The Benjamin Franklin Summer Institutes are intensive academic institutes hosted by a U.S. college or university. These programs are academic in nature, and focus on global issues, in addition to leadership and community service. American youth participate in these institutes, but do not travel abroad.

During the exchanges, students and educators participate in workshops, community service activities, team building exercises, meetings with community leaders, leadership development, and focus on a specific theme, such as conflict resolution, social entrepreneurship, or environmental stewardship.