D'Artagnan Summer Business Academy

X marks the spot where your future in business begins.

Get ready to make your summer count! The D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy is an immersive 1- or 2-week residential pre-college experience for standout rising high school juniors and seniors. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the program blends interactive sessions with Xavier University faculty, hands-on experiences with local business leaders, and real-world learning opportunities.

You’ll build valuable skills, expand your network, and get a head start on college—complete courses that may count toward your future degree, enjoy a fast-track application process, and explore scholarship opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to learn, lead, and launch your business future this summer!

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026 OPEN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2026

D’Artagnan Summer Academy 2026

Applications for the 2026 D’Artagnan Summer Academy open Thanksgiving and remain available until April 30th, or the program reaches capacity. The 2026 Academy features multiple program options designed to fit your interests and schedule:

Contact lebesmuehlbachert@xavier.edu for general questions about the D'Artagnan Summer Business Academy.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026 OPEN THANKSGIVING

2025 D'Artagnan Summer Academy - Program Highlights

We wrapped up an incredible summer at the D’Artagnan Summer Academy! The 2025 program was filled with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

Explore the highlights, see what students had to say, and hear firsthand how the experience shaped their future—click the link below to learn more.

Program Highlights

Gain an Edge in College Admission.

Get insider tips on navigating the college admission process. The D’Artagnan Summer Academy includes interactive sessions led by Xavier’s Admission team and other experts who will guide you through every step—from building your college list and choosing a major to crafting a standout essay and understanding financial aid.

Discover Real World Experiences.

Experience life as a Xavier student—live on campus, explore the city, and see business in action. Throughout the program, you’ll visit top companies across Cincinnati, connect with business professionals, and see how classroom concepts come to life in the real world.

Beyond the classroom, enjoy social activities, discover Cincinnati’s vibrant neighborhoods, and build lasting friendships—all while experiencing what college life at Xavier is really like.

Start Earning College Credit!

Take real college courses taught by Xavier faculty and get a head start on your degree. You’ll experience what college is really like while developing new skills, building confidence, and forming lifelong friendships.

All courses in the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy (2-Week Program) count toward college credit at Xavier University. Scholarship opportunities are available—see the Application Requirements and Fees section below for details.

Application Requirements and Fees

How to apply. 

Ready to take the next step? To be considered for the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy, submit your online application and all required materials by the deadline.

You’ll need to upload the following:

  • One-page résumé
  • A 200 - 300 word statement describing your interest in the program
  • Unofficial High School transcript 
  • One letter of recommendation from Teacher or School Counselor
  • If you are enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, please include a recommendation letter from your Big to be considered for a scholarship.

All materials must be uploaded electronically through the online application portal

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026 OPEN THANKSGIVING

Eligibility

To apply for the D’Artagnan Summer Business Academy, you must:

  • Complete your sophomore or junior year of high school the year you would attend the Academy.
  • Demonstrate strong academic ability. Students typically have at least a high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Program Fees

D'Artagnan Business Program - One Week

  • Enrollment Fee: $500 (due at time of admission)
  • Program Fee: $1,000 (due May 1)
  • Total cost: $1,500

The total program fee is all-inclusive and covers instruction, materials, housing, meals (double occupancy), and daily activities.

Transportation to and from Xavier University is not included.

After successful completion of the one-week program, BUAD 101 is waived for Xavier attendees.

D'Artagnan Scholars Programs - Two Weeks

  • Enrollment Fee: $750 (due at time of admission)
  • Program Fee: $2,000 (due May 1)
  • Total cost: $2,750
  • Sign up for a course in both sessions (June and July) and receive a 25% discount on the second course.

The total program fee includes instruction, materials, housing, meals (double occupancy), and daily activities.

Transportation to and from Xavier University is not included.

After successfully completing the two-week program, students earn 3 hours of college credit from Xavier University.

Scholarship Opportunities

A limited number of need-based financial scholarships are available. To be considered, upload verification of eligibility for free or reduced school lunch in your application.

Please contact Kristyn Jossart, jossartk@xavier.edu, for details

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026 OPEN THANKSGIVING

 

FAQ

TBA
TBA
While it is helpful for you to have your own laptop, it is not required. There are a variety of laptops available at the library for you to check out. These are all equipped with popular software applications and Internet access.
Your day will begin with breakfast in the cafeteria, followed by approximately two hours of morning instruction. After a short break, you'll have lunch and then continue with another two hours of instruction. The afternoon will be dedicated to experiential learning activities, such as company visits or networking events. Evenings are typically reserved for free time, study, or community-building activities.

Yes — you are participating in a real college course offered by Xavier University to its degree-seeking students. As such, you will be evaluated according to the same student learning outcomes and will receive a grade based on your performance.

This grade will be reflected on your Xavier Transcript.

Students typically have time to complete academic assignments during class sessions, however, there will be some times were assignments will have to be completed outside of class time.
Attendance at all class sessions, workshops, and formally sponsored program activities and events is mandatory. Exceptions will be made only in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the Summer Program team.
While in this program, you are admitted to Xavier as a non-degree seeking student. This means to have access to all university resources including the library, gym, and health services.
No. Because the program is limited to short period of time, it is important for students to be present for the entire time to maximize their experience. Students will not be permitted to leave and return during the program. Exceptions will be made only in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the Summer Scholars Program team.
We cannot guarantee a single room, as they are limited and reserved only for extenuating circumstances. However, we will evaluate availability and consider requests submitted in advance. There is an additional charge for single room occupancy. To request a single room, please email TBA
No, students are not permitted to bring a car to campus. This policy is in place for safety reasons, as students are not allowed to leave campus without supervision or prior permission.
Xavier University takes safety very seriously. Each program participant will be assigned a chaperone (one for every 10 students), who stays in the dorms and is available 24/7. Dorms are secured and accessible only by key card. Students are not allowed to leave the dorms after 10:00 PM; doors are locked by 11:00 PM, and lights out is at midnight. Chaperones and Xavier University Police (XU PD) enforce these rules, and XU PD also conducts regular walkthroughs of the dorms after hours to ensure everyone's safety.
All program participants are admitted to Xavier University as non-degree seeking students and are therefore held to the same standards outlined in the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. Any violations of the Code of Conduct will be investigated by the Office of Student Affairs and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.