Registration & Eligibility
Who is eligible to participate in the Ascent Institute?
Students ages 14-18 who will be rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors in fall 2026 are eligible to apply. We welcome motivated learners from all backgrounds and experience levels.
What information do I need to register?
You’ll need basic participant information (name, age, t-shirt size), parent/guardian contact information (including mailing address), secondary contact details, and emergency contact/medical information including your primary care physician's name and contact information.
Program Details
What programs are offered in Summer 2026?
We offer four exciting programs across two sessions:
- Session 1 (July 6-10): The Art of Video Games, Creative Collaboration for Theatre
- Session 2 (July 13-17): Understanding & Using GIS Mapping, Aviation
Can students participate in multiple programs?
Yes! Students may register for programs in both sessions. Please note that Session 1 programs run concurrently, so participants can only select one program from July 6-10.
What is the cost to attend?
Session 1: $1,650.00 | Session 2: $650.00
What should participants bring?
Detailed packing lists will be provided upon registration confirmation. We collect t-shirt size during registration to provide program apparel (sizes range from X-Small to XXX-Large).
What grade levels participate?
Our program serves rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (students entering grades 9-12 in fall 2026).
Health & Emergency Contact Information
Can I register if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Absolutely. During registration, you'll have the opportunity to list any allergies or dietary restrictions to ensure we can accommodate your needs safely and comfortably.
Do I need to provide two parent/guardian contacts?
Yes, we require both a primary and secondary contact to ensure we can always reach a responsible adult if needed. These can be parents, guardians, or other trusted adults.
Who should I list as my emergency contact?
Your emergency contact should be someone who can be reached quickly in case of an urgent situation. This can be your primary contact, secondary contact, or another trusted individual such as a family member, family friend, or neighbor. You'll need to provide their full contact information and relationship to the participant.
What happens in case of an emergency?
In an emergency, we will contact your designated emergency contact immediately using the information provided during registration. This is why accurate and current contact information is essential.
What if my emergency contact is different from my listed parents/guardians?
No problem. During registration, you'll have the option to designate a different emergency contact and provide their complete information, including name, phone number, email address, and relationship to the participant.
Medical & Safety Information
What additional health information should a parent/legal guardian be prepared to provide?
After the participant has been registered, our program staff may ask for additional information including but not limited to allergies, dietary restrictions, primary care provider information, insurance information (residential programs only), and program participant waivers.
How will you accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions?
We take allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. All information provided during registration is shared with our food service team to ensure appropriate accommodations are made throughout the program.
Communication
How will you communicate with parents/guardians during the program?
We send regular updates throughout the camp to keep families informed. During registration, you can select your preferred communication method: email, text message, or phone call. We respect your communication preferences and will use your indicated method for non-emergency updates.
Aviation FAQs
What makes the Aviation program unique?
The Aviation program includes exclusive tours of federal and private aviation facilities, providing participants with rare behind-the-scenes access to the world of flight and aerospace. Due to security requirements at these facilities, the Aviation program requires additional information during the registration process.
What additional information is required for the Aviation program?
Because the Aviation program includes tours of federal and private facilities with security protocols, participants will need to provide supplementary information beyond the standard registration requirements. Specific details will be provided during the Aviation program registration process.
What age groups attend the program?
We serve two age brackets: students ages 14-16 and students ages 16-18. This allows us to tailor activities and content appropriately for different developmental stages while maintaining an engaging environment for all participants.
Logistics
When does the program run?
July 13-17, 2026
Where is the Ascent Institute located?
On Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s downtown Appleton, WI campus located at 711 E Boldt Way Appleton, WI 54911.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for the Aviation program.
What is the refund policy?
- If registration is cancelled by May 1st, you are eligible to receive a full refund, excluding the application fee and administrative fees, which are non-refundable
- 15 or more calendar days before the program start date:
You're eligible for a partial refund of program fees, excluding the application fee and administrative fees, which are non-refundable - Within 14 calendar days of the program start date:
No refunds will be issued. All fees (including application fees, administrative fees, and any paid tuition) will be retained
Are meals provided during the program?
Some meals may be provided. Additional information will be sent by program staff upon registration.
Contact Information
What if I have questions not answered here?
We're here to help! Contact us at summer@lawrence.edu and our team will be happy to assist you with any questions about registration or the program.
Contact Us
Questions? We're here to help.
Email: summer@lawrence.edu
Office Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM CST
The Ascent Summer Institute is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. We welcome participants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.