Are you considering attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? You should check out HBCU pre-college summer programs for high schoolers to find the best HBCU for you.
HBCU pre-college programs are designed to prepare prospective students for the rigors of higher education. These programs target high school students and focus on laying the necessary groundwork for successful college careers, with a particular emphasis placed on skill development and academic readiness.
These programs can range from summer academies and camps that introduce young students to college life and bolster skills in sought-after fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Beyond academic enhancement, HBCU pre-college programs provide mentorship, foster a sense of community, and instill confidence—crucial elements that can contribute to your long-term academic and professional success.
Benefits of HBCU Pre-College Summer Programs
Pre-college summer programs at HBCUs are significant stepping stones for young students, especially high school students, to gain early exposure to college-level work and campus life. HBCU pre-college summer programs vary from each institution, some offer college credit and some programs are for local students while others may host a residential program where students can stay in the dorms during the summer sessions.
The educational opportunities may cover various subject areas, including the humanities, sciences, arts, and technology fields, offering a broad spectrum of learning experiences. Such summer pre-college programs often come with support services aimed at strengthening your academic skills, increasing college enrollment rates among underrepresented groups, and sometimes, reducing future college expenses by earning credits in advance.
Students in these academic programs frequently report stronger academic preparation and a deeper understanding of college expectations. HBCUs are known for creating an environment where students can thrive, emphasizing cultural values and heritage while bolstering their confidence and academic prowess.
As a pre-college student, you will experience college life, make new friends, and participate in various social activities. Even if you don’t know anyone who has attended any of the black colleges or if you have never been on a historically black college campus you will be in for a treat. You will see a campus filled with people who look like you, from the students, professors, and the college staff.
Beyond academic preparation and gaining a taste of the college experience these programs can give you a jump-start in the college application process. These HBCU pre-college programs can guide you in the college process, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Through these programs, HBCUs demonstrate their commitment to fostering educational growth and offering a supportive bridge from primary and secondary education to the halls of higher learning.
Related Post: 10 Noteworthy HBCU Summer Programs for High School Students (for a Productive Summer!)
Admission Process of HBCU Pre-College Summer Programs
If you want to take advantage of these HBCU summer opportunities you will complete an application that assesses your academic performance and interest in the program. Requirements may vary, ranging from submissions of essays to recommendations, academic records, and occasionally, interviews. Don’t be afraid to apply for an HBCU summer camp that is not on your radar.
Some HBCUs offer opportunities in specialized subjects, so it is important to learn about the various HBCUs pre-college summer programs. These programs were created to broaden your horizons and nurture a college-bound mindset from a young age.
Some pre-college programs are free while others have a cost, but don’t worry because some offer partial and full scholarships. Most of these programs have limited scholarships, so you should apply to HBCU summer programs early. Most pre-college programs start accepting applications in early February but some open in the fall. If the application does not list any scholarship information, please call the college and see if they have any funding or payment plans to assist your summer endeavors.
Programming at HBCU Pre-College Summer Programs
There are over 100 HBCUs and several of these institutions offer summer programming. Here is a sample of some of the summer HBCU pre-college programs for high school students:
Morgan State University (MSU)
Program: Summer Accounting Academy
Program Description: Participants will embark on an exciting accounting journey with MSU faculty and local experts. They will gain valuable insights from professionals during on-campus classes and case competitions, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios. A light breakfast, lunch, and entertainment will be provided.
Location: Baltimore, MD
Program Dates: July 8 – July 11
Residential: No
Cost: Free
Website: Morgan State University SAA
Program: Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS)
Program Description: The Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) Program is a rigorous academic enrichment program designed to foster excitement among high school students in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science. This pipeline program is within in the Department of Mathematics. The goal of the SAAMS program is to help increase the number of students who will enter mathematics and actuarial science fields. SAAMS students are exposed to interdisciplinary approaches to learning and furthering their education.
Location: Baltimore, MD
Program Dates: June 17 – July 26
Residential: No
Cost: Free
Website: Morgan State University SAAMS
Howard University (HU)
Program: Pharm STEP 1
Program Description: Two-week summer program that will allow you the opportunity to challenge yourself academically while interacting with award-winning professors. Participants will have courses in medical terminology, pharmacology calculations and more.
Location: Washington, DC
Program Dates: June 17 – June 28
Residential: No
Cost: Not listed
Website: Howard University Pharm Step Program
Program: High School Summer Enrichment Programs
Program Description: Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs introduces students to college life, teamwork, and fundamentals in four growing areas of business: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, and Entrepreneurship. Each identified area provides significant opportunities for students to explore careers and progressive opportunities for professional development.
The program combines classroom learning from the School of Business faculty, company site visits, and group presentations to prepare students with the practical skills and critical thinking abilities needed to benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavors
Location: Washington, DC
Program Dates: July 14 – July 19
Residential: Yes
Cost: Free
Website: HU High School Summer Enrichment Programs
Bethune-Cookman University (BCU)
Program: MSEIP – BCU Robotics Academy
Program Description: B-CU Robotics Academy is a 3-week-long residential program filled with exciting and challenging activities. Working in small teams, students will design, build and program a robot. Students will have an opportunity to see robotics equipment in action on a tour and will learn from robotics and engineering research scientists.
Program Dates: June 3 – June 21
Residential: Yes
Cost: Free
Website: B-CU Robotics Academy
Program: Hyatt Summer Bridge Program
Program Description: The Bob Billingslea School of Hospitality Management offers the Hyatt Summer Bridge program for high school students, sponsored by Hyatt in partnership with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Hospitality Management Consortium. This is for students who wish to pursue careers in the hospitality industry can participate in a hands-on program that provides an introduction to the hospitality industry.
Students live on campus for one week, learn about the different sectors of the hospitality industry, participate in field trips to the Hyatt properties in Orlando, visit Daytona Beach tourist sites, and enjoy a banquet prepared and served by hospitality student ambassadors.
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Program Dates: Summer
Residential: Yes
Cost: Not listed
Website: BCU Hyatt Summer Bridge Program
Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Program: Program of Excellence in STEM Summer Academy
Program Description: The program exposes students to STEM lessons, as well as research projects in STEM areas. Students will participate in professional development and team-building activities designed to expose them to career opportunities in STEM areas. The program includes weekly field trips and will conclude with both a research symposium where students present research projects and a Closing Ceremony. FACE-TO-FACE program (with limited Virtual spaces available).
Location: Tallahassee, FL (In-person and Remote)
Program Dates: June 10 – June 26
Residential: No
Cost: $250
Website: FAMU PE-STEM
Program: School of Architecture Engineering Technology Summer Camp
Program Description: FAMU’s Division of Engineering Technology is offering this summer program to demonstrate outstanding commitment to engagement of underserved minority students in learning opportunities and gauging and increasing their interest in the areas of Architecture, Construction, and Electronic Engineering Technology programs. The camp will include one week of curriculum and activities related to STEM education. These activities will be student-centered and make learning fun and engaging
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Program Dates: June 17 – June 21
Residential: No
Cost: $150
Website: FAMU School of Architecture Engineering Technology Summer Camp
Program: Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)
Program Description: The Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) High School Summer Institute is designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in a health profession. The three-week program will provide a wide range of educational and social experiences for students.
The entire experience is designed to enhance participants’ academic abilities, social skills, and other competencies to increase their competitiveness for admission to a post-secondary health professions program. The Institute will be delivered through a series of structured, supervised activities including organized lectures/discussions; formal classroom activities; mini-courses; specialized online courses; laboratory experiences; seminars; exposure to clinical and simulated settings in health care facilities; and college practice laboratories
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Program Dates: June 3 – June 20
Residential: No
Cost: $600
Website: FAMU HCOP
Spelman College
Program: College Prep Institute (CPI)
Program Description: The College Prep Institute (CPI) is a two-week residential program for female high school students who are seeking an exceptional experience to launch their college search process. Since 2005, CPI has been a leader in empowering hundreds of female high school students to achieve acceptance into the college of their choice. The Institute is an intense academic program that features hands-on seminars, college preparation workshops, online sessions and lessons with homework on test preparation
Location: Atlanta, GA
Program Dates: June 7 – June 21 (Session 1) or July 5 – July 19 (Session 2)
Residential: Yes
Cost: $2,900
Website: Spelman Summer College Prep Institute
Program: Early College Program (ECP)
Program Description: The Early College Program (ECP) is a four-week residential program for female high school students, who are seeking an early college experience. Since 1989, ECP has been chosen as the program to launch the college career of hundreds of exceptional young scholars. ECP is an intense academic program that offers college credit courses in English and Biology
Location: Atlanta, GA
Program Dates: June 21 – July 19
Residential: Yes
Cost: $4,200 – $4,500 per course
Website: Spelman Early College Program
Southern University (SU)
Program: BAYOU Summer Program
Program Description: Provides an opportunity for high school students to gain “first hand” knowledge about career opportunities in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences and related disciplines. Participants gain knowledge of these opportunities through campus and departmental tours, industry excursions, immersion in a collegiate classroom environment, and laboratory experience in the form of a short-term research project
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Program Dates: June 2 – June 13
Residential: Yes
Cost: Free
Website: SU BAYOU Summer Program
Program: Engineering Summer Institute (ESI)
Program Description: The Engineering Summer Institute (ESI) seeks to expose students to career opportunities in engineering, science, and mathematics. The goal of ESI is to broaden the access of students to these careers by exposing them to available options in an environment that facilitates intellectual exchange, academic enrichment, and fosters the learning, sharing, and growing processes
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Program Dates: 2nd week of June – 1st week of July
Residential: No
Cost: $400
Website: SU Engineering Summer Institute
Grambling State University (GSU)
Program: High Ability Program
Program Description: High Ability gives students a commanding lead toward independence, responsibility, and scholarship opportunities. Participants will earn a total of six (6) credit hours during the summer. Courses taken by HA students include, but are not limited, to English, mathematics, science, and history.
Other courses are selected based on interests and fields of study. Throughout the program, participants will also be able to connect with college students and professors to discuss their interests and possible college majors. High Ability students will participate in a science-based field trip as well as culturally based field trips. The High Ability Program at Grambling State University strives to provide a superb educational experience and promote individual growth and development
Location: Grambling, LA
Program Dates: June 23 – July 26
Residential: Yes
Cost: $500
Website: GSU High Ability Program
Alabama A&M University (AAMU)
Program: TMCF SOAR HBCU Scholars Programs
Program Description: The program is a joint partnership with TMCF, Alabama A&M University and J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College. The free one-week residential summer program allows high school juniors (rising seniors) to live on campus and learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs), college admission, financial aid, and scholarship resources
Location: Huntsville, AL
Program Dates: July 7 – July 12
Residential: Yes
Cost: Free
Website: AAMU TMCF SOAR HBCU Scholars Program
Morehouse College
Program: SMASH Academy
Program Description: SMASH Academy, our flagship program, is a FREE, 1-year, intensive CS-focused program that empowers students to deepen their talents and pursue CS careers. Scholars are immersed in tuition-free studies in partnership with leading universities throughout the country for one summer.
During the program, scholars build relationships with facilitators and CS professionals that reflect their demographics. Because of their common background, students connect more deeply and gain true mentorship from these CS professionals. As they go through the program, scholars not only develop their skills and network – they also further develop their voice and build the confidence to become who they want to be
Location: Atlanta, GA
Program Dates: July 6 – July 26
Residential: Yes
Cost: Free
Website: Morehouse College SMASH Program
Xavier University
Program: SOAR X
Program Description: Offers two academic tracks: SOAR X STEM, which focuses on pandemics and public health disparities, and SOAR X Humanities, which focuses on protest and the power of civil disobedience. In each track, students will be asked to engage with advanced texts on complex ideas, work with partners and in groups to elucidate those ideas and present their findings to the class in the form of papers, projects, and discussions.
Each course offered in SOAR X is fundamentally student-driven—instructors work hard to ensure that students are invested in their learning by empowering them to select topics for research and discussion that they find compelling
Location: New Orleans, LA
Program Dates: June 8 – July 4
Residential: Yes (Communter option available)
Cost: $2,000
Website: Xavier University SOAR X
This is not a complete list of HBCU precollege programs, several HBCUs offer a couple of summer programs for high school students. Keep in mind, that these programs fill quickly, and if you are interested in any of the above programs and if they are full or past the deadline, check back in the fall and winter for the following summer programming info.
If you are currently a high school senior and will be enrolling in college in the fall, you should consider attending a summer bridge program on your future campus. Bridge programs are designed to help high school seniors transition into college.
Usually, you are enrolled in a couple of classes that you may earn credit for and the classes are typically smaller than most classes so you can get comfortable taking classes on a college campus. You will also meet other high school seniors and become familiar with the college campus, by the time the fall semester starts you have made friends and you know how to maneuver around campus. A lot of black colleges also have summer bridge programs for incoming freshmen.
There are over 100 plus HBCUs and attending a HBCU precollege program may help you narrow down the list and find the perfect HBCU for you. Whether it is a 3-week program or a one-week program, attending an HBCU pre-college program will jumpstart your black excellence experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore commonly asked questions about HBCU’s precollege summer programs to gain insights into opportunities for advanced academic experiences during high school years.
What precollege summer programs do HBCUs offer for high school students?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offer a range of precollege summer programs designed to introduce high school students to college life and advanced studies. Programs often include a mix of academic courses, cultural enrichment, and mentorship.
Are there any free summer programs for minority high school students at HBCUs?
Yes, some HBCUs offer free summer programs aimed at minority high school students. These programs are typically grant-funded and meant to support underrepresented students in higher education.
Which HBCUs provide summer programs that focus on STEM subjects?
Many HBCUs, including Howard University and Morehouse College, offer summer programs with a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), aimed at preparing students for careers in these fields.
How can high school students apply for summer programs at Morehouse College?
Students interested in summer programs at Morehouse College should visit the school’s official website or contact the precollege program office to obtain application forms, deadlines, and specific admissions requirements.
What types of precollege activities does Xavier University offer to high school students during the summer?
Xavier University of Louisiana is known for offering precollege activities that include rigorous academic coursework, leadership development, and exposure to various health professions, ideal for students considering a future in medicine or science. Check out their SOAR X program which I have listed in the above post.
Can you list summer programs available for high school students at Prairie View A&M University?
Prairie View A&M University runs several summer programs for high school students, encompassing areas like engineering, nursing, and computer science, aimed at providing hands-on experiences and college readiness. Check their website for specific summer programs and deadlines
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