Enrichment Programs

There is strong evidence that, with a lack of access and encouragement to pursue learning activities, educational progress stalls during the summer for low-income students. This is why the SEO Scholars Program provides three straight summers of stimulating academic and enrichment programming. The diverse opportunities include summer college programs, travel abroad opportunities and outdoor experiential learning courses.

SEO SUMMER ACADEMY

For three weeks in July at the SEO Summer Academy, rising tenth and eleventh grade Scholars take courses in critical reading, critical writing, grammar, vocabulary and math. In addition, Scholars attend college fairs, campus visits, and leadership activities throughout the academy.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

SEO partners with summer enrichment programs throughout the world that promote independence and leadership to rising 12th graders and provide Scholars with opportunities to travel and study that are rarely available to urban students. Through these programs, Scholars build leadership and communication skills, increase their self-confidence and gain international experience. Scholars also have the opportunity to participate in summer programs at competitive colleges. Summer enrichment programs include:

Academic Program Partnerships

Students may apply to summer programs at a college or other institution offering college-level academic work. Summer academic programs are offered by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Skidmore College, Columbia University, and the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Business Institute.  In addition, SEO has academic partnerships with the MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science(MITES), the McCauley Honors Summer Scholars Academy, and the Telluride Association.

Travel Abroad Partnerships

Students may apply to travel abroad programs to explore different cultures through taking classes at local universities, participating in community service, and living with a host family.  SEO partners with American Field Service, The Experiment in International Living, YMCA Global Teens Program, and the International Youth Leadership Institute.

Outdoor Leadership Partnerships

Students may apply to outdoor leadership programs that train them to survive in mountainous regions of the U.S., such as Wyoming and Alaska.  SEO partners with the National Outdoor Leadership School and EarthWatch Institute.