Updated 2/5/25

Robertson Summers offer powerful opportunities for transformation for those who open themselves to the possibilities.  The process is based on the familiar questions, "Who am I? What am I committed to? How do I want to grow as a leader? How do I create that opportunity?"

These Scholars and Coaches have committed to Summer 2025.

Based on the Progress Reports submitted in December 2024, we've expanded this document  to provide more detail.  New materials added mid-January include a "proposal dialogue" and examples of meeting the funding criteria.  See Important Documents, below.

 

Timeline for Exploration and Launch Summer 2025

  • February 2025: Revising, submitting
    • Revise according to feedback.
    • Request April 1 deadline if relevant (see January 23 Bulletin for more details)
    • Prepare final proposal and budget for submission.
  • March 2025:
    • Submit complete packet of materials by March 3. (instructions under revision 2025)
    • If complete and approved, check will be available end of March.
    • Begin to complete Final Information form. (under revision 2025)
  • April 2025: Preparing
    • Submit complete packet of materials by April1, if relevant.
    • Attend Robertson Send-Off April __, 2025.
    • Final preparation of materials: register international trips, risk forms, etc.
    • Complete Final Information form. (under revision 2025)
  • May 2025:  Preparing
    • Final preparation of materials.
    • Summer payment for April 1 deadline will be available end of May.
  • May to August 2025:  Summer is here!
    • Staff are available for conversation, support, and affirmation.
    • The offices are quiet.
    • Community Summer dinners in Mississippi, New Orleans, Tarboro, and Whitesburg
  • August 2025:  Reflecting (again!)
    • Complete end-of-summer steps as requested
  • August/September 2024:  Reflecting
    • Close out Summer 2024!  Review your Summer 2024 reflection and staff feedback for a reminder of what you learned and how you still want to grow. 
    • You must complete Summer 2024 through reflection before entering the Summer 2025 process.
    • Participate in the All Scholars Community Dinner September 6.
    • Sophomore retreat, September 13-15. Junior huddles, throughout fall.
  • September/October 2024:  Reflecting, ideating
    • Talk to Alumni!  This list includes Alumni who have signed up to be available to you–even just for a conversation.  You can ask them anything.
    • Read “Recent Scholar Projects” below, under "Where to go for ideas and inspiration."
    • Invite a Summer Coach to join you. This person will work with you throughout your planning.
    • Participate in an optional Connecting with a Summer Coach workshop. 9/26 update:  We held four, and they were great!  Check Vicki's email from 9/17/24 if you missed them and want to know more.
    • Enroll in the Summer 2025 process by October 7.  If you say "yes":
      • You will work with the Summer Coach you have identified. 
      • You will complete a Progress Report by December 20.
      • You will submit a complete proposal and budget by March 3, 2025.
      • You will attend to risk management and travel requirements, such as registering international trips.
      • You will complete end-of-summer steps in August 2025.
    • All Scholars preparing for Exploration or Launch Summer will attend the Summer Possibilities Workshop October 24 at UNC, 5:30-8:00 PM, including dinner.  Graham Memorial lounge. 10/25 update: Over 50 sophomores, juniors, and seniors participated in this fun and thoughtful event. Here are the slides.  Online makeup session will take place December 5, 12-2:00.
    • Interested in the Writing Groups?  Here's the info .
  • November 2024:  Ideating, generating
    • Consider this statement, from Mikhal Ben-Joseph (2023):  “During the Summer, I would love to _____.”
    • Do some soul-searching and include people who know you. What’s missing for you? How can Summer 2025 be a chance to open your heart and mind to new places, activities, and experiences?  How can you get to the possibility you declared in the Summer Possibilities Workshop?
    • Optional online coaching sessions with Alumni, November 10-19, 2024. Sign up here!
    • What's your path? Where are you on the long road to Summer?
  • December 2024: Drafting
    • Make-up Summer Possibilities Workshop, December 5, 12-2:00 EST. Zoom
    • Complete Progress Report by December 20.
  • January 2025:  Drafting, revising

Important documents

Where can you go for ideas and inspiration?

  • Alumni are eager to participate!  Here's a list of Alumni who have signed up to be available to you.  Ask them anything!
  • Watch the Alumni stories at the bottom of this page.  You will be inspired and come away with new ideas for Summer!
  • Check out the Summer 2024 maps in the Duke office. See who went where last Summer, and be inspired! While you're there, look through the travel guides for helpful information and more ideas.
  • Read about recent Scholar projects. Check Robertson Connect for more details about specific projects.

Info for International Travel

 

Resources and Opportunities for 2025--posted as they are shared with staff

 

Additional Resources

(A few) Third-party providers  These organizations provide opportunities for interactions that are hard to create as an individual, particularly in international medical, educational, or other settings. Some offer valuable opportunities to learn about new places.  (This list doesn't indicate RSLP endorsement, although Scholars have worked with all of them.)

Transferable Skills Worksheet     This will help you organize and articulate the skills you have and those who you want to gain through Summers.