Harvard University established its summer school in 1871. The Summer School now offers more than 300 seven-week courses for adults and professionals or current college students from Harvard University or other schools, both domestic and international. U.S. citizens can register for courses without having to submit an application. Many full-time Harvard faculty members teach summer school courses, allowing participants to experience Harvard academics firsthand. Participants can apply for housing and live on campus, or commute from home. College students studying at other schools can take Harvard summer courses for transfer credit.
The Harvard University Secondary School Program, commonly abbreviated as SSP, offers high school students the opportunity to experience college academics and residential life over a 7-week summer session. Students can sign up for two 4-credit courses or one 8-credit course. The program requires an application, including teacher and counselor recommendation letters.
Harvard University has hosted the Crimson Summer Academy each year since 2004. The program strives to give low-income students greater access to higher education through summer courses and college admissions advising. The program recruits applicants from area public high schools and provides full funding and stipends to all admitted students. Graduates of the program earn a scholarship to put toward college tuition. The program spans three summers and includes classes, field trips and social activities. Students take classes from Harvard faculty and work with Harvard student mentors. Graduates of the Crimson Summer Academy, referred to as "Crimson Scholars," have gained acceptance to some of the nation's top-ranked schools, including Amherst College, Dartmouth College, Wellesley College, Brown University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. The Crimson Academy program continues to support and advise its graduates through their first years in college.