A launchpad to a successful first year and the rest of your UAkron Experience!
The University of Akron's College of Business (CoB) is accepting applications for 20 select spots in its Summer Leadership Academy. Participants will develop leadership skills, get a head start on their first year of college, and connect with faculty and CoB professional development staff and other students during the one-week program. All students will receive up to $2,500 in scholarships for the Fall and Spring semesters!
The one-week program will allow incoming first-year CoB students to immerse themselves in the University of Akron Experience through living on campus, opportunities to engage and learn what college-level classes are really like, and professional development activities. While the classroom component of college is important, this program will take place outside of the classroom, including coaching and mentoring with successful business leaders located within walking distance of campus.
Continuing into the fall and spring semesters, students will engage in required study tables to boost their academic success, have opportunities to connect with local professionals during company visits in both formal and informal settings and be invited to SLA-specific workshops throughout the entire time at UA. These experiences lead to you being better networked and could even lead to an internship/job!
The Summer Leadership Academy is aimed at first-generation college students from Northeast Ohio high schools. Leadership experience is not a requirement. There is no cost to participate in the program. Scholarships, housing, and daily lunches/snacks will be supplied, and every student will have the option to obtain a free laptop. By enrolling in the Summer Leadership Academy, students and families will have a direct savings of $2,500.00 off tuition and fees during their first year at UA!
Important Links:
August 11 – 15, 2025
All activities will take place Monday–Friday
Who should apply:
- First generation college students
- Students who want to become leaders and experience a professional development program
- Students without prior high school leadership experience
Requirements:
- Summer Leadership Academy Application
- 2025-2026 FAFSA application – visit studentaid.gov to submit.
- Admission to UA for Fall 2025 semester and enrolled in classes prior to program start.
Student Stories:
I never thought college was for me, but I don't think that anymore and the Fall semester hasn't even started.
This program was intense, but it's obvious Fall will be intense in a different way, so this was a great setup for the Fall.
The way the program was setup, I mean the schedule, was perfect.
This experience is everything I was hoping for deciding on college.