Many colleges and universities sponsor TRIO Talent Search programs, which identify middle and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the ability to succeed in college. Through the TRIO Talent Search program, students participate in mentoring and financial counseling throughout middle school and high school. Students also attend workshops and seminars at local colleges and universities throughout the school year and have the opportunity to tour potential schools. A low-income student interested in TRIO should consult his or her school's guidance office to see if a program if offered in the area. The U.S. Department of Education also publishes a list of TRIO programs.
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Colleges and universities, state governments and school districts are able to apply for grants to implement their own GEAR UP program. This program offers funding for six years to follow a cohort of students from middle school through high school. In conjunction with GEAR UP, students participate in college readiness activities and college visits. GEAR UP grants focus on low-income students in high poverty areas who would normally not attend college.
Middle school students are able to participate in a variety of summer programs sponsored by the University of Michigan. In the Middle is a weeklong residential camp where students learn about college life and take art courses. Girls in Science and Engineering allows girls to spend a week on the University of Michigan campus while they participate in college-level science activities. Through the Summer Enrichment Program, students complete an in-depth study to find real world connections to the material learned in middle school science and math classes. Scholarships are available through the Watson A. Young Scholarship Program to make the programs more affordable.
Summer Discovery offers precollege and middle school enrichment programs at college campuses. Through the Jr. Discovery program, middle school students spend three weeks at either UCLA, Northeastern University or Georgetown University engaged in academic workshops and experiencing college life, including living in a college dorm. Most workshops follow the Skills for Body and Mind Curriculum. Tuition includes all expenses except for airfare to the university.