Named in honor of Carter G Woodson, the Woodson Summer Scholars program brings together talented students across the United States who are engaged in Black/African American communities.
Program Description
Outstanding students who are engaged in Black/African American communities are invited to apply for an opportunity to participate in a week-long enrichment program featuring interdisciplinary classes with leading faculty, tours of UChicago’s cutting-edge research facilities, and college application workshops. Students will also be exposed to the kinds of opportunities available in a large urban center for academic work and professional development through activities that showcase the city of Chicago. In the past, students have been able to attend improv shows, baseball games, architecture boat tours, and eat at some of Chicago’s most notable restaurants.
Program Contact: All questions should be directed to Gabby Campbell at gabbycampbell@uchicago.edu.
Application Requirements
Eligibility: Current 11th grade students, who are at least 15 years old, who are engaged in Black/African American communities, and enrolled in high school in the United States, are invited to apply.
Applications will be accepted online. The deadline to apply is our Regular Deadline, March 5, 2024. All application decisions for this program will be released at the same time in late April.
Applicants must complete the Summer Session Application, and all the related requirements which can be reviewed in the How To Apply section.
Application materials include:
- Online application
- Transcript (
- Supplement & Essays
- At least one teacher recommendation
- At least one parent/guardian confirmation email received
Applicants will be asked to respond to the following essay questions in the application:
- Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you elected. (Limit: 500 words)
- “Since its founding, the University has been committed to the idea that a culture of rigorous inquiry requires an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas inform and stimulate intellectual exchange, challenge, and engagement.” -UChicago Office of the Provost. How would you contribute to this culture of inquiry in this program? What do you hope to gain or learn by engaging with peers from all over the U.S. or from different parts of the world? (Limit: 300 words)
Review the Application Overview pages for more detailed information.
Costs & Fees
The application fee is automatically waived for any applicant who selects any Enrichment Program as their first choice.
All program costs, inclusive of tuition, room and board, and roundtrip transportation to and from the University of Chicago are completely covered. Students will need to provide their own health insurance.
Course Dates
July 21-26, 2024
Arrival date: Sun. July 21
First session: Mon. July 22
Closing session: Fri. Jul 26
Move-out: Fri. Jul 26