Lead Up Summer Academy

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​LEAD UP Summer Academy 2026 will be held from July 20 through July 23, 2026, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. KU LEAD UP is a 3-day and 2-night experience for invited high school youth.

Youth participants will receive college-prep guidance and support, and will have the experience of living on campus. Eligible youth are invited by the partner program (ThrYve) to participate. KU staff from ThrYve and LEAD UP will host and chaperone the program and event with partner programs. ​ Only a limited number of spaces are reserved for the LU Summer Academy.

Students may be invited to participate who are: (1) in high school, and (b) are in good standing with a sponsoring Lead Up partner program in which they participate.