Camp · Academic · Ages 16–17 · $2,360/week
Directory · United States · Delaware · Wilmington
▌ Academic · Ages 16–17

Summer Science Program (SSP)

Multiple university campuses · $2,360/week

A highly selective, five-week residential research program for high school juniors with tracks in astrophysics,...

▌ Editor's read The Summer Science Program (SSP) website loads successfully and presents a professional, academic-focused program. It is an overnight program for high school students, offering intensive study in astrophysics, biochemistry, or genomics. The program has been operating for 65 years, founded by Dr. George Conklin in 1959, and is run by a nonprofit organization. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks. While not ACA accredited, SSP is highly regarded in academic circles. Google reviews for 'Summer Science Program' show an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 100 reviews, with many praising the challenging curriculum and transformative experience. The program emphasizes original research projects and collaboration, providing a unique pre-college experience. Social media handles are @summerscienceprogram on Instagram and 'summerscienceprogram' on Facebook.
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Since 196165+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 16–17

Summer Science Program (SSP) serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in academic, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
1961 (65 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Academic
  • Ages: 16–17
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 1207 Delaware Ave., #680, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
  • Phone: (866) 728-0999
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: The 2026 program fee is $11,800 for the five-week program. Financial aid is available and covers up to 100% of demonstrated need.

↗ What parents like

  • Immersive five-week research experience
  • Multiple research tracks available
  • Generous financial aid offered

↘ Watch for

  • Applications for 2026 are closed
  • Specific coursework is required

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: indoor

Frequently asked about Summer Science Program (SSP)

What ages does Summer Science Program (SSP) accept?
Summer Science Program (SSP) is open to children ages 16–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Summer Science Program (SSP) cost?
Summer Science Program (SSP) publishes $2,360/week for the standard session. The 2026 program fee is $11,800 for the five-week program. Financial aid is available and covers up to 100% of demonstrated need. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Summer Science Program (SSP)'s hours?
Summer Science Program (SSP) runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs Summer Science Program (SSP)?
Summer Science Program (SSP) is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 65 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Summer Science Program (SSP) provide lunch?
Yes — Summer Science Program (SSP) includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Summer Science Program (SSP) with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Summer Science Program (SSP).