UCONN

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

2026 UConn Summer LEAD Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the UConn Summer LEAD Program!  This year's program will take place from June 28, 2026 to June 30, 2026.

The Summer LEAD Program is a selective overnight educational program that is limited to 150 high-achieving students. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to make the college experience work for them  For questions and additional information about the program, visit admissions.uconn.edu/summer-lead-program or contact us by email at summerlead@uconn.edu.

For this application you will be asked to provide:

  • answers to three short essay questions (max 200 words each);
  • a copy of your high school transcript (9th grade to present day);
  • and the name, title, and email address for one recommender (optional). 

Note that progress cannot be saved to be completed at a later time.  

The deadline to submit the UConn Summer LEAD Program Application and receive recommendations is April 1, 2026.  

Student Information
UConn embraces your identity and will use of your preferred name whenever possible. Your preferred name will be used in place of your first name in areas such as email communication and print mailings.  Your preferred name will be seen by others on campus and possibly at home. 
Birthdate
Birthdate
Program updates may be sent through text alerts. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out of program updates.
Mailing Address
Mailing Address
Are you Hispanic/Latino?
Are you Hispanic/Latino?
Regardless of your answer to the prior question, please check one or more of the following groups in which you consider yourself to be a member:
Regardless of your answer to the prior question, please check one or more of the following groups in which you consider yourself to be a member:
The University of Connecticut does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities (including learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, past/present history of a mental disorder), prior conviction of a crime (or similar characteristic), workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression, or other legally protected classifications in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Connecticut prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.
High School Graduation Date
High School Graduation Date
Are you a first generation to college student? First generation students come from families where neither a parent nor guardian has a four-year degree or higher from a college or university. Many students whose parents have degrees from outside of the US also identify as First Geneneration.
Are you a first generation to college student? First generation students come from families where neither a parent nor guardian has a four-year degree or higher from a college or university. Many students whose parents have degrees from outside of the US also identify as First Geneneration.
Family Information
Add your parent/guardian's information to include them on the event confirmation and reminder emails.
Program Questions

Guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence

We realize tools like ChatGPT, and other AI-based assistance programs have value, and could provide some benefits. For example, AI-based programs may help generate ideas for your admission application essay and be useful as you consider how to construct your resume in the activities portion. In addition, they can be a helpful collaborator, particularly when you do not have access to other assistance to help complete your application.

However, your ultimate submission should be your own. As with all other sources, do not copy and paste content you did not create directly into your application. If you choose to utilize AI-based assistance while working on your writing submissions for UConn, we encourage you to take the same approach when collaborating with people – use it to brainstorm, edit, and refine your ideas. You should approach and consider any interaction with an AI-based assistance tool as a learning experience that may help you generate ideas, provide alternative phrasing options, and organize your thoughts. Remember, your unique and authentic writing style is extremely valuable as we consider your application.

High School Transcript

Recommender Information (Optional)
Please provide the name, title, and email address of one adult who knows you well (such as a teacher, counselor, advisor, or coach). Once you submit your application, an email will be sent to this person with instructions on how to submit a recommendation on your behalf.
Please let your recommender know that an email will be sent to them so they can submit a recommendation on your behalf.

Recommendations must be submitted by April 1, 2026