Summer Jumpstart Program

A Summer College Experience

Get college-ready this summer by joining the Mitchell Jumpstart Program, a dynamic 13-day immersion experience designed to help you unlock your potential and gain the experience and confidence you need to thrive in college.

During this engaging, hands-on program you will learn essential college skills, immerse yourself in a vibrant campus atmosphere, have exciting off-campus experiences, and define your future by setting clear and achievable goals.

The program offers a two-week, noncredit course that focuses on foundational academic and executive functioning skills, with three different options available to align with your individual interests.

The Art of College

The goal of this program is to build upon strengths and increase the self-confidence necessary to navigate college life. The subject of art is our vehicle to introduce and reinforce these skills. With lessons ranging from outlining to annotating to engaging in classroom discussions, we acquaint students with college-level expectations. Classes include traditional lectures, guest speakers, and excursions to local art museums and installations.

Sample Schedule

9:00 a.m.—Breakfast with Peer Mentors, Mitchell Dining Hall
10:00 a.m.—Lesson: Pop Art, Matteson Hall, Skill Focus: Note Taking (traditional lectures, instructional videos, supplemental readings)
12:30 p.m.—Lunch/Break, Mitchell Dining Hall
1:30-2:30 p.m.—Assessing Skills (Text to Speech, Glean, Outlining, Annotating), Matteson Hall
3:30 p.m.—Kayaking/Paddle Boarding, Mitchell Beach
6:00 p.m.—Dinner, Mitchell Dining Hall
7:00 p.m.—Ice Breaker and Ice Cream with Peer Mentors, Michael’s Dairy

The Composition of College

The goal of this program is to build on strengths and increase the self-confidence necessary to navigate college life. Writing clearly and interpreting text are skills needed in any discipline. Students explore themes ranging from college writing formats, common organizational patterns, and critical analysis to modes of language, literary genres, and strategies to combat writer’s block. Classes include a variety of traditional lectures, writing workshops, exposure to various academic texts and sources, and discussion based lessons.

Sample Schedule

9:00 a.m.—Breakfast with Peer Mentors, Mitchell Dining Hall
10:00 a.m.—Lecture: Nathan Hale, Skill Focus: Organization
- The Organization of Words (sentence structure, syntax, grammar)
- Essay Organization in Academic Writing
- MLA/APA format (includes citations)

12:30 p.m.—Lunch/Break, Mitchell Dining Hall
1:30-2:30 p.m.—Applying Skills, Matteson Hall
Exploring different varieties of sentences and identify the main components
syntax,, deconstructing an essay to
3:30 p.m.—Kayaking/Paddle Boarding, Mitchell Beach
6:00 p.m.—Dinner, Mitchell Dining Hall
7:00 p.m.—Ice Breaker and Ice Cream with Peer Mentors, Michael’s Dairy

The Science of College: Mystic Aquarium Experience

Students go to the Mystic Aquarium to participate in an introductory course designed to support skills necessary for a college-level science class. Working with marine biologists at the Aquarium, this unique opportunity offers a hands-on, interactive experience focusing on:

- Scientific Inquiry—Developing proficiency in science inquiry, lab techniques, and scientific writing
- Field Work—Exploring the Long Island Sound ecosystem
- Lab Skill Development—Advancing scientific skills from observational studies and microscope use to field-based ecology studies and analyses

Program Cost: $3,500 (includes programming, housing, food, transportation to aquarium, activities fees)

Sample Schedule

8:00 a.m.—Breakfast with Peer Mentors, Mitchell Dining Hall
9:00 a.m.—Depart to Mystic Aquarium, Transportation provided
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.—Lesson: Classification of Species, Mystic Aquarium, Scavenger Hunt using observational skills to determine classification of marine life.
1:00 p.m.—Lunch/Break
3:30 p.m.—Kayaking/Paddle Boarding, Mitchell Beach
6:00 p.m.—Dinner, Mitchell Dining Hall
7:00 p.m.—Ice Breaker and Ice Cream with Peer Mentors, Michael’s Dairy

Program Goals

The goal of the Jumpstart Program is to build on strengths and develop the self-confidence necessary to navigate college life. In addition to reinforcing academic skills, the program emphasizes core life skills that are practiced and supported through activities and gatherings:

- Positive social interactions
- Independent living skills
- Self-awareness
- Social awareness
- Self management
- Responsible decision-making
- Relationship skills

Jumpstart got me out of my comfort zone. I’d never really been away from home before—at Jumpstart I had to do everything on my own—I worried about doing my laundry and getting to classes. But I got used to it. I liked meeting my friends for breakfast and going to classes. I felt like I got a taste of Mitchell and Thames and it confirmed my decision. I thought, “I can definitely do this.”

Jumpstart Student (2025)

Dates and Registration

Upcoming Session Dates:

- July 12–24, 2026 (2 Weeks)

Designed for:

- Rising High School Seniors
- Prospective or Incoming College Freshmen

Cost:

- $3,500 (includes programming, housing, food, transportation, activities, and fees)

Register Here

Jumpstart gave our son a taste of what it would be like at school in the fall so he wouldn’t panic. He got to experience all of the environmental factors that can be challenging—the cafeteria, classrooms, and dorm rooms. Our son wouldn’t be [at Merrimack] without the support of your program.

Jumpstart Parent (2024)

Program Forms

Student Health Form

Students are required to complete and submit a Health Form when registering for the program.

What to Bring

Parents can help student prepare for their Jumpstart experience with this What to Bring list.

Thank you! Jumpstart was an incredible experience and gave our daughter the opportunity to test the waters in college. She’s now confident in knowing that she would like to go attend the Thames Program.

Jumpstart Parent (2025)