UC gives students a taste of college life
UC Futures: Rural & Small-Town Scholars provides free summer program for high school students
The University of Cincinnati will welcome 80 rising high school juniors and seniors from rural communities across the Ohio River Valley for UC Futures: Rural & Small-Town Scholars Summer Program, set for June 15-17, 2026.
The program will provide academic and career exploration along with immersion into Cincinnati’s tight-knit urban campus, explains Nick Rejebian, assistant director of strategic initiatives at the University of Cincinnati and program director for UC Futures.
“What makes this experience special is that this program is designed to meet students where they’re at, and let their curiosity uncover what’s next for them after high school,” says Rejebian.
The program consists of a three-day, on-campus, residential experience that allows students to participate in small group conversations with UC student leaders, take part in hands-on learning around artificial intelligence and network, as well as find time for a Cincinnati Reds game and discover Cincinnati as a destination city.
A group of students from last year's UC Futures event enjoy a selfie. Photo provided.
“UC Futures offers students an invitation into a community built on connection, support and possibility,” adds Rejebian. “We want students to experience what it means to be part of a proud Bearcat tradition. Because at UC, the journey doesn’t end when the program does. Once you’re part of our community, you’re a Bearcat for life.”
To be eligible for the program, students must be entering 11th or 12th grade in the 2026-27 academic year and must attend either a high school designated as rural or small-town by the National Center for Education Statistics or attend high school in an Appalachian county as determined by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The deadline for registration is May 1 (11:59 p.m. EDT). For more information, visit this UC Admissions link or contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@uc.edu.
High school students participating in last year's UC Futures activity visited the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Photo provided.
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