Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer Scholars Program

The Summer Scholars Program is a week-long summer experience for high-achieving high school students who will be juniors or seniors the following fall. This program provides experiential learning opportunities that will prepare students for college and future success.

Program Curriculum

The Summer Scholars curriculum is built for active learners. Students participate in lively discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences with faculty. The program allows students to immerse themselves in a specific academic subject, participate in hands-on learning experiences, and build connections with distinguished Miami University faculty and professionals in their field of interest.

Campus Life Experience

Students live in an on-campus dorm alongside other Summer Scholars participants, sharing a traditional-style room with one roommate. They enjoy access to a variety of campus dining halls using their meal card and gain valuable experience managing their own meal account balance.

Program Modules

Teaching, Learning, and Equity Topics

This module focuses on transformative education, its potential for social renewal and capacity building, and its relationship to Miami University's rich history related to Freedom Summer. The program includes dialogue and discussion about various issues in education, experiential activities that center youth voices and arts integration, and opportunities connected to theater of the oppressed and youth participatory action research. Students learn foundational skills related to democratic thinking, teaching, and learning.

Teaching Future Leaders

This module is designed for students interested in becoming teachers in the primary grades. Participants learn about the essential skills and qualities needed for effective teaching, explore various teaching methods and classroom management strategies, and understand the importance of fostering a positive learning environment. The workshop emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing opportunities for field experience in real classroom settings.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Summer Scholars Program, students must:

• Complete their sophomore or junior year of high school by June 30 of the year they would attend Summer Scholars and not graduate from high school before the following January.
• Demonstrate strong academic ability in a challenging curriculum, typically with a high school grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

To apply, students must submit:

• A 200- to 300-word statement about their interest in the program.
• Their high school transcript (including the current-year schedule).
• A letter of recommendation.
• Record of any college aptitude test (Pre-ACT, PSAT, ACT, SAT), though test scores are optional.
• If English is not their native language, students must submit their TOEFL scores or a letter from their English teacher certifying their English language skills.

Benefits of Participation

As a Summer Scholar alumnus, when applying for undergraduate admission to Miami, students receive priority consideration for admission, scholarships, and selective programs.