Description
The Xavier University D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy is an immersive 1- or 2-week residential pre-college experience designed for standout rising high school juniors and seniors who want to explore business and college life before their senior year.
Through the program, students have the opportunity to:
- Explore business majors and career paths through hands-on learning
- Earn 3 credit hours of college credit in the two-week program
- Gain real-world experience through company visits, guest speakers, and networking opportunities
- Participate in fun social activities around Cincinnati
- Live on campus and experience college life firsthand
In addition to rigorous academic coursework, the program intentionally balances professional development with engaging social experiences. This ensures students not only learn about business, but also build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging—key ingredients for a successful transition to college.
How donations are used
Your generous support directly benefits high school students participating in the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy. Donations help make the program both accessible and impactful by supporting:
- Student scholarships: Scholarships reduce financial barriers so talented students can participate regardless of family income. Many students would not be able to attend without this support, making scholarships essential to equity and access.
- Academic programming: Funding allows us to offer high-quality, college-level courses taught by Xavier faculty, along with materials, classroom experiences, and interactive projects that mirror real undergraduate coursework.
- Business visits and experiential learning: Company visits and guest speakers are a defining feature of the program. Donations help cover transportation, logistics, and access to local organizations, allowing students to see business concepts come to life beyond the classroom.
- Social and community-building activities: Shared experiences—such as group outings and campus activities—help students form connections and feel comfortable in a college environment. These moments are often what students remember most and what help them envision themselves as future college students.
- Service-learning experiences: Donations also support service-learning opportunities that allow students to give back to the community. These experiences reinforce Xavier’s Jesuit values and help students see leadership, ethics, and service as central to their future education and careers.
What students are saying about the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy
“Taught me real business and communication skills.”
“Xavier felt like home.”
“I’d do it 100 times again.”
A personal thank you
Thank you for supporting high school students as they explore their interests, build confidence, and imagine their future through the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy. Your generosity directly enhances the student experience—both inside and outside the classroom—and advances the Williams College of Business’s mission to develop socially responsible business leaders prepared to make a positive impact.
Why your support matters
Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of reflection, discernment, solidarity and kinship, service rooted in justice and love, and cura personalis (care for the whole person), the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy is designed to give students a supportive, low-risk way to explore college and career pathways.
Your gift ensures that students from a wide range of backgrounds can access this transformative experience—one that helps them discover what they’re capable of, clarify their goals, and take steps toward college and beyond.
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