Program Overview
The UT LEAD Summer Institute (UTLSI) has been instrumental in UT’s efforts to promote social equality for 13 years by enrolling a more racially and socioeconomically diverse student body. Managed by the Office of Academic Inclusive Initiatives, the program provides an enhanced educational opportunity for a multicultural cohort of students who attend Flagship schools in the state of Tennessee. The UTLSI experience begins with a five-week academic summer program prior to the students’ first year at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville designed to aid their transition to higher education. During the summer, they take classes for credit, attend enrichment workshops, and begin creating relationships with one another, professors, and administrators that will help support them through college. With an 81% first-year retention rate, UTLSI provides a diverse encouraging and supportive network with proven results.
Program Goal
The UT LEAD Summer Institute aims to contribute to the successful retention and graduation of undergraduate students who have attended Flagship schools in Tennessee, are often first-generation college students, and represent diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Program Components
- Common Courses: All UTLSI participants will take two to three credit-bearing classes during the program. The courses, taught by UT faculty, provide participants with an opportunity to get a head start on their credit hours before beginning their first semester while simultaneously establishing personal connections with the faculty. Courses offered typically include lower level English and Math courses, but may also include general education courses depending upon the scholar’s previous coursework and degree requirements.
- Residential Experience: Scholars live together in a residence hall along with four upperclassmen who serve as UTLSI counselors. The role of the counselors is to provide UTLSI scholars with additional help, guidance, and mentorship throughout the duration of the summer program.
- Peer Mentorship: Scholars will have direct access to upper-class counselors throughout the duration of the summer program. UTLSI Counselors will each be assigned a group of scholars that they will be expected to mentor during the program. Counselors lead scholars in social and cultural activities and keep scholars on task, on time, and energized. Scholars and counselors participate in one-on-one and group meetings, discuss campus culture, and prepare for life as a college student at UT. Counselors help to ensure that students have a successful transition into their fall semester.
- Academic Enhancement: Scholars will have access to a wide range of academic support units throughout the program. Scholars will be required to work with tutors within the Writing Center and will also have daily access to Math faculty and tutors during daily academic focus sessions. UTLSI participants will also be required to meet with an academic coach within the Academic Success Center at least twice during the summer and once per semester for the next two years.
- Enrichment Programs and Group Activities: Each week, all Scholars will be required to attend a variety of Enrichment programs facilitated by UTK staff, faculty, and community members. Enrichment programs are designed to help scholars become more connected to campus partners, develop social and academic skills, and gain more self-awareness. Additionally, UTLSI scholars are exposed to a variety of cultural events and community service experiences.
- Financial Support and Assistance: The program will cover all tuition, fees, and housing, meals, and book expenses during the summer program. Weekend activity expenses will also be covered for each scholar. In addition, scholars receive up to $1,750 for active participation in the program. Scholars will receive a $750 grant dispersed in several installments throughout the summer program. Additionally, at the end of each semester during the student’s freshman and sophomore years, students who meet the program requirements will receive an additional $1000 grant paid in four $250 stipends over the four semesters (fall/spring).
Admissions Process
Only students who attend Flagship schools in Tennessee are eligible to participate in the UT LEAD Summer Institute. Eligible students are identified by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and undergo an extensive interview process before being offered a spot in the program. Admission to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is contingent upon the scholar’s acceptance and completion of the summer institute. Scholars are selected for the program based on their academic and personal achievements.
Program Highlights
- Five-week summer residential academic experience
- Earn up to 7 credits hours
- Gain experiences related to social and cultural integration into the university and surrounding community.
- Make connections with academic coaches, financial aid counselors, faculty, and other campus partners
- Participate in various academic, social and cultural activities designed to increase self-efficacy, self-determination, and independence
- First-Year Experience Seminar
- Up to $1,750 in direct scholarships
Contact Us
Talisha Adams
Director, First-Generation Initiatives
865-974-7900