Frequently Asked Questions

Where will residential students be living?

Housing for Summer 2026 has not yet been confirmed. In 2024 and 2025, students were housed in Simmons Hall, which offers double-style rooms with gendered bathrooms on each floor. Each student is assigned one roommate. The residence halls include lounges, kitchenettes, and common areas. While rooms are not air-conditioned, fans are provided for all students.

Who will students be sharing a room with?

Students on the campus of MIT will mostly live in doubles with some triple accommodations. All roommates will be of the same gender and share common bathrooms on the floor, typically 4-5 students per bathroom. 

Do the dorms have internet?

Yes, the dorms have free internet.

Do the dorms have air-conditioning?

No, MIT residence halls do not have air conditioning. However, each student will be provided with a fan. While Cambridge summers can be warm, the provided fans and building ventilation typically make rooms comfortable.

Can students do laundry in the dorms?

Yes, students will have access to laundry facilities on campus. In 2024 and 2025, students residing in Simmons Hall had access to laundry machines on each floor with both washing and drying done through an app. Housing for 2026 has not yet been confirmed, but similar laundry facilities are expected to be available. Wash and dry costs about $2.00 per cycle. Laundry detergent and dryer sheets are not provided, so students should plan to bring these items if they intend to do laundry on campus.

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, a towel, and a 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.

Where will students be eating?

Residential students will eat breakfast and dinner at an assigned dining hall on campus. MIT dining halls accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and food allergies, including nut, dairy, and gluten allergies, as well as vegan and vegetarian diets. Menu items are clearly labeled with allergy and dietary information. Students with specific dietary concerns are encouraged to speak directly with SSB staff or dining hall personnel.

Both residential and commuter students will receive lunch funds pre-loaded onto a meal card, which can be used at any restaurant or eatery in the area.

Students may also order food through services such as DoorDash or Uber Eats at their own expense. Deliveries are permitted only during free time or designated meal periods and must arrive before nightly room checks.

Can students receive mail? 

No, mail is not accepted on campus.

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: Faneuil Hall, Downtown Boston, Boston Commons and Public Gardens, Duck Tour

Sunday: Six Flags New England 

Will students have access to fitness equipment or a gym?

No, students will not have access to campus exercise facilities.

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

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

Commuter students are strongly discouraged from driving to campus, as parking is strictly enforced and permits are not available to students. Because paid parking is limited, students are advised to arrange alternative transportation to and from campus to ensure timely arrival to class.

• Summer Springboard is not responsible for arranging parking or providing assistance with 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

Do students need to bring extra money?

Everything is included in the Summer Springboard tuition; however, students are encouraged to bring their own spending money. As more places are cash-free, we recommend that students bring their own debit/credit cards.  Students enjoy exploring new restaurants and dessert shops during their free time or buying souvenirs. We suggest an extra $100 per week.

Are students allowed to check-out early?

Residential Students: may not check out without prior authorization through the Early Check-Out Form, which will be made available at a later date. The authorized individual listed on the form must be present with valid identification, and all students must check out with staff before leaving campus.

Commuter Students: Can only check out on their own if they have been given authorization to do so via the Parent & Student Dashboard. Under extenuating circumstances, commuter students may check out early after class. However, we strongly recommend that students stay for the duration of the day. 

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

Who are the staff members?

Each of our programs is led by an experienced Campus Director and supported by a dedicated team of staff members. All Campus Directors have extensive experience working with teens and hold a B.A. or M.A. degree. They are selected for their expertise in personal development and undergo thorough background checks and rigorous training prior to the program. The Campus Director oversees the team and ensures the successful delivery of the Summer Springboard program.

Our Mentors are the heart of the program, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration to every student experience. They are chosen for their experience working with youth, understanding of leadership theory, and dynamic personalities. All Mentors undergo background checks and receive specialized training to meet the unique needs of teenagers.

What kind of supervision is provided?

At Summer Springboard, students receive direct supervision from our qualified team of staff members. Staff are present during classes, lectures, field trips, and excursions, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. Outside of these activities, students are encouraged to exercise good judgment and adhere to the Summer Springboard Code of Conduct while exploring designated areas on campus. This balance fosters both guidance and personal responsibility, promoting a positive and enriching experience. During certain excursions, students and staff may travel via public transportation. In these cases, Summer Springboard has no control over the operation of the local transit system.

Will students be safe?

At Summer Springboard, our number one priority is creating a safe and secure environment for our students.  Our staff undergo thorough background checks and comprehensive training to ensure a secure learning environment. We implement a 5-Point Safety System, ensuring swift and effective resolution of any issues while maintaining close communication among students, parents, staff, and campus partners.

During free time, students are required to stay within designated campus boundaries and they must travel in groups of three or more. Campus dormitories are patrolled by campus security, with our staff available 24/7 to address any emergencies. Students are required to wear program-specific lanyards for easy identification.