Dawson Summer Initiative (DSI) offers a free summer academic program that follows a thematic approach and is geared to high-achieving, independent, collaborative, and creative thinkers who are currently in 6th and 7th Grade.
The program is geared toward effective collaborators and independent thinkers who seek opportunities to work with peers from other schools, sharing like-minded goals. DSI feels that students benefit from engaging with a diverse group of advanced learners to solve current complex issues affecting us all.
The upcoming summer session will run June 3 - July 3, 2025. Scholars have the opportunity to work with similarly motivated and engaged peers on the Dawson campus in Lafayette, Colorado. The five-week session allows students from over 30 different schools the time and space to focus on one central issue and to work with leaders in the field to develop pertinent solutions. For more information on this program, please visit the Dawson website.
The application process runs from December 2, 2024-February 3, 2025, and includes confidential teacher recommendations and counselor/principal forms. If you have a student you would like to recommend, or have questions about a student who wishes to apply, please contact Lisa Michael.
DSI is now using a new application and database system accessed through Blackbaud. Interested families will first complete a DSI Initial Inquiry Form in order to begin the process of applying to DSI. Once we receive their completed form, they will be able to create an account and will have the ability to email you a link to the DSI Recommendation directly.
All the information and instructions for DSI applications are located on their 'How To Apply' page for applicant families and school staff:
Recommendations and Forms:
*DSI requires two Teacher Recommendations from current academic teachers (math, science, social studies, or English teacher ONLY for consistency-sake).
*DSI requires one Principal OR Counselor OR TAG Coordinator form.
* Families will be asked to send their own report cards this year.
* All Recommendations are strictly confidential; parents and students sign the application, waiving their rights to see your completed Recommendations.
Application Deadline: Monday, February 3, 2025
* You should request confidential recommendations 3 weeks in advance of the deadline in order to give you plenty of time (so by January 13th, 2025).
* Enrollment decisions are not made on a first-come-first-serve basis. All completed applications received on or before February 3 will be read at the same time, and all applicants will be emailed a decision on the same day by March 3, 2025.