About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this special episode recorded on site at SXSW EDU, Dustin speaks with Halley Hoot from Summer Discovery. Halley shares how her team partners with top universities to offer transformative summer learning experiences for students as young as first grade through high school. She discusses how these programs not only expose students to college-level academics but also help them develop critical life skills and career clarity. Tune in to hear how experiential learning, AI-driven courses, and global education trends are shaping the future of pre-college programs.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-college programs boost student success by offering early exposure to higher education environments and helping students explore academic interests in a low-pressure setting.
- Experiential learning is essential — programs like Summer Discovery prioritize hands-on, real-world learning that prepares students for both college and career readiness.
- Strategic university partnerships with schools like UCLA, Georgetown, and Penn enable authentic academic immersion while maintaining student safety and support.
- Student choice drives curriculum design, with course offerings shaped by current trends (like AI in healthcare or social change) and direct feedback from students and families.
- Global student engagement is rising, as more international students seek out U.S. educational experiences — and American students look abroad for enrichment.
- Personalized programming matters — Summer Discovery emphasizes a “choose your own adventure” model, ensuring each student’s summer experience matches their goals and comfort level.
What is Summer Discovery, and how does it support student success?
Summer Discovery has been running pre-college and academic enrichment programs for over 60 years, partnering with top-tier universities across the U.S. and internationally. Halley Hoot explains that their goal is to provide middle and high school students with early access to college-level academics and environments. Whether a student is looking to explore law, psychology, or even neuroscience of animal behavior, Summer Discovery offers a platform to dive in — often before they’re even old enough to drive.
The organization’s focus on student success strategies is evident in how they tailor experiences to meet diverse needs. Some students are there to push academic boundaries; others are building independence and social confidence. Either way, the program acts as a catalyst for lifelong learning by giving students a preview of college life without the high stakes.
How do Summer Discovery’s university partnerships work?
One of the most impactful elements of Summer Discovery’s model is its collaboration with major higher education institutions. These partnerships allow students to study on prestigious campuses, learning from real faculty in authentic academic settings. Schools like UT Austin, UCLA, and Georgetown manage the academic instruction, while Summer Discovery handles logistics, student support, and programming.
This division of responsibility creates a high-touch, high-impact experience that blends academic enrichment with holistic development. Importantly, these programs help institutions expand access, build brand affinity, and connect with future students — even if those students ultimately choose to attend a different school. It’s a win-win strategy focused on long-term educational equity.
How is student demand shaping course offerings?
Halley emphasizes the importance of listening — to institutions, to students, and to market trends. That’s how Summer Discovery stays nimble and responsive when developing new curriculum. The rise of interest in AI in higher education, for instance, has inspired programs like “AI in Healthcare” and “AI for Social Change.” But not every student is chasing the next tech trend — some are exploring intro to psychology or niche subjects like animal behavior neuroscience.
By consulting families and alumni, and staying in close contact with guidance counselors and educators, the team continuously adapts its offerings. With over 450 courses across disciplines, students have the freedom to test interests and pivot directions, all while receiving expert support.
What does a typical student experience look like?
No two students are the same, and neither are their summer journeys. Summer Discovery emphasizes flexibility, offering a variety of program intensities — from purely academic to more socially immersive. Students might live on a college campus, attend daily classes, engage in service learning or capstone projects, and meet peers from around the world.
What stands out is the “choose your own adventure” style approach. A student may start with a social-focused program at a smaller rural college and eventually work their way up to a rigorous research-focused track at a school like UCLA. It’s this progressive, scaffolded design that makes Summer Discovery a true experiential learning powerhouse.
What advice does Halley have for higher ed leaders?
Halley’s call to action is clear: stay adaptable. As the needs and expectations of students evolve, so too must our educational systems. She encourages institutions to invest in experiential education, listen closely to student voices, and build learning environments that embrace curiosity, flexibility, and global awareness.
Today’s students are raising their hands to keep learning — even over the summer. They’re seeking out ways to connect, explore, and prepare. Higher ed leaders should take note of this trend and consider how to foster those ambitions earlier in the pipeline.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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