Barrett Summer Scholars (BSS) gives motivated high school students the opportunity to experience college life while strengthening academic and leadership skills. Participants explore challenging topics, build college-ready habits, and learn what it’s like to study on a university campus. Designed for students across multiple grade levels, BSS helps participants feel more prepared, confident, and excited about their transition to higher education.
We want them to know that there is a place for them here at ASU. They are welcome here, they belong here, and Outreach Experiences with Access ASU and the Barrett Summer Scholars team are ready to help them and their families as they go through the college readiness pipeline, and welcome them as Sun Devils in four years.
Amy Ball Director of Outreach Experiences at Access ASU
Applicants entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall 2024 and eligible to apply. Academically motivated and/or high-achieving students are encouraged to apply. While no minimum GPA is required for eligibility, eligible students should demonstrate a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
| Grade | Program Dates | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 9th Grade | June 2–June 6, 2024 | ASU Polytechnic |
| 10th Grade | June 9–June 13, 2024 | ASU Downtown |
| 11th Grade | July 7–July 11, 2024 | ASU West Valley |
| 12th Grade | June 23–June 27, 2024 | ASU Tempe |
Program fees are $1,000 per participant and cover housing, dining, and program materials. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due after notification of acceptance into the program.
Scholarships are available to applicants who demonstrate financial need or recent financial hardships. Interested applicants must complete the Scholarship Application section included with the program application. Scholarships awarded will not cover the $50 non-refundable deposit.
BSS program participation is based on the rising grade level for the 2026-2027 school year. Current 8th-graders will participate in the 9th grade program, current 9th-graders will participate in the 10th grade program, current 10th-graders will participate in the 11th-grade program, and current 11th-graders will participate in the 12th-grade program.
Participants will be asked to rank all of the offered electives based on interest in the subject matter. We will do our best to place participants in one of their top three choices. BSS cannot guarantee that all participants will be placed in the elective of their choosing, but will strive to ensure that all students benefit from their assigned elective.
Participants are required to participate for the entire duration in order to gain the full experience of the program. Students who are not available for any portion of the program should consider applying next year.
Staff will be with the participants at all times during the program.
When acceptance notifications go out, participants and parents will receive information regarding Program Orientation. Orientation is not mandatory, but is highly recommended as it will allow participants and parents to learn additional details about the program.
Participants will be notified of their admission status, program fee and scholarship award (if applicable) by early- April. Participants will be notified to pay their program fee balance by late-April.
Yes! All BSS grade level sessions are designed to deliver a unique experience. Participants are encouraged to re-apply as many years as they are eligible.
Scholarships are available. If a student wishes to be considered for a scholarship, they should complete the following steps in the Barrett Summer Scholars application.
1. Select "yes" to question "Do you wish to apply for financial assistance if admitted into the program?" in program application.
2. Questions required include information on family annual average earned income, number of dependents in household under the age of 18, and if applicant receives free/reduced lunch.
3. In the event of recent financial hardship, students have the option to provide additional information about their circumstance and need for financial assistance.
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