Summer Promise Students

Summer Promise Program

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The Davidson College Summer Promise Program is annual free, week-long college readiness program for rising ninth graders.  

Upcoming Program Dates: June 21—June 27, 2026

Through this residential program, selected students experience a snapshot of the holistic college experience to strengthen their confidence and enthusiasm for persisting in high school and pursuing higher education.  

Students experience courses co-taught by Davidson faculty and teachers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools. 

Outside of class hours, the students engage with the many co-curricular experiences and facilities at Davidson College.

Apply Now!

The priority deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on March 15. All applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 12. Admission decisions will be shared by late April.

Summer Promise students in Classroom with teachers
Summer Promise student orientation in the union
Summer Promise in the DACE Studio

Program Highlights

  • The program is designed to increase college readiness and empower students to unlock their promise and potential to attend college, and pursue their dreams.
  • Rising 9th-12th grade students will spend seven days in June on the beautiful Davidson College campus, experiencing a taste of residential college life. The program only recruits and accepts rising 9th graders to start the program. Each cohort is invited to return to the program every year thereafter.
  • Family representatives will receive valuable information on the college admissions process, financial aid requirements, and scholarship opportunities. 

Key Dates

Returning Summer Promise Scholars
  • January 16: Returner Application Deadline – if this date has passed, and you are still interested in returning to the program, please reach out to summerpromise@davidson.edu at your earliest convenience.
  • April 6: Information Update about Summer Promise Week
  • May 20: Course Preferences Due
New/Prospective Summer Promise Scholars
  • March 15: Application Priority Deadline
  • April 12: Application Final Deadline – apply by 11:59 p.m.
  • May 1: Admission Decisions Shared
  • May 20: Course Preferences Due

Application dates vary between returning scholars and new scholars, but all other key dates remain the same:

  • June 21: Move into residence hall by 2:30 p.m.
  • June 27: Nurturing the Promise Session focused on preparing parents for supporting their scholar's journey to higher education from 9-11:30 a.m.
  • June 27: Check out of residence hall by 2:30 p.m.