What is the Jay P. Rolison, Jr. Summer Scholars Program?
The program will be held from July 13-23 at Marist University. The design of the program provides students with an immersive college experience both in academic content and setting. Over the course of the 10 days, students will attend civic-focused seminars where they will be able to develop a plan for civic engagement personalized to their interests within their schools or communities and will stay in Marist dorms throughout the program with access to many of the amenities offered throughout the campus such as the library, classrooms, fitness center, and common spaces.
The academic content of the program is grounded in the principles of public rhetoric and advocacy through the investigation of a wide variety of texts. At the conclusion of the program, students will have the opportunity to present their projects to a live audience. Participation in this program will count towards students' seal of civic readiness as students will be able to expand civic skills and actions, develop a civic mindset, and engage in civic experiences.
Student Selection & Application information
Students selected for the Summer Scholars Program from school districts in Dutchess County will be a diverse group of students willing to engage in collaborative academic inquiry and be part of a social, learning community.
Eligible students are nominated and screened by their schools. At each high school, the principal and counseling departments receive information and application materials and can advise students concerning local procedures. High schools are urged to widely publicize the Summer Scholars Program and the opportunities it provides.
Students who are interested in the program should contact their high school counseling office for further information and be sure to submit completed applications by April 28, 2026. Final selections will be made by the BOCES selection committee.
- Summer Scholars Application with essay questions
- Transcript
- Faculty Recommendation Letter
- Parent or Guardian Letter
Program Dates and Participation Standards
The 2026 Summer Scholars program will run from Wednesday, July 13 - Sunday, July 23.
The Summer Scholars Program is a concentrated academic experience. Classes and enrichment activities are scheduled throughout the program. The Summer Scholars Program is designed to challenge students. The students are expected to meet the challenge.
- Each student will be required to participate actively and positively in all scheduled classes and activities.
- Each student is required to complete all assigned work.
- Scholars register at the beginning of the program and are expected to remain in residence for the duration. Participants will not be excused to attend conventions, camps, conferences, workshops, lessons, sports, practices, graduations, or family vacations.
- Leaves-of-absence are only permitted in emergency situations, with the permission of the Program Director.
- Students may not participate in any other academic activities, including on-line courses.
- Students may not drive any vehicle or be permitted to bring a car or other motorized vehicle or bicycle on campus.
- Students are not allowed visitors during the program.
Conduct Standards and Regulations
Summer Scholars are expected to exhibit high standards of conduct including sensitivity to the needs of others, respect for the rights of fellow Summer Scholars, full cooperation with the program staff, and respect for college property.
Any of the following constitute cause for immediate expulsion from the program:
- Any type of bullying will not be permitted;
- Committing any felony as defined under New York State law;
- Possessing alcoholic beverages or any unauthorized controlled substance or paraphernalia;
- Possessing explosives, dangerous chemicals, weapons, firearms or fireworks;
- Destroying property (full compensation will be demanded for acts of vandalism that result in damage to college property or the property of others);
- Leaving the campus without authorized permission from the Program Director.
Students wishing to participate in religious services will be able to participate in services held at the campus where they are located, or with prior notification to the Summer Scholars Program Director, parents and guardians may make arrangements to take the student to a service off campus. (Completed release forms will be required and given to the Residential Director on the day of the service).
Summer Scholars represent their home schools and are required to follow all rules and regulations in the SUMMER SCHOLARS COMMUNITY LIFE HANDBOOK, to be issued upon acceptance into the program.
Program Fees
There will be no tuition for students from participating public schools selected to participate. Tuition, room, board (three meals per day), books, and enrichment activities are all part of the program package provided to students free of charge. Students from private schools selected to participate will pay a participation fee.
The Summer Scholars are responsible for the actual cost/responsibility of travel to and from the program on the first and last day. In addition, any spending or pocket money is to be supplied by the student or his/her family. The participants will need to bring their own linens and towels. There are stores on campus where personal items (toothpaste, deodorant, candy, etc.) may be purchased.
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Student Eligibility Requirements
- Current high school juniors and sophomores (2025-2026 school year);
- Legal residents of Dutchess County;
- Students attending participating high schools in Dutchess County;
- Students interested in challenging themselves academically, collaborating with their peers, and learning more about the college experience.
Program Activities
During the Summer Scholars Program, students and teachers engage in intellectually challenging inquiry and fieldwork. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to interact with experts in various fields of study and become active participants in learning collaboratively.
As a supplement to the academic program, students will participate in a wide range of enrichment activities which may include lectures, seminars and films. Summer Scholars are expected to be part of a learning community of peers, faculty, and residential staff.
A wide range of recreational activities is available on the college campus during the Summer Scholars Program.
Motor vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, scooters and roller blades are prohibited.
The 2026 Program Description
The Summer Scholars program will be held from July 13-23 at Marist University. Students will have an immersive college experience over the 10-day program. They will attend civic-focused seminars where they will be able to develop a plan for civic engagement personalized to their interests within their schools or communities.
Students will stay in Marist dorms throughout the program with access to many of the amenities offered throughout the campus such as the library, classrooms and common spaces.
Students will learn principles of public rhetoric and advocacy through investigation of a wide variety of texts. This program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to use the skills as they learn. At the conclusion of the program, students will have the opportunity to present their projects. This program is recommended for students who are interested in civic engagement.
How Can I Get More Information?
If you have any questions or would like more information, which cannot be obtained from your principal or school counselor, please call or write:
Kathleen Schneck-Suma
Coordinator of Educational Resources
Dutchess BOCES
845.486.4840 ext. 4604
5 BOCES Road
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
kathleen.schneck@dcboces.org