 Red Flags the Summer Before College Every soon-to-be college student experiences some level of fear and hesitancy about this next step. It’s natural to feel college anxiety and be concerned about doing well in a new environment. During the summer before my daughter went to college, I began noticing some red flags. At first, I ignored them, knowing she was simply nervous. But as the weeks rolled on and more and more began popping up, I began to get concerned. Had she changed her mind about college? Was she willing to turn her back on what ...

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  Seniors, Take These 6 Pieces of Advice to College

  April 29, 2016, 9 a.m. by Emily Southey

  Seniors, Take These 6 Pieces of Advice to College Going off to college can be very nerve-wracking. It’s a huge change, and let’s be honest, your friends and family have been telling you nonstop how awesome college is going to be for the past year. I left home with incredibly high expectations (and a very queasy stomach). College was supposed to be the best time of my life … right? Honestly, I had an amazing four years, but there are definitely a few things I wish I had known prior to my freshman year. Now a year out of college, ...

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  Two Important Reasons to Consider Going to Community College

  April 28, 2016, 9 a.m. by Suzanne Shaffer

  Community college gets a bad rap. Both students and parents often ignore the idea of community college as an end in itself or as a tool for getting a four-year college degree. They think commuity college credits are not valued by prestigious institutions. Or, they worry about how an employer will view two-year schools on a resume. Years ago, I was one of those parents. I felt community college was simply a scapegoat for those students who couldn’t hack the real world of college. By observing my son’s college path, however, my eyes were opened to its value. After working ...

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