As the school year winds down and summer approaches, high school juniors find themselves at a pivotal moment in their academic journey. For many first-generation students, the prospect of navigating the college admissions process can be daunting. Fortunately, there are specialized summer programs designed to provide support, guidance, and resources to help these students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Let’s explore some college prep summer programs tailored specifically for first-generation juniors.
Thrive Scholars: Summer Academy
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a high-achieving, low-income, and first-generation junior student.
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Earn primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered at high school
- Planning to apply to college during their senior year
- Highly ranked amongst graduating class
- Have a Household annual income at or below $100,000 (We collect income information for both parents/guardians)
- Identify as a student of color and/or first-generation college-goers
- Deadline:
- Typically, applications are due in early winter
Questbridge: College Prep Scholars
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a high-achieving, low-income, and first-generation junior student
- Strong academic record and extracurricular involvement
- Applicants must be high school juniors who are planning to apply to college during the fall of their senior year
- Deadline:
- Typically, applications are due in the winter or early spring
LEDA (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America)
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a high-achieving, low-income, and first-generation junior student.
- Leadership potential and commitment to community engagement
- Junior attending a public high school in the U.S., graduating in 2025
- U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have DACA Status
- Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above
- Total annual household income of $90,000 or below
- Deadline:
- Typically, applications are due in the winter or early spring.
USC Bovard Scholars Program
- Eligibility:
- Junior in high school (11th grader) at time of application
- Currently hold a 4.0 weighted GPA or above
- Enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry or above
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have taken Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate courses, if offered
- Actively enrolled in a high school curriculum within the U.S. or U.S. territories
- Deadline:
- Application deadline is normally around early winter
Conclusion
These application requirements provide a general overview of what students can expect when applying to college prep summer programs for first-generation juniors. It’s essential for students to review each program’s specific requirements and deadlines carefully and to prepare their application materials thoughtfully to maximize their chances of acceptance.
Honorary mention:
Consider reading more about the best extracurricular activities to participate in to maximize your chances of receiving acceptance into these summer programs.
