Elon Academy’s College Access Program – Summer Academy

Combines three intensive three-week summer residential experiences at Elon University prior to the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade with a monthly Saturday Academy Program during the academic year.

The residential component mirrors college life, providing exposure to academic classes and co-curricular experiences, as well as college planning and college visits. Classes integrate reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills and emphasize collaborative, organizational, study and time management skills to increase potential for success in both high school and college.

Scholars are provided resources to promote emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Elon Academy embeds this wellness approach into all aspects of the program including free psychological counseling, a gym membership and more.

Summer core courses include: Criminal Justice:  Is Justice Blind? (Prof. Sandra Reid), Ethical Practices (Dr. Stephen Bloch-Schulman), Rise Up & Speak Out: Collective Voices for Social Change (Dr. Darris Means), Let’s Talk Math! (Prof. Edgar Zamora), The Brain: A User’s Guide (Dr. Mat Gendle), Critical Carnivores (Dr. Kim Pyne), and Forever Chemicals & Your Health: A Case of Environmental Justice (Dr. Jessica Merricks).

College Planning & Communication courses include: Elon Academy 101, 201 and 301, Present Yourself I, II, and III!, and College Admissions Essays.

Orientation Day for New Scholars and Families

A special Orientation Day is held each year for new scholars and their families. This is a half day event which includes a campus tour, sessions with faculty, staff, mentors and other scholars, and paperwork sessions. Family sessions are held in both English and Spanish.

Opening Ceremony

Elon Academy scholars, families, and friends are invited to an Opening Ceremony on the Sunday evening of the Summer Program move-in day. New and returning scholars are welcomed to campus. The ceremony is followed by a picnic supper in LaRose for scholars. Simultaneous translation in Spanish is provided.

Celebration of Success

On the Thursday evening prior to the last day of classes, scholars, faculty, mentors, and staff celebrate the end of the Summer Program with dinner, dancing, and a recognition ceremony for graduating seniors.

Closing Ceremony and Presentations of Learning

On the last day of the Summer Program (Friday) evening, the community is invited to join the scholars and families for a closing ceremony and Presentations of Learning. Simultaneous translation in Spanish is provided for the ceremony.

The closing ceremony includes performances, videos of the summer and a keynote address. Presentations of Learning provide scholars with a time to present their learning from the summer to family and friends.