Summer Academy

Overview

Discover what college is like and earn credits while in high school

The UVM Summer Academy Program is designed to give high school students entering 11th and 12th grade, and recent graduates, a meaningful introduction to college life, academic exploration, and personal growth.

From July 6 – 11, 2026, students immerse themselves in college life, make new friends, explore the theme of People and Planet and enjoy beautiful Burlington, VT through hands-on experiences such as boat tours on Lake Champlain, SIM labs and local adventures.

This program will be open to both commuter and residential students. Both groups will participate in all workshops and activities, both on and off campus, however, the commuter students will not stay in the dorms overnight.

Get a jump start into learning with the on-campus experience and then continue building your skills with a credit online course starting July 13, 2026. Choose from subjects like international relations, human biology, environmental science, business, art, and more, while earning college credit.

There are so many benefits to attending Summer Academy!

• Make your college applications stand out to admissions officers.
• Get a feel for what college will be like, and feel more confident going in.
• Earn credits like you would from an AP class, with courses not typically offered in high school.
• Pay discounted tuition rates or learn tuition-free with Vermont Dual Enrollment vouchers.
• Learn new ideas and perspectives that will help you decide on your major and career path.

“It’s a really good experience…to start getting that mentality that this is going to be what is expected of me and I can do this.”

Ayden Carpenter

Admissions

Who can participate in Summer Academy?

Students are ideal for admission if they are academically motivated, curious about college life, and meet the following criteria: 

• Have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
• Are at least 15 years old by the start of the program
• Highly-motivated to be challenged by college-level academics
• Interested in experiencing the University of Vermont
• Want to explore a field of study

Students must register by selecting a course starting July 13, 2026. Courses will be listed soon.

Courses & Format

The UVM Summer Academy is a five-week program that begins with an immersive one-week, on-campus experience, followed by four weeks of online learning through a selection of credit courses. Summer Academy 2026 courses will be posted soon.

• Residential students check in and settle into residence halls on Monday, July 6, marking the start of an immersive week exploring college life and academic themes centered around People and Planet.
• The on-campus portion runs from Monday, July 6, to Saturday, July 11, 2026.
• The online portion begins Monday, July 13, with a selection of credit courses, and all credit coursework concludes by August 9, 2026.

Summer Academy Workshops & Activities include: 

• Admissions Workshop 
• Choosing a College Major Workshop 
• Campus Tour 
• Student Panels and Presentations
• Fabrication Lab (College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences) 
• Clinical SIM Lab (College of Nursing and Health Sciences)
• Fitness Center 
• Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory (Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources)
• Research Vessel Marcelle Melosira Tour 

If you aren’t seeing the answers to questions you may have here, visit our FAQ for more information.

Student Stories

• College Prep
• Vermont

Step-by-Step Guide: Vermont Dual Enrollment Vouchers for High School Students

• College Prep

Pre-College Program at UVM Helps High School Students Choose a Major

• College Prep

Pre-College Programs Can Ease Anxiety for High School Students

Cost

High school students can immerse themselves in an exciting academic experience in disciplines ranging from engineering to entrepreneurship—all centered around the theme of People and Planet. This unique program offers hands-on learning, interactive projects, and exposure to real-world challenges, giving students a taste of college life. Highlights of the week include engaging workshops, guided activities that explore sustainable solutions, and a chance to collaborate with peers on creative problem-solving. Students choosing the residential option will also enjoy the full dorm experience, build connections and memories while living on the UVM campus.

Week 1: Program Prices – choose a residential or commuter option.

• Residential Fee (live on campus in UVM dorm): $3,000
  • Includes housing, meals, and activities
• Commuter Fee: $2,700
  • Includes meals and activities
• Deposit: $200 (non-refundable)
  • Due upon acceptance
• Tuition: Standard UVM tuition rates apply for the 3-credit course

Weeks 2 – 5: Credit Course Prices

Vermont residents may be eligible to enroll in a credit course tuition-free through the state’s Dual Enrollment Program. Learn more about Vermont Dual Enrollment and apply.

All prices are for Summer 2026.

Credit Course Tuition: Vermont Students (with Dual Enrollment)

• Tuition: $0 (with a Dual Enrollment Voucher)
• Comprehensive Fee: $30

Credit Course Tuition: Vermont Students (without Dual Enrollment)

• Tuition: $346 per credit
• Comprehensive Fee: $30

In-state high school students who do not qualify for the Dual Enrollment program or who have already used their vouchers have the opportunity to enroll in UVM courses, gain college credits, and receive a 50% in-state academic year tuition reduction. Please go to Tuition and Fees and refer to “Rates for Pre-College Programs: High School Student Reduced Tuition Program” and “**Part-Time Student Fees

Credit Course Tuition: Out-of-State Students

• Tuition: $930 per credit
• Comprehensive Fee: $30

This program offers out-of-state high school students the opportunity to enroll in UVM courses, gain college credits, and receive a 50% out-of-state academic year tuition reduction. Please go to Tuition and Fees and refer to “Rates for Pre-College Programs: High School Student Reduced Tuition Program” and “**Part-Time Student Fees.”

Summer Academy Financial Policies

Program Requirements: While doing the UVM Summer Academy program, the participant must be enrolled in a UVM Summer Academy course throughout the duration of the program. If the participant elects to withdraw from their course once it has started, they are required to speak with a Summer Academy Advisor. If the participant does not maintain enrollment in a Summer Academy course, the participant will be required to leave the program without refund.

Tuition: The cost of the tuition is based on a student’s residency status (i.e., in-state or out-of-state) and whether an in-state student uses a Dual Enrollment voucher.

Cancellation & Medical Withdrawal Policy: All cancellation requests must be sent via email at learn@learn.uvm.edu. UVM tuition will be refunded based on the UVM add/drop policy deadlines. You must cancel at least three business days prior to the program start to be refunded the $300 deposit. For a medical withdrawal, the medical condition must be documented by a physician as one that prevents participation in the program.

Please note: The University of Vermont reserves the right to cancel any programs.

For more information and answers to common questions regarding payment, see our FAQ.

Dual Enrollment

What is Dual Enrollment?

A statewide program for high school juniors and seniors, to access up to two college courses with tuition fully reimbursed through a voucher system approved by their high schools.

Voucher requests for summer courses open in mid-February, and vouchers for fall courses open in mid-April

A voucher only covers the cost of tuition (up to four credits). Students are responsible for the Comprehensive Fee and, if applicable, specific lab/studio/program fees. Please go to Tuition and Fees and refer to “**Part-Time Student Fees.”

The cost of parking, books, and transportation to/from the University is not included.

• In addition to Summer Academy, many University of Vermont courses are available through this program including International Relations, Computer Science, Human Biology, Environmental Science, and English. Courses are offered during the summer and academic school year, online and on campus.
• Funding is dependent on Vermont Legislative approval.
• For more information, contact our main office: (phone) 802-656-2085 (email) learn@uvm.edu

Who’s Eligible?

High school students who are Vermont state residents are eligible for two vouchers during their junior or senior years in high school. Students are not eligible to use a voucher the summer after they have graduated from high school. Students must apply for a voucher for the semester they wish to enroll in a dual enrollment course and seek approval by their high school. Students who attend an independent high school and whose tuition is not paid for by their hometown are not eligible for a voucher.

Program Detail

• The voucher covers the cost of tuition for up to a four-credit course at any of the participating colleges. The voucher does not cover the comprehensive fee, materials and textbooks. Some funding is available through VSAC to help cover these additional costs, for students who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch.
• Vouchers are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis, and unused vouchers expire every semester. (You can apply again.)
• Students must apply for a voucher whether they take a course on a college campus, online, or take a course at their high school for college credit.
• Students must get approval for a dual enrollment course from their high school to ensure they will receive high school credit. For a voucher to pay for a college course, it must count as credit towards graduation at the student’s high school.
• If a student changes their mind and wants to attend a different college, the student needs to apply for another voucher.
• If the student drops the course within the college or university’s published add/drop period, the voucher will not be applied, and it is available for use in a different semester.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guidance

• Getting started is easy!
• There are two pathways to start the process:
  • UVM’s Pre-College website: Submit a Course Application
  • Vermont Agency of Education’s website: Apply for a Dual Enrollment Voucher
• Before the Voucher Application Window is OPEN:
  • Visit UVM’s Pre-College Website
    • Select the Course, and Submit the Course Application
    • Establish Contact with UVM Pre-College Advisor
  • Visit the Vermont Agency of Education Website when Enrollment Opens
    • Submit your Dual Enrollment Voucher Application
    • High School Counselor will Review and Approve your Application
    • Request your Dual Enrollment Voucher Number from High School Counselor
    • Email Voucher Number to UVM Pre-College Advisor
• During the OPEN Voucher Application Window:
  • Visit the Vermont Agency of Education Website when Enrollment Opens
    • Submit your Dual Enrollment Voucher Application
    • High School Counselor will Review and Approve your Application
    • Request your Dual Enrollment Voucher Number from High School Counselor
  • Visit UVM’s Pre-College Website
    • Select the Course, and Submit the Course Application
    • Include your Voucher Number on your Course Application
• After you submit the Course Application:
  • The student’s parent or guardian will receive an email containing a Registration Approval Form.
  • This form must be completed and signed to confirm participation.
• If you are pursuing a course that requires pre-requisites for enrollment:
  • Your UVM Pre-College advisor will guide you through the process after you submit your application.
• UVM’s Online Registration Team will then manage your enrollment automatically, AFTER you’ve submitted these 3 key documents:
  • Dual Enrollment Voucher Application
  • UVM Course Application
  • Registration Approval Form (Parent/Guardian Signature)
• Students will receive communication after enrollment with next steps for becoming an official UVM Pre-College student –including net ID setup and MyUVM access.
• Pro Tip: Popular courses fill up fast—be sure to stay ahead of the application process to secure your seat!
  

For more information, please visit the State of Vermont Agency of Education Dual Enrollment Website. Apply for a voucher through the Vermont Agency of Education.

Student Support

Summer Academy Virtual Hub

As part of your Summer Academy experience, you will have access to the UVM Summer Academy Student Cohort Hub, designed as a resource to support your UVM courses. As part of the virtual community, you will receive important information about academic updates and deadlines, develop your study and learning skills, and explore the many resources and opportunities provided through UVM and other organizations.

A peek at what is offered through the virtual hub:

• Orientation
  • An online introduction to the hub, tech tools, and effective online learning to prepare you for your courses.
• Virtual UVM Tour
• UVM Library Access
• Connection to UVM Resources
  • ADA/ACCESS accommodations
  • Tutoring Center
  • Undergraduate Writing Center
  • Center for Health & Well-Being

Advising Support

To maximize your Summer Academy success, UVM’s Pre-College advisor will support you before, during, and after the residential portion of the program through the following structure: 

• Pre-Program Orientation: A strong foundation begins before you arrive on campus. The Summer Academy Pre-College Advisor will lead virtual orientation sessions for students and parents, outlining expectations, program goals, and logistics. These sessions will help you and your family prepare for the residential experience and set you up for success during the online academic portion that follows in weeks 2-5. 
• Online Office Hours: The Pre-College Advisor will host virtual, drop-in hours during the online credit course to support students academically and personally. 
• Mid-Program Check-In: You will be required to meet with the Pre-College Advisor once during the online credit course to discuss any challenges, support needed and connect with resources. 

FAQ