Dawson Summer Initiative

Initiative n. 1) a leading action 2) readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise

The Dawson Summer Initiative is a five-week, tuition-free academic program administered through Alexander Dawson School. It is specifically designed for high-achieving Boulder County public middle school students. Enrolled students, called Scholars, have the opportunity to meet and study with similarly motivated and like-minded peers. 

First Summer:
Five-Week Thematic Program
2013 Dates: June 10-July 12

Each year, high-achieving current sixth and seventh grade students from Boulder County public schools apply to a five-week, thematically focused summer program that has an emphasis on collaboration and project-based learning.  In past summers, Scholars explored themes such as Water, Epidemic, Energy, and Food.

Prior Summer Themes
2012: Food: Feeding Ourselves and the World
2011: Energy: Science, Society and the Powering of Our Planet
2010: Epidemic: Past and Present
2009: Water (at Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, Las Vegas)

Second Summer: Two-Week Leadership Program
2013 Dates: June 17-28

The two-week Leadership Program is designed for Scholars who successfully complete the previous summer’s five-week program. Working closely with their instructors and one another, Scholars engage with leaders in the community, hone their public-speaking skills, and develop and present projects with their peers.

Academic Advisory

Scholars enrolled in the summer programs will have access to academic advising all the way through high school. Reviewing course selections and school options, identifying additional enrichment resources, and preparing for college are resources available to Scholars and their families.