<p>Ok, I really want to apply for a summer program next year but my main worry is the $$. Many residential programs are easily more than $5,000. My parent's income isn't high enough that they can easily pay that much but their income isn't so low that I will get financial aid. What can I do? I can't get a job during school year either. Generally, what is considered a low enough income to qualify for financial aid for most summer programs?</p>
<p>Anyone help?</p>
<p>Your question is too broad to answer. Different programs will have different aid policies. Many will have little or no financial aid for anyone. Others might have some aid available for needy students, but how they define need will vary from program to program. Others may have aid available for students with special merit, academic, or other abilities.</p>
<p>There really is just no way to give you any advice. Contact the summer programs you’re interested in and ask them what aid they may have available and if you’re likely to qualify for it. You’ll probably have to provide them with a good estimation of your parents’ income.</p>
<p>Remember, though, that to some extent most summer programs exist to generate income, so they are less likely to have pools of scholarship money laying around to help all deserving students. Which is not to say scholarship help isn’t out there. I used to work for a non-profit music festival and we provided partial scholarships to very desirable young musicians who had financial need. Most of the families that received it earned under $50,000/yr.</p>
<p>What kind of summer programs are you talking about.? Some are just a total waste of money, some have some value but are still overpriced for what you’re getting, and some have some value and are reasonably priced.</p>
<p>Some are simply money-making endeavors …</p>
<p>Are you in high school or college?</p>
<p>Some of the college summer research programs are funded.</p>
<p>What kind of aid are you talking about?</p>
<p>What is your EFC?</p>
<p>Also, think about what your goal is. If it’s to build your resume, it’s generally not worth the money and spend the time working and/or volunteering.</p>
<p>There are residential summer programs that are free as well. Go look through [Summer</a> Programs - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/]Summer”>Summer Programs - College Confidential Forums) and see what you can turn up. Do that sooner rather than later, because some programs have early deadlines for applying for the following summer. Some applications require essays which can’t be dashed off quickly; others require teacher recommendations. </p>
<p>You can also look for ways to create your own local program. Last summer, my older daughter got herself an (unpaid) summer internship at a local branch of a national nonprofit political/policy organization. This wasn’t an organized program–she called up the organization, asked if they had internships, came in for an interview, and was offered a spot. Brainstorm with your parents and teachers for places in your community where you might find similar opportunities.</p>