UC Futures: Rural & Small Town Scholars Summer Program
UC Futures: Rural & Small Town Scholars is a three-day, two-night summer residential experience hosted by the University of Cincinnati designed for rising high school juniors/seniors who are interested in UC and come from a rural area or small town.
2026 UC Futures Dates
Monday, June 15th, 2026 – Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
Register by May 3rd
Registration Opens in early Spring 2026. You are eligible to register if you meet the criteria in Section I and ONE of the criteria in Section II
Section I
Must be entering 11th grade or 12th grade for the 2026-2027 academic year
Section II
The high school you attend is located in a geographic area that is designated as “rural” or “small-town” by the National Center for Education Statistics.
OR
The high school you attend is located in an Appalachian County, as determined by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
What can I expect from UC Futures?
Last year, UC Futures attendees had this to say about their experience:
“OMGGGGG. Everything! First of all round of applause to the UC staff because they were amazing UC Futures leaders!! They prioritized our well being and happiness over anything!! I loved the comedy show provided! The food dining halls were amazing choices. And I loved making new friends.”
“I absolutely loved how we had small groups with student leaders. Talking to students currently enrolled in UC definitely helped get a better idea of what it would be like.”
“I assumed the campus would be overwhelmingly large and confusing, but after walking around I realized how compact it is. I honestly felt very at home on campus!”
“Touring campus and getting to do hands on exercises to learn about the academics at UC was all super informative. As a first generation college student…I've never known where to start when even googling what college is and what different terms meant. I've always known I wanted to go to college but never had an opportunity to get the knowledge so many others view as firsthand. I now feel more confident and comfortable in my understanding of what it takes to be in college and how everything works. I appreciate UC for doing this for me it means so much!”
Schedule at a Glance
UC Futures is all about exploration. Discover what your schedule will look like!
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Check In
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Welcome Sessions
5:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Cincinnati Reds v. New York Mets Baseball Game w/ seats in the all-inclusive Champions Club
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Breakfast in UC Dining Hall
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Exploring UC Academics & Small-Group Session
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch in UC Dining Hall
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Exploring UC and Cincinnati
3:00 PM – 4:45 PM | Exploring your Career & Small-Group Session
4:45 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner & Evening Social Activities
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sunset Tour of Campus
9:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Hang Out in Residence Hall
What will UC provide?
Focus on enjoying your experience at UC Futures! Let us provide:
- Twin XL Sheet Set – (1) fitted sheet, (1) flat sheet, (1) pillow case
- Meals (dietary restrictions will be accommodated for!)
- Snacks and drinks
- Overnight accommodations in a UC Residence Hall
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shower essentials - shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Your ticket to the Cincinnati Reds v. New York Mets game
- Parking in a UC Garage (if you drive yourself and park your vehicle)
- Travel stipend to help offset your transportation costs – determined based on the mileage distance between your home address and UC
- UC Swag
What should you bring?
- Bedding – blanket and pillow (pillow case provided)
- Bath linens – Towels/bath robe
- Shower shoes (e.g. flip flops)
- Toiletries – deodorant, body lotion, etc.
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes such as shorts, t-shirts, socks, sweatshirt (pro tip: some buildings keep their AC cranked up, so have a sweatshirt handy in case you get cold)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Pajamas
- A reuseable water bottle
- Your favorite UC Gear!
Parents & Supporters are part of UC Futures, too!
At the University of Cincinnati, we know that a student's journey to college is a family journey too. That’s why UC Futures offers special programming just for parents - to welcome you into our Bearcat family, help you feel confident about your student’s next steps, and show you how you can support them along the way.
We invite you to join us for parent-focused sessions that provide helpful information, offer opportunities to connect with key campus partners, and celebrate your student’s achievements at the Closing Ceremony!
Registration and session information coming soon!
Questions?
Contact Nick Rejebian, UC Futures Program Director at nicholas.rejebian@uc.edu.