Get Ahead with These 5 Leading Augmented Reality Pre-College Programs

Did you ever dream of becoming an astronaut when you were little? Did you stay awake wondering what it would be like to operate a spaceship? Or even complete simple tasks, like changing your socks, in zero gravity? Everyone knows that astronauts undergo rigorous training. But did you know that astronauts rely on augmented reality tools, like flight simulators and neutral buoyancy labs, to train for their space missions?

Augmented reality (AR) is a growing industry, one with incredible potential. By blending our physical and virtual worlds, augmented reality is well-suited for students interested in science, mathematics, computer science, digital storytelling, and graphic design.

Why Explore Augmented Reality (AR) as a High School Student?

You’ve likely heard of “virtual reality,” but what’s “augmented reality,” and how do the two differ? While virtual reality provides viewers with a completely simulated reality, augmented reality alters a viewer’s perception of the real world by introducing computer-generated content. Augmented reality isn’t just limited to visual features, either. It can explore and alter all of our senses, including our sense of smell, taste, touch, and hearing. 

In our rapidly evolving world, augmented reality plays an important role in gaming, tech, and other creative industries, such as digital storytelling. Consequently, augmented reality offers a lot of exciting career paths. 

Real-World Applications and Industry Growth

Augmented Reality (AR) isn’t just a trendy technology; it’s transforming industries across the globe. By blending the digital and physical worlds, AR creates immersive experiences that have wide-reaching applications in fields like healthcare, education, retail, entertainment, and more. As a high school student, learning AR can open doors to many career opportunities, as industries are increasingly looking for skilled professionals to create and manage AR content.

AR in Healthcare: Revolutionizing Patient Care and Training

In healthcare, AR is being used to create virtual simulations for medical training. This technology is also being used to enhance patient care by providing doctors with real-time, interactive data during surgeries or consultations. By visualizing 3D models of the human body, surgeons can practice delicate operations and gain a better understanding of anatomy without the need for physical dissections.

AR in Education: Creating Immersive Learning Experiences

Imagine a history textbook where ancient civilizations come to life or a science lesson where students can interact with molecular structures in 3D. AR can create immersive and interactive learning environments, making abstract concepts easier to grasp. 

AR in Retail: Enhancing Customer Experiences

Retailers are increasingly turning to AR to enhance the shopping experience. Virtual try-ons, where customers can see how clothes or accessories look on them without trying them on physically, are just one example. By using AR, retailers can create more personalized shopping experiences.

Interested in exploring this industry, with all its untapped potential? The best way to get started is to complete an augmented reality passion project and/or participate in an augmented reality pre-college summer program.

5 Cool AR Pre-College Programs to Level Up Your Skills

Engaging in practical AR experiences not only enhances technical abilities, such as programming and 3D modeling, but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, participating in AR pre-college programs enables students to build a portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity — a valuable asset when applying to colleges or seeking jobs. This is why creative and technologically savvy high schoolers may want to check out these 5 cool AR pre-college summer programs:

1. Snap Lens Lab at Otis College

Snap Lens Lab offers an immersive three-week summer program where high schoolers explore augmented reality by creating different Snapchat lenses. Throughout the course of this program, students develop 2D and 3D art and design skills by gaining experience with various computer programs, such as Maya, Photoshop, and Illustrator. It’s also worth noting that this program includes

guest visits from industry professionals, as well as field trips to Snapchat’s headquarters.  

Location: Los Angeles, California

Program Dates: July 14 to August 1, 2025

Cost of Attendance: 15 full scholarships available for underserved LA students 

2. Game Design at Northeastern University

Northeastern’s Game Design in Extended Reality program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of game development, including design, programming, and narrative. Students looking for a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of augmented reality will benefit greatly from this program, especially aspiring game developers and designers. Through project-based learning, students will gain lots of technical skills, including scripting and coding, interaction, narrative, and game system design.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Program Dates: July 6-18 or July 20- August 1, 2025

Cost of Attendance: $6,895 (includes room and board)

3. Syracuse University: Virtual Reality Fundamentals: Crafting Immersive Worlds

Syracuse University's Virtual Reality Fundamentals: Crafting Immersive Worlds Pre-College Program focuses on the trends, benefits, and potential impacts of augmented reality and extended reality. In addition to the analytical discourse surrounding these topics, students will participate in hands-on projects where they will create their own augmented reality content and prototypes.

Location: Online

Program Dates: July 7 – Friday, July 25, 2025

Cost of Attendance: $1,995

4. NYU: XR Through Virtual Worlds 

New York University’s XR Through Virtual Worlds pre-college program introduces high schoolers to the fundamentals of designing and developing augmented reality experiences. In addition to developing basic apps and games, students will explore core concepts that will aid them in creating positive user experiences (UX) and user-friendly interfaces (UI). 

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Program Dates: June 17 - 28, 2025 or July 15 - 26, 2025

Cost of Attendance: $2,500 (tuition), $1,038 (room, board, and other fees)

5. University of South Carolina: Adventures in Telepresence Amusement Park Ride via Augmented Reality 

This summer, the University of South Carolina is providing middle school and high school students with an exciting and interactive study of augmented reality, Adventures in Telepresence Amusement Park Ride. By helping them create their own virtual reality amusement park rides, students will explore STEM concepts such as mechanical balance, electricity, soldering, and model construction. At the end of the program, students will get to take home their own headsets where they will have access to everyone’s augmented reality amusement park rides. 

Location: Colombia, South Carolina

Program Dates: June 8 - 13, 2025

Cost of Attendance: $1150 (includes room and board), $665 (commuter)

How High Schoolers Can Start a Career in Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a new, rapidly expanding industry. So, how can high schoolers best position themselves to take part in this burgeoning industry? 

Educational Pathways

Begin by learning the fundamentals of AR and related technologies. Online courses, tutorials, and resources on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX can provide valuable knowledge in programming languages like C#, Unity, or JavaScript — all of which are essential for AR development. You’ll also want to pursue courses in computer science, mathematics, and graphic design so that you have a solid foundational understanding of what’s involved in augmented reality creation. 

Practical Experience

Seek out workshops and internships with companies that focus on AR technologies. These opportunities can provide real-world experience, enhance your resume, and help you make valuable connections. They will also give you the opportunity to develop a portfolio showcasing AR projects and applications. You may also want to consider participating in various computer science competitions for high schoolers. These experiences will allow you to apply your skills in a collaborative and competitive environment, as well as enhance your problem-solving abilities and creativity. Use our project idea generator to get started on the right AR project for you, or check out our recommended augmented reality projects for high school students.

Conclusion: Take Your AR Passion Further with Polygence

Augmented reality is a promising industry due to its rapid growth across various sectors, including gaming, education, retail, healthcare, and real estate. Additionally, choosing a career path in AR opens opportunities for professionals with diverse skill sets and interests. This is why familiarizing yourself with AR in high school can be such a powerful investment in your future! 

Wondering how you can get more hands-on AR experience? Here at Polygence, we believe in empowering students to follow their sense of passion and curiosity through rigorous research mentorship opportunities. Interested in learning more? Check out our different programs here.