Application, Screening & Disclosures

At SSB, we are committed to fostering access and inclusion while maintaining a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all participants. We partner with families through open, collaborative communication to remove barriers wherever possible, to ensure that each student can engage, meaningfully, within our global programs.

Applications are reviewed holistically with the Essential Eligibility Criteria in mind. We may request additional information or input from medical professionals to better understand if and how we can provide appropriate support to facilitate safe accommodations and participation. To support this process, completion of our Plans of Action by the participant and their treatment team may be required

We invite early and transparent dialogue about health, wellbeing, or support needs so we can explore reasonable accommodations and set shared expectations for success.

Following an individualized review and interactive process, if it is determined that a student’s needs cannot be safely or reasonably accommodated without fundamentally altering the program or compromising safety, SSB will communicate that participation cannot proceed, with transparency and respect.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

At Summer Springboard, we welcome all age-eligible teens who are excited about exploring their interests through immersive academic and career experiences on a college campus. Our programs take place in shared residential environments on college campuses. There are certain community expectations and campus norms that shape participation. Our eligibility criteria defines the core capabilities needed to engage meaningfully and safely in our programs. 

SSB programs are not therapeutic programs and are not designed to provide clinical or mental health interventions. Our focus is on providing students opportunities to explore a major, discover a career path, and experience college life.

Applications are carefully considered and screened to align with these criteria. It is not uncommon for SSB to require supporting documentation or information in the application screening process to confirm eligibility or suitability for program participation. Failure to disclose full medical history may also result in the application not being accepted, additional fees, and/or removal from the program. Please discuss with our team for any further clarification or concerns.

1. Independent Self-Care Participants should be prepared to manage their personal care and medications with limited outside independently.
2. Health & Psychological Stability To ensure that all participants can be supported safely and appropriately, students with a diagnosis or condition that may require specific considerations may be asked to provide additional documentation or medical clearance and demonstrate a period of independent stability for a minimum period of 12 months. This information helps guide the planning of reasonable accommodations and assess that the program environment can provide appropriate support.
3. Physician & Guardian Support A participant’s physician may be required to confirm fitness for travel and participation. Guardians play an important role in supporting disclosure and preparing students for the travel and group environment. *If health circumstances change between enrollment and departure, we ask families to update us so we can reassess accommodations.
4. Openness & Adaptability Students should have a to engage with peers, adapt to cultural differences, and navigate new environments with staff support. Respect, open communication, and a tolerance for discomfort and ambiguity are part of the learning experience.
5. Proactive Communication We encourage participants to communicate directly with SSB staff when they need clarification, support, or adjustments. Staff are trained to respond and problem-solve collaboratively, but students must be able to take an active role in sharing their needs.
6. Resilience to Environmental Stressors Students should expect to encounter; high heat and humidity, cold, altitude, insects, change in diet, change in time zones, sharing spaces, roommates, going without a cell phone or other technology devices and long days with structured schedules. While staff provide orientation and strategies to manage these stressors, participants should anticipate challenges and be prepared to cope with them without continuous external support
7. Physical Abilities To participate fully in the program, students should be capable of engaging in program activities that may involve walking distances greater than one mile, as the campus-based nature of the program involves moving between buildings and classes.
8. Instructional Abilities, Situational Awareness & Judgment Students should be able to understand and follow staff instructions communicated in English, remain aware of their surroundings, and make responsible decisions. While staff provide supervision and guidance, students share responsibilities in maintaining their own safety and contributing to the wellbeing of the group.
9. Independent Travel to/from Departure Point Participants must be able to arrange (or manage) travel between home and the destination airport. (flights, arrival, etc. – unaccompanied minor services may be available with the airline)

Adherence to Conduct & Legal Expectations
Participants must agree to SSB’s Code of Conduct, abide by applicable local laws, and comply with health or preventive measures communicated by staff. Violations may lead to disciplinary action or expulsion (at the participant’s expense), with or without partial refund, depending on circumstances.