At the end of the high school senior year, 15 to 30 selected students matriculate through five weeks of summer school as a group during the fourth MTSU summer school session. The university, through Pell grants and other funds, provides scholarships for many of these students to take six required hours of courses before their first fall semester. Students are also immersed in several non-credit courses and activities that prepare them to get the most from their college experience.

One of the highlights of the freshman Institute is the travel experience which is based on the summer reading assignment. Students are also required to attend weekly meetings in the fall and spring semesters. Students remain in the program through college graduation.

Freshman Summer Institute Brochure and Application