The Center for Africana Studies Summer Institute for Pre-Freshmen is one of Penn's premier pre-freshmen programs. This intensive one-week course of study is taught by full-time Penn faculty and exposes students to major intellectual and cultural themes and currents in 19th, 20th and 21st century African and African Diaspora experiences.

The Institute also provides a rigorous introduction to the academic and co-curricular life at the University. Resident Graduate Fellows assist students with course work and provide general mentoring. Participating students leave the Summer Institute with a network of faculty, graduate students and fellow undergraduate students that support them throughout their Penn careers. Additionally, students who participate in the Institute enhance the leadership skills essential to their success at Penn and beyond. The Institute is free of charge and includes room, board, books and course tuition.

All incoming freshmen interested in African, African American and other African Diaspora studies are eligible to apply for admission to the Center for Africana Studies Summer Institute.

Provisions can be made for student transportation from the Philadelphia airport, train or bus station to the University of Pennsylvania campus. Unfortunately, the University will not cover the cost of travel to and from Philadelphia.