We are a live, six-week online summer intensive helping high-achieving scholars (rising juniors, seniors, and college freshmen) develop the confidence, clarity, and communication skills to thrive in competitive academic and leadership settings. Through live instruction, small-group labs (capped at 8 scholars), and individualized mentorship, scholars learn to think critically, express themselves with poise, and lead with authenticity. Scholars enjoy free evenings and long weekends (Friday–Sunday off).

This is a selective experience. Our online summer intensive is ideal for rising high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college freshmen who are motivated, reflective, and eager to refine their skills and increase their leadership leverage. Many participants are preparing for selective college admissions, leadership opportunities, or early professional experiences such as family office leadership. Each scholar is placed in a small, like-minded cohort where curiosity and ambition are encouraged.

All sessions are live and guided by experienced faculty. There will, of course, be brief ancillary material that is asynchronous; and may be completed on the scholar's own time. But the overarching structure is a live, interactive, participatory program.

The intensive meets Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a one-hour break for lunch. Students attend interactive live lectures led by Professor Bottita and the occasional guest speaker, and a small-group labs with eight scholars per group, also guided by exceptional coaches and mentors. The labs are where practice turns into mastery. Scholars apply concepts, receive coaching, and build their confidence in a controlled, encouraging environment.

Our program is rigorous and fast-moving. 

I am Mark Bottita, director of the program, and a University of Notre Dame alumnus with more than 25 years of experience teaching communication at the college and university level. Along with a select team of instructors, we bring both academic rigor and genuine mentorship, ensuring every scholar is seen, supported, and challenged to grow.  See full bio.

Intellectual rigor and very small cohorts (8 maximum).

We are not focused on performance theatrics.

Also: you can get here easily we conduct the Intensive online, in stark contrast to having to show up physically to an in-person program, with all the inherent barriers involved with that effort (travel, accommodations, lost family/friend time).

Additionally, while many programs teach communication, Summer Scholars goes deeper. We combine live sessions, guided practice, and personal coaching to help scholars understand not just how to communicate, but why confident communication works, in real-world contexts and scenarios. Every scholar receives consistent feedback, one-on-one support, and opportunities to grow in both competence and self-awareness.

Yes. By design.

Summer Scholars runs Monday–Thursday with scheduled breaks and predictable hours so scholars can: 

• Travel with family
• Pursue athletics or arts
• Enjoy free evenings and long weekends (Fridays off)
• Maintain summer schedule or volunteering
• Recharge

The program is academically rich without being exhausting. There is no nightly homework load, and reflection activities are short and meaningful rather than busywork.

Scholars feel energized, not depleted, by the experience.

Our goal is simple:

Scholars grow dramatically in six weeks while still enjoying their summer.

The program is very carefully designed and structured.  Scholars meet every Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern; with one-hour lunch) and complete short, purposeful exercises. Much of the work will be completed during those hours and scholars can enjoy their downtime knowing they are making great strides during the scheduled intensive hours.

There will be some non-program time requirements, such as brief reflection/ journaling, and forum posting, which usually can be completed in the scholar's downtime hours.

Overall, our program is structured to enhance your scholar's summer, not dominate it.

Parents often notice a visible transformation: stronger presence, greater self-assurance, and more thoughtful communication. Scholars  leave with measurable growth in confidence, composure, and clarity—skills that benefit them in interviews, leadership roles, and academic life. My college and university students reach me, sometimes years later, for letters of recommendation. The results are real and lasting.

How well you communicate is a reflection of how well you think.

Scholars who complete the program may expect to develop:

• Executive-level speaking presence and composure in high-stakes academic and professional settings
• Clear, persuasive verbal communication in classrooms, interviews, and leadership conversations
• Confidence performing under scrutiny, including formal presentations and group discussions
• Interview mastery for competitive academic programs and internships
• Intellectual authority in elite seminar environments
• Leadership voice appropriate for governance, philanthropy, and professional roles
• Stronger classroom participation and discussion leadership
• Professional polish and mature communication style
• Sharpened critical thinking and argumentation
• Improved self-assurance in competitive environments
• Greater ability to think aloud with precision
• Capstone-level presentation skills demonstrating visible growth
• Durable communication skills that compound over time across academic and career contexts
• Enhanced readiness for elite institutions and leadership pathways

We start from the basics and gradually build up to more complex concepts. Personalized feedback ensures you're always on the right track. We will address speech and communication apprehension for all scholars as part of our process.

Creating a culture of trust and respect is central to the Summer Scholars experience. Every scholar is carefully screened through the application and discovery process to ensure readiness and alignment with our values. Cohorts are small and closely moderated by trained instructors who model professionalism and empathy at all times. Clear communication guidelines, structured group interaction, and consistent mentoring help every scholar feel both challenged and supported. Parents can be confident that their scholar is learning in a respectful, well-managed, and uplifting environment.

Scholars need a reliable internet connection, webcam, and a quiet space for live sessions, and must participate using a laptop or desktop computer during the live sessions; phone-only participation is not allowed. All materials are provided through a private online learning platform and community, and every scholar participates in a guided orientation to ensure they’re fully prepared before the first class. Our tech concierge will ensure you have everything in place and accessible ahead of schedule.

Yes. English is the language of instruction at Summer Scholars. If your native language is not English, you must first provide proof of English proficiency before enrolling in Summer Scholars.

Non-native English speakers should submit test scores to verify English language proficiency. If the scholar attends a school where the primary language of instruction is English, this requirement is automatically waived. If submitting test scores, please note the admissions committee prefers TOEFL or IELTS scores, when available.

The minimum TOEFL iBT score required for admission is 100, or the equivalent score of 5 or higher on the new TOEFL scale (effective January 2026).

The minimum IELTS score required is a 7. If TOEFL or IELTS scores are unavailable, applicants may submit Duolingo, PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores as an alternate.

The minimum Duolingo score required is 130. To submit, please self-report your score from one of the above-mentioned tests on your online application. We will need official verification before formal enrollment can be processed.

Accurate Representation

Honesty in all communications, including self-representation of native language is a requirement of student enrollment. Submission of fraudulent information will be grounds for denial or expulsion.

2027 Founding Cohort Investment: $20,000

Application Fee: None

This investment reflects: 

• Direct faculty instruction and live seminar leadership
• Small, selective cohort enrollment
• Individualized coaching and detailed feedback
• Structured curriculum focused on executive-level communication
• Six weeks of guided, real-time skill development

Available Payment Forms: Structured Investment Schedule, Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card, Check, Invoice, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay

See accommodating Refund Policy (Full refund until May 8, 2026)

Please do not remit payment unless you have received formal acceptance: our approach relies upon ensuring compatibility. We want this to feel right for you and your child. Summer Scholars Communication Confidence Summer Intensive is not a passive learning experience. It includes dynamic interactive lecture/discussions, small-group coaching, personalized feedback, real-time skill practice, and a research-backed communication curriculum built from over 25 years of university and college teaching. The investment reflects a level of individualized support that directly strengthens students’ confidence, leadership presence, academic readiness, and interview performance.

Payment Instructions are made available privately, once a student has applied and been accepted.

Admission is by application. Families who are accepted may secure their scholar's place with a deposit. Enrollment for the 2027 session opens December 1, 2026. See application deadlines here. After formal acceptance, you may pay your enrollment fee in full, or pay a 25% deposit and receive an invoice, with the balance being due by Friday, May 7, 2027.

To maintain a high level of personal attention, enrollment is limited, and small groups/labs are capped at eight scholars.

Please see application instructions. You will be asked to complete an online (or mail-in) application, along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher who can speak to your academic performance, or a counselor who can discuss your character and potential, or a homeschool parent/guardian who can highlight your personal growth and unique skills.

I have nearly a quarter century worth of student evaluations attesting to the quality of and leveraged success from taking my classes. My students report confidence for high-stakes academic and leadership situations. The program includes measurable skills: speaking, presenting, collaborating, interviewing, planning with purpose, and leadership essentials.

The intensive prepares students for the hybrid world they’re already entering. Students learn to speak confidently on camera, lead virtual discussions, collaborate online, and build skills that translate directly to in-person settings, interviews, and future academic and workplace environments.

Measurable Progress: Growth-driven benchmarks allow students and families to see tangible growth throughout the program, paving the way to college and university-level work, and industry leadership.

Accessible Reporting: Fast learner assessment and easy-to-follow reporting made available to students and parents.

Our program is designed to deliver results. If you're not seeing improvement, we'll work closely with you to identify and overcome your challenges. Your success is my top priority; in fact, it’s the entire purpose of the intensive.

Because we are not federally funded in any way, your family/guardians can be given access to your progress and grades. In fact, keeping them apprised of and involved in your progress is an important part of the success of the program, and we take great care to include them. If you choose to not allow their involvement you can notify us ahead of the start of the camp and we will honor your wishes, unless their involvement is otherwise authorized or required by law. 

At Summer Scholars, you won’t be treated like a kid at camp, you’ll be treated like the capable, intelligent person you’re becoming. This program is designed for scholars who want to grow, challenge themselves, and discover how confidence really works. You’ll meet instructors who believe in your potential and peers who are just as driven as you are.

Every session is a chance to refine your voice, think more clearly, and express yourself with purpose and presence. You’ll receive honest feedback, real encouragement, and the kind of mentorship that helps you step forward, not just as a better communicator, but as a more self-assured scholar and leader. When you finish, you will have a new way of carrying yourself in interviews, in class, and in life. That’s what it means to be a Summer Scholar.

Would you like personal reassurance? If you’d feel more comfortable speaking with someone directly, our director is available for an optional scholar or parent call. This is entirely optional and offered for peace of mind. We encourage you to have your parent or guardian join you.

APPOINTMENT AVAILABLITY:

Fridays

• 10:00 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m.

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