Summer Academic Workshop
Northwestern University's 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 Completely Free
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.
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
Eligibility Requirements
SAW centers the experiences of low-income, first generation college students who are:
- Incoming undergraduate students in the Class of 2028
- Currently residing in the United States
- Pell Grant eligible or who have the majority of their financial need met via financial aid
- Email Mayra Garces, SES Associate Director and SAW Director to confirm eligibility.
Participant Restrictions
- Participation in other Northwestern summer programs/activities
- SAW participants are unable to participate in SAW if they are planning to or already committed to programs/activities that overlap with SAW program dates: Saturday, August 24-Friday, September 13, 2024. Programs that overlapped with SAW in past years include, but are not limited to:
- Marching Band
- Bridge Program
- SAW will also prioritize applicants who are not already committed to another FGLI summer program (i.e. Bio&ChemEXCEL, HODGE Excel), in order for all incoming FGLI students to have the opportunity to participate in at least one of the FGLI summer programs at Northwestern.
- SAW participants are unable to participate in SAW if they are planning to or already committed to programs/activities that overlap with SAW program dates: Saturday, August 24-Friday, September 13, 2024. Programs that overlapped with SAW in past years include, but are not limited to:
- Non-SAW Commitments
- SAW participants should not plan any trips home or plan to miss any SAW programming from Saturday, August 24-Friday, September 13, 2024. Exceptions will be made on case-by-case basis as we know life events can impact participation.
Participate in SAW
Thank you for your interest in SAW! The SAW application is open and will close on Tuesday, June 4th. Head to the SAW Participant Application page to submit yours. If you have any immediate questions, please email saw@northwestern.edu.