Four Precollege students laughing together.

Precollege Programs

Smith Precollege Programs are open to students entering 9th–12th grade. Smith is a residential women’s college. Our Precollege Programs offer a Smith experience for high school students. Review our Codes of Conduct for students and parents/guardians to ensure that this program is the right fit for you. College credit is not offered.

Summer Precollege Programs

College Readiness Workshop

July 18–24, 2027

This one-week precollege program will help you prepare for college. It is for those who need to catch up after remote learning, want to broaden their academic skills or need guidance in preparing their applications.

Students walking toward the Grecourt Gates.

Creative Writing Workshop

July 3–16, 2027

The Creative Writing Workshop lets you explore your writing in a creative and supportive environment. This program will foster your love of writing in a variety of mediums. All levels of writing welcome in this inclusive workshop.

Summer Science & Engineering

July 3–16; July 18–31, 2027

The Summer Science and Engineering Program is for exceptional students interested in science and engineering. You will engage in lab-based courses with Smith faculty in life and physical sciences and engineering.

A student working in a lab

Sustainable Futures

July 18–31, 2027

How do activists, organizers, change agents and everyday individuals who value the health of environmental systems maintain their work? Join like-minded individuals who believe in the possibility of positive change and want to come together to shape a different tomorrow.

Women, Gender, & Representation

July 18–31, 2027

Explore your interests of gender in social life, intersectional feminist and queer ethics, and race in literature, film, music, outdoor space, and beyond. All courses in this program focus on historical context and employ a queer and intersectional analytical framework.

Three WGR students, smiling at the camera with glow-stick necklaces and glasses on.

Theatre

July 18–31, 2027

Immerse yourself in the world of college-level theatre, learning everything from acting, movement, lighting, and more, all in an inclusive and inspiring environment.

Applications open in December

An Opportunity for Local Students

A two-week residential seminar for rising 12th-grade students at Holyoke High School, William J. Dean Tech High School, Veritas Prep, Mohawk Trail Regional High School, and Northampton High School, Knowledge for Freedom immerses students in college life while studying humanity’s deepest questions through major works of philosophy and literature.

Over the following year, while applying to college as high school seniors, the program’s students will engage in civic initiatives inspired by the recognition that their lives are interconnected with the lives of others.

Applications open in December.

Learn About the Program
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and all the amazing people I’ve met. I don’t ever want to leave.”
Siena, participant
“I feel like I have been introduced to American and college culture through precollege; something I will never be able to get elsewhere.”
Harper, participant

By the Numbers

Of 362 enrolled participants across all of our programs last year...

55%

were rising seniors

27%

were rising juniors

15%

were rising sophomores

3%

were rising freshmen

17%

were international students

“There is so much to gain from all the classes and it has left me feeling more confident not only for my place in a college setting but as a woman pursuing a STEM degree.”
SSEP participant

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the following organizations and schools for their generous support of tuition assistance for Precollege Program participants.

For information about how your organization might support Smith College’s outreach efforts, please contact the Office of Alumnae Relations & Development.

  • Achievement First Public Charter Schools
  • Community Foundation
  • The Adams Street Foundation
  • Excellence Community Schools
  • Girls Action Network, brand of WIN NextGen
  • Harlem Village Academies
  • Holy Trinity High School
  • Joyce Ivy Foundation
  • Mawhiba
  • Minds Matter
  • Office of the State Superintendent of Education
  • Public Prep Schools
  • REACH Prep
  • Step Expedition
  • Success Academy Charter Schools
  • Summer Search, Boston

Request Information

Contact Office of Precollege Programs

30 Belmont Avenue

Northampton, MA 01063