Eligibility

All UT GEAR UP students are eligible to apply to the UT Austin GEAR UP for College Summer Camp. Spots are limited--only 200 students are accepted to participate in camp. If a student is not accepted right away, they will be placed on a waiting list. 

The following grants/school districts are eligible for this experience in Summer 2027: 

Application Process

In order to be considered for admission to the camp, students must complete and submit an application by the deadline early 2027 (TBD).  Students will be notified about their application status and will receive further communication from the Camp Director via email if selected.

A complete application will include:

• Student Information Form (Coordinators will share this link)

• Student Short Answer Response

In a separate document, please respond to the short answer prompt below. (300-500 words)

"Attending the UT GEAR UP for College Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity for you to see what life is like on a college campus, practice your leadership skills, and be successful in high school. What are you most excited to learn at this camp and how will you use what you learn next school year?"

Special Accommodations:

If a student requires accommodations due to a disability, please contact Solara Maldonado, Camp Director, at summerprograms@ipsi.utexas.edu. 

What does a day at camp look like?

The UT GEAR UP for College Summer Camp is a five-day intensive college readiness and prep program for high school students from GEAR UP cohorts around the state. They will meet and reside with students participating in the same program!

8:00AM -- Wake up call

8:30AM -- Breakfast + Energizer

10:00AM -- Meet Your Team

11:15AM -- Market Madness

12:30PM -- Lunch

2:00PM -- ROTATIONS

• Managing the Digital You

• Twisted Tower

• Mind Mapping

3:30PM -- Community Service Project

4:45PM -- Break

5:30PM -- Dinner 

7:15PM -- Evening Activities 

9:15PM -- Debriefing with Camp Counselors + Dorm Downtime

10:30PM -- Student Curfew