Young Scholars

A tuition-free, summer program for rural and small-town students

WRA's Young Scholars Program is a fully funded, interdisciplinary, intensive two-week residential experience designed to provide academic opportunities beyond those available at most middle schools. The program seeks up to 20 current seventh- and eighth-grade students from smaller communities throughout Ohio who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability and genuine intellectual curiosity across a broad range of academic areas.

Last year’s program was entitled “The Vietnam War: Humbling of a Superpower.” Using literature, media resources, and field trips to various related local and regional points of interest, students gained a far greater appreciation of one of America’s most controversial and consequential conflicts of the Cold War era. This year our theme will be “Guarding the Golden Door: The Triumphs and Tragedies of American Immigration, 1790 to the Present.” Students will explore this theme using the combined academic lenses of math, science, history, literature, music, and cinematic arts. As has been the case for the past several summers, one major goal of the program will be to have students research and write their own original theatrical production incorporating themes learned throughout the two weeks.

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Program and Tuition Information

Through a generous gift, the program is offered free of charge. While admission is competitive, each enrolled student receives a full scholarship worth nearly $3,000 that includes class materials, all trips and activities, and room and board.

Last year's program was entitled "The Vietnam War: Humbling of a Superpower." Students explored this theme using the combined academic lenses of math, science, history, literature, music, and cinematic arts. As has been the case for the past several summers, one major goal of the program will be to have students research and write their own original theatrical production incorporating themes learned throughout the two weeks.

Over the past few years, Young Scholars have enjoyed trips to theater performances, lakes and parks, museums, landmarks, baseball games and more. The WRA campus and its facilities allow for indoor/outdoor athletic activities, including swimming and the use of classroom technology. Additionally, a notebook computer is issued to each student for use during the program.