College Prep at Eckerd

Registration will open in early January 2025. Sign up for our newsletter below to receive program updates.

College is a period of rapid transition and dramatic transformation as students begin to explore independence and evaluate their traditions, values, perspectives, hopes and visions for their future.

College Prep at Eckerd offers students a guided opportunity to investigate the broad array of what college does, how it does it, and what college offers them.

June 22-27, 2025

FREE for qualifying participants

Program fees are underwritten entirely by our program sponsors. Includes participation in and transportation for all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks. Students are responsible for all personal supplies necessary for their stay on campus.

Required Forms

Parent/Guardian Waiver
Medical and Travel Form

Activities

Students enrolled in this program will:

  • Practice navigating life as an autonomous adult in a college setting 
  • Prepare for the academic rigor of college through accelerated course work in a liberal arts subject
  • Complete assessments to expand self awareness of strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement
  • Develop socio-emotional skills and mental health awareness, to impart the ideas and habits needed for college success 
  • Assess the best higher ed environment for their personal success 
  • Draft a college application and admissions essay with mentorship from Eckerd Faculty
  • Explore financial and social resources for support
  • Enjoy evening activities led by our residential counselors

Eligibility

College Prep at Eckerd is primarily designed to meet the needs of students who meet the following criteria:

  • Rising Junior or Senior (Fall 2025)*
  • Live in the St. Petersburg area or surrounding communities
  • Maximum annual household income of $78,800 (est. family of 4)
  • Aspiring first-generation college student

*Program Requirement.

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on a space-available basis.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until program is full.

Program Sponsors

Room and Board

Facilities

Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275 exit 17.

Directions & Map

Counselors

Residential counselors work with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained Eckerd College students eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.

Housing

Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls, double- or triple- room occupancy, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. Counselors will be present in each single sex residence hall.

Meals

Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies and vegetarian diets. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the registration form.

Faculty

Katurah Jenkins-Hall
Director
Adjunct professor, Human Development

Kat Robinson
Scholarship & Fellowship Advisor

Ann Sherman-White
Coordinator of Inclusive Student Engagement

Erika Spohrer
Associate Professor of Rhetoric

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