Summer College Readiness Program

The McDaniel Summer College Readiness Program is a three-night, four-day, overnight summer experience for high school students with diagnosed disabilities entering their final year of high school. Students live on campus, attend classes and workshops, build independence, and earn one college credit.

The program is for high school students with diagnosed disabilities. Students must have completed their junior year or recently graduated and be taking a gap year.

Students experience real college life with disability-inclusive support. The program blends academic experiences, social activities, and residential living. 

Following the program, students and families receive a customized post-program assessment that clearly identifies individual strengths and areas for growth across key college-readiness skills, including waking up independently, managing personal self-care, completing academic coursework, building and navigating social relationships, and proactively using academic and support resources. This individualized guidance helps families understand what supports, strategies, and next steps will best prepare their student for a successful residential college experience and a confident start to college life.

The program takes place on McDaniel College’s residential campus in Westminster, Maryland. 

Campus Mailing Address

McDaniel College 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD 21157

GPS Address

235 West Main Street, Westminster MD, 21157

Map & Directions

The 2026 program runs from Monday, July 6, 2026 - Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The cost is $1,999, which includes housing, meals, academic programming, social activities, off-site transportation, and one college credit.

Yes. A non refundable $300 deposit is due within 10 business days of registration confirmation.

Students must have completed their junior year of high school, have a diagnosed disability, be able to self-manage medications, and meet basic independent living expectations.

Yes. Documentation is required to confirm eligibility and help the SASS team plan appropriate supports.

Students must have basic independent living skills, be able to manage personal needs and medications, follow conduct expectations, and not require 1:1 assistance.

Students who require 1:1 support in school are not eligible for this program.

Students take a college-level class as part of the experience. The class includes instruction, workshops, and instructor interaction.

The class is taught by McDaniel College's instructional staff or faculty, and supported by academic staff and advisors. 

Yes. Students who complete the program earn one credit that can be applied toward a future degree at most colleges, including McDaniel College.

Most colleges accept transfer credit earned at accredited institutions, but transferability depends on each school’s policies. Students should check with the college they plan to attend.

Students receive college credit based on completing the course, and parents receive a readiness assessment summarizing strengths and areas for growth.

Students stay in McDaniel’s residence halls in double-occupancy rooms similar to housing for first-year students. 

Examples of first-year student residences

Registered students will complete a short housing form, similar to housing forms required by colleges and universities, and will be placed with a roommate based on their responses.

Students are supported by program administrators, SASS staff, academic instructors, student success coaches, peer mentors, resident advisors, residence life staff, campus safety officers, and wellness professionals.

Students must self-manage their medications. Professional staff will know the medication schedule for each participant and ask students if they have taken their medication.

Yes. McDaniel provides accessible routes, secure residence halls, and 24/7 campus safety support. Program staff are trained to assist students with disabilities in navigating campus safely and confidently.

Campus Safety at McDaniel

It depends. As part of the social aspect of the program, participants will be expected to attend some evening events. However, like typical college events, the duration that each participant chooses to stay will be up to them. Professional staff and peer mentors are available to help acclimate attendees to social events, provide on-the-spot social coaching and guidance, and encourage participation. Not all evening events are mandatory, and students will get the experience of self-selecting activities as they would in college.

Yes. Some unstructured time is built into the schedule for socializing, relaxing, or studying.

Students complete the online registration form. Eligible applicants will be contacted with next steps and instructions on submitting documentation and deposits. The registration form will be posted on the program webpage when available.

May 1, 2026

No. The program is limited to 25 students, so registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. A waitlist will be available when the program fills. Students who require 1:1 support or have previous evidence of self-harm or violence are not eligible.

Information about the shuttle to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport will be available in the spring, well in advance of transportation planning for families who will be scheduling flights.