Yale University's The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program for Middle Schoolers - Should You Do It?
If you’re a middle schooler, you should know this – participating in summer programs can significantly boost your college application profile! These programs provide hands-on experience, enhance critical thinking, and showcase your dedication to learning beyond the classroom. Such experiences are invaluable and can distinguish you from other applicants, especially while applying to super competitive undergraduate programs.
The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program at Yale University can be a solid opportunity some students, but should you apply? Read this deep dive to learn more about this program and whether you should apply.
What is The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program?
The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program, hosted at Yale University, is an enriching academic experience for middle school students in New Haven, CT. Over the course of six weeks, in small, single-grade classes of 8-15 students, Yale undergraduates teach classes of their own design to challenge and excite their students. Designed to provide academic enrichment and prepare students for high school and college, the program offers rigorous courses in various subjects and fosters a love for learning. The program is geared towards bright students, particularly those who might have limited opportunities and resources, to participate in academic enrichment activities.
Is The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program prestigious?
Yes, the program is highly regarded and has a long history of academic excellence since 1953. Affiliated with Yale University, it offers students access to high-quality resources and mentorship. The program’s competitive nature, with selective admission, makes participation a notable achievement that can enhance a student's academic profile. While no statistics are publicly available, it’s safe to assume that only a small percentage of those who apply are accepted.
What is the structure of the Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program?
The program is an intensive 6-week summer initiative held at Yale University. It includes daily classes and activities designed to enrich the academic lives of participants. For 2024, the program will take place from June 24 to August 2, 2024, with the schedule taking place Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
There are several types of classes that students can choose from. For example, in Humanities classes, students study history and write speeches, read and discuss poetry and do creative writing of their own. On the other hand, in Investigations classes, students develop their problem-solving skills through fun, hands-on projects in the natural and social sciences. In the afternoon, students participate in electives and clubs that offer them the opportunity to learn in a more relaxed environment with students from other grades. Typical afternoon activities include sports and games, creative classes in music and the performing arts, debate and mock trial and a book club. In addition, students enjoy a variety of local and regional field trips.
What does a typical day as a U.S. Grant Foundation student look like?
A typical day as a participant in The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program begins at 8:30 AM with a homeroom session where students gather and prepare for the day. At 9 AM, they attend humanities classes focusing on developing critical thinking and analytical skills through literature and social studies. By mid-morning, students move on to math classes, engaging in problem-solving activities and mathematical concepts. After lunch, which is a time for socializing and group activities, students participate in enrichment activities and electives like art, science, or creative writing until the program concludes at 1 PM. This schedule ensures a comprehensive educational experience that balances rigorous academics with creative and social development.
How can I apply for The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program? Who is eligible?
To be eligible for The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program, applicants must be middle school students enrolled in public or parochial schools in New Haven, CT. Participants must agree to the strict attendance policy of this program, and should not schedule any vacations or engagements in the duration of The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program.
The application process involves submitting an online form that includes academic records, a personal statement, and (very importantly!) at least one recommendation from a teacher.. Students are expected to demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to full attendance throughout the program's duration. Applications are typically due in early spring, so interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and additional requirements.
How much does it cost to attend The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program?
The total cost of the program is $75 – and if that wasn’t already accessible enough, full scholarships are available for participants who qualify for financial aid.
What are the pros and cons of this program?
Now that we understand more about the program, let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program.
Pros:
You will have a prestigious opportunity to write about for future experiences and applications. Participating in a program affiliated with Yale University is highly regarded – anyone would be impressed to hear about this experience. This association reflects a commitment to academic excellence and can significantly enhance your academic profile wherever you go. Such a prestigious experience is a valuable addition to college applications and future endeavors.
You will get to see the Yale campus and community firsthand. Spending six weeks at Yale provides a unique glimpse into college life. You'll experience the historic and vibrant campus environment. This exposure can inspire and motivate you for future educational goals. You'll also have the chance to interact with Yale students and staff, gaining insights into the university culture.
You will benefit from an accessible cost. The program costs only $75, making it affordable for many families. Additionally, full scholarships are available to ensure financial barriers don't prevent participation. This accessibility ensures that talented students from diverse backgrounds can attend. The low cost compared to similar programs makes it an exceptional value.
You will engage in a diverse and stimulating curriculum. The program offers rigorous courses in humanities and enrichment activities, and it’s unlikely to find academic enrichment of this level in other programs. This diverse curriculum helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills. Hands-on projects and elective courses keep learning engaging and dynamic. The balanced schedule ensures a comprehensive educational experience.
You will build a strong network of peers and teachers. You'll meet like-minded students who share your academic interests, which can be a great benefit early in your academic career. Collaborative projects and group activities foster teamwork and friendships. Experienced teachers and mentors provide valuable guidance and support. This network can be a lasting resource for future academic and personal growth.
Cons:
You will encounter a highly competitive application process.
With a limited number of spots available, the selection is rigorous. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to the program. This competitiveness can be discouraging and stress-inducing for many students. Not all who apply will be accepted, which may be disappointing.
You will need to commit a significant amount of time and effort.
The program runs for six weeks, requiring full attendance. This time commitment can limit participation in other summer activities. Students must balance their schedules and dedicate themselves fully. The intensive nature can be demanding, especially if you are managing multiple activities and commitments during your summer.
You will be working in a high-pressure environment.
The program's rigorous curriculum and high expectations may cause anxiety. Students are consistently told to perform at their best. The pressure to excel may lead to anxiety or burnout. Strong time management and stress management skills will be necessary.
You might face logistical challenges.
Daily attendance from 8:30 AM to 1 PM requires reliable transportation. Commuting to Yale University every day may be difficult for some students. Coordinating logistics can be a challenge for families involved, who need to worry about getting their child to and from the program in their schedule. Ensuring punctuality and consistent attendance is crucial for success.
Our Thoughts
The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Summer Program offers a unique opportunity for middle school students to engage in advanced academic work and develop essential skills for future success. Its affiliation with Yale University, combined with a comprehensive curriculum and supportive community, makes it a solid choice for motivated students. The program’s affordability and scholarship options ensure accessibility, while its rigorous attendance requirement underscores its commitment to serious academic engagement. If you are looking for a rigorous educational experience, this program is definitely worth considering.
One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Comments