Inspire Summer


Learning to feed your curiosity.
Think you might be interested in business, engineering, or creative writing? Satisfy your curiosity with small class sizes focused on exploratory learning. Go beyond the curriculum with exciting topics that introduce new concepts and build on existing knowledge.
1 week and 2 week classes are offered in-person (Fairfax, VA) or online. In-person offerings are commuter (non-residential).
Summer 2026 applications open on December 1, 2025. Class announcements will be coming soon, so check back for updates!
Sign Up to be Notified for Summer 2026
At a glance
Become part of the UVA|Northern Virginia family.
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Program DurationWe have a variety of 1 or 2 week-long sessions. You can choose to take one class or fill your summer with exploratory learning!
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FeesFees cover tuition and materials. In-person course fees also include a Friday excursion and daily lunch and snacks. Need-based financial aid is available for all classes.
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EligibilityThe program is designed for rising 10th - 12th grade high school students. We welcome all students with an appetite for learning!
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ApplicationSummer 2026 applications open December 1. Application includes unofficial transcript/report card(s) and a writing prompt. In the application, students can choose more than one class.
FAQs
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Where are classes located?
Inspire Summer classes are located at the UVA Fairfax Campus, 8095 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22031.
If you’re looking for summer classes based in Charlottesville, check out UVA Advance and the Summer Language Institute for high schoolers.
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Is there any financial aid available for these classes?
Yes, applicants can indicate their interest in need-based financial aid on the application. Applicants should provide relevant context and information.
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What time are the in-person classes?
In-person classes run from 9 AM – 4 PM Monday-Friday!
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Does this program offer college credits?
The Inspire program does not offer college credits in most of our classes. Students will receive a digital certificate of completion after completing each class.
We have a partnership with the UVA Summer Language Institute that offers 6 college credits!
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Do you offer any housing arrangements?
The UVA | Northern Virginia Inspire Program is a commuter program and does not offer any housing for students. Classes are held in-person in Fairfax, Virginia.
Students living outside of the commuter area who wish to attend the program should acquire their own housing arrangements or pursue one of our online classes.
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When is the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We will keep the classes open for enrollment until they are full!
We anticipate our classes filling up for 2026 so recommend that you apply early.
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I applied. When will I know If I got in?
We admit students on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed within 10 business days of submission. Keep you eyes out for an email from inspire.northern@virginia.edu. Check your spam – sometimes emails go there!
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Is there a benefit to applying and paying early?
Yes, our early bird pricing ends on March 1!
We do not reserve seats for students so the earlier you apply the more classes you will have to choose from!
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Is there a refund policy?
Registrants are eligible for a refund until 60 days from the program start. Please note that a $150 administrative fee will be retained to cover the costs associated with application review and the admissions process. No refunds will be available after 60 days from the program start. To cancel your registration and request a refund, please contact inspire.northern@virginia.edu.
We can’t wait to see you next summer!
Questions? Contact Us.
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