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Summer Academic Workshop

Group photo of SAW program participants in front of a residence hall

Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) is a three-week program designed to equip students with the tools to thrive at Northwestern.

About the Program

The Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) is a 3-week program taking place right before Wildcat Welcome. SAW is facilitated by Student Enrichment Services, in partnership with the Cook Family Writing Program and the School of Communication. During SAW, participants take part in co-curricular workshops and events curated for first-generation and/or lower-income (FGLI) students. Participants also earn course credit through the Cook Family Writing Program and the School of Communication. All co-curricular workshops and events complement what students learn in class and provide them with a wealth of resources for navigating college life.

SAW is an all-cost covered program—including housing, meals, tuition, afternoon workshops, and weekend social opportunities. Students live together in a campus residence hall and experience Northwestern life under the mentorship of six upper-class peer counselors. Participants also move into their permanent residence hall earlier than the regular move-in date for incoming students.  Air travel for students living more than a 3-hour drive (about 150 miles) from campus will be arranged and paid for by SAW.

Visit the SAW Website

2024 Important Dates

  • Application Open: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
  • SAW Move In: Saturday, August 24, 2024
  • SAW Program Concludes: Friday, September 13, 2024

For more information, contact the SAW office