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Honors Summer Institute

The Honors Summer Institute (HSI) is a transformative one-week residential summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Participants will live together in Pace Hall on the University of West Florida's campus.

HSI Overview and Registration

Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind summer experience that will challenge, inspire, and prepare you for college? The University of West Florida’s Honors Summer Institute (HSI) is your chance to live on campus, engage in high-impact learning, and experience college life firsthand.

Throughout the week, faculty, staff, student leaders and community experts will engage participants in meaningful discussions, personal growth, and high-impact (HIP) experiences similar to those completed by Kugelman Honors Program students. These HIP experiences include travel to historic downtown Pensacola and other sites.

Registration Now Open

  • Dates: June 9-13, 2025
  • Location: University of West Florida, Pace Hall
  • Registration: Deadline to Register is May 5, 2025, by 5 p.m.
  • Limited Spots: This is an exclusive opportunity for 40 participants (20 juniors and 20 seniors) 
  • Cost: At only $350, which includes meals (except one dinner in downtown Pensacola), accommodations and workshop materials

 

 Video Transcript

HSI for Rising Seniors focuses on College Readiness, while HSI for Rising Juniors focuses on Identity. Participants will gain confidence in their ability to be successful in college and an understanding of the Kugelman Honors Program’s values, benefits and opportunities.

Students will develop skills in interdisciplinary thinking, professional and productive communication, personal goal-setting, critical thinking, meaningful reflection, note-taking, project management, and much more!

Institute Highlights:

  • Interactive Learning: Engage in meaningful discussions and participate in high-impact experiences, mirroring the enriching activities of the Kugelman Honors Program.
  • Specialized Tracks: Tailored sessions focusing on College Readiness for seniors and Identity Development for juniors.
  • Comprehensive Development: Enhance skills in interdisciplinary thinking, communication, goal-setting, critical analysis, and project management.

Kugelman Honors student leaders serving as Honors Mentors will share their perspectives on being college students, speak about UWF campus life, help navigate campus, and offer support throughout the week.

HSI participants will gain confidence in their ability to succeed in college and an understanding of the Kugelman Honors Program's values, benefits, and opportunities. Students will develop skills in interdisciplinary thinking, professional and productive communication, personal goal-setting, critical thinking, meaningful reflection, note-taking, project management, and much more!

Must Haves:

  • Prescriptions
  • Toiletries
  • Bedding for a twin-size mattress or a sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes
  • Clothing (even though it's summer in Florida, a light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended in case of indoor temperature variations)
  • Pajamas
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Cash (enough for two meals and two snacks for outings)

Will Probably Want:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sealed snacks (recommended for special dietary needs)
  • Other shoes
  • Extra money

How much does it cost?

Financial Details Overview:

  • Program Cost: $350 per participant, payable upon registration.
  • Included: Accommodations, most meals and snacks, and all workshop materials.
  • Additional Expenses: Costs for off-campus meals, souvenirs, and personal items.
 
Where is Pace Hall?

Pace Hall is located on the University of West Florida's main campus. We are located on a service road off Campus Drive, adjacent to Parking Lot T.

Directions to UWF

 
When is Check-in at Pace Hall?

Parents and guardians check-in participants with the HSI team at Pace Hall on the University of West Florida's campus. Parents and guardians must present a valid ID and sign a waiver and release.

Check-in: Monday, June 9, 2025, from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

 
When is Check-out at Pace Hall?

Parents and guardians check out students with the HSI team at Pace Hall. Parents and guardians must present a valid ID.

Check-out: Friday, June 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

 
Are there any special events for parents and guardians to attend?

Reception & Final Presentations
Closing Reception: Friday, June 13, 2025, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Location: TBA

  • Parents and guardians are invited to attend.
  • HSI will email the Closing Reception’s UWF campus location to parents/guardians.

All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to continuinged@uwf.edu. 

  • Requests received at least 6 weeks before the program start date: Full refund
  • Requests received between 3–6 weeks before the program start date: 50% refund
  • Requests received less than 3 weeks before the program start date or no-shows: No refund

Refunds will be issued to the individual/organization that made the original payment.

If you have any questions about your registration, please contact us at continuinged@uwf.edu or 850.473.7468.

For general HSI questions, please contact us at khsi@uwf.edu or 850.474.2934.

For questions, please contact us at khsi@uwf.edu or 850.474.2934.