Summer Experience At A Glance
Are You Ready for an Incredible Summer?
Our Summer Opportunity Academy is designed to help students grow and thrive. Each experience focuses on college readiness, academic success, and—of course—summer fun! Whether you’re exploring a college campus, building skills in the classroom, or making memories with new friends, this is a summer you won’t forget.
Combat Summer Learning Loss
At ORS’s Summer Opportunity Academy, we offer engaging academic courses designed to reduce summer learning loss and close the gap in college readiness enrichment for youth. Our curriculum is built to strengthen core subject knowledge while keeping students actively involved and motivated.
We use IXL, a trusted and data-driven learning platform, to help students demonstrate measurable growth in subjects like math and English. IXL also supports SAT preparation, ensuring students are better equipped for future academic success.
Field Trips & College Tours
At ORS’s Summer Opportunity Academy, students don’t just learn in the classroom—they go places! Each summer includes exciting field trips that combine educational experiences with unforgettable fun. Every student gets to tour a college campus and enjoy hands-on activities at popular destinations like Board & Brush, The Aquarium, and Six Flags. It’s the perfect blend of inspiration and adventure, designed to spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
A Community of Peers & Purpose
At Opportunity Academy, students connect with motivated young people from all walks of life. Together, they build a supportive community grounded in ambition, learning, and shared goals. It’s more than just a summer program—it’s a space where friendships grow, confidence builds, and futures take shape.
Real-World Readiness
Opportunity Academy goes beyond academics by preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Through interactive workshops, participants develop essential life skills, explore a variety of career paths, and learn the basics of personal branding. From building a resume to discovering their strengths, students leave with tools they can use right away—and for years to come.
Affordable Cost
The full two-week program (June 9–20) costs $700, which includes meals, snacks, all course materials, and field trips.
If you are enrolled in a federally funded program like Upward Bound, your participation is fully covered by the grant — no payment is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m part of the Upward Bound or Upward Bound Math & Science program (i.e., TRIO)?
If you are a participant in one of our federally funded TRIO programs—Upward Bound or Upward Bound Math & Science—some parts of the Summer Opportunity Academy may look a little different for you.
While you’ll still enjoy many of the same great experiences, your program may have a slightly different schedule, structure, or set of requirements. To get the most accurate and up-to-date details, we recommend reaching out directly to your program director or assigned program staff member. They’ll make sure you have all the information you need for your specific summer experience.
Click on one of the following links for more infomation about your program:
HSP 1 – Alvarado & Venus High Schools
HSP 2 – Keene, Rio Vista, Alvarado, & Venus High Schools
HSP 3 – Lancaster or Southwest High Schools
How much does the Summer Opportunity Academy cost?
The full two-week program (June 9–20) is $700. This includes meals, snacks, all course materials, and field trips.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, optional round-trip busing to and from campus is available for $60 per week (in select communities only).
Are payment plans available?
Yes! We offer flexible payment plans to make participation more accessible for families. Please contact us to set up a plan that works for you.
What is the daily schedule like at Opportunity Academy?
Each week of the program is thoughtfully designed to keep students engaged, learning, and having fun. Here’s what a typical day looks like:
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Morning: Students start the day with breakfast and then jump into their IXL courses, focusing on core academic subjects with personalized support.
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Midday: After a mid-morning brain break, students participate in hands-on STEM labs that make science and technology come alive.
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Afternoon: Following lunch, students explore an interest-based elective of their choice—ranging from the arts to leadership to college and career readiness. The day wraps up at 3:30 PM.
And Fridays? They’re all about field trips! On Fridays, students meet at 9:00 AM and spend the day on exciting outings like college tours, local attractions, and cultural experiences. Field trips usually end by 5:00 PM, giving students an extended day of fun and exploration.
What are the dates for the Summer Opportunity Academy?
The 2025 Summer Opportunity Academy runs from June 16 to June 27. It’s a two-week program packed with learning, exploration, and fun.
Where is the summer program located?
We’re proud to host the Summer Opportunity Academy on partner college campuses in North Texas. Your specific campus location will depend on where you live:
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Southwest Fort Worth or Lancaster: Dallas College – Mountain View Campus
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Johnson County Area: Southwestern Adventist University
We do run buses in our local communities. Please contact us for more information.
Who can I contact with questions?
We’re happy to help! You can reach our offices at (817) 241-4141 or email us anytime at academy@orstx.org.