The Top 20 Summer Programs for Students in Long Beach, California in 2026

As a Higher Education Reform Expert based in the United States, I analyze summer programs across the country to determine which provide the most well-rounded, beneficial experiences for students. When examining programs in Long Beach, California, several stand out for their ability to support intellectual, creative, athletic, and personal growth during the summer months.

After conducting extensive research on summer offerings in the Long Beach area, I‘ve compiled this definitive list of the top 20 programs that students and parents should consider for summer 2024.

1. Marine Biology Summer Program at Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College‘s marine biology summer program is an intensive 3-week course open to high school students entering grades 10-12. Students live on campus while studying oceanography, marine biology, ecology, and conservation. The program includes:

• Field trips to local aquariums, wetlands, and research centers
• Lab work, like dissecting sharks and squid
• Snorkeling excursions
• Overnight camping trip to Catalina Island
• College prep and career planning services

This immersive experience provides advanced exposure to marine science and conservation while introducing students to college life. The $2,499 program cost includes housing, meals, activities, and tuition.

2. Filmmaking Bootcamp at CSULB

Budding filmmakers can hone their talents in California State University Long Beach‘s 5-day film bootcamp this June. The hands-on program teaches all aspects of visual storytelling, from directing to editing. Participants will:

• Shoot their own short film
• Learn editing software like Final Cut Pro
• Attend workshops on film finance, production, and distribution
• Screen their work at a film festival on the last day

Whether they want to prepare for CSULB‘s renowned film program or jumpstart their movie-making careers, this $799 bootcamp delivers an intense crash course in cinematography.

3. Perry Institute for Marine Science Summer Academy

High-achieving students can apply for this 4-week residential program where they live and study at Occidental College while conducting marine research. A few highlights include:

• Collecting wildlife samples along the Southern California coastline
• Learning laboratory techniques to analyze marine organisms and ecosystems
• Designing and carrying out independent research projects
• Publishing findings in science journals
• Field seminars from research scientists

Besides boosting their scientific knowledge, students also work on presentation skills to prepare for competitive college admissions. This $6,950 academy provides next-level STEM enrichment.

4. Creative Writing Workshop at UCLongBeach

For students interested in creative writing, UCLongBeach offers a 2-week summer academy focused on honing writing techniques while exploring different genres of literature. Over the course of the program, students will:

• Take classes in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting
• Give and receive peer feedback in writing workshops
• Learn from professional authors through craft talks and seminars
• Participate in writing-related field trips around LA
• Assemble a portfolio to showcase their original works

With guidance from experienced writing professors and working authors, this $995 workshop helps talented students take their work to the next level.

5. College-Level Courses at Long Beach City College

High school students can enroll in Long Beach City College‘s 8-week summer classes to earn early college credits, improve their transcripts, and get a headstart on their college degrees. LBCC offers introductory courses in:

• Mathematics
• Sciences like biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics
• English composition and literature electives
• History and political science
• World languages like Spanish, Khmer, and American Sign Language

Juniors and seniors who meet Long Beach‘s concurrent enrollment eligibility rules can register for classes costing $46 per unit. Completing college-level work also strengthens students‘ transfer applications later on.

6. Digital Media Bootcamps at Designory

Designory‘s tech-focused summer camps teach in-demand skills like UX/UI design, digital marketing, and front-end web development through real-life projects for nonprofits. During the weeklong programs, high schoolers will:

• Build websites, mobile apps, or marketing plans for community partners
• Learn design software like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite and HTML/CSS
• Develop portfolios, professional online presence, and resumes
• Network with industry experts through office visits and guest lectures

These $750 bootcamp-style camps provide not just technical training but career exposure to high-growth tech fields.

7. Youth Symphony Orchestra at CSULB

CSULB‘s Summer Youth Symphony offers advanced instrumental musicians an opportunity to cultivate their talents under internationally acclaimed conductor and professor Dr. Johannes Müller-Stosch. Students will:

• Receive elite-level instruction through intense rehearsals and group lessons
• Perform famous orchestral works at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center
• Attend informative talks covering topics like music theory and history
• Socialize with like-minded peers who share their passion for music

Gaining performance experience with a world-class conductor and ensemble looks impressive on college applications for aspiring virtuosos. The $495 tuition includes 2 weeks of instruction, practices, and final performances.

8. SAT Prep Course at SoCal Prep LB

Local test prep center SoCal Prep LB holds an intensive 12-hour SAT prep course in June to help students gear up for fall testing dates. The program covers:

• In-depth review of SAT test content and format
• Math, evidence-based reading, writing, and essay skills development
• Test anxiety reduction techniques
• Customized study schedules and personalized feedback

Students will take multiple practice tests so instructors can identify weaknesses to improve before the actual exam. The $399 course fee includes online and offline prep materials to support continuity after the sessions conclude.

9. Volleyball Clinics at The Pyramid

Experienced volleyball players can develop next-level skills through The Pyramid‘s high-performance volleyball clinics held this summer. Athletes will:

• Master fundamentals like serving, passing, hitting, and blocking
• Study gameplay strategy and decision-making
• Undergo advanced tactical training through situational drills
• Gain exposure to college recruiters during scrimmages

The $120 clinics utilize The Pyramid‘s elite training facilities, including its indoor sand court, used by top pro beach volleyball associations.

10. Audio Production Academy at CSULB

CSULB hosts this unique summer program created by Grammy-winning producer justin gray to introduce underrepresented youth to music production and the business side of entertainment. A few key activities include:

• Creating original music and commercial jingles
• Recording songs at professional studios
• Learning programs like Ableton, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools
• Field trips to major media companies around L.A.

The $249 cost for this career-focused creative arts program makes it an accessible option for low-income students, too.

11. Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy

Students interested in healthcare careers can enroll at ADAA‘s accelerated training programs over the summer to gain dental assisting certification within 11 weeks. The coursework includes:

• Handling dental equipment and tray setups
• Patient care and communication
• Infection control and laboratory processes
• Medical emergencies and CPR
• Clinical externship experience
• Job search and credential exam prep

This accelerated route into dental healthcare only costs $3,999 and comes with lifetime job placement support.

12. Young Entrepreneurs Academy at St. Anthony High School

Saint Anthony‘s acclaimed Young Entrepreneurs Academy teaches high schoolers how to design and launch real businesses over the course of an intensive 7-week summer program. Students will:

• Brainstorm and vet business ideas
• Write full business plans and pitch to investors
• Learn basics of marketing, accounting, and project management
• Meet successful entrepreneurs as mentors
• Attend a trade show to sell products or services

Graduates can continue operating their businesses after the program finishes. The $2,500 tuition includes materials, supplies, and co-working space.

13. Dance Intensives at Millennium Dance Complex

Aspiring dance professionals can reach the next level through summer intensives at this elite studio where the likes of Britney Spears and Ariana Grande have trained. The 5-week program enables students to:

• Study various genres, such as contemporary, hip hop, jazz, ballet, and heels.
• Rehearse and train up to 6 hours per day to build advanced technique
• Perform in showcases for industry reps and talent scouts
• Participate in concert rehearsals and photoshoots
• Attend informational panels on dance careers

Bringing their skills up to par with careers takes ambition and grit—just what this $925 program aims to instill.

14. Race Car Driving Externship

This unique externship organized by Several Sports Car provides hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience in the professional racing world for gearheads and adrenaline junkies entering grades 9-12. Over 2 weeks, participants will:

• Job shadow crew technicians and drivers at the track
• Attend workshops covering racing skills, rules and regulations
• Ride along practice laps to experience real racing conditions
• Help perform diagnostics and simple repairs on the cars
• Drive and handle a series of high-performance race cars

The $1,895 cost covers facilities access, safety gear, instruction, and even a racing license upon completing the program.

15. UCLA Athletics & Exercise Science

UCLA hosts this sports-focused summer residential program for students interested in sports medicine, physiotherapy, coaching, and related fields to give them an inside look. The schedule consists of:

• Training seminars in exercise physiology, biophysics, biomechanics, motor control, and nutrition
• Shadowing opportunities under physical therapists and trainers
• Hands-on labs about athletic injury prevention and rehab
• Sports performance analysis using advanced equipment/software
• Exploration of career options in sports science and management

Direct experience with experts and facilities at this iconic NCAA Division 1 school appeals to scholars and athletes alike for $5,995.

16. Musical Theatre Intensive at International City Theatre

This intensive performing arts workshop nurtures talented triple threats entering grades 8-12 over 3 weeks each summer. Students will:

• Study acting, dance, and vocal techniques
• Perfect audition skills and assemble portfolios
• Put on full theatrical performances for friends and family
• Attend seminars on navigating a career in musical theatre
• Get intellectual coaching for tackling this demanding profession

The program culminates in a showcase event downtown where the $725 tuition lets them take center stage.

17. College Essay Writing Workshop at Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan‘s college admissions prep course focuses on crafting creative and compelling personal statements and supplementary essays that get noticed by selective universities. During this weeklong workshop, students will:

• Analyze successful admissions essays as exemplars
• Learn outlining techniques to translate life stories into impactful narratives
• Master wordsmithing and editing skills through intensive writing labs
• Get constructive critiques during peer review sessions
• Submit polished final drafts to instructors for professional feedback

The intimate 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures detailed guidance tailoring the $499 workshop to every student‘s needs and goals.

18. Podcast Production Academy

This innovative media production program by the non-profit LA Works shows high schoolers all the steps involved in launching a professional podcast. Key activities include:

• Developing audio show ideas and segments
• Scriptwriting and audio editing using Audacity software
• Recording interviews on location and remotely
• Producing final packaged shows to publish
• Formulating social media and marketing plans for podcast launch

Aspiring influencers can find their voice through this creative outlet for only $199 over 5 days.

19. Spark Teen Leadership Conference

This popular leadership training event draws motivated students nationwide for a 4-day intensive self-development seminar each June. Attendees will:

• Participate in team building physical challenges like ropes courses
• Attend inspirational keynotes and speeches by youth thought leaders
• Master public speaking and communication tactics
• Set ambitious personal goals and make action plans
• Gain lifelong friendships bonding over shared growth mindsets

Following an intensive curriculum designed by youth professionals, Spark provides transformative mentorship that sticks with students beyond the $895 program cost.

20. Surf Camp at Toes Beach

Toes Beach offers weekly surf camps all summer long for beginners trying the sport for the first time as well as intermediate surfers trying to take their wave riding to the next level through focused instruction. Students will:

• Master ocean safety, surf etiquette, and basics like paddling, popping up, and turning
• Identify ideal surf conditions using real-time forecasting data
• Improve balance, agility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness
• Spend afternoons playing beach games like spikeball and volleyball
• Enjoy surf-inspired activities like movie nights and bonfires

With the proper foundation through this $350 weeklong camp, surfing can become a lifelong hobby, passion or competitive sport.

This comprehensive list of high-impact summer programs spanning diverse industries, skill sets, and age ranges reveals the wealth of specialized summer offerings available to Long Beach students in 2024.

From STEM research academies to performing arts intensives, sports medicine camps to business accelerators, rising high school scholars can productively occupy their time off while gaining valuable skills, enrichment, and experiences to expand their horizons and advance their ambitions.

Whether aiming to deepen professional capabilities, creatively express themselves, or simply try something new and adventurous, Long Beach teems with summer learning opportunities capable of profoundly shaping students‘ trajectories after high school.

Parents should thoroughly research these programs side-by-side with their children‘s declared interests to determine optimal matches. By channeling summertime towards targeted personal growth through such focused institutions, students gain self-knowledge and promising direction as they embark on their post-secondary journeys.