Five weeks of backpacking and writing workshops in Colorado
During the HMI Summer Term, rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders from across the country engage in a unique summer experience in the Rocky Mountains. They discover their best selves over two backpacking trips, exploring the reaches of their potential and how to lead others. Through a series of writing workshops, students find their voices, improve their prose, and gain experience with college-level writing, finally producing a polished essay that can be used for college applications or as a compelling personal statement
The HMI Summer Term is:
5 Weeks in Leadville, Colorado
Two Backpacking Expeditions
Writing Workshops & Seminars
On two 10-day backpacking expeditions, students learn how to travel and thrive in the rugged wilderness of Colorado. Leadership and communication theory are central to the mission of HMI; in addition to wilderness skills, students practice leadership skills and learn how to collaborate and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. They leave the Summer Term with the tools to thrive in high school classes, on sports teams, and as leaders in extracurricular activities.
On campus students dive into the art of the personal essay, receiving coaching and feedback from seasoned writing professionals. Each student will have the chance to turn their wilderness experiences into a reflective personal essay that can be used as a Common Application® college essay or personal statement.
Who should apply?
- High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in spending the summer at HMI.
- High-achieving students–HMI is NOT a wilderness therapy or rehabilitative school.
- No previous outdoor experience is required to participate in HMI–only an interest in spending extended periods of time (10-18 days at a time) outdoors in wilderness settings. We teach our students everything they need to know to fully participate in our outdoor activities.
- Approximately 30% of our student receive financial aid, and our aid packages can include free or reduced-price outdoor gear rental. Our top financial aid awards include free plane tickets to and from Colorado.
Since 2011 students from hundreds of high schools have participated in the HMI Summer Term
Discover Summer Term through photos
HMI Summer Term informational webinar
Director of Admissions Ray McGaughey is joined by Summer Term alumna Laila and her father Michael as they describe the academic, wilderness, and community components of the HMI Summer Term. Recorded January 21, 2020.