Summer Academy | Colorado Mesa University

The Upward Bound Summer Academy is a one-of-a-kind, 6-week program at Colorado Mesa University that simulates the college-going experience for participants.

The Upward Bound Summer Academy is free of charge. There is no financial obligation for families.

It is the expectation that participants in the Summer Academy are willing to commit to all 6 weeks of the program by showing up to all portions, completing weekly homework, and passing all classes.

By applying to the Summer Academy, students are agreeing to:

Actively participate in all planned activities with enthusiasm.
Show respectful to all staff and participants.
Be prepared and turn in assignments on-time.
Attend daily for all six weeks.
Be a positive representative of the Upward Bound team.

Students will not be able to participate in the Residential Session or Scholar's Trip if they did not complete the first four weeks of the Summer Academy.

Students with a D or F grade at the end of the school year will be ineligible to participate in the Summer Academy.

Graduated seniors (class of 2025) will not be eligible to participate in the Summer Academy.

Summer Academy dates coming soon!

CMU Upward Bound students participating in the Summer Academy will receive:

4-weeks of supplemental instruction in math, English, science, and foreign language from teachers passionate about working with first-generation students
1-week of on-campus living, paired with experiential and hands-on learning with teachers, CMU employees, and community members
A week-long bus tour to explore college campuses across the Rocky Mountain region
Daily mentorship with CMU Upward Bound tutors and advisors
Buffet-style meals provided daily at the CMU Cafeteria
Workshops to develop college-going skills like note taking, studying, time management, and organization
Daily mental health and wellness sessions led by CMU staff from various departments
Daily afternoon activities with CMU and Grand Junction organizations

Successful completion of the six-week Summer Academy will result in students earning 0.5 elective credits toward their high school degree.

Scholars Trip 2023

CMU Upward Bound students and staff after the student talent show at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Scholars Trip 2023

Upward Bound students and staff toured the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on the final day of the Scholars Trip.

Summer Academy 2024

During the first four weeks of Summer Academy, students spent the morning dedicated to their academic coursework. This left the afternoons open to explore new skills like recipe planning and a cooking competition!