Enrichment Opportunities

The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness.

The United States Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals.

Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The program is open to all 14- to 24-year olds regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals.

PARTICIPANT TIMELINE

• Register and submit your one-time $25 registration fee
• Sign up for a Submittable account
• Set your goals
• Work toward your goals
• Receive your award
• Move to the next level

Start the process & learn more

St. Anne’s-Belfield alumni have successfully earned silver and gold medals. Please reach out to Mrs. Sohne-Johnston to learn more. Students should check their email for links to the program brochure and workbook. It can take 7 or more months to earn the Bronze Medal and 24 months or more to earn the Gold Medal.

It takes everyone working together to build community! Habitat for Humanity volunteers have varied skills, interests, and passions that contribute to our mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Join us by swinging a hammer, helping at the Store, walking alongside Habitat Homebuyers, and a host of other ways. Whether you are a student, retired, working a full-time job, or raising a family, we have opportunities for you to help in our mission!

Construction
Join us on the build site as an individual or with your team in a rewarding, fun environment --- no experience necessary (Youth Builds 16+; General Builds 18+).

Habitat Store
Help out with donation receiving and carryout, as a department specialist, cashier, furniture assembly specialist, or in a variety of other roles --- individuals and groups are welcome (shifts flexible based on your availability!) - (12+, youth 12 and 13 need to volunteer with a parent, guardian or older sibling)!

Office
Work in the Habitat office as a receptionist or help with administrative tasks to keep operations running smoothly

Youth & Special Events
Serve on the build site for a Youth Build Day or at one of our many special events. Too young to work on site? Bring lunch for volunteers and families on Saturday and tour the build site as part of Lunch Bunch.

Volunteer Teams
Consider joining one of our Volunteer Teams including: Midweek Crew, Women Build, Faith Builders, Habitat UVA, and Habitat Youth Leaders.

For more information or to complete a form: https://www.cvillehabitat.org/how-to-help/voluntee...

You can also call the Volunteer Coordinator at 434-293-9066 or email them directly at volunteer@cvillehabitat.org. The Volunteer Engagement department will be in touch to get you started and ensure you have a great experience!

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) is dedicated to providing its diverse audience with unique educational experiences. Through guided tours, school partnerships, family programs, cultural celebrations and adult programs, the Center offers visitors multiple entry points to explore its mission.

JSAAHC interns participate in rewarding hands on experiences that allow them to directly impact programming; interact with other City Center Resident Partners and the community; and learn about Charlottesville history and the culture of African Diaspora peoples. Interns work directly with staff in the areas of: advancement, communications, curatorial, digital humanities and public programs.

Why Intern With Us?
JSAAHC offers internships to promising high school rising juniors, seniors, undergraduates, graduate students or career changers who are considering employment in the arts, history, education, nonprofit management and promotions and marketing. Through administrative and project-based activities, interns have the opportunity to research, conceptualize and implement, programs and initiatives that advance the Heritage Center’s mission.

You can find more information about the program and apply for the Marketing Internship or Development Intern: https://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/internships/

Since 1973, Camp Holiday Trails has been deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our incredible community volunteers and partners. By joining this compassionate and dynamic team, you’ll not only enrich the lives of these exceptional children and teenagers but also find yourself on a rewarding journey filled with personal growth and heartwarming connections. Together, we can make Camp Magic. 

Each year, over 600 dedicated volunteers make our mission a reality - to create a community that empowers children and teens with medical needs, and their siblings to thrive.

1. Year-Round Volunteers
All ages and abilities are warmly welcomed for a day of volunteering, no matter the time of year! Whether you want to organize an office outing with a difference, you’re eager to share your unique talents with our Campers, or seek meaningful experiences for your student group or sports team, we have a place for you. Join our vibrant community and make a lasting impact while enjoying the rewards of giving back.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeg-e8vdCyw5e3vEi4f7J8EgT1SWs3ADZIXKNJW2S7DxB4eMw/viewform

2. Program Volunteers
Program Volunteers at Camp Holiday Trails are 15 years or older and have a unique chance to form meaningful connections with our Campers while contributing to vital aspects of summer camp. As a Program Volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of our Campers’ experience, taking on diverse tasks from painting rocks to line our trails and setting up tents with our Campers to assisting with morning activities and resetting the Dining Hall after each meal. 
 
Program Volunteers interested in fully immersing themselves in our camp environment by living in a cabin alongside campers and counselors must be 18 years or older or have previously volunteered at CHT. This hands-on experience fosters leadership development, enhances communication skills, and offers an unforgettable chance to positively impact the lives of our incredible campers. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOzAYcObzgBlH20kQaKQyv73pxKNF0x6Ey0obzbQQji229iA/viewform

3. Horse Volunteers
Join us this summer as a Horse Volunteer and become a vital part of summer camp. No prior horse experience is needed, and volunteers as young as 12 years old are welcome! As a Horse Volunteer, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to engage our campers in a safe, caring, and fun environment while helping with the care and wellbeing of our herd.  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOzAYcObzgBlH20kQaKQyv73pxKNF0x6Ey0obzbQQji229iA/viewform

For more information: https://campholidaytrails.org/volunteer/

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA offers engaging youth programming designed to inspire compassion and responsibility towards animals. 

Individual volunteer opportunities are available for those aged 14 and older,  allowing youth to contribute to our mission while gaining valuable experience. Through these programs, we aim to cultivate a sense of empathy and stewardship in the next generation of animal advocates.

Students aged 14 to 17 should complete this application is for volunteer opportunities with the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Once you complete the form, click the Submit button at the bottom:  https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2107662385

Students who would like to volunteer with the Jefferson Albemarle Regional Library should consider applying to be a JMRL Teen Volunteer. Students should complete this application and select which type of volunteer position interests them. 

Note: 13 is the minimum age to volunteer independently. Teen Advisory Boards (TAB) and Volunteer Teen Zine Editor positions are open to ages 11-18. 

You may download the application, print it, and bring it to any JMRL library branch. 
Teen Volunteer Application: https://jmrl.org/teen-volunteers

Adults 18 and older should fill out the JMRL Adult Volunteer Application.
Adult Volunteer Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfC04jNzYRJ7C92jsI2MfOs9HUsWORr2TfkUDHlRWSWnZ2cFw/viewform

If you’re contacted to volunteer, you will be given a paper contract to be signed by you and your parent or guardian and returned to library staff. 

About the New York Times 2025-26 Contest

Our annual Contest Calendar is probably the single most powerful thing we publish all year. Since 2010, hundreds of thousands of teenagers around the globe have participated in our challenges, writing narratives, editorials, profiles, poetry and reviews, and creating videos, podcasts, illustrations, cartoons, photo essays and more.

Teachers tell us they value the contests because they invite students to take the skills they learn in school and use them to create for an authentic audience. Students tell us they like the variety of ways they can express themselves — and, of course, the confidence boost when they are recognized for their efforts.

Consider participating in one or more of eight challenges that invite you to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.

1. 'My List' ReviewContest | Jan. 14 -Feb. 25, 2026
Choose any collection of three to five works of art or culture to group in some way, and
then tell us why we should, or shouldn't check them out.

2. Open Letter Contest | Feb. 25-April 8, 2026
Write a letter to a specific person or group that persuades them to make a change on an
issue that matters to you.

3. PodcastContest | April 8-May 13, 2026
Make an original podcast of no more than five minutes that informs or entertains listeners.

4. Summer Reading Contest | June 5-Aug. 14, 2026
Every week for 10 weeks we ask, "What got your attention in The Times recently?" Answer
in writing or video.

5. Weekly Current Events Conversation | All School Year
Respond to our daily writing prompts. Each week we publish a selection of student
comments.

For more information, past winners, rules, guidelines and guides: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/learning/our-2025-26-student-contest-calendar.html?searchResultPosition=1

Some additional information:
1. We usually announce finalists about two months after a contest has closed and winners get their work published on The Learning Network. 
2. Students’ entries must be original and fundamentally their own.
3. Anyone who submits to our contests retains the copyright for the work, even after we publish it.
4. Students can enter as many contests as they want, but they can submit only one entry per contest.
5. Entries for most contests must be accompanied by a statement describing your process.
6. All of our contests are open to students around the world ages 13 to 19 who are in middle school or high school. 

Are you a rising high school senior with a passion for science who is motivated to work hard, learn from leading scientists in world-class labs, live on a college campus, and make friends for life? Learn more about whether the Summer Science Program is for you.

Summer Science Program (SSP) International is on a mission to promote learning, doing, and belonging in science. Our STEM research programs equip participants with the tools for scientific inquiry, fueling their curiosity and inspiring growth.

SSP International’s flagship program is a rigorous five-week residential summer research experience designed for highly motivated high school juniors. Participants engage in advanced research in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and synthetic chemistry while living on a college campus. Summer Science Program has offered participants “the educational experience of a lifetime” for over 66 years.

How to Prepare
Applications are open each winter to current high school juniors who have completed or are in the process of completing relevant coursework by June for credit and a grade. Applicants must be at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during program operation. Current freshmen, sophomores, and seniors are not eligible.
 
We recommend considering the following before starting your application:

*What is your personal motivation for attending the Summer Science Program? Who you are, your interests, and what you bring to and hope to gain from the program are the most important parts of your application.
*Which research track interests you the most? We ask all applicants to choose only one to apply to.
*Have you completed the relevant coursework?
-Astrophysics: physics (any level high school physics) + precalculus (or if you don’t have physics, calculus)
-Bacterial Genomics: biology + algebra II
-Biochemistry: biology + chemistry + strong algebra skills
- Cell Biology: biology + algebra II
*Who could serve as a reference for you? A teacher, mentor, coach, etc.

Course Requirements
The only academic prerequisite to be eligible to attend the Summer Science Program is to have completed coursework relevant to the research project you’re interested in. These courses must be taken for credit and a grade and be completed by June. We do not require AP or advanced level classes. Self-study does not qualify.
 
Summer Science Program is not collecting or considering standardized test scores for admission for 2026 (including PSAT, ACT/SAT, and APs). The only exception is for international students who will be permitted to include test scores that demonstrate English proficiency.

Financial Aid is available to qualified candidates.
Applications are need-blind, meaning you do not need to request financial aid until after you’ve been admitted, and anticipated need for financial aid is in no way considered during the admissions process. Assuming typical expenses and assets, the Summer Science Program is free for participants with a family income of $75,000 or less, and participants with a family income under approximately $140,000 will qualify for a discount. We also offer stipends of $3,000 in addition to free admission for select participants that would otherwise need to work over the summer.

Learn more about the evaluation process: https://ssp.org/2026evaluation/
Submit your application: https://ssp.org/application/
Admissions FAQs: https://ssp.org/faqs/

Key Dates and Deadlines
January 29, 2026: Deadline for international applications
February 19, 2026: Deadline for domestic applications
Mid-March 2026: International admissions decisions released
Mid-April 2026: Domestic admissions decisions released
June 2026: Programs begin mid-late June

UVA Health is offering in-person volunteering for the Summer 2026 Junior Volunteer Program to run from Monday, June 8 to Friday, July 31.

If you'd like to apply, you must submit an application of interest by Feb. 20, 2026, and attend a virtual mandatory information session with a parent/guardian.

Use this form to state your interest.

The Mandatory Virtual information Sessions (with Parent/Guardian) are:
Wednesday Feb. 25, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 7, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. 

Questions? Read the FAQs.
 

The Horatio Alger Association was established in 1947, following the Great Depression and the Second World War, to reinforce belief in the American Dream and promote the merits of private enterprise. It bears the name of the renowned author Horatio Alger, Jr., whose tales of overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles captivated the public in the late 19th century. The organization’s founder, Dr. Kenneth Beebe, in close association with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, hoped to inspire individual Americans to reach their highest potential, thereby strengthening American society as a whole. They created the Association to recognize individuals of exceptional achievement as a way to remind Americans of the greatness that can be accomplished in our country regardless of one’s circumstances or background.

The Horatio Alger Association is one of the nation’s largest need-based scholarship programs for high school students who have overcome significant adversity and are committed to earning a bachelor’s degree. High school students with financial need who display integrity, perseverance, and a clear determination to turn challenges into opportunities to pursue their American Dream, should consider applying for the scholarship. 

More than 600 scholarships are awarded every year, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. For Juniors, the application is open from December 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. For Seniors, the application is open from December 1, 2025 to February 15, 2026.  

Learn more here: www.horatioalger.org/scholarships.

Juniors
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements:

• Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States
• Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States
• Demonstrate financial need ($100,000 or lower household income)
• Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
• Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
• Be a United States citizen

Seniors
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Eligibility Requirements:

• Be enrolled full time as a high school senior in the United States
• Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at one of the target colleges/universities on our website (complete list can be found here: Senior Scholarships)
• Demonstrate financial need ($100,000 or lower household income)
• Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
• Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
• Be a United States citizen

For information about scholarships, to determine eligibility, and to apply: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/

SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Academic Research) is a summer program for high school students in Charlottesville and Albemarle County seeking to immerse themselves in an exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) research environment. SOAR aims to provide hands-on research and academic experience to high school-level students in STEM. Participating students are paired with research mentors at the University of Virginia (UVA) and introduced to numerous topics and career avenues in science and medicine during morning didactic sessions and afternoon research in mentor labs. Through these experiences, SOAR encourages high school students to pursue careers in science through education and mentoring in biomedical research. This 10-day intensive summer program will provide participants with career mentorship and an exciting hands-on research experience to support and grow their interest in science careers.

The program is free and will include approximately 14 students. While students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Please note that you will need to submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher as part of the application process. Finalists will be invited to interview for this opportunity.

For additional information and to apply: https://uvacancercenter.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/2005886

2026 Program Dates: 
Monday, June 22, 2026 - Friday, July 3, 2026

Submission Deadline:
Monday, March 16, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Program Goals:
*Increase Exposure to Research Careers: SOAR is designed to engage high school students from all backgrounds in biomedical and health sciences research.
*Provide Hands-On Research Experience: Participants gain exposure to real-world scientific investigations and mentorship from faculty and graduate students.
*Develop Critical Skills: The program helps students build foundational research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
*Encourage Higher Education Pathways: By immersing students in university-level research, SOAR fosters interest in pursuing STEM degrees and careers in medicine, public health, and related fields.

Additional Program Information
Location: The University of Virginia grounds.
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm on Monday - Friday.
Transportation: Not provided
 

Join the next generation of free speech leaders for the FIRE Free Speech Forum from June 21-27 in Washington, DC. The Free Speech Forum is a free, week-long summer program for college-bound rising 10th through 12th graders who are interested in free speech.

Application Deadline: March 30th, 2026
Hosted by FIRE in Washington, DC

FIRE’s Free Speech Forum will provide a best-in-class civics education for students across the United States, including an ambitious curriculum led by legal experts, dynamic skill-building activities, and hands-on projects. Students will leave the Forum ready to be leaders who advocate for free speech in their communities and on campuses when they get to college.

Students will gain a thorough understanding of free speech, including what it is, why it’s important, and how it empowers all of us to solve real-world problems and achieve our full potential. The Forum will strike the perfect balance of academic rigor, immersive activities, leadership-building, and fun. Through a shared interest in free speech, students will make lifelong memories with new friends while getting a taste for college life at American University. 

Who should apply?

• College-bound students with a passion for free speech and advocacy
• Those eager to explore a career in law or First Amendment work
• Students enrolled in grades 9–11 at the time of application
• Applicants who will be at least 15 years old at the program’s start and no older than 18 when it ends

What does it cost? It’s completely free! FIRE covers registration, housing, and meals. Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Washington, D.C., but free transportation is provided between Ronald Reagan National Airport or Union Station and the university where the event will be hosted.

Need help with travel expenses? A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Students accepted into the program will receive details about how to apply.

For more information and to apply: https://www.thefire.org/news/join-fires-free-speech-forum-summer-washington-dc
 

Announcing the NPR Student Podcast Challenge for 2026! Calling all student storytellers: NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is back. As always, they're looking to award prizes to the best high school podcasts in America!

The 2026 edition of the Student Podcast Challenge opened on Jan. 5 and closes on May 31 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. 

How to enter. Or read more info here.

You can sign up for these informational webinars below:
Wed., Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) — a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.

SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

* Hands-on academic workshops: Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.
* Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.
* Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Check out the SLE 2025 VIDEO to learn more about the experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwwzKsglJ-U

Students can choose between three SLE sessions:
Session 1: May 30 – June 3
Session 2: June 5 – June 9
Session 3: June 11 – June 15

Applications for SLE open on February 15, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.

Cost: West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.

Learn more here: West Point Summer Leaders Experience - https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program

Apply to SLE: https://apply.westpoint.edu/portal/candidate

Calling all high-school-age students!
Are you a high school student who wants to stand out on college applications, sharpen your leadership and debate skills, and connect with other ambitious students across the country?

Join a one-of-a-kind, online Civics & Debate Club—totally free to join.

You’ll build your confidence, grow your civics knowledge, and become part of a powerful network of future changemakers.

As an Ambassador, You’ll:
*Compete for a $5,000 college scholarship
*Practice real debate on today’s most important civic issues
*Boost your understanding of government, law, and civil discourse
*Earn a graduation cord and community service hours
*Take action through volunteer opportunities in your own community
*Be part of a national team of curious, driven students
Whether you’re new to debate or already a seasoned speaker, this club will challenge and inspire you—and help you become a more confident, informed leader.

About the Institute: Founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor following her retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Institute continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance American Democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.

Register and Apply: https://oconnorinstitute.submittable.com/submit

Learn more about the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Peace: https://oconnorinstitute.org/

About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide 

What is MyImpact Challenge?
MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute.

What is a Civic Engagement Contest?
Our civic engagement contest highlights students actively engaged in service, volunteerism, or entrepreneurship in their communities.

Not sure where to start? This video (youtube.com/watch?embeds) walks you through the key application components - a written essay to connect your project to our founding principles and virtues, a project report, and a video or series of photos highlighting your projects impact on the community - and shares some tips and trips for a successful application.

Learn more about Principles and Virtues here: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/principles-and-virtues

00:00 - 00:14 MyImpact Challenge
00:15 - 00:36 Project Types & Getting Started
00:37 - 01:04 Community Collaboration & Planning
01:05 - 01:13 Capturing and Showcasing Impact
01:14 - 02:36 Application Requirements & Submission
02:37 - 03:25Telling Your Project Story
03:26 -  03:47 Final Tips & Resources

Components include: 
1. Project Report
Community Impact
Components: Five required components - project inspiration, project plan, details of the project execution, two examples of the project’s impact on a community of which the student is a part.
Knowledge Gained
Originality - Ideas are creative and inventive
Mechanics - Content well organized, coherent, logical, and generally free of spelling and grammatical errors.

2. Essay
3. Visual Documentation

Prizes 
Grand Prize - $10,000
First Prize - $7,500
Second Prize - $5,000
Third Prize - $2,000
Honorable Mention - $1,500

Who can Apply?
Submission is open to students ages 13-19 in all U.S. states, territories, and Armed Forces Schools Abroad.

When does the Contest Close?
Submission must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Only submissions entered through MyImpact Challenge’s online portal will be accepted for the contest.
 

The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia invites high schoolers to
apply to our Engineering Futures Day program on Sunday, March 29th, 2026. 

The program gives high school students a comprehensive look at the engineering field - as
well as UVA’s engineering curriculum - through the lens of female engineers. Throughout
the day, students will get to explore UVA engineering through pioneering speakers, an
interactive design activity, tours of NSF-funded lab facilities, and much more.

Who Can Apply?
EFD is geared towards students in their junior or senior years of high school; however, freshmen and sophomores are welcome to apply as well. This event is meant to provide insight on what it's like being the gender minority in engineering, so the event is tailored as a women-oriented space. However, we encourage all students that want to be in this space (i.e., female-identifying, genderqueer, and male-identifying individuals) to apply.

To apply, students should complete the EFD Spring 2026 application. The full application and selection criteria can be found on the SWE @ UVA website: https://www.virginiaswe.org/efd

How Long Is the Event?
EFD is a day-long event running from roughly 9am to 7pm.

The Spring 2026 session will take place in-person on March 29th at UVA’s
Charlottesville campus with an application deadline of February 25th, 2026 at
11:59pm. Students who have previously applied to EFD are in the targeted grade
level, and demonstrate strong interest in engineering through their short answer
questions will receive priority acceptance. 

Thanks to generous donors and volunteers, this event will be free of charge for all participants. 

CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250th
The UATX Summer Fellowship is a two-week residential academic program defined by academic merit and rigor. We prioritize the seminar experience, strictly capping every class at 15 students. 

We offer two tracks, one for advanced high school students, and the other for college-aged students (gap year students, current college students, and those on a break from college). In the spirit of America’s 250th, we stand for truth over relativism, merit over mediocrity, religious freedom over nihilism, creation over criticism, and America over apologism.

EARLY COLLEGE TRACK 
This track is geared towards rising juniors and seniors in high school students interested in experiencing life at UATX. The Early College Track includes a rigorous college-level course, daily discussion sections led by current UATX students, and evening activities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

• A two-week summer fellowship held on the UATX campus in Austin, Texas.
• Dates: June 20 – July 3, 2026
• Cost: $2,500 (Covers housing, meals, and activities; tuition is free. Financial aid including full scholarship available)

COURSE OFFERINGS & KEY INFORMATION

• Build an LLM from Scratch: Master AI fundamentals by building a functional Large Language Model.
• Democracy in Crisis: Explore the problem of slavery through the eyes of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
• American Political Thought: Debate founding principles using texts from Jefferson, Tocqueville, and the Federalists.
• The Age of Sensibility: Study 18th-century England’s shift from rationalism to the Romantic era.
• The Different Worlds of Early New England and Virginia: Investigate the social and economic clashes of 1676.

Eligibility and Admissions Requirements

• Open to U.S. Resident + International Students (Juniors and Seniors aged 16+)
• Admissions is on a Rolling Basis (Apply by May 1)
• Required: SAT, ACT, or PSAT (no minimum score)

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST: Write on the Declaration of Independence for a $2,500 scholarship (covers all program fees).
Essay Prompt: Considering the readings (see application for the readings), what are the universal principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, and how can they help us chart a future course for our nation? Pay special attention to the Declaration’s Preamble (first two paragraphs) and Concluding Appeal (final paragraph). What moral and political ideals can help us navigate increasing diversity, growing polarization, and widening religious and political views? In particular, what practical steps would you suggest we take in order to refound our country on its original principles?

For more information and to apply: https://uaustin-28644.page451.sites.451.io/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email