Walker College Martha Guy Summer Institute
The Martha Guy Summer Institute is held every summer on the Appalachian State University campus. High school students from across the state spend two weeks on campus learning about business and developing their leadership and professional skills, followed by a trip to New York City. Participants are selected through interviews by alumni and Business Advisory Council members.
Application Process
The 2008 Martha Guy Summer Institute is scheduled for July 6-26.
Admission to the Martha Guy Summer Institute is limited to current high school juniors. Applicants should be competitive students among their high school class, shall provide evidence of high school academic achievement, demonstrate involvement in school and/or community activities, as well as leadership potential. Applicants should also have a sincere interest in business.
Once applications are received, finalists are identified and invited to interview in an area, hopefully, within one hour of their hometown.
Curriculum
MGSI participants gain exposure to basic business principles and entrepreneurship through lectures and activities called "Discovery Series" presented by faculty and business professionals. Each Discovery Series introduces the group to basic business principles and other special topics such as international business.
Students also complete a group project that involves developing a business plan. Each group presents its plan to a panel at the end of the first two weeks.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in sessions called Leadership Series that enhance their leadership, personal and professional development.
Participants enjoy the outdoors during the mild summer climate in the North Carolina mountains, as well as other special activities and cultural events.
Tuition
Tuition for the entire three-week program, trip included, is $600. Contributions from the Martha Guy Endowment fund more than 75 percent of the actual program costs, estimated to be approximarely $2,750. Tuition and endowment fund supplement provides housing, meals, instruction while on campus, and travel expenses (lodging, transportation, most meals and admission fees to sites and events) in New York City.
Residence Life
MGSI participants experience residence life on a college campus firsthand living in a residence hall for the first two weeks of the institute.
Leadership Consultants are present on the floors each night and interact with the participants each day.
Three meals will be provided each day by Appalachian Food Services, or are otherwise arranged by the program director. Students also have access to health services, the Belk Library, and certain computer labs while on campus.
