Summer Academic Institute

a group of students pose for a photo on some steps on campus during the summer academic institute

The ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵUB Summer Academic Institute is the highlight of the year. It is the most exciting part of  our program, and a chance for participants to immerse themselves in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder's college environment for the best college preparatory experience imaginable; after all, nothing can prepare you better for going to college than actually going to college!

Each summer, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Upward Bound students (excluding those who were admitted as 8th graders) spend six weeks on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵUB Summer Academic Institute participants get the full college experience: they live in a campus dormitory, eat in the campus dining hall and engage in rigorous study in an array of topics including: math, laboratory science, foreign language, composition and literature.

The Summer Academic Institute is a no-cost program for ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵUB families. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵUB families are only responsible  for transportation to and from Boulder, and many of our partner schools and communities help with these costs (speak with your school's site coordinator for more information). In addition, program participants receive stipends for each week of their participation in the program.

Throughout the six weeks, students take classes Monday through Friday 9am-4pm and complete two hours of study hall Sunday through Thursday. The classes students take during the Summer Academic Institute help prepare them for their upcoming academic year in high school. On the weekends, students participate in exciting cultural and recreational activities; college and career fairs; and have the opportunity to meet fellow Indigenous mentors, professionals, and changemakers. The Summer Academic Institute is a life-changing experience that ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵUB is proud to offer each year!