The Summer Institute is a residential program that consists of numerous academies for Pre-Scholars, who are rising 8th and rising 9th graders, and Scholars, who are rising 10th, rising 11th and rising 12th graders. Pre-Scholars participate in one of two academies, the Junior Achievers Academy (for rising 8th graders) or the Fellows Academy (for rising 9th graders). These pre-scholars receive four weeks of instruction. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, with each class meeting every day for 75 minutes. Students are in class from about 8:30am to 4:00pm. Fridays are reserved for field trips. Weekends consist of free-time, recreational activities and guest lectures.
Scholars, rising 10th, rising 11th and rising 12th graders, participate in one of three academies, including the Engineering, Pre-Med/Biological Sciences, or Leadership Academy. These Scholars receive five weeks of instruction in rigorous university-level courses. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, with each class meeting every other day for 110 minutes. Students are in class from about 8:00am to 4:00pm. Fridays are reserved for field trips. Weekends consist of free-time, recreational activities and guest lectures.
Location(s)
- Princeton University
Schedule
- Mid June to late July
Cost/Compensation
- Pre-Scholars: $5,500 (includes tuition, room, and board)
- Scholars: $6,800 (includes tuition, room, and board)
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum overall GPA: 3.0; B
- Access to a computer and an internet connection is required for participation.
Deadline
- We accept applications on a rolling basis and will consider applicants with strong qualifications through April 2, 2025. Scholar applications received by March 26, 2025, will be given priority for scholarships. As such, we strongly encourage students to submit applications as soon as possible.
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcript
- Current high school students must answer the following essay prompt:
- Why do you wish to participate in the Institute? Describe your education and career goals, community service activities and/or leadership roles you have performed.
Notifications of Decisions
- Semi-Finalists will be invited for a virtual interview. Rolling admissions thereafter will be based on available space.
Financial Aid Details
There is a limited number of scholarships available to cover tuition. The scholarship amount will vary according to need with $800 as a maximum award.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The W.E.B. Dubois Scholars Institute is an academic program designed for high-achieving African American students who are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The program is named after W.E.B. Dubois, a prominent African American scholar and civil rights activist, and it is based at Princeton University in New Jersey. The program offers classes, workshops, and hands-on research projects in STEM fields, as well as opportunities for cultural enrichment and community building.
