Young Scholars
A tuition-free, summer program for rural and small-town students
Young Scholars 2023 will run from July 9 - July 28
Now in its eleventh year, WRA's Young Scholars Program is a fully funded, interdisciplinary, intensive three-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.
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 First Nations: When Worlds Collide." Using literature, media resources and field trips to various related local and regional points of interest, students gained a far greater appreciation of the history of the Indigenous people of North America over the course of the past five hundred years, with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. This year our theme will be "The Vietnam War: Humbling of a Superpower." 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 three 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.
Application Process
The WRA Young Scholars Program is, by its nature, highly selective. A preliminary student application is completed and counselor or teacher recommendation forms are submitted. Applications, including an official school transcript, should be completed as soon as possible.
Questions? Contact Diccon Ong, Young Scholars Program Director, at 330-342-9623 or ongd@wra.net.
Download a brochure about the Young Scholars Program at Western Reserve Academy.