The JMU Summer Honors Institute is a unique, week-long program where talented, rising high school juniors and seniors get a first-hand look at life in a dynamic university and its Honors College.

As a JMU Summer Honors Institute student, you can:

• Experience the excitement of life at a great university
• Take hands-on courses with outstanding faculty (Summer Honors Institute courses are not eligible for JMU credit.)
• Explore careers and academic majors from the sciences, humanities, arts, business, and social sciences
• Learn about how college Honors programs can help you make the most of your college experience
• Attend admissions workshops and enhance your college applications
• Live in a residence hall and explore the JMU campus
• Go on field trips, explore downtown, and do other fun activities in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Who can attend:

Up to 30 talented high school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year will be invited to attend following a competitive application process.

Cost to attend: 

The cost is a $1,500 fee to both Virginia and non-Virginia resident students. This covers instructors, class materials, housing, meals, and all activities. Consider bringing money for snacks, the bookstore, and personal items.

Application status notifications will be sent on or around April 4, 2025. Upon acceptance, there is a non-refundable $250.00 deposit to secure your seat in the program. This must be received within 2 weeks of acceptance or your seat will be released. If you later decline your seat after making the deposit, or if you fail to submit the remainder of the fee, you will not receive a refund for the deposit. There are a limited number of seats and a large number of applicants each year. Therefore, this deposit guarantees your seat in the program.

As for the rest of the cost ($1,250), you may cancel up to two weeks prior to the program start date and receive a full refund minus the deposit. Cancellations made between 8-14 days prior to the program start date will receive a 50% refund minus the deposit. Cancellations made within 7 days of the program start date receive no refund. No refund will be given for a “no show” or for a cancellation request received the day of or anytime after the start date of the program. Refunds will not be given due to any illness a student may develop while attending a youth program.

Scholarships may be available to applicants who demonstrate a financial need. Please complete the online financial assistance form.

Contact youthprograms@jmu.edu for any additional questions you may have. You can also call the main office at (540) 568-4253.