Inquiry for Justice
At Portland State University
Applications for 2024 now available
Inquiry for Justice will take place July 28-August 9, 2024 at Portland State University. Deadline has been extended to May 31, 2024!
Are you taking Senior Inquiry next year, or do you want to try a college class?
Do you love thinking about big ideas?
Are you intrigued by the concept of justice?
Want to make a difference in your community?
Are you motivated to go to college, develop your leadership,
and gain confidence with your writing and discussion skills?
Inquiry for Justice is a two-week residential seminar for students from local Portland-area high schools. You will live on the Portland State campus (free room and board!) attend special classes and field trips. During your senior year, you will have a mentor from PSU who will help you with college applications, and meetings through the year with your friends from the program.
This program is for students who have forecasted for Senior Inquiry (at McDaniel or Roosevelt) or other dual credit classes for the 24-45 school year; It is designed for first generation college-bound students who come from groups historically excluded from higher education. Selection considers attributes of interest, curiosity and enthusiasm, rather than relying on GPA as the only indicator of success. Apply with a friend!
Program Details
You will live in the dorms at PSU for two weeks with trained adult mentors. You can expect to read a lot, work on your writing, and share your brilliance. You will make friends, go on fun field trips and have many chances for hands-on learning. During the 24-45 school year, you will stay connected through a mentor and your professors. They will help you with the college admissions process, seeking scholarships, gaining strategies to succeed in college, and developing leadership skills within the Senior Inquiry class.
Who should apply?
You are taking Senior Inquiry at McDaniel or Roosevelt in the fall of 2024, or a similar dual credit class at your own school
You are a first generation college-bound student, and/or a student from a historically excluded group.
You are curious and interested in thinking about history, philosophy and justice during the summer.
You can live on the PSU campus for two weeks over the summer (July 28-August 9).
You can meet your peer mentor at least once each month during the school year.
Applications are due by May 31. 2024
What you will get from doing this program
A chance to live in the dorms at PSU for two weeks for free, food provided.
Two transferable college credits.
A laptop to keep.
Experience with a college-level course, including improving your writing skills.
Fun experiences and new friendships with other students, teachers and near-peer mentors.
Opportunities for guidance and support for college applications, including letters of recommendation
Inquiry for Justice was developed in partnership with the Teagle Foundation’s Knowledge for Freedom initiative. This free program is tailored for local high school students who want to attend college and be difference makers in their communities. Here is a link to more information about the Teagle Foundation.
