Belong & Engage Program
Experience college life & practice leadership
The Belong & Engage Program is a 12-day residential seminar in June for high school juniors, hosted by ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies. During the program, participants will explore democracy, build leadership skills, and take part in civic projects while experiencing life on a college campus. Participants will meet public officials, be mentored by ASU faculty and student leaders, and gain hands-on experience in civic engagement.
The learning doesn’t stop in June — participants will continue to receive mentorship, participate in monthly check-ins, and have opportunities to work on larger civic engagement projects throughout the year. We are currently accepting applications for the program and encourage you to apply!
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a high school junior
Reside in the Phoenix metropolitan area
Interested in leadership and civic engagement
Motivated to explore democracy, civic projects, and public service
Important dates
The Summer 2026 program runs from June 7-June 19. The deadline to apply is April 4. Applicants will be notified by April 30.
Accommodations
Participants will live in dormitories on ASU's Tempe Campus. Students will have meal cards and onsite help from current college students.
Program fees
The program costs $3,990 and includes housing, meals and all activities. Full scholarships are also available, thanks to generous donor support
Beyond the summer
Participants will receive ongoing mentorship, monthly check-ins, participation in a large-scale civic engagement project, and guidance for college preparation.
What participants will gain
Participants in the Belong & Engage Program will build leadership skills, gain hands-on civic experience, and make lasting connections — strengthening their foundation in democracy and leadership.
College-level academic experience
Direct mentorship from ASU faculty
A portfolio-ready civic project
A network of peers who care about change
Ongoing mentorship through senior year
A Typical Day in the Belong & Engage Program
Life at the Belong & Engage Program blends college-level academics, real-world civic experiences, and the independence of living on a university campus — all within a supportive, structured community.
Morning
Each day begins with a shared breakfast with fellow participants in the campus dining hall — a built-in opportunity to connect, reflect, and gear up for the day ahead. Mornings are anchored by seminars led by ASU faculty at Coor Hall, where students dive deep into topics in democracy, leadership, and citizenship. Seminars are followed by a working lunch, keeping the conversation and momentum going.
Afternoon
Afternoons move off campus and into the field. Students take part in college-readiness workshops, hear from guest speakers, and join field trips that bring the curriculum to life — including visits to the Tempe City Offices, local nonprofit organizations, the Arizona State Legislature, the Governor's Office, and the Arizona Supreme Court. These experiences put students face-to-face with the civic institutions and leaders.
Evening
After dinner together in the dining hall, students have dedicated time for reading and preparation for the next day's seminars before enjoying supervised free time in the residence hall, supported by program fellows — current ASU college students who serve as mentors and guides throughout the residency.
The Two-Week Arc
The program builds toward a showcase experience: on the final Friday, participants present their own collaborative research projects— leaving with a clearer sense of how they can make an impact and pursue leadership opportunities in their own communities.
Start your application today
Applications to participate in the Belong & Engage Program are now open and are due by Saturday, April 4. If you’re a motivated student from the Phoenix metropolitan area interested in leadership and civic engagement, we encourage you to apply!
Questions? Contact Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies Dr. Tara Lennon at [email protected].