Cleveland - Sophomore Program

The Minds Matter of Cleveland Sophomore Program assists high school students in gaining admission to top-notch summer college preparatory programs in the United States. The Minds Matter of Cleveland Interview Committee accepts students based on a rigorous and highly competitive application and interview process, which evaluates academic credentials, financial need, personal essay statements, guidance counselor and teacher recommendations, and the degree of parental or guardian support.
 
In addition to offering a rigorous academic curriculum that develops critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills, our program encourages maturity and serious decision-making, fosters a sense of ethical responsibility and integrity, and encourages new friendships with other Minds Matter students from local schools along with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
 
On Saturday mornings, Minds Matter students complete courses including Writing & Critical Thinking (Level 1), Math Matters (Level 1), and SAT test preparation administered through Kaplan Test Prep. After lunch, students meet with their assigned pair of professional mentors who collectively represent many of the most prestigious corporations, organizations, and educational institutions in the Greater Cleveland Area. Mentors work with the students during afternoon sessions to refine career goals, select summer programs, prepare applications, create personal statements and essays, request letters of recommendation, and complete financial aid paperwork. After a student is admitted to a college preparatory summer program and awarded a financial aid package, Minds Matter provides as much financial assistance as possible to supplement the school's award.
 
Summer academic programs attended by Minds Matter of Cleveland sophomores at universities and colleges across the United States include Brown University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Georgetown University, Ithaca College, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Colorado.