Summer is around the corner, which means it’s time for many parents to start researching enrichment opportunities to keep their high schoolers engaged over the break. Between summer school, academic camps, volunteer programs, internships and more, there are tons of great options to choose from. But many of these come with a hefty price tag, leaving budget-conscious parents in a bind.

The good news is that it is possible to find affordable, high-quality summer programs for your teen without breaking the bank. With a little savvy planning and creativity, you can provide your high schooler with meaningful summer learning experiences on a shoestring budget. Here are some tips to maximize summer enrichment at minimal cost.

Look Locally First
Your hometown likely offers excellent summer options right in your own backyard. Check with your high school guidance counselor for academic camps, college prep programs and internships available through local colleges, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. These hyper local options eliminate travel and housing costs while allowing your teen to stay engaged with familiar peers.

Municipalities also run affordable summer school, rec department programs and volunteer initiatives. Look into teen jobs and programs at your public library, local museum, community theater, or town hall. Well-run local programs led by people you know and trust can be an ideal budget choice.

Explore Programs at Nearby Colleges
Nearby community colleges, colleges and universities are go-to sources for high-quality, affordable high school summer programs. Benefits include commuting from home, lower costs than elite residential programs and the chance to experience college life.

Many colleges offer summer credit courses, camps and clinics in academics, arts, sports and more. Contact college admissions offices to ask about summer program availability and financial assistance. Gifted or lower-income students may qualify for full or partial fee waivers.

Join Free Programs
Believe it or not, many great summer enrichment programs won’t cost you a dime. Municipal governments, schools, libraries, colleges, businesses and community organizations run programs funded by grants, donors and sponsors. These are out there if you do some digging.

Search online databases like DIY Summer and TeenLife for free opportunities by location and interest. Check directly with local organizations your teen is interested in, as free programs won’t always be advertised widely. If programs have small fees, ask about sliding scale rates or scholarships.

Leverage Volunteer Programs
Volunteering is one of the best ways for teens to gain skills, explore interests and give back. The great news is most volunteer programs are free to join. Look for meaningful roles at places your teen cares about – hospitals, nature centers, summer camps, animal shelters, libraries, political groups and more.

High schoolers can volunteer independently or join structured programs through organizations like United Way, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and local soup kitchens, shelters and churches. Some offer summer housing options for out-of-town students.

Turn Interests Into Opportunities
Help your student pursue low-cost opportunities tied to academic, creative or career interests. A teen passionate about health could volunteer at a clinic, job shadow a doctor or take a free community first aid class. A techy kid could attend a code camp, build websites for nonprofits or intern with a start-up.

Let your teen’s interests guide affordable options. They can research programs, contact local organizations they admire for openings or pitch their own ideas. Teens can even create their own programs, like a neighborhood art camp or coding club.

Earn High School Credit
Taking accredited online or summer school classes can let your high schooler earn graduation credits affordably. This clears room in their schedule for electives or saves money on college tuition.

Most high schools allow students to take pre-approved online or community college courses in the summer for credit. AP and NCAA-approved options are available from quality providers like BYU, Apex Learning and Florida Virtual School. Many districts also offer their own summer credit recovery programs.

Maximize Financial Aid
For paid programs, maximize financial assistance and payment plans. Email program providers to ask if they offer financial aid or sliding scale fees based on need. Many set aside funds or scholarships specifically for local students or teens from underserved groups.

Submit aid applications early and be thorough describing your financial circumstances. You may need to provide documents like pay stubs, tax returns or unemployment statements. If aid is limited, request an installment payment plan to spread out costs interest-free.

Share or Swap Programs
Split costs with friends by having teens swap similar programs. One attends science camp while the other does volunteer EMT training, then they switch off. This works well if kids’ interests and aptitudes differ. Families can also team up, with each paying for one program all the teens attend together.

Parents with different resources can also share program costs. A parent who can afford a program sponsors a friend’s child, then that parent returns the favor when able. Splitting program fees can make excellent options affordable.

Turn Travel Into Learning
Affordable student travel programs offer immersive summer learning tied to academics, leadership, service and cultural exchange. Programs like the Experiment in International Living or Rotary Youth Exchange provide life-changing experiences focused on service, language and intercultural learning. Most offer generous need-based aid.

Closer to home, have your teen join a summer service trip with your church or synagogue youth group. Attend an academic summer program together at a university away from home. Explore national parks, cultural regions or historic sites by car. The key is preparing with resources to maximize learning.

Get Creative with Housing
Housing and residential fees can seriously balloon summer program costs. Getting creative with more affordable housing options can unlock major savings:

• Commute from home to day programs
• Attend local and college-based programs with commuter options
• Split rental houses with other program families
• Stay with nearby relatives during programs
• Volunteer as a counselor/mentor in exchange for room and board

Consider Less Competitive Programs
Cutthroughthe competition and prestige factor by focusing on enrichment rather than admissions boosting. Seek smaller programs led by passionate instructors over brand names. Attend programs focusing on discovery over test scores.

With less pressure and pomp, these programs have less overhead and often cost far less than those aimed at college admissions. They still yield meaningful summer experiences for the right students. Ask trusted counselors and teachers for recommendations matching your teen’s needs.

The most meaningful summer programs are those engaging your high schooler’s unique interests, enriching knowledge and sparking growth. With flexible thinking and a savvy budget approach, you can find or create these without breaking the bank. Your teen will thank you for summer opportunities that challenge them to learn, create and explore their passions.