Thurgood Marshall College Fund- SOAR HBCU Scholars Program
Jaguar Educational and Empowerment Institute (JEEI)
The TMCF SOAR Program at Southern University and A&M College is a free, one-week residential summer experience for high-achieving Class of 2027 high school juniors entering their senior year. The 2026 program will take place July 12 - 17, 2026, on Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge campus.
JEEI will support dual-enrolled high school students through the transition from high school to higher education by partnering with alumni organizations, civic and social groups, and campus departments. Funded by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the SOAR Program helps students foster an empowering environment that cultivates confident, independent, and future-ready leaders.
WE ARE CURRENTY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Join us on campus July 12 - 17, 2026.
How to Apply
Join us on campus July 12 - 17, 2026.
Students interested in the TMCF SOAR Program must complete the official TMCF application, which includes:
- A complete application form - APPLY HERE
- A minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
- An academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- A letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, administrator, advisor, coach, or counselor at your
- A personal statement (250-300 words) responding to the following prompt:
- What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals? (Note: In your response, reflect on how your experiences have shaped your goals and motivation.)
What is Jaguar Educational and Empowerment Institute?
JEEI is a pre-college enrichment program supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that introduces rising high school seniors to the college experience in a supportive, engaging environment.
Participants in the TMCF SOAR Program will:
- Take part in a residential campus experience, July 12 - 17, 2026
- Live on campus and experience college life firsthand
- Participate in college readiness and leadership workshops
- Learn about college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships
- Explore academic majors and career pathways
- Engage with faculty, staff, college students, and professionals
- Build connections with peers from across the region
Who Should Apply?
The TMCF SOAR Program is open to students who:
- Are current dual-enrolled high school juniors in the Class of 2027
- Demonstrate academic promise and motivation in college
- Are interested in exploring college options, including HBCUs
- Can participate fully in an in-person residential program from July 12 - 17, 2026
Qualifications
Students interested in applying for the TMCF SOAR Program at Southern University and A&M College must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a member of the graduating class of 2027
- A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
- Must submit an academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, administrator, advisor, coach, or counselor at your school
- Must write a personal statement (25-300 words) on the topic: What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
Why Participate in JEEI?
Participants in the TMCF SOAR Program will:
- Live on campus during a residential summer experience
- Cultivate academic readiness, critical thinking, and college-level learning behaviors that prepare students for postsecondary success.
- Gain interpersonal growth, relationship building, and engagement within the collegiate
- Experience pride, awareness, and appreciation for the legacy, values, and cultural richness of the HBCU experience, particularly Southern University’s unique
Cost & Program Support
The TMCF SOAR Program is free for accepted participants.
The program covers:
- On-campus housing
- Meals during the program
- Educational materials and activities
Students and families are responsible for travel to and from campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TMCF SOAR Program?
The TMCF SOAR Program is a free, one-week residential summer experience designed for high-achieving high school juniors entering their senior year. The program helps students explore college life, academic pathways, leadership development, and career opportunities.
When will the program take place?
The 2026 TMCF SOAR Program will be held on the Southern University and A&M College campus July 12 - 17, 2026.
Are applications currently open?
Yes. Applications for the 2026 TMCF SOAR Program are now open. Students are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a member of the graduating class of 2027
- A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
- Must submit an academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, administrator, advisor, coach, or counselor at your school
- Must write a personal statement (250-300 words) What are the GPA requirements to apply?
Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic readiness for college. A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is preferred. Students must also submit an academic transcript as part of the application.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. The TMCF SOAR Program is free for accepted participants. What does the program cover?
The program covers most on-campus expenses, including:
Housing during the week
Meals throughout the program
Educational materials and scheduled activities
Students and families are responsible for travel to and from campus.
Does the program cover travel expenses?
No. Students and families are responsible for travel to and from Southern University and A&M College’s campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Is this an overnight program?
Yes. SOAR is a residential experience, meaning participants will stay on campus for the duration of the program.
Where will students stay during the program?
Students will reside in Southern University and A&M College’s residence halls under the supervision of trained program staff. Housing and check-in details will be shared with accepted participants.
What type of activities will students participate in?
SOAR participants will engage in a variety of academic and leadership-focused experiences, including:
- College readiness workshops
- Admissions, financial aid, and scholarship sessions
- Career exploration and goal setting
- Team-based projects and presentations
- Social and enrichment activities
- Networking with college students and professionals
Can the student participate virtually?
No. The TMCF SOAR Program at Southern University and A&M College is an in-person, residential experience and cannot be completed virtually.
How can I get more information or ask questions?
For questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact fye@sus.edu.