Edge Summer
College Program
Why Edge?
The Edge summer college program at the University of Delaware offers exclusive opportunities to motivated and talented rising juniors and seniors in high school. Students from across the country prepare for a future as a successful college student at Edge, where they have the chance to live and learn on one of the most engaging college campuses on the East Coast. By emphasizing academic excellence, practical skill building and student leadership, Edge offers you the challenge, independence and excitement of a learning experience that can only be found at a nationally top-ranking university.
The Edge summer college program will run from July 19–August 8, 2026. Our application for summer 2026 is now live.
During the summer, you will:
- Live with other talented Edge students from around the world in a residence hall located on UD's beautiful Newark campus
- Take 1–2 college-level courses of your choice, taught by UD faculty members, for up to 6 transferable credits
- Participate in a college readiness workshop led by experienced college admissions professionals who will give insight into the college application process, including how to create a competitive college essay
- Engage with UD undergraduate students and staff and hear about their stories of personal growth, resilience, leadership and success
- Take part in a variety of cultural experiences that allow students to build friendships and understand the value of living in a diverse academic community
Join us virtually to learn about Edge
Get to know the University of Delaware's Edge program from the comfort of your home. Hear from program leaders and UD students about the program and how it will help you prepare for college. Various virtual event dates are available to fit your schedule.
Admissions and PROGRAM FEES
FAQs
During Edge, you may take up to 2 Edge-exclusive courses depending on your personal schedule and needs. These courses are only offered to Edge students and have a maximum enrollment of 25 students. You will be learning from highly engaging and experienced instructors each weekday. In addition to your Edge-exclusive class(es), all Edge participants are required to take the Edge seminar class.
AFRA 205: Contemporary African American Issues (3 credits)
Focusing on youth and hip-hop culture, this course will explore how hip-hop has distinguished itself from other contemporary movements, its influence on global culture and how the ages of both its audience and artists inform its development.
COMM 224: Digital Media Production (3 credits)
This class offers the fundamentals of digital media production, including visual storytelling, writing, audio and video equipment and editing. Students should bring a video and photo capable device to class with them (smartphone or tablet/laptop). Students will produce a video that can be shared on social networks and portfolios.
EGGG 167: Introduction to Engineering Product Design (3 credits)
This course introduces students to engineering product design through theory and hands-on practice, including designing and testing product designs. The course will provide an introduction to computer aided design (CAD), manufacturing and design-validation concepts.
HOSP 211: Edge Hospitality Food Principals Laboratory (3 credits)
During the course, students will learn various cooking techniques and prepare dishes in a commercial kitchen. Students will plan, execute and serve meals in a fine-dining setting, keeping to the highest standards of culinary excellence.
KAAP 167: Introduction to Clinical Medicine (3 credits)
While exploring critical thinking skills and cognitive biases, students are introduced to the processes of patient engagement, history taking, diagnostic methods and medical decision making. This seminar will introduce relevant physical exams and clinical signs, highlight disease detection, discuss actual and relevant patient cases, review abnormal X-rays, learn basic EKG features and teach basic splinting/suturing skills.
MMSC 240 - Crime Scene Investigation (3 credits):
This course will introduce students to the theory and methods of the collection, preservation and identification of physical evidence. Emphasis is on the history and development of forensic science, processing the crime scene and the introduction to various items of physical evidence.
MUSC 105: Fundamentals of Music (3 credits)
Introduction into the elements of music theory including music fundamentals, ear training, music reading, musical form and texture. This course is designed for students with experience playing a musical instrument.
UNIV 101: Edge Seminar (0 credits; pass/fail)
All Edge students are required to take this Edge seminar. The course is designed to assist students with the transition from high school to college, to help them acquire the skills necessary to take responsibility for their educational experience and become self-directed learners. Students will be introduced to the college admissions process and topics focused on leadership, career exploration, goal setting and time management.
Families may request a need-based scholarship for the Edge program after acceptance to the program. Families with financial need may complete the financial aid form located on the portal. Please note that financial aid for the Edge program is extremely limited and that any needs-based scholarships will not cover the full amount of the program.
Residence Halls
Edge students stay in an air-conditioned residence hall on UD’s north campus, which is within walking distance of academic buildings and other amenities. Trained Edge mentor staff provide a community environment in the residence halls that promotes respect for individual differences while supporting personal growth and academic success. Available facilities include a study room, laundry room, kitchenette and a large common lounge.
Rooms
Students share a fully furnished, double-occupancy, air-conditioned room. Once students have accepted their offer of admission to the Edge program and have submitted the $100 program deposit, they will have the opportunity to either request a roommate or to be matched with a roommate who aligns with their interests, personality and preferences.
Dining
All Edge students have a three-per-day meal plan at one of UD’s dining halls. Students can also choose to eat at a local Main Street eatery or other dining options on campus, such as the Trabant University Center or Perkins Student Center. In addition to the nutritious meal options that are readily available to all students, the dining staff will also prepare specialized meals for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Campus Facilities
There are many recreational facilities on the UD campus that can be used by Edge students for free. Basketball courts, large grassy areas, beach volleyball courts and tennis courts are all available on campus. The Carpenter Sports Building can also be used by students wishing to play basketball, swim, do yoga, lift weights or use exercise machines, and more. Students will also have access to Perkins Student Center and Trabant University Center for recreational use or studying spaces, as well as Morris Library.
Campus Safety
The University of Delaware Police Department is committed to creating a safe environment for all students. Blue light emergency boxes, which connect the caller to the dispatch center, are strategically placed throughout campus and within residential, recreational and academic buildings.
Students in the Edge program take their first steps towards learning and living independently. They will design their own schedules, allowing students to manage their time effectively while balancing their academic responsibilities and personal priorities. Throughout the day, students check in with their mentors for support to ensure they stay on track and make the most of their experience.
In the evening, our peer mentors plan fun events like movie nights, paint nights, field days, karaoke, or a talent show to foster a supportive community.
In previous years, students have enjoyed a weekend trip to places like HersheyPark, the UD pool, Washington, D.C., Rehoboth Beach, and New York City, with this year’s outing yet to be determined.
Students will take 1 college course and earn up to 6 credits. In addition, Edge students will enroll in the Edge seminar course (UNIV 167) designed to help students learn techniques and skills correlated with college success, as well as gain insight into the college application process from experienced college admissions professionals.
Students will not be able to hold any other weekday extracurricular activities during their time in the program. While our weekend activities are optional, we do recommend that students attend those activities to not only have fun, but to also build community and connections with other students in the program.
Students in the Edge program are able to earn college credits, learn what it takes to be successful on a college campus and develop lasting friendships and mentorship relationships. Edge participants often feel more confident in themselves and their abilities, are able to think critically and solve problems, and become stronger student leaders. Moreover, Edge students are able to gain more insight into the college search and application process and feel more confident as they navigate the college admissions process.
Tim Danos, M.P.A.
Director of Pre-College Programs
Raul Gomez
Admissions Counselor
Amber Thompson
Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs
Lorena Trujillo
Admissions Counselor
Edge Program Contact
Address: 210 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716-7202
Phone: (302) 831-8123
Fax: (302) 831-6905
Email: edge@udel.edu