Summer Academic Institute

Each June, the UCCS campus is bustling with Pre-Collegiate high school students participating in the Summer Academic Institute (SAI) at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. During the SAI, Pre-Collegiate students participate in dual enrollment courses, math preparation workshops, skill development workshops, and community engagement, all while getting the opportunity to connect with other students from around the Pikes Peak and Pueblo region. Many of the learning opportunities during the SAI are arranged around student pathways, including dual enrollment courses, workshops, and field trips.

Pre-Collegiate students work closely with Academic and Transition Coaches throughout their time in the Program, and this peer support is an especially key component to student success during the SAI. The Coaches are undergraduate and graduate students who support Pre-Collegiate high school students with their classroom assignments, professional development, and developing essential skills for college readiness.

Open House

SAI 2022 will take place in person at UCCS from June 6, - July 1, 2022. More Information Coming

SAI Orientation will take place in April 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Summer Academic Institute (SAI)?

The Summer Academic Institute is open to Pre-Collegiate high school students who have completed 9th grade (rising 10th grade students), 10th grade (rising 11th grade students), and 11th grade (rising 12th grade students)

When is the SAI offered?

The SAI is held every June.

Where is the SAI held?

The SAI is held on the UCCS Campus.

What is the Summer Academic Institute (SAI)?

Each June, the UCCS campus is bustling with Pre-Collegiate high school students participating in the Summer Academic Institute (SAI) at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. During the SAI, Pre-Collegiate students participate in dual enrollment courses, math preparation workshops, skill development workshops, and community engagement, all while getting the opportunity to connect with other students from around the Pikes Peak and Pueblo region. Many of the learning opportunities during the SAI are arranged around student pathways, including dual enrollment courses, workshops, and field trips.

How long is the time commitment for students each summer?

Generally, students are on campus Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. Though there may be some changes from year to year, rising seniors have a 4-week program in June, rising juniors have a 3-week program in June, and rising sophomores have a 2-week program in June. Due to grant funding requirements, rising sophomores in the Engineering & Technology Pathway (only) have a 4-week program each June.

What does a typical day in the SAI look like?

On a typical day during the SAI, students arrive to campus around 8:00 am and eat a quick grab-and-go breakfast. Students take their pathway-aligned dual enrollment course from 8:30 am until 11:00 am. Midday is spent eating lunch at Roaring Fork Dining Hall and meeting with peer supports (Transition or Academic Coaches) or participating in a skills-based workshop. Afternoons in the SAI are dedicated to building important math skills. Students leave campus around 3:30 pm and return home.

Am I required to participate in the SAI each year?

In order for students to take away as much as possible from the program, participation is key! Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the SAI each year, and it is required for rising seniors. If a student is unable to attend a Summer Academic Institute, they may request an exception for that summer.

What is the cost to students to participate?

The cost for students varies by grade level and school district. Pre-Collegiate offers its summer programming at a steep discount to students. Pre-Collegiate will share detailed information about costs with students and families in the late Fall/early Winter prior to each SAI. Scholarships are available by application for families and students in need, further information is available by contacting us at PCDP@UCCS.EDU.

Is the SAI a residential program? Do students stay in residence halls (dorms)?

No, the SAI is not a residential program.

Is transportation provided to UCCS?

Students are generally responsible for providing their own transportation to UCCS for the SAI. Carpooling is encouraged. Some districts, including Districts 8, 20, 22, and 49 do offer bus transportation to UCCS for Pre-Collegiate students during the SAI, but students should confirm with Pre-Collegiate and their school district about transportation arrangements each spring semester.

Can I park anywhere on campus during the SAI?

Parking on the UCCS central campus requires a paid permit. Free parking is available in the lots north of Nevada Avenue and Austin Bluffs Parkway, but these lots require students to take a shuttle to get to central campus. Students parking in these lots should allow at least 45 minutes to get from the lot to their classroom; tardiness due to parking will not be excused. Students should pay attention to details about parking shared at SAI Orientation and Registration each year to avoid a citation. Detailed information about parking can be found at the UCCS Parking website.

Are meals provided?

A light breakfast is offered daily. Students eat lunch at the Roaring Fork Dining Hall. Meals are included in the cost of the SAI.

How many college credits can I earn?

The number of college credits students can earn depend on the courses offered, and the courses that students place into. Generally speaking:

rising 10th grade students can earn 1 college credit.
rising 11th grade students can earn 3 college credits.
rising 12th grade students can earn between 3 and 6 college credits.

What courses are offered during SAI?

Courses may vary from year to year based on enrollment, faculty availability, and departmental considerations. Some courses Pre-Collegiate has offered in previous years include:

BIOL 1010: Introduction to Human Biology (3 credits)
MATH 1040: College Algebra (3 credits, placement required)
MAE 1502: Principles of Engineering (3 credits)

INOV 1010: Introduction to Innovation (3 credits)
PHIL 1020: Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)

Details about courses offered will be shared each spring at SAI Orientation. Courses are subject to change depending on availability.

Do I have to purchase my textbooks?

No. The cost of textbooks is covered by either the student’s school district or the Pre-Collegiate Program.

How do I see my grades at the end of the summer?

Students can check their final course grades through their UCCS Student Portal.

If I receive academic accommodations in my high school classes, will I receive those same accommodations in my college classes?

Academic accommodations may look a little different for students in college courses than they do for students at their high school. Students may request accommodations through UCCS Disability Services and by completing the steps outlined here. Please reach out to the Pre-Collegiate office or Disability Services with any questions about this process, and we would be happy to help!