PREVIEW THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SUMMER PROGRAM

College Camp is a college-access and teen leadership experience for underserved teens who have completed grades 9-11 and have the desire to pursue higher education or become prepared to enter the workforce, but are challenged in resources, finances, and/or are in need of assistance with the process.

Preference is given to students with financial need and/or who are living in challenging environments.

The program supports, motivates, and encourages students to pursue higher education options and career opportunities post-graduation. The week-long experience is filled with fun, challenges, and learning opportunities that help foster youth empowerment. Students stay in college dormitories and participate in a community service project, discover their strengths, set personal goals, tour a minimum of 4 college campuses, learn about the admissions process, and engage with professionals in the fields they’d like to pursue.

Through the activities at Y College Camp, students discover more about themselves, experience independent living in a college environment, and gain a better understanding of what they need to accomplish in high school to attend college or enter the workforce.

The program is free to attend, thanks to generous donors and funders.

College Camp 2024 - Was successfully completed. Check back for College Camp 2025!

In 2024, we partnered with the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) to provide a College Camp experience to DOE students who have completed grades 9-11 and are living in unstable or unsheltered housing.

College Camp 2024 was held on Saturday, July 13 - Friday, July 19.

What is the Application Process for College Camp?

For this past College Camp 2024, our YMCA partnered with the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) to provide a College Camp experience to DOE students who have completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade and are living in unstable or unsheltered housing.

Check back for the deadline to apply for College Camp 2025, in April 2025.

A panel of volunteers review all applications. When filling out your application, please be sure to answer honestly and thoroughly. Individual responses will be kept confidential.

Who Funds College Camp?

College Camp is funded through the generosity of our donors and funders. Gifts range from $25 to $5,000. Their collective contributions allow the programs to be 100% free.

This year, our YMCA will be partnering with the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) to provide the College Camp experience.

We are forever grateful to our generous donors and funders for providing this opportunity to impact hundreds of lives over the years.

College Camp Summer Mentorship Program

College mentors serve as role models to the high school students in the program, offering academic, personal, and professional support to their mentees.

College Camp is a week-long mentorship program providing underserved high school students with a college-access experience.

By becoming a mentor, you'll work directly with a small group of students with a vital role in guiding and supporting high schoolers as they navigate the path to higher education.

Mentor Eligibility

Open to mentoring high-school aged students

  • Must currently be pursuing post-high-school education
  • University or Community College
  • Desire to expand your leadership abilities
  • Possess skills to be inclusive of all students
  • Attend all mandatory trainings
  • Pass our background check
  • Dormitory housing provided throughout the duration of the program
  • All meals covered for the week
  • Stipend Compensation available for mentors
Additional Information
  • Dormitory housing provided throughout duration of program
  • All meals covered for the week
  • Stipend Compensation available for mentors

If you are interested, please submit your resume and email us at [email protected] outlining your experiences and motivation to join our team.

Take a look at College Camp 2024