Summer Ideas from the College Board

Summer Suggestions from www.collegeboard.com

Summer Plans

1. Follow a passion

Ask your students, "If you could do anything this summer, what would it be?" For example, a student who enjoys the outdoors and hiking could look into working at a summer camp or getting a job at a national park.

2. Get a taste of a future career

Advise students to experience the careers they hope to pursue. They can start by calling businesses and organizations related to their chosen field about summer jobs or internships. Professionals in any career often go out of their way to help a motivated student, so even if they're not hiring they may have suggestions. Point your students to the article How to Find an Internship for more information on getting a paid or unpaid internship.

3. Create an internship

During a job search, students may come across a potential employer—someone who inspires them or to whom they'd love to apprentice—who just can't afford to hire them. One option is to offer to work for free. The job skills gained may be worth their weight in gold.

4. Create a business

Motivated and mature students may find it rewarding to start their own small businesses. A bilingual student might advertise services as a language tutor, or a student with a green thumb could work as an independent landscaper. Tell students to start lining up a few clients before the summer-and warn them that being your own boss can be hard work.

5. Think outside the box

Doing something constructive with summer vacation doesn't necessarily mean having a traditional job. Students who are really into performing or sports may want to devote their full-time energy to formally developing these skills. Encourage these students to look into special programs or summer college classes open to high school students. Direct them to the student area article Summer School for more information.

6. Volunteer

Spending a summer pitching in at a local charity is a great way for students to learn about life and themselves. It can help them develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime. Students can read the Volunteer Opportunities article to discover how to help others-while helping themselves.

7. Read! Read! Read!

Whatever students decide to do this summer—work, volunteer, intern, or study—encourage them to read. Reading opens students' minds and introduces them to other worlds, while sharpening important skills such as comprehension and vocabulary. Before school lets out, challenge them to generate a list of summer reading based on recommendations from you, their teachers, and parents. To get them started, share this list of 101 Great Books.

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