Utah State University Tooele Summer Program Returns for 2nd Year

TOOELE, Utah — USU Tooele has opened applications for its summer program, which is returning for its second year, running between June 22 and Aug. 7.

Launched as a pilot program in 2025, the summer program allows recent Tooele County high school graduates to enroll in college courses to explore potential career opportunities in criminal justice and — new for 2026 — data science. The program consists of two tracks or three courses across a 7-week session culminating in project-based learning event which combines everything they have learned across all three courses that shows how those skills are applicable to a potential career.

“The USU Tooele Summer Program is an excellent resource for students, primarily because of the direct involvement of faculty in the disciplines, which teaches, mentors and offers real-life learning opportunities to students, making them feel connected, supported and prepared to learn,” said USU Tooele Associate Vice President Jenn Cowburn. “It is an excellent illustration of how faculty involvement and community alliances can directly influence student achievement directly."

Students are also more likely to find success throughout the remainder of their time pursuing a degree with the nine summer credits allowing them to get ahead of their studies. Studies show students who complete at least 30 credits in their first year of college are more than twice as likely to complete a degree on time.

“Student workshops, bootcamps and college prep courses allow freshman entering USU to have an introductory university experience,” said Mike Booth, admissions specialist for USU Tooele. It also provides an opportunity to explore potential degrees and careers and hopefully leads to retaining local high school students for Tooele Valley’s workforce.”

How to participate

• Must be admitted to USU by March 16, 2026.
• Be a new, incoming freshman to USU for Summer 2026.
• Be a resident of Tooele County.
• Graduate from a Tooele County High School.
• Commit to attend USU for at least 2 semesters after receiving the award.
• Complete the FAFSA application and send the completed application to USU.
• Scholarships applications are due by April 1, 2026.

Other students may take the courses, without the scholarship, as space allows.

Students admitted for Fall 2026, or admitted to another USU campus, can email admit@usu.edu to request to change to Summer 2026 at the Tooele Campus.

Located in the valley of the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah State University Tooele offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings, USU Tooele offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at tooele.usu.edu.