2026 summer fellowship
Join us June 20th through July 3rd in celebration of America's 250th.
The UATX Summer Fellowship is a two-week residential academic program defined by academic merit and rigor. We prioritize the seminar experience, strictly capping every class at 15 students.
We offer two tracks, one for advanced high school students, and the other for college-aged students (gap year students, current college students, and those on a break from college). In the spirit of America’s 250th, we stand for truth over relativism, merit over mediocrity, religious freedom over nihilism, creation over criticism, and America over apologism.
Two Tracks
Programs for high school and college students
EARLY COLLEGE TRACK
This track is geared towards rising juniors and seniors in high school students interested in experiencing life at UATX. The Early College Track includes a rigorous college-level course, daily discussion sections led by current UATX students, and evening activities.
UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER TRACK
The Campus Immersion Track is offered for college students who are curious about UATX and want to immerse themselves in a rigorous academic program. Fellows on the undergraduate transfer track will have additional free time to explore Austin and pursue internships.
Courses
Potential offerings
American Political Thought
Explore and debate the founding principles of America by engaging directly with the primary texts of Jefferson, Tocqueville, and the Federalists.
Democracy in Crisis:
Lincoln's Democratic Statesmanship
Learn to think politically by seeing the problem of slavery through the eyes of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and their adversaries.
The Age of Sensibility
Explore the intellectual life and culture of 18th-century England as it shifted from rationalism to the Romantic era.
The Different Worlds of Early New England and Virginia:
The Civil Wars of 1676:
Investigate the clashing religious, economic, and social structures of North and South 100 years prior to the Declaration.
Build an LLM from Scratch
Master the theoretical fundamentals of AI by building and training your own functional large language model.
GOOD TO KNOW
Quick Reference
- Dates: June 20 – July 3, 2026
- Location: UATX Campus, Austin, TX
- Housing: Private bedroom/bathroom suites (4 or 10-person) in West Campus dorms
- Cost: $2,500 (Covers housing, meals, and activities; tuition is free)
- Credits: Up to 3 transferable credits upon enrollment at UATX
- Scholarships: Limited merit aid available via essay contest
- Deadlines: Apply by May 1; Enroll by May 15, 2026
Quick Links
Additional Information
Eligibility
Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising high school juniors/seniors (16+), gap year students, current university students, or those taking a break from college.
Admissions
Students must complete a formal application much like the UATX Merit-First 5-minute undergraduate application. Students must submit a test score (SAT, ACT, CLT, PSAT, and/or CLT10) to be considered for this program, and will be admitted on a rolling basis until seats are filled. There is no minimum score.
Scholarship essay contest
In honor of the American Semiquincentennial, UATX and the Free Society Coalition invite Summer Fellowship applicants to participate in our Student Essay Competition. Explore the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence for a chance to earn a $2,500 scholarship toward your fellowship.
Apply to the
Summer Fellowship
This isn’t a boring summer camp—it is a rigorous academic residency for advanced high school and prospective students from other universities.
Daily Schedule (Monday - Friday)
Events will include study hall and structured excursions.
- Monday: Guest Lecture (e.g., “The Future of Energy”).
- Wednesday: The UATX Debate Society (Students vs. Fellows).
- Friday: Film Screening & Critique.
*Schedule subject to change
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 08:00 AM | Breakfast & Study Hall: Morning prep in the common area. |
| 10:30 AM | Morning Seminar: Primary faculty-led core course. |
| 11:45 AM | Mid-Day Break: Lunch and transition time. |
| 12:15 PM | Discussion Section: Small group debate and text analysis. |
| 01:15 PM | Open Campus Block: Choice of free time, research, or elective seminars. |
| 05:00 PM | Community Meal: Catered daily feast for students and faculty. |
| 06:30 PM | Social Free Time: Personal time to relax or organize study groups. |
| 07:30 PM | Evening Colloquium: Guest lectures, debates, or film screenings. |
| 08:30 PM | Quiet Hours: Students return to residential floors to wind down. |
| 10:30 PM | Lights Out |