Black College Institute

Apply to BCI

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.

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Black College Institute

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.

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.

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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 virtual team building and activities.
All programs are FREE of cost to students!

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.

Transportation

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

Packing List

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