As the school year winds down, many teens—and their parents—start thinking about summer. For some, the calendar is already packed with internships, classes, or travel. But if your teen’s summer is still a blank slate, don’t worry. There’s still time to build a meaningful summer that adds value to both personal growth and college applications.
1. Summer Jobs: More Valuable Than You Think
While competitive internships and academic camps get plenty of attention, good old-fashioned summer jobs are often overlooked. Whether it’s scooping ice cream, lifeguarding, working retail, or babysitting, these jobs teach responsibility, time management, communication, and financial literacy. Colleges love to see work experience—it shows initiative, maturity, and grit. Pro tip for students: Keep a short journal or log of lessons learned on the job. These reflections can later become powerful anecdotes in essays or interviews.
2. Passion Projects and Self-Directed Learning
Encourage your teen to turn a hobby or interest into a tangible project. Love writing? Start a blog or submit work to teen publications. Into video? Make a YouTube mini-series. Passion projects show self-motivation and leadership—qualities colleges value highly. If this speaks to you, write up a proposal and a timeline for your summer. (AI can help with that part.)
Idea starters:
- Launch a podcast interviewing local business owners
- Start a community garden or volunteer to improve a public space
- Build an app or create a simple website
3. Volunteering with Purpose
Even if your teen can’t commit to an ongoing role, many organizations welcome one-time or short-term volunteers. Help them find opportunities that align with their interests or intended major. For example, future pre-med students might volunteer at a hospital or health fair; aspiring teachers could help at summer camps or reading programs. Pro tip for students: Look for one organization that will allow you to log hours that fit within your schedule as much as possible throughout the summer. Volunteering in one place, you’ll get to know other volunteers a bit, and it’s easier to showcase your volunteer efforts with one organization when it comes time to put it on your college applications.
4. Skill-Building on Their Own Terms
Short courses on platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or Skillshare can help teens build skills in everything from coding to photography. Forage is a platform with job simulations for teens in different industries. Pro tip for students: Some offer certificates of completion to add to resumes or applications.
Final Thoughts
Last-minute doesn’t have to mean last-resort. Even a summer that starts without a plan can evolve into one filled with growth, exploration, and opportunity. Help your teen think strategically, act authentically, and make the most of the time they have. If you have any questions on college guidance or admissions, please reach out to me for a free consultation.
