Summers @ QCS

For several summers in a row, scholars will live and learn together as a cohort - taking college-level courses, residing in a dorm setting, and working with QCS to navigate the college process.

This menu includes a listing and description of our course offerings and wellness activities, organized by grade year.

RISING SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS

HUMANITIES

This course, taught as a socratic seminar, will present short stories, articles and poetry that focuses on the lived experiences of marginalized groups. Thought provoking, unique works will spark discussions and lead to strong connections for our students.

TEST PREP

Students will spend time in this course learning the tricks and tips around the SAT. Unique to other SAT prep courses, the QCS version will help our students approach the exam with useful tools and the guidance they need to feel more at ease.

MATH

Year 1 Math at QCS will focus on refreshing or filling in any necessary gaps from previous courses, while also providing pointers on math questions specific to the SAT. Scholars will work through sample SAT math questions to recognize what is being asked and decipher the language used.

ADVISORY

The advisory course is a unique opportunity for our scholars to connect with QCS mentors and interns. Scholars will hear from college students as they share their stories and advice. Students will learn how to research schools, decipher the coursework within a college major, and navigate the next chapter.

Group of students seated at desks with laptops, smiling and engaged in a classroom setting.

RISING SENIORS

HUMANITIES - YEAR 2

A continuation of year 1, students work to refine their reading, writing and critical thinking skills. A socratic seminar course, Humanitities presents literature focusing on marginalized groups. Texts include Nella Larsen's "Passing", which scholars will study and formulate a mini dissertation on to present with their classmates.

COLLEGE COUNSELING

Scholars will work with their college counselors on the many steps of the research, selection and application process. Topics include: setting up the common application, refining the college list, researching universities, and forming a balanced list of schools.

TEST PREP

Students will spend time in this course learning the tricks and tips around the SAT. Unique to other SAT prep courses, the QCS version will help our students approach the test with useful tools and the guidance they need to feel more at ease.

COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING

Scholars will brainstorm and select a unique and thoughtful college essay topic, create an outline, and write the rough draft of their personal statement with the support of their peers. Students will feel prepared to make necessary edits, additions and revisions in order to have a competitive college essay.

MATH

Year 2 Math at QCS will focus on preparing students for college- level math courses. This may include refreshing or filling in any necessary gaps from high school, while also providing support on standardized test questions. Scholars will work through sample SAT math questions, breaking them down into pieces so that they can approach the test with confidence.

ADVISORY

Group of young adults posing outdoors in front of a brick building with a mural, wearing casual clothing and lanyards, smiling at the camera.

Group of students walking on a brick path in a college campus setting.

SOON-TO-BE COLLEGE FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION

Through a variety of workshops and presentations, scholars will learn the ins and outs of the college experience. Discussion topics will include: course selection, residential life, campus resources and more!

This program will also include wellness-specific seminars on consent and drug and alcohol awareness. Conversations around making the transition from home to school will provide our students with the tools to thrive not only as college freshman but as healthy individuals.

WELLNESS ACTIVITIES

We at QCS cannot exclusively teach our scholars the ABCs and 123s of how to get in and academically thrive in college. It is also our job to educate them on the importance of physical and emotional balance. This includes making nutritiously balanced choices in the dining hall, choosing to go to the fitness center for cardio while watching an episode of their favorite show, and attending yoga/meditation on the green the day before a big test.

Scholars will make choices like these because they will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of how their mind and body will respond to their wellness choices. This connection between mind and body, and prioritizing the wellness of both, will support our scholars as they navigate the academic and social aspects of their college experience and lay the foundation for their professional adult lives.

Two people holding a large check from Orangetheory Fitness for Delaware College Scholars, showing an amount of $4,875, inside an Orangetheory studio.

Soccer players in white jerseys celebrating a goal on a grass field.

The academic rigor of our summer program is intentionally balanced with wellness activities so that our scholars witness the benefits of the balance between body and mind.

Wellness Offerings Include (but are not limited to):