First and Second Summer 2026

A Summer College Program

Courses will be determined by department

A Research Immersive STEM Experience at the University of Mississippi

ARISE@UM is our premier STEM research experience, connecting high school students and community college students with mentors and labs across various disciplines at the University of Mississippi. ARISE@UM brings students with a wide variety of experiences together with a similarly diverse group of faculty and graduate student mentors, forming a community of inquiry. Students selected for this program can expect to gain experience in the step-by-step work of scientific research in labs or in the field as well as benefit from workshops, lectures, and informal gatherings focused on larger questions of the what, how, and why of research in the natural sciences.

ARISE students may receive full or partial funding, though eligibility varies. While many labs prioritize Mississippi applicants, students nationwide and globally are encouraged to apply.

Dates
May 25-June 23, 2026
and June 25-July 25, 2026

Courses determined by department
Non-credit option available
6 hours of college credit

Apply By
April 1, 2026

ARISE-affiliated programs and labs:

Community college students and recent high school graduates: you will apply through a separate process. Please see the ARISE@UM page for further details on how to apply.

High school students: please follow the instructions below.

What to expect: In your application, you’ll be asked to share your research interests—whether broad or specific. We encourage you to explore our labs to help guide your responses.

Program Overview

Summer College for High School Students is a four-week comprehensive program designed for high-achieving students eager to experience university life.

Participants can earn college credits and gain dual credit (both high school and college) for courses taken during the summer, all while becoming familiar with the collegiate environment.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

What You'll Do

  • Hands-on research
  • Benefit from mentoring relationships
  • Attend workshops and lectures on cutting-edge science and science careers

What You'll Learn

  • Formulate and investigate scientific questions using appropriate methods and procedures, acquiring needed skills and content knowledge.
  • Discover education and career pathways in STEM fields.
Apply

From the Program

Program Details

ARISE@UM is designed for intellectually curious students entering junior or senior year of high school OR recent high school graduates enrolled at community colleges. Students who enjoy asking (and learning) “why?”, who love tinkering, who want to take time getting a process or a product just right, will find this program exciting.

Application Process

Students must provide the following materials when completing the application:

  • Statement of interest: a 250–500-word statement explaining:
    • Why the applicant is interested in participating in ARISE@UM
    • What the applicant hopes to gain from participating in the program
    • The discipline(s) or types of research topics the applicant would be interested in pursuing in the program (names of any particular research mentors can also be mentioned) and the reasons for the choices
    • Future aspirations (college and/or career dreams)
  • Two teacher recommendations
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae

Before the Program

Students will start receiving detailed information upon acceptance to the program. Students must attend two online orientation sessions and will receive detailed information about move-in via email prior to the move-in date.

During The Program

Students in Summer College take two college-level courses taught by University of Mississippi faculty, earning 6–7 transferable credit hours and building a college GPA if participating in the credit option. Courses follow university grading policies and appear on a permanent transcript. Outside the classroom, students participate in a residential co-curriculum that fosters independence, social skills, and community engagement through activities and service opportunities.

Highlights:

  • Experience college academics and earn transferable credits
  • Develop life skills while living independently and making lasting friendships

End of the Program

Students are required to move out at designated times based on their final exam schedule. More details will be given during one of the online orientation sessions.

Cost of Program

$1,500

* Nearly all students qualify for some form of merit-based financial aid. Financial aid is dependent on students submitting materials (eg., ACT/SAT scores)

** Non-U.S. citizens may be required to pay taxes on scholarships received for the program.

What’s Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meal plan
  • Programming

What’s Not Included

  • Shuttle/van transportation to and from Memphis International Airport (unless requested)
  • Airfare to and from The University of Mississippi
  • Weekend meals
  • Personal spending money