For many students, the senior year begins with excitement, but also uncertainty.
College applications, financial aid, essays and deadlines can quickly feel overwhelming, especially for students and families navigating the process for the first time. Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is proud to offer College Bootcamp again this year, a focused summer experience designed to help MBRT Next Generation Scholars start their senior year prepared, confident and ahead.
Held each August to align with the release of the Common Application, MBRT’s College Bootcamp provides rising seniors with a critical head start on one of the most influential years of their academic journey and transition to adulthood.
Through two to three half-day sessions, students participate in structured, hands-on workshops that guide them through the early stages of the college application and financial aid process. Topics include:
- Building a personalized college list
- Understanding financial aid and the accounts needed to apply
- Drafting college essays
- Beginning the Common Application
College Bootcamp helps students take what can be an overwhelming process and make manageable steps to navigate it with direction and purpose. In 2025, 75% of participating students reported that they already knew at least three to five colleges they planned to apply to that fall, a strong indicator of preparedness before the school year even began.
For students, that clarity is transformative.
This sense of confidence is the heart of the program. By tackling the college application process early, students can head into their senior year more confident about the future that lies ahead of them.
A key part of the MBRT College Bootcamp experience is exposure to on-campus, real-life college environments. The MBRT partners with higher education institutions to hold sessions on campus and lead workshops, giving students the opportunity to engage with experts from the start. For many students – particularly those who may be first-generation college students—this experience helps make college feel tangible, accessible and within reach.
2026 College Bootcamp Dates and Locations
The MBRT College Bootcamp will take place across MBRT Next Generation Scholars districts this August:
- Allegany County: August 5-7, at Salvation Army
- Caroline and Kent Counties: August 4-5, at Washington College
Dorchester and Wicomico Counties’ dates and locations will be announced soon. Students should connect with their MBRT Next Generation Scholars site coordinator for additional details and registration information.
College Bootcamp is part of MBRT’s broad commitment to ensuring all students are prepared for success after high school. By providing early access to resources, guidance and hands-on support, MBRT helps students move from planning to action for their futures.
