Wharton Summer High School Programs provide a comprehensive residential and academic summer experience.
Summer 2021 COVID-19 Considerations
The University of Pennsylvania remains committed to following data and science and making decisions that are in the best interest of public health. At this time, the university is actively planning for in-person, residential programs for summer 2021. Should the ongoing global pandemic force the university to cancel residential programs, all impacted students will be provided flexible options, including: the option to switch into an equivalent or alternate online program offered by the Wharton School, the option to request a full program fee refund, or the option to rollover enrollment to summer 2022, if eligible. We are committed to delivering quality programming, regardless of location or platform, and will provide timely updates and maximum flexibility to our students and families.
Visit coronavirus.upenn.edu, the University’s dedicated COVID-19 web page, for the latest updates.
Summer Discovery
Wharton contracts Musiker Summer Discovery Programs to aid in various administrative and residential components of summer programming, including, but not limited to: marketing and recruitment, application hosting, payment and paperwork collection, residential staffing, student safety and supervision, and coordination of extracurricular and social activities. This allows Wharton faculty and staff full resources to perfect the academic curricula of each program and to deliver the most in-depth collegiate experience possible for our summer high school students. Wharton maintains full control of program admissions and content and oversees the residential components by working closely with Summer Discovery staff throughout the year.
Housing
Wharton students will live in one of the Penn residence halls, which is a short walk to the dining hall, academic buildings, and Penn Park. Undergraduate dormitories are fully air-conditioned and feature study and social lounges, laundry facilities, vending machines, and high-speed internet access. Private or shared rooms and bathrooms are available. The residence hall is fully secured by 24-hour campus security and is only accessible with campus ID. The Wharton/Summer Discovery office is centrally located within the dorm to ensure access to counselors and support staff around the clock.
Dining
Meal plans include three meals per day Monday through Friday, and two meals on Sunday in one of Penn’s dining halls. Campus dining features a wide selection of dietary choices, including vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher options, and a variety of cafes and restaurants throughout campus.
Health and safety
In additional to full-time program support staff, Wharton summer high school students are assigned a Residential Counselor (RC) for support and mentorship. RCs live in the dorms and are available 24/7 if needed. Additionally, daily sign-ins and room checks are mandated for student safety. Students may explore Penn’s campus and the surrounding University City area within designated “home areas” in small groups, with assurance that RCs are stationed throughout the area for assistance.
Support staff schedule necessary medical appointments, accompany students to medical facilities, obtain prescription medications, and notify parents after medical visits. Appointments are made with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Extracurricular and Social Activities
Outside of the academic day, summer high school students enjoy evening and weekend extracurricular and social activities and trips. Weekend day trips have previously included: Six Flags, King of Prussia Mall, or the Jersey Shore. Evening activities are designed to explore the city of Philadelphia’s many historic and cultural sites and to build lasting friendships with global peers.
University Facilities and Resources
Wharton summer high school students will have access to academic and recreational resources and facilities during their stay on Penn’s campus, including, but not limited to: Penn library systems, university wifi, learning support resources, campus tours and information sessions, Franklin Field, Hamlin Tennis Center, and Penn Park. (Access to the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center may be available for age-eligible students for an additional fee.) While computer labs are available for student use, we strongly encourage each program participant to bring a personal computer for use during the academic day.
International Students
International students are a welcome addition to Wharton’s summer high school programs.
International students participating in the Management and Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) will require an F-1 visa to attend, as this program offers college credit. Upon admission, M&T staff and Penn Global’s Office of International and Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will provide the necessary instructions and documents to assist in the F-1 student visa application process.
Participants enrolling in all other Wharton summer high school programs are encouraged to obtain a short-stay B-2 TOURIST visa from the American Embassy or Consulate in their home country, if they do not already have one.
For more information, please contact whartonyouth@wharton.upenn.edu or call +1.516.414.5555.