Eagles Ascend

The Eagles Ascend Summer Academy is a seven-week program (one 6-hour day per week, June 17 – July 29, 2026) designed to help students build a strong foundation for college success. The program includes themed sessions that introduce students to every campus resource, relationship, and space before their first day of class. The program meets every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 17 – July 29, 2026.

The Summer Academy is intentionally designed to support first-generation college students who have earned no post-secondary credits - no dual enrollment, AP, IB, or CLEP as they transition to Tallahassee State College. Through meaningful connections with faculty, staff, and campus resources, students gain the tools and support needed to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Participants learn in a collaborative environment, working alongside peers to strengthen critical academic skills, build confidence, and develop habits that support long-term success. The program emphasizes preparation for students’ individual goals.

For full consideration, the 2026-2027 FAFSAs must be completed by the student and parent at the time of application submission.

A completed TSC application is required for full consideration in the program.

Important Dates

Deadline for applications is June 5, 2026

Acceptance Letters will be emailed by June 12, 2026

Program Dates will be June 17 – July 29, 2026
Each session is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Program Benefits

• Receive a 6-credit-hour tuition waiver applied to Fall 2026 applied towards 12+ hour course load
• Create relationships with faculty and staff
• Personalized academic advising 
• Learn about Campus Resources
• Receive a TSC ID Card providing access to all campus facilities and labs
• Be matched with a TSC Success Coach for goal-setting, academic planning, and ongoing support throughout the two-year program
• Enroll alongside your Eagles Ascend cohort in three shared Fall 2026 courses for built-in peer community from Day One
• Participate in the Eagles Ascend Engagement Credit System and earn 60 credits across 16 activities over two years to receive the Eagles Ascend Graduation Stole at commencement
• Explore all six tracks of the TSC Innovation Hub (3D Printing, AR/VR, Robotics, Laser Fabrication, unmanned systems, and Entrepreneurship) with hands-on sessions built into the program

Who Should Apply

The Summer Academy is best suited for students who:

• Have earned no post-secondary credits of any kind: no dual enrollment, AP, IB, CLEP, or other accelerated credits posted to a college transcript
• FAFSA completed; Pell Grant–eligible students receive selection priority (financial need preferred, not required)
• Are a first-time college student who graduated from high school in Spring 2026 (no prior college enrollment of any kind)
• Are admitted to TSC for Fall 2026 and planning full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours)
• Are eligible for ENC1101C based on placement testing or qualifying high school GPA/ACT/SAT score
• Are available every Wednesday, June 17 – July 29, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Eagles Ascend is more than a launch point. It is a two-year commitment to belonging, growth, and completion. Students who ascend together succeed together.