Program Features

Scholars spend 30% of their time working on academic fortification.  Scholars take structured classes in writing, mathematics, laboratory science, and bioethics.  We have documented an average of two years of academic growth in scholars’ writing ability in a single summer.  In mathematics, scholars pursue an individualized curriculum in small groups where they are pushed in any topic ranging from algebra to advanced calculus.  For science, scholars take a 10-session course geared to make them become fluent in basic laboratory science.  Scholars learn about basic laboratory chemistry, the Central Dogma of biology, proteins and nucleic acids, cells, and microscopy.  Finally, the scholars study modern bioethics and read the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.  Upon completion of the reading, scholars take a mini-field trip where they meet with bioethicist, Dr. Debra Matthews.