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 and financial aid/scholarship 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 2026
Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, we will be hosting a group of 60 students who will have completed 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade this past school year. Dates for College Camp is listed below and selected participants will be expected to be present for the entirety of the week. This program includes room and board, meals, and all experiences, completely FREE!
Program Dates
- Saturday, June 13 - Friday, June 19, 2026
Activities Include
- Resource Fair
- College Campus Tours
- Career Networking Event
- College Dorm Experience
- Community Service Project
- Goal Setting
- Character Development
- Mentorship
- Workshops on Resume Building, College Preparation, Career Exploration, Financial Literacy, and Networking
Application Process
The deadline for this online application is Friday, April 3rd by 6:00PM. Early Application is strongly encouraged. If you're interested, don't wait! Students will be notified of their acceptance to the program by Monday, April 17th at the latest.
Questions?
For questions or inquiries, contact us at collegecamp@ymcahonolulu.org.
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 collegecamp@ymcahonolulu.org outlining your experiences and motivation to join our team.