SUMMER BREAK: Make the Most of your High School Breaks

USE YOUR SUMMER BREAK TO EXPLORE CAREER OPTIONS & BUILD YOUR RESUME

How should students spend their high school time during the summer?

Here are 6 fun, and productive ways!

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Summer is your time to step back from the pressures of school and focus on what truly matters to you. Whether that’s diving into a passion project, spending quality time with friends and family, or preparing for your next big academic milestone, you have the power to shape these months into something truly rewarding!

Our goal is to help you make this summer a balance of fun, growth, and inspiration—and maybe even spark some ideas you haven’t thought of yet. We’ve seen students approach their summers in countless ways, from building resumes to pursuing hobbies—and every approach teaches something invaluable.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to ensure your summer is not just enjoyable, but also purposeful and enriching. Your summer is a blank canvas, full of possibilities. Whether you dream of learning a new skill, giving back to your community, or simply taking time to relax, this is your moment to turn aspirations into reality.

Summer is more than just a vacation—it’s a stepping stone to new opportunities, personal growth, and lifelong memories. It’s a unique window to explore passions, develop skills, and prepare for the future—a chance to grow, discover, and set yourself up for success in the coming school year and beyond!

So, how will you make the most of yours? Let’s explore how to make this summer your most meaningful one yet.

Pursue A Hobby Or Discover A New One

• Exploring your interests should be enjoyable, not stressful! Treat this summer as a playground for discovery. Use this time to develop skills that excite you!

Build And Learn A New Skill

• You can boost your skills through online platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or Skillshare. For example, you might enroll in a graphic design course if you’re creative, or learn Python programming if you’re interested in technology.

• Prefer hands-on learning? Look for local workshops on photography, painting, or baking. Love baking? Then experiment with new recipes and consider selling your creations to neighbors or friends.

• Fascinated by music? Try recording your own songs, creating playlists that reflect your mood, picking up a new instrument, or composing your own tunes.

Take a class at a local community college

• So you don’t have to take it during the school year

• And you’ve got something that looks super fancy on your transcript.

Start your own creative project

• If you love writing, challenge yourself to write short stories or begin a blog about your favorite topics. If filmmaking excites you, create a short video series with your smartphone.

• Got an entrepreneurial streak? Design and sell custom artwork or handmade crafts online. By the end of summer, you’ll have something tangible that showcases your creativity and dedication.

Not sure where to start?

• Try something out of your comfort zone, like pottery, woodworking, or even learning magic tricks. The goal is to experiment and have fun while discovering talents you never knew you had. Remember, it’s about finding joy in the process while also learning something new!

These learning experiences not only help you grow but also add depth to your resume or college applications. Your passions are a window to your future, and summer is the ideal time to cultivate them. Set a goal and dedicate time to it each week. This doesn’t just give you a sense of purpose; it’s also a chance to build skills and leave summer with a way to showcase your growth.