Next Generation Scholars Academy

You will be officially enrolled at Johns Hopkins University and earn up to 8 academic credit hours on your official transcript. This is a great way to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity on college applications and to jumpstart your college years!

At the heart of the Academy is the Next-Gen Scholars: Pathways to Personal and College Success course. It is designed to help you explore your goals and values, then express those insights in a compelling and authentic voice—an essential skill for personal statements and college essays. Throughout the course, you will hear from Undergraduate Admissions representatives about writing effective admissions essays and navigating the college search process. You will also engage with current Hopkins students who share their experiences in college life. In addition, you will collaborate with a faculty member from JHU’s University Writing Program to edit and refine your own college admissions essay. This course uniquely blends self-discovery with practical guidance for college access.

You will receive guidance on the undergraduate admissions process, including assistance to refine your personal statement, build strong application materials, and prepare for interviews. This support will equip you to present your best authentic self to college admissions committees.

You will gain a deep understanding of what it takes to be a successful undergraduate at JHU, America’s first research university. Your insights into academic rigor and campus life will help prepare you to study at prestigious research universities across the United States.

Through specialized programming, you will nurture your self-awareness, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and practice responsible leadership, preparing you to be active, engaged global citizens.

At the Academy, you will find support inside and outside of the classroom. Co-curricular programming covers admissions, academics, health, wellness, and recreation. These experiences strengthen not only your academic skills but also confidence, independence, and resilience—qualities that make the transition to college life smoother and more successful.

You might join a wellness workshop on balancing coursework with self-care, learn time-management strategies from academic advisors, or participate in leadership activities that encourage collaboration and problem solving. Each experience is designed to help you envision yourself thriving in a college environment and to practice the habits that will support you on that journey.

Your weeknights and weekends are filled with new opportunities to experience the world around you. Explore Baltimore’s vibrant arts and cultural districts, immerse yourself in historical settings, and visit renowned institutions in Washington, D.C.

You’ll connect your academic interests to lived experiences as you foster curiosity, adaptability, and independence. Navigate city life with new friends. Engage in community-based learning. Draw inspiration from cultural landmarks. Through it all, you should begin to see yourself with the confidence and capabilities to contribute to a diverse undergraduate community.

Upon successful completion of your time with the Academy, you will receive a certificate recognizing you as a Next-Gen Scholar. It will highlight your commitment to academic excellence and personal development.