

Edge Summer
College Program
The Edge summer college program offers academically talented and motivated high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to live and learn on one of the most engaging college campuses on the East Coast.
Why Edge?
The UD Edge summer college program prepares high school students moving into their junior or senior year for a future as a successful college student. 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 top national university.
From July 9 – 29, 2023 you will:
- Live with other talented Edge students from around the world in a residence hall located on UD's beautiful Newark campus
- Take a college-level course of your choice, taught by UD faculty members, for up to six transferable credits
- Participate in a college readiness workshop led by experienced college admissions professionals, where you will gain insight into the college application process, including how to create a competitive college essay
- Engage with UD staff and undergraduate students to learn from 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.
HOW TO APPLY
The application for Edge 2023 is closed. The application for Edge 2024 will be live no later than December 1, 2023.
✓ Submit the online application, essay and the $60 application fee. Application fee waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please email edge@udel.edu for more information.
✓ Submit an unofficial copy of your high school transcript
✓ Have a teacher, mentor or school counselor submit a letter of recommendation
Admissions Criteria
Admission to the Edge summer college program is competitive and selective. Students must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to the program:
- A rising high school junior or senior (by summer of 2023)
- 3.0+ cumulative GPA
- Evidence that demonstrates strong academic potential, good judgment and maturity, and the ability to succeed in a highly structured environment
PROGRAM FEES
The Edge program fee covers tuition for your courses, housing, a daily meal plan (including breakfast and dinner), library privileges, lab fees, and all group recreational costs. It does not include the cost of books, cost of lunch or other meals, or spending money.
Program Fee: $4,900
There is a non-refundable, one-time deposit of $100 that is due May 15, 2023.
To be considered for financial assistance, please contact us at edge@udel.edu. Please note that financial aid is very limited and does not cover the entire cost of the program.
During Edge, you will take one of the following Edge-exclusive courses. 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 class, all Edge participants are required to take the Edge seminar class.
AGRI 100: Organic and Sustainable Farming (3 credits): An introduction to sustainable food systems for students with little or no background in agricultural sciences. In this course, we will explore one of the world’s grand challenges: producing enough food for a growing population while conserving the earth’s natural resources. We will learn about key factors such as history, common practices, economics, nutrition, and the environmental impact of the agriculture industry. Students will grow crops organically to develop a fuller understanding of the challenges and opportunities of organic farming.
ART 267: Drawing & Design: Portfolio Preparation (3 credits): Explore your passion while developing and expanding your range of skills and your visual vocabulary through immersive experiences in drawing and two-dimensional design.
BISC 106: Elementary Human Physiology (3 credits): Introduces the structure and function of humans; the mechanisms of maintenance and reproductive behavior. We will cover human organ systems, including pathology as an insight to function.
ECON 101: Introduction to Microeconomics (3 credits): The Interactive Microeconomics course is designed to engage high school students in the fascinating world of microeconomics through interactive activities and group discussions. This course aims to develop a practical understanding of how economic concepts apply to real-life scenarios. By actively participating in group activities, students will enhance their teamwork and problem-solving skills while exploring the intricacies of individual decision-making, market dynamics, and government intervention.
EGGG 167: Introduction to Engineering Product Design (3 credits): Introduces students to engineering product design through both theory and hands-on practice. Students will apply the four-phase engineering design process to understand, design and test product designs. The course will provide an introduction to computer aided design (CAD), manufacturing and design validation concepts.
HDFS 203: Racial Identity, Bias, and the Self (3 credits): Provides students with an understanding of racism, other social frameworks, and their individual and systemic effects. Students will explore cultural practices around the world, their own racial identity and cultural biases during the course. Students will learn self-awareness techniques and cultural competence training.
LEAD 100: Leadership, Integrity, and Change (3 credits): Introduces students to the challenges of leadership. An experiential practice-based change project will give students hands-on experience in applying the skills and practices of effective leadership to create positive change.
UNIV 101: Edge Seminar (0 credits; pass/fail): All Edge students are required to take this Edge seminar. The course is designed to assist you with the transition from high school to college, to help you acquire the skills necessary to take responsibility for your educational experience and become a self-directed learner. You will be introduced to the college admissions process and topics focused on leadership, career exploration, goal setting and time management.
Residence Halls
Edge students stay in an air-conditioned residence hall 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 the 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 two-per-day meal plan (breakfast and dinner) included with the program fee. Students can purchase lunch at a local Main Street eatery or dining options on campus such as the Trabant University Center, Perkins Student Center or Pencader Dining Hall. Students can also purchase university Flex points, which will allow them to buy food and snacks both in and outside of our dining halls as well as at some locations on Main Street.
Campus Facilities
There are many recreational facilities on the UD campus that can be used by Edge students without charge. 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, climb a rock wall or use exercise machines, to name just a few activities.
Edge officially kicks off with move-in to a University residence hall on July 9, 2023. Classes will run from July 10 –28, 2023.
May 1, 2023: Priority deadline to submit applications.
May 15, 2023: Final deadline to submit applications; priority deadline for submission of all enrollment forms and the $100 program deposit fee.
June 1, 2023: Final deadline for submission of all enrollment forms and the $100 program deposit fee.
June 20, 2023: Welcome Packet, Housing Assignment, Individualized Codes for UD email accounts, Billing & Payment Information, etc. to be released via email to students and parents
July 9, 2023: Move-in day and convocation at 12 p.m.
July 10, 2023: Classes begin.
July 28, 2023: Final exams and culminating event for students at 6 p.m.
July 29, 2023: Students must be moved out of the residence hall by 11 a.m.
The 2023 Edge Summer College Program will be offered in-person on UD’s Newark campus. We will be adhering to the most up-to-date University guidelines and policies. Please note that these policies are subject to change with public health guidance.
Are Edge students required to be vaccinated?
While Edge students are not required to be vaccinated, we strongly encourage them to be fully vaccinated.
Are Edge students required to wear masks?
Students are no longer required to wear masks on campus, except in all healthcare and clinical areas.
For more information on UD's COVID policies visit udel.edu/home/coronavirus.
Edge Program Contacts
Tim Danos, M.P.A.
Associate Director of Pre-College Programs
Address: 210 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716-7202
Phone: (302) 831-8123
Fax: (302) 831-6905
Email: edge@udel.edu