Summer success: Learn about Access ASU’s 2025 summer camps and programs
Arizona's summers are notoriously hot. With temperatures soaring well above 110°F, most children spend their time indoors, soaking in the air conditioning or swimming laps in the pool. Thanks to the unique summer youth programs offered by Access ASU, K-12 students can instead immerse themselves in the college experience with hands-on camps at Arizona State University.
In each specially designed summer course, students get the unique opportunity to engage with a college campus before graduating from high school. While there are myriad camps to choose from, many focus on supporting underrepresented students as they foster their passion for higher education.
CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
One of these distinguished programs is the César E. Chávez Leadership Institute Summer Program (CCLI), available to high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring higher education.
Geared toward the Hispanic and Latinx communities, this camp focuses on servant leadership, financial literacy, mental mindfulness, community engagement and career exploration.
This week-long, high-energy career and college readiness program allows selected students to participate in workshops and activities within a collaborative peer environment on campus at ASU. More than 1,300 students have benefited from the program since 1995.
Nicole Herrera, the director of community engagement at Access ASU, commented on the importance of such offerings.
“We want all students to have the opportunity to get the ASU experience, build community, explore various careers and majors, and share and cultivate their leadership skills,” Herrera said.
The César E. Chávez Leadership Institute Summer Program’s curriculum is broken into three main categories: college preparation, leadership development and community engagement.
Over the course of the week-long program, students will meet with advisors and staff who can provide guidance on college applications, tuition costs, scholarship applications and more. This can help adequately prepare students for what is to come as they explore higher education opportunities.
Students are also encouraged to find their footing as young leaders before beginning their college journey. Community leaders and staff members guide students in leadership activities, including team-building exercises and public speaking sessions.
To help students appreciate the importance of community, they also engage in a collective service project. Last year, participating juniors and seniors volunteered with Feed My Starving Children.
RISE SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Interested students should also consider the RISE Summer Leadership Institute. Similar to the César E. Chávez Leadership Institute Summer Program, this program is specifically designed for high school students entering their junior or senior year. While all students are welcome to apply, the program centers on the experiences of Black and African American students.
According to Herrera, students in this camp learn about leadership primarily by looking to the past.
“Students will participate in workshops and interactive sessions featuring professionals and educators whose work reflects the history, achievements, and contributions of Black and African American leaders,” Herrera said. “RISE encourages all students to embrace their strengths and take meaningful steps in their leadership and academic journey.”
Throughout the residential program, students learn about choosing a major, community networking, financial wellness, leadership development, personal growth and self-care. Selected participants also work on a week-long servant leadership project, reinforcing the connections between philanthropy and leadership.
BARRETT SUMMER SCHOLARS
Another renowned Access ASU program available this June is Barrett Summer Scholars (BSS). This program is selective and designed for academically motivated Arizona students entering grades 9-12 in fall 2025.
Amy Ball, the director of outreach experiences for Access ASU, discussed the unique nature of the Barrett Summer Scholars programming.
“Participants live in the residence halls, take engaging classes, eat in the dining halls and build connections with new friends,” Ball said. “Through academically rigorous coursework and college-level discussions, Barrett Summer Scholars inspires students by fostering critical thinking, leadership and a deeper understanding of their academic and career interests.”
To help ease the transition between high school and higher education, students navigate ASU’s campus and learn from faculty members in a classroom setting.
Additionally, selected students are able to learn more about different major tracks. This unique offering allows them to explore paths of study before officially applying at ASU.
“Students take interdisciplinary classes, participate in hands-on projects, and develop problem-solving skills through the TRACK experience, which focuses on different fields of study,” Ball said.
According to Ball, this camp closely reflects the mission behind the ASU Charter.
“ASU is committed to serving students from all backgrounds and measuring success by whom it includes and how they succeed,” Ball said. “Barrett Summer Scholars reflects this mission by ensuring students, regardless of their background, can see themselves thriving in college.”
To explore all of the available summer camps offered by Access ASU, click this link.