Program Overview
Our High School Summer Kickstart program is an exciting opportunity to build a strong foundation for high school success. This program offers a comprehensive schedule designed to prepare participants for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in high school and beyond. Activities include workshops, hands-on experiments, and small group work.
High School Summer Kickstart is an excellent opportunity to:
- Develop skills in goal-setting and time management tailored for academic success.
- Demonstrate improved teamwork and collaboration abilities.
- Exhibit enhanced communication and interpersonal skills.
- Analyze and interpret literature, art, and historical events with greater depth.
- Grow an appreciation for the role of science in everyday life and future careers.
High School Summer Kickstart participants commute to campus. We provide a daily schedule that includes classes, lunch, and social activities. Participants are supervised at all times by our dedicated program staff.
This program is ideal for individuals looking to be better prepared to navigate the academic and social challenges of high school. This program is noncredit.
Dates
High School Summer Kickstart is a commuter program offered from July 14-18, 2025.
Eligibility
To be eligible for High School Summer Kickstart individuals should:
- Be a current 8th grade student (entering high school during the 2025-2026 school year) from the St. Louis area.
We are looking for mature, academically motivated individuals; collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.
Application
We review applications on a rolling basis until spaces are filled. Individuals interested in applying should submit an application, copy of their current grade report, contact information for a teacher recommender, and signed parent liability waiver and release to our office no later than April 1, 2025. Once the application is reviewed, an admission decision will be sent within 7-10 business days. If admitted, the admission decision will include directions on submitting the program fee due no later than April 21, 2025. The teacher recommendation is waived for previous attendees of our Middle School Summer Challenge program.
Space is limited, so we encourage families not to wait until the deadline to apply.
As of February 10, 2025, High School Summer Kickstart is full. We are still accepting applications for the waitlist. We will be monitoring enrollment of admitted students and if space becomes available we will offer spots to waitlisted students. We unfortunately cannot predict if space will be available, but will do our best to update waitlisted students on their status as soon as possible and no later than April 21, 2025. Only those waitlisted applicants with a completed application, including teacher recommendation, will be considered for space if it becomes available.
Fees and Scholarships
The 2025 program fee for High School Summer Kickstart is $885. The program fee includes all activities, lunch, and course materials. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of WashU employees and returning students are eligible for a 10% discount. Additional details on fees, need-based scholarships, and discounts are available here.
Grading and Evaluation
High School Summer Kickstart is a noncredit program. Grades are not issued. Participants are evaluated based on interaction with peers, engagement during activities, and work produced. Participants who have met all expectations will receive a certificate of participation. A performance evaluation will be emailed to parents within two weeks of the program's conclusion.
Acceptance and participation in High School Summer Kickstart does not imply or guarantee acceptance into a degree program at WashU. For questions about the undergraduate admission process, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.