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Black College Institute 
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Welcome

High school student applications to participate in the 2021 virtual summer programs are now being accepted! Click below now for more information about applying to attend BCI.

Apply to BCI now!
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Virtual BCI 2021

As Virginia Tech continues to observe the same safety precautions as the rest of our nation for COVID-19, we still want to make options available to see what it’s like to be a student here. We are working with campus partners to offer a growing list of virtual options and videos, so watch this page for Virtual BCI updates!

Find out more about Virtual BCI
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What is Black College Institute?

The Black College Institute is a 4-day academic summer enrichment program by Virginia Tech. It hosts talented, high-achieving and academically curious rising high school juniors and seniors.

While this program is designed to attract underrepresented and/or first-generation students, we welcome the participation of any student who has a potential interest in Virginia Tech. Our program activities are planned using a multicultural perspective though we place special emphasis on the African-American identity.

Meet the BCI Leadership
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Interested in Black College Institute?

Here's what you need to know

When is Black College Institute?

Applications are now being accepted. The 2021 dates for Virtual BCI are:

  • Session 1: June 13-16 (seniors)
  • Session 2: June 20-23 (seniors)
  • Session 3: June 27-30 (juniors)

For more information about the Black College Institute, email Dr. Crasha Townsend at crasha@vt.edu.

Benefits of attending BCI

  • Student engagement with various academic disciplines through hands-on learning and workshops within the context of the African-American cultural experience.
  • College life experience of residential living, campus dining, collaborative projects in university classrooms and engagement with Virginia Tech’s faculty, staff, and students.
  • Daily workshops on (1) navigating and completing the college application process and (2) applying for scholarships and financial aid.
  • Students embrace Virginia Tech’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by completing a service learning project with university and local partnerships.
  • Explore Virginia Tech’s departments and organizations to build lasting connections and learn about local resources available to them.
  • Engage in fun virtual team building and activities.
  • All programs are FREE of cost to students!
BCI group activity

Senior Session 1

View last year's senior session brochure.

Senior Session 2

View last year's senior session brochure.

Junior Session

View last year's junior session brochure.

Participating VT Colleges and Departments

 

Student-Staff Leadership

Are you interested in being a student staff leader for BCI?

 

Kayla St Clair

Apply to be a BCI Student Staff Leader

Student Staff Leader applications for the 2021 summer programs are now open! Click here for information about applying to be an SSL.

 

Questions and more

Black College Institute is co-sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. For inquiries or for more information, contact us at bci@vt.edu.

 

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Images shown without masks were taken before the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and do not represent the University's current mask policy.

Photo Gallery

View a selection of photos from past BCI programs.

BCI in the News

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Alphonso Garrett

Apply to attend BCI

Student applications for the 2020 summer programs are now open! Click here for information about applying to attend BCI.

BCI Transportation Information

Please note that transportation to Virginia Tech will not be provided and students should not drive personal vehicles to campus. Parents or designated representatives will be provided parking passes for student drop-off and pick-up upon arrival on campus.

Additional Resources

What to Pack

Below are the list of recommended items to bring with you:

  • Comfortable shoes for walking
  • Closed toed shoes or sneakers - some of the spaces we will be entering require shoes with closed toes.
  • Rain gear - we will be outside for one program - rain or shine.
  • Mud wear - we will be outside for one program and some of the spaces are muddy so please bring appropriate footwear.
  • Business attire - 2 sets
  • Also, here is a guide on business casual attire from our Career and Professional Development department.
  • Casual clothing - 5 sets
  • Exercise clothing - we will go to the Recreation Center at least one evening.
  • Swimsuit is optional for one of the activities available
  • Snacks - please refrain from bringing snacks with any type of nuts.
  • Any necessary medications
  • Wash cloth and towel
  • Toiletries including soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb/brush, shower-cap, hair products, shower shoes, sunscreen
  • Phone chargers - please do not bring laptops/ipads/tablets or other expensive items
  • Baseball hat or cap

We will provide the following:

  • Water Bottle
  • Sheets, pillowcase, pillow and blanket