Where will residential students be living?

Students will be housed in traditional-style dormitories on Duke's East Campus in Trinity House. Trinity has mostly double rooms. There are shared bathrooms are located at each end of the hall and bathrooms are separated by gender. The first floor of the dormitory features a large common room and a shared kitchen, while each floor also has smaller lounges for relaxation and socializing. East campus and Trintiy provide an authentic first-year experience at Duke.

Do the dorms have internet?

Yes, the dorms have free internet.

Do rooms have air-conditioning?

Yes. All rooms are air-conditioned, featuring either window or floor units that students can control.

Who will students be sharing a room with?

Students are carefully matched with one roommate based on gender and grade level. If students would like to request a specific roommate, they must complete the Roommate Request Form. Please note that both parties must sign the form for it to be accepted.

Can students do laundry in the dorms?

Yes, there are laundry facilities available for students. In 2024, the cost of laundry included $2.25 to wash and $2.00 to dry. The machines only accept quarters, so students should bring quarters and their own laundry detergent and dryer sheets, as these are not provided. Summer Springboard can assist with change if needed.

Can students receive mail on campus?

No, students cannot receive mail on campus and there is no Amazon locker within the student boundaries.

Do residential students need to bring their own bedding?

No, students don’t need to bring bedding or towels, as linens are provided. The linen pack includes one pillow, one pillowcase, one blanket, one flat sheet, one towel, and one hand towel. Students may choose to pack their own bedding if they have specific preferences or favorite items from home that would make them more comfortable. Days can be hot, while nights tend to get chilly with the AC, so students should pack accordingly.

Where will students be eating? 

Students enjoy their meals at the dining halls on both the west and east campuses, which feature different styles of dining. Duke offers a variety of cuisines and local vendors. The dining halls are highly regarded for their culinary options and accommodations for allergies.

Who are the staff members?

Each one of our programs is run by an experienced Campus Director, Assistant Campus Director along with Mentors and Teaching Assistants. All our Campus Directors are adult professionals with extensive experience working with teens, and they all hold a B.A. or M.A. degree. Campus Directors are selected for their expertise in the field of personal development and undergo background checks and rigorous training before the summer. The Campus Director oversees the team of Mentors and also facilitates the delivery of the Springboard Leadership Framework.

Our Mentors and TA's are the heart and soul of our program; they bring energy and inspiration to every student experience.  They are selected for their experience working with youth, understanding of leadership theory, and dynamic personalities. All Mentors undergo background checks and training on the unique needs of teenagers.

What kind of supervision is provided?

In general, students are directly supervised by Summer Springboard Program staff while they are in a class, lectures, field trips, or excursions by qualified Summer Springboard Campus Directors, Assistant Directors, Mentors, and TA's. Outside of these times, students independently manage themselves and enjoy the freedom to go anywhere within the pre-defined boundaries around the campus of the university. During such times it is especially important that the student respect the Summer Springboard Code of Conduct, safety rules and guidelines and exercise caution and good judgment in order to provide for his or her safety and well-being. During some excursions, students and staff may travel via public transportation. In these cases, Summer Springboard has no control over the operation of the local public transit system.

Are the dorms safe?

Yes. All dormitories have 24-hour security and use electronic swipe access to enter the dorm building. Campus security is always on patrol, and mentors live on the halls for support. Duke University enforces a strict minor protection program, and all participants have undergone background checks.

What kind of excursions will we go on?

Students will have the chance to experience both interesting tourist attractions and academic-related locations. Each academic course includes its own excursions, and weekend excursions are included for residential students. Commuter students can add weekend excursions for an additional fee.

Saturday: North Carolina's largest farmers market, Museum of Natural Sciences, and bowling

Sunday: Frankie’s Amusement Park 

Will I have access to recreational and exercise facilities?

There is no gym access for students.

Do students need to bring extra money?

You may want to think about bringing some extra cash with you to Summer Springboard. While your tuition covers the cost of meals and excursions, it will not cover any souvenirs you may want to pick up for family and friends or extra snacks. We suggest an extra $100 per week.

Are students allowed to check-out early?

Residential Students: Residential students are not allowed to check out unless they have prior authorization through the Early Check-Out Form, which will be available at a later date. The authorized individual listed on the form must be present with proof of identification when the student checks out.

Commuter Students: Under extenuating circumstances, commuter students may check out early after class. However, we strongly recommend that students stay for the duration of the day. Staff will not allow commuter students to check out on their own unless they have received authorization through the parent/student dashboard.

Circumstances may include extracurricular activities, sports practices or tryouts, academic-related activities, family matters, or prior commitments

Is parking an option if my child plans to drive to campus?

Residential Students: Residential students are not permitted to have a car on campus.

Commuter Students: It is strongly encouraged that students do not drive to campus, as parking is strictly enforced and permits are not available to students. Paid parking is limited, so students are encouraged to arrange alternative modes of transportation to and from campus, especially to ensure they arrive to class on time.

Summer Springboard is not responsible for arranging parking or providing advice on campus parking if your child decides to drive to the program.

Summer Springboard is not responsible for any tickets your child may receive while on campus or while driving to and from campus.