# HMI Summer Term

Four-week backcountry leadership and academics program in Leadville, Colorado for rising 10th-12th graders; about 40% of students receive need-based financial aid.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | High Mountain Institute |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | $9,900 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Leadville, CO |
| Apply | https://hminet.org/hmi-summer-term/ |

## About this program

# HMI Summer Term

The High Mountain Institute runs Summer Term from its campus in Leadville, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Over four weeks, students split their time between a residential campus program and extended backcountry expeditions, learning wilderness travel and expedition leadership alongside seminar-style academics. No prior outdoor experience is required to apply.

## What You'll Do

- Live and study for four weeks on HMI's Leadville, Colorado campus at 10,000 feet
- Take multi-day backpacking expeditions in the Colorado Rockies and Utah canyon country
- Learn backcountry travel, Leave No Trace practice, risk management, and expedition leadership
- Rotate through leader-of-the-day roles that put you in charge of route-finding and group decisions
- Participate in seminar discussions on the natural world, ethics, and place

## Who Should Apply

Summer Term is open to "rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders" from across the country, and HMI states that no prior outdoor experience is required. Applicants who need financial support submit a financial aid application through Clarity at the same time as the program application; roughly "40% of students receive need-based financial aid," and aid packages can include free gear rental and flight coverage.

## Outcomes

Students finish with hard technical skills in backcountry travel and group leadership, sustained practice making decisions under real consequence, and a small-cohort peer network - background that also feeds directly into HMI's semester program for juniors.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does HMI Summer Term cost?

HMI Summer Term costs $9,900. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for HMI Summer Term?

HMI Summer Term is open to high school students in grades 10–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is HMI Summer Term online or in person?

HMI Summer Term is an in-person program based in Leadville, CO.

### How do I apply to HMI Summer Term?

Apply directly through High Mountain Institute's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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