Summer Prep Academy (SPA)

The Summer Prep Academy is a required—and truly rewarding—part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). This four-week summer experience gives incoming EOP students a powerful head start on their college journey. Each year, the program typically runs from mid-July through mid-August.

Designed to build confidence and strengthen the skills that matter most for college success, the Summer Prep Academy offers focused support in math, reading, writing, and study strategies. Students will explore campus life, participate in engaging daytime and evening activities, and complete important steps that prepare them for a smooth transition into their first semester. You’ll also have the chance to dive into career exploration—perfect for students who are still deciding on a major or thinking about new possibilities.

Dates and full program details for next summer will be shared soon, but students can expect an immersive, supportive, and exciting four weeks that set the stage for academic and personal success.

The momentum students build during the Summer Prep Academy can positively shape their academic path. Traditionally, students enrolled in EOP programs take three years to earn an associate degree and five years for a bachelor’s degree, allowing them to progress at a supported pace while building a strong academic foundation for full admission into their chosen major. Students who fully engage in the Summer Prep Academy have the opportunity to strengthen their academic skills and, in some cases, advance their placement in certain fall courses—helping them accelerate their progress. For example, a highly invested student may be able to bridge the gap between their final high school math course and the first math course required for their major, potentially reducing their overall time to degree completion.