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Colleges such as Amherst, Bowdoin, and Tufts offer immersive on-campus experiences where students can attend classes, connect with current students, and engage with faculty. For example, programs like “Explore Bowdoin” and “Voices of Tufts” allow participants to experience campus culture while also learning more about the admissions process.

Many of these programs take place between September and November, with application deadlines typically falling between July and August. Some schools also offer virtual options, making these experiences accessible to even more students. Importantly, several programs cover travel, housing, and meals, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent students from visiting campuses.

In addition to exploring campuses, these programs often require short essays or personal statements. These prompts encourage students to reflect on their identities, experiences, and goals, helping colleges better understand what each applicant would bring to their community.

Participating in a diversity visit program can be a transformative step in the college journey. Not only do students gain clarity about what they want in a university, but they also build confidence, connections, and a stronger sense of belonging in higher education spaces.

Students interested in applying should begin researching programs early, stay mindful of deadlines, and take time to thoughtfully complete their applications. With preparation and initiative, these opportunities can open doors to colleges that may have once felt out of reach.

Below is a link to a list of 45 College Fly-In Programs: A Complete List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YZBCyUzYLJaQin7gCaXEYFHNm4gaoyq3J7VeJVMukuY/edit?usp=sharing

At first, I felt nervous because I had not met anyone from L2C yet. However, the meetings leading up to the tour quickly helped me feel more comfortable and excited. The experience offered the perfect balance of information and enjoyment, and I gained valuable insight into what I am and am not looking for in a university. Cornell University stood out to me the most. Standing on campus felt surreal, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities provided by the LEEP To College Foundation. The campus visits were not the only highlight. The mentors and fellow scholars were welcoming and supportive, which made the experience even more meaningful. As the trip came to an end, I found myself wishing for just one more day to keep exploring. Throughout the tour, I also grew personally by managing my schedule and collaborating with my roommates to make the most of each day. It was a new level of independence for me. I am sincerely grateful to LEEP for providing such an inspiring and transformative opportunity. This experience has not only shaped my perspective on choosing a university but has also given me the confidence and motivation to pursue my goals.

The L.E.E.P Empowerment Weekend was a solid experience that mixed some good lessons with actual fun. We stayed overnight at a nice inn and spent the first part of the trip doing various games and activities. After that, we headed over to a spot with a massive lake, a theater, and a bunch of high-end restaurants. It was a cool setup that gave us plenty of space to hang out and explore.

Once we split into groups of six, we headed to Chipotle for lunch and then hit up a candy store that was honestly impressive, I ended up getting a huge gummy shark. The main event was the Escape Room, which turned out to be a lot harder than we expected. We had to use a bunch of hints just to keep moving, and even though we were right on the verge of winning, the timer ran out on us. It was still a good time, though, and it definitely forced us to communicate better as a group.

To wrap things up, we went back out to the lake. Mycah, Skylar, and I hopped on one of the paddle boats, and Mycah and I ended up racing against the others. We stayed out on the water for a while before meeting back up with everyone at the theater to grab a group photo. After that, we walked back to the inn to finish off the trip. It was a productive weekend, and we had a lot of fun.

1. As you prepare to graduate, how have you seen yourself grow through L.E.E.P., and how are you “springing forward” into your next chapter?

As I count down the days until graduation and reflect on my high school experience, my moments of personal growth have all revolved around L.E.E.P. I first learned about leadership through mental health workshops and about the importance of financial literacy through our L2C | ALLY Financial Literacy sessions in my freshman year. Today, through uncomfortable conversations, I have become more self-aware and mindful of others’ perspectives. This has empowered me to “spring forward” into college with a clear picture of the student I want to be.

1. How did college tours or enrichment experiences influence your college decision or career goals?

The enrichment experiences during my L.E.E.P high school workshops helped me understand my academic and social strengths, particularly that I wanted a career centered on service with room for creativity. My new sense of self helped me decide on a major during my junior year. That year, we took a career quiz during a L.E.E.P mentoring workshop. My results matched me with Speech-Language Pathology. Those workshops shifted my mindset: I would study something I was good at, and that would serve me long-term.

1. What opportunity this year pushed you outside of your comfort zone and helped you grow?

Working as a co-lead on the Fundraising and Development Civic Lab has helped me understand the inner workings of a business and experience real-world deadlines where people depend on me and the work I do. Most importantly, my team pushed me to become more imaginative and flexible, illustrated by our amazing Heart and Hustle event this past February.

1. What advice would you give younger scholars about taking advantage of opportunities offered through L.E.E.P.?

Take advantage of each college tour. I initially was reluctant to attend the second tour in my sophomore year because I didn’t think I would learn anything new. But each tour was a window into college life that I couldn’t have seen otherwise. The peer-to-peer interactions taught me responsibility and accountability. The mentor-to-peer interactions provided me with insider information about college, including its ups and downs. Beyond the tours, make the most of your Zoom meetings, workshops, and mentoring sessions. The more energy you put in, the more insight and reward you can take away.

Summer 2026 Programs Overview

Locations: University of Maryland & American University

Session Times: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (except Academic Bootcamp)

College Tour

Grades: 9th–12th

Dates: July 12–16

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Explore the Future You Want

Spend five unforgettable days visiting some of the nation’s most respected colleges and universities. Scholars experience campus life, academic programs, admissions expectations, and the cultural feel of each institution.

Colleges & Universities We Will Visit: MORE WILL BE ADDED

• Towson University  (Maryland)

• Morgan State University (Maryland)

• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina)

• North Carolina Central (North Carolina)

• Johnson C. Smith University (North Carolina)

• Virginia Union University (Virginia)

• University of Richmond (Virginia)

• University of South Carolina (South Carolina)

Virtual Tours

• Howard University

• University of the District of Columbia

Students will also participate in a historical excursion that deepens their understanding of the region’s cultural and educational legacy. Through guided discussions and daily reflections, scholars gain clarity about what they want in a college and how to prepare for the journey ahead.

STEM Camp: You Build It!

Design Thinking + Architectural Engineering**

Grades: 6th–Rising 9th

Dates: July 6–10

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

A hands-on engineering and innovation camp where students become designers, builders, and problem-solvers. Using real-world design thinking strategies, scholars explore architectural engineering concepts, create structural models, and collaborate on build challenges. From blueprint to prototype, students learn how creativity, math, and engineering come together to shape the world around us.

Amplify Your Voice

Behind the Mic, Behind the Lens: Create the Story Only You Can Tell**

Grades: 7th–12th

Dates: July 20–24

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

A dynamic media and storytelling program designed to help students discover the power of their voice. Scholars explore podcasting, interviewing, digital storytelling, photography, and video production while learning how to craft narratives that reflect their lived experiences. Students produce original content that showcases their unique perspective and creative expression.

Entrepreneurship Institute

Be Your Own Boss: Build It, Brand It, Launch It**

Grades: 8th–12th

Dates: August 3–7

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

A weeklong entrepreneurial accelerator where students transform ideas into real ventures. Scholars learn business planning, branding, marketing, financial basics, and pitching. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship, students design a business concept, build a brand identity, and present their launch plan. This institute empowers young leaders to think creatively and step confidently into entrepreneurship.

Academic Bootcamp

Grades: 5th–11th

Dates: August 10–14

Time: 6:30 PM–9:00 PM

A high-impact evening program designed to prepare students for a strong academic year. Scholars strengthen core skills in reading, writing, math, organization, study strategies, and time management. The bootcamp also includes goal-setting and academic confidence-building to help students enter the school year focused, prepared, and motivated.

Summer at L.E.E.P to College Foundation is a season of exploration, creativity, leadership, and academic growth. Our Summer 2026 programs are designed to give middle and high school students hands‑on experiences that build confidence, sharpen skills, and open doors to college and career pathways. Each program blends learning with fun, community, and real‑world exposure, all rooted in our mission to prepare young people for success in school, in life, and beyond. Students may participate in one program or build a full summer experience by joining multiple sessions.

Summer 2026 Programs Overview

Locations: University of Maryland & American University

Session Times: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (except Academic Bootcamp)

South College Tour

Grades: 9th–12th

Dates: July 12–16

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Explore the Future You Want

Spend five unforgettable days visiting some of the nation’s most respected colleges and universities. Scholars experience campus life, academic programs, admissions expectations, and the cultural feel of each institution.

Colleges & Universities We Will Visit: MORE WILL BE ADDED

• Towson University  (Maryland)

• Morgan State University (Maryland)

• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina)

• North Carolina Central (North Carolina)

• Johnson C. Smith University (North Carolina)

• Virginia Union University (Virginia)

• University of Richmond (Virginia)

• University of South Carolina (South Carolina)

Virtual Tours

• Howard University

• University of the District of Columbia

Students will also participate in a historical excursion that deepens their understanding of the region’s cultural and educational legacy. Through guided discussions and daily reflections, scholars gain clarity about what they want in a college and how to prepare for the journey ahead.

STEM Camp: You Build It!

Design Thinking + Architectural Engineering**

Grades: 6th–Rising 9th

Dates: July 6–10

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

A hands-on engineering and innovation camp where students become designers, builders, and problem-solvers. Using real-world design thinking strategies, scholars explore architectural engineering concepts, create structural models, and collaborate on build challenges. From blueprint to prototype, students learn how creativity, math, and engineering come together to shape the world around us.

Amplify Your Voice

Behind the Mic, Behind the Lens: Create the Story Only You Can Tell**

Grades: 7th–12th

Dates: July 20–24

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

A dynamic media and storytelling program designed to help students discover the power of their voice. Scholars explore podcasting, interviewing, digital storytelling, photography, and video production while learning how to craft narratives that reflect their lived experiences. Students produce original content that showcases their unique perspective and creative expression.

Entrepreneurship Institute

Be Your Own Boss: Build It, Brand It, Launch It**

Grades: 8th–12th

Dates: August 3–7

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

A weeklong entrepreneurial accelerator where students transform ideas into real ventures. Scholars learn business planning, branding, marketing, financial basics, and pitching. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship, students design a business concept, build a brand identity, and present their launch plan. This institute empowers young leaders to think creatively and step confidently into entrepreneurship.

Academic Bootcamp

Grades: 5th–11th

Dates: August 10–14

Time: 6:30 PM–9:00 PM

A high-impact evening program designed to prepare students for a strong academic year. Scholars strengthen core skills in reading, writing, math, organization, study strategies, and time management. The bootcamp also includes goal-setting and academic confidence-building to help students enter the school year focused, prepared, and motivated.