REAL Project & Summer Academy

Two great programs, one shared experience!

Both REAL Project and Summer Academy share most program components, allowing participants to interact in living and learning environments.

Academic Preparation
Interactions with faculty, staff, students and academic counseling ensure that students establish meaningful and critical connections with the St.Thomas community.

On-Campus Living
Both REAL Project and Summer Academy introduce participants to residence hall programs and services. Students are required to live on campus for the six-week program period.Weekend departures are permitted. Residence hall staff include a professional hall director and student peer advisers. These staff familiarize students with campus resources, plan events and respond to emergency situations. A staff member is on call at all times.

Leadership Opportunities
Co-curricular opportunities include educational programs, social events and workshops that help students develop leadership skills. REAL Project and Summer
Academy participants are encouraged to become involved in at least one of more than 90 clubs and organizations on campus.

Campus Resources
Participants learn how to take advantage of the many resources on campus. Career, academic and personal counseling are a few of the many services provided. Other resources include the Commuter Center and Off Campus Services, Campus Ministry, computer labs and athletic facilities. Campus Ministry offers students the opportunity to explore their faith more fully. Participants also will go through new student Orientation and Registration.

REAL Project Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership

The REAL Project is a six-week academic orientation program for newly-admitted UST students of color, asylees, refugees and permanent residents. It is designed to acquaint students with campus life and resources and to provide experience with college-level coursework. Academic Preparation Classroom work focuses on achieving academic success in writing, editing, reading, study skills, computer literacy, math and proficiency in the use of library resources. Work experience Students gain practical skills and confidence through work assignments in university offices or departments. Participation also enhances a student's potential for obtaining on-campus employment during the academic year. Compensation All program costs are covered; additionally, REAL Project participants receive an hourly wage equivalent to approximately $1,500 for successful completion of the program.

 

Summer Academy The Summer Math and Science Academy

Summer Academy is a six-week academic orientation program for newly-admitted UST students of color, women, asylees, refugees and permanent residents who are interested in the fields of science, technology or engineering. Participants must place at the precalculus math level. Summer Academy is designed to acquaint students with campus life and resources, to provide experience with college-level coursework, and to introduce students to research activities in science and engineering. Academic Preparation Classroom work focuses on achieving academic success. Students will explore career options in science and technology.They also will participate in research lab and field experiences with UST faculty members. In addition, students will take a mathematics course (Math 108) and will receive four credits for successful completion of the course. Compensation All program costs are covered; additionally, Summer Academy participants will receive four credits toward their degrees for successful completion of Math 108. Four credits of tuition is approximately $2,800