SOAR

Saluki Opportunities Awareness Residency (SOAR)

A residential summer business camp for high school students. 

Dates: July 2027 (exact dates will be announced at the beginning of January 2027.

 Only 20 students are selected each year, ensuring a small, close-knit cohort and individualized attention throughout the program. The College of Business and Analytics covers the full cost of tuition, housing, and meals for each student participating in SOAR.

 Program Overview

The Saluki Opportunities Awareness Residency (SOAR) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an immersive summer experience designed to introduce motivated high school juniors and seniors to college life and the career opportunities within the College of Business and Analytics.

SOAR empowers students to explore pathways in accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, business analytics, and hospitality, tourism, and event management through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and life circumstances, committed to expanding access to higher education as they build the knowledge and professional skills needed for future success.

Living & Learning  on Campus

As a residential program, SOAR gives participants seven days and six nights living on campus, creating a full college experience. Students attend sessions on business concepts, college preparation, and professional development, enhanced through team-building activities, professional office tours, field trips, and networking with business leaders and industry professionals.

Peer Mentorship

Each participant is paired with a trained camp counselor who is a current SIU student. Counselors serve as peer mentors, offering guidance and insight into college life while helping students build community and a sense of belonging throughout the program. Each counselor mentors about five students, ensuring close, individualized support.

Team Projects & Capstone Showcase

Students collaborate in teams to develop and deliver a business-focused presentation modeled after experiential learning initiatives such as the Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF), applying newly acquired knowledge while strengthening teamwork and analytical thinking.

The program culminates in a capstone business showcase, where students present their projects to faculty and take part in a professional Q&A session. Designed to mirror real-world business environments, this experience builds public speaking confidence and introduces financial literacy skills that support long-term academic and career success.

Applications for next summer's SOAR cohort will open in late February/March 2027.

Check back soon!