Capstone Summer Honors Program

What is CSHP?

Capstone Summer Honors Program is a month-long residential program for high-school juniors. You’ll take regular college-level courses and earn seven or eight semester hours of college credit. Because you’ll juggle some of the responsibilities associated with being a college student, you’ll get a head start on adjusting to university life.

What courses will I take?

As a CSHP student, you’ll take two regularly scheduled freshman-level courses of your choice. The credits you earn for these courses will apply towards a baccalaureate degree at most colleges and universities. These may include:

In addition, you’ll take an exploratory seminar class designed especially for CSHP participants. For this course, you’ll earn one hour of Honors credit.

Who is eligible?

You're eligible for CSHP if. . .

• You’re a high-school student and will have completed your junior year by June.
• You’ve taken the PSAT, SAT, or ACT (we need scores as part of your application). Admission to CSHP is competitive. You should have an ACT composite score of 25+ or an SAT score of 1130+ and rank in the top 20 percent of your high-school class.

How do I apply?

• Complete an online application (click the link below)
• Send us a transcript, three letters of recommendation from teachers and/or guidance counselors, a resume, and a 750-1000 word essay in which you discuss your interests and goals as well as why you wish to participate in CSHP.

Will CSHP help me obtain a scholarship to the University of Alabama?

CSHP students will compete for eight $1,000 scholarships. If you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll receive a total of $4,000 ($500 per semester for eight semesters), provided you maintain a 3.0 ("B") undergraduate grade point average.

Where will I live?

You’ll live on campus in a University of Alabama residence hall, under the supervision of trained counselors. You’ll learn what it’s really like to be a UA student as you...

• have meals in our dining halls
• use our state-of-the-art recreational facilities
• explore the campus and the city of Tuscaloosa
• enjoy a variety of arts and cultural experiences

What will I do with my spare time?

You’ll have several planned activities. Previous participants have enjoyed trips to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, scavenger hunts, pizza parties, farewell dinners, and reunions to stay in touch. There is so much to do in Tuscaloosa, both on- and off-campus.

What does CSHP cost?

The basic cost is $1,500. This covers tuition, registration and recreational facilities fees, room, $200 toward meals, and other cultural and recreational activities. The fee includes access to all University facilities: tennis courts; swimming pools; the Student Recreation Center weight room; indoor track; and all racquetball, basketball, and volleyball courts.

When planning your budget, remember to factor in the cost of books, travel to the University, and personal items.

What will I do for the rest of my summer vacation?

It’s up to you! CSHP is a month-long program (early June to early July), so you’ll still have plenty of summer vacation to pursue your hobbies, work, or just hang out.

For more information, contact Dr. Bebe Barefoot at bebe.barefoot@ua.edu or (205) 348-5506.