Black College Institute
What is Black College Institute?
The Black College Institute is a 5-day academic summer enrichment program on Virginia Tech's main campus in Blacksburg Virginia. 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.
Applications for 2020 are now close please check back January next year for 2021 cycle
Interested in Black College Institute?
Here's what you need to know
Benefits of attending BCI
- Student engagement with various academic disciplines through hand-ons 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 team building activities in our Cultural, Recreational, and Squires Student Centers.
- All programs are FREE of cost to students! Students must arranged their own transportation to and from the programs.
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
- The SmartWay bus makes several stops in the New River Valley area, including the Roanoke Regional Airport and Squires Student Center (on VT's campus; where they will be met by a BCI representative).
- The MegaBus (Virginia Breeze) also makes stops on the VT campus.
- Amtrak train.
- Campus Maps
- Area Accomodations
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
Student-Staff Leadership
Are you interested in being a student staff leader for BCI?
Student applications for the 2020 summer programs are now open! Click here for information about applying to attend BCI.
Student Staff Leader applications for the 2020 summer programs currently closed. Check back a little later for next summer's SSL applications. Click here for information about applying to be an SSL.
BCI in the News
Black College Institute is co-sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Office for Inclusion and Diversity.
Questions? Contact bci@vt.edu