Latino/a/x
Youth Programs
Academia Latina & Academia Leadership
Overnight Camp
Academia Latina: 7th-9th graders
Southern Oregon University offers a summer overnight camp program specially designed for Latino/a/x youth who have completed grades 7, 8, or 9. The camp, Academia Latina, offers a dynamic blend of classes, lectures, and cultural experiences led by passionate and imaginative instructors. Students will be exposed to a higher-education environment as they will stay on the SOU campus, providing them with a glimpse into college life early on. Above all, this exposure can be incredibly inspiring, helping to spark their academic interests and dreams for the future. Plus, students can gain confidence and a sense of belonging as they interact with other Latino/a/x students from across Oregon in a safe and supportive community.
Camp Schedule & Information
Camp Schedule and Information
Academia Latina is held on the Southern Oregon University campus. Academia Latina 2026 camp dates will be available in December 2025.
Applying as a New Student
Application Requirements
To apply to the Academia Latina overnight camp, students must have completed grades 7, 8, or 9. In addition, the following items must be submitted in their application:
- Current academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation from a teacher or community member.
- Write an essay using the following prompts (250 word minimum): What do you hope to gain or learn from participating in Academia Latina? Why do you want to participate?
Academia Latina Application
- When the application opens, click the red button on the main Academia page. This will take you to the registration platform, Ideal-Logic.
- You will be prompted to create an account using your personal email address. Please do not use your school email.
- Please download a copy of the recommendation form to give to your teacher, coach, or community leader. This form should be returned to us, please see the form for additional instructions.
- Upon receiving your letter of recommendation, you will be sent an automatic notification. Please check-in with your recommender or our Youth Programs office if you have not received this notification.
Applying as a Returning Student
Application Requirements
To apply to the Academia Latina overnight camp, students must have completed grades 7, 8, or 9. In addition, the following items must be submitted in their application:
- Current academic transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or community member
- Write an essay using the following prompts (250 word minimum): How has your culture and/or experiences at Academia Latina helped you in your current school year or personal life?
Submitting your Academia Latina Application
- When the application opens, click the red button on the main Academia page. This will take you to the registration platform, Ideal-Logic.
- Log in to Ideal-Logic using your email address. If you cannot remember your password, select “forgot password”.
- Please download a copy of the recommendation form to give to your teacher, coach, or community leader. This form should be returned to us, please see the form for additional instructions.
- Upon receiving your letter of recommendation, you will be sent an automatic notification. Please check-in with your recommender or our Youth Programs office if you have not received this notification.
Letter of Recommendation
The Academia Latina Student Recommendation form can be accessed here.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Leaving an overnight camp program is discouraged. It is important that students make a commitment to fully participate. Schedule outside appointments, music lessons, athletic practices, and tryouts for times outside of the week of camp.
After a student is accepted to the program, the activity fee will not be refunded, nor will account credits be issued. Additionally, students who no-show, or withdraw from camp will not receive a refund or account credit.
Academia Latina Leadership: 10th & 11th graders
As the Academia Latina camp grew and more students received the opportunity to attend, the community became interested in expanding the program. Thus, in 2013, Academia Leadership was born. Academia Leadership is a 9-day summer camp designed for Latino/a/x youth finishing their sophomore or junior year in high school. The goal of the program is to continue nurturing the youth leaders and inspire positive role models through high school. The camp provides a variety of classes, discussion, cultural immersions, and leisure activities centered around cultivating effective leadership skills.
Camp Schedule & Information
Camp Schedule and Information
Academia Leadership is held on the Southern Oregon University campus. Academia Leadership 2026 camp dates will be available in December 2025.
Applying as a New Student
Application Requirements
Academia Latina Leadership is looking for high-energy participants who find working with younger students both stimulating and fun. We are also looking for students that have a special interest in social justice, leadership and social change.
To apply to the Academia Latina Leadership overnight camp, students must be completing grades 10 or 11. In addition, the following items must be submitted in their application:
- Current academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation from a teacher or community member
- Write an essay using the following prompts (250 word minimum): How has your culture hindered or helped your view of education? How will you be able to impact younger generations?
Academia Latina Leadership Application
- When the application opens, click the red button on the main Academia page. This will take you to the registration platform, Ideal-Logic.
- You will be prompted to create an account using your personal email address. Please do not use your school email.
- Please download a copy of the recommendation form to give to your teacher, coach, or community leader. This form should be returned to us, please see the form for additional instructions.
- Upon receiving your letter of recommendation, you will be sent an automatic notification. Please check-in with your recommender or our Youth Programs office if you have not received this notification.
Applying as a Returning Student
Application Requirements
Academia Latina Leadership is looking for high-energy participants who find working with younger students both stimulating and fun. We are also looking for students that have a special interest in social justice, leadership and social change.
To apply to the Academia Latina Leadership overnight camp, students must be completing grades 10 or 11. In addition, the following items must be submitted in their application:
- Current academic transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or community member
- Write an essay using the following prompts (250 word minimum): What does leadership look like to you? In what ways, or how, could you be a leader in your community?
Academia Latina Leadership Application
- When the application opens, click the red button on the main Academia page. This will take you to the registration platform, Ideal-Logic.
- Log into Ideal-Logic using your email address. If you cannot remember your password, select “forgot password”.
- Please download a copy of the recommendation form to give to your teacher, coach, or community leader. This form should be returned to us, please see the form for additional instructions.
- Upon receiving your letter of recommendation, you will be sent an automatic notification. Please check-in with your recommender or our Youth Programs office if you have not received this notification.
Letter of Recommendation
The Academic Leadership Student Recommendation form can be accessed here.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Leaving an overnight camp program is discouraged. It is important that students make a commitment to fully participate. Schedule outside appointments, music lessons, athletic practices, and tryouts for times outside of the week of camp.
After a student is accepted to the program, the activity fee will not be refunded, nor will account credits be issued. Additionally, students who no-show, or withdraw from camp will not receive a refund or account credit.
Counselors, Head Residents, and Course Instructors
This camp would not be possible without the support of our counselors and program staff. We encourage individuals to apply to our open positions:
- Junior Counselors: current high school seniors
- Senior Counselors: current college students, paid position
- Head Residents: directors of camp, paid position
- Instructors: classroom teachers; paid position
Select the corresponding application link below.
Academia Latina programming is proudly supported by the Oregon Department of Education Latinx Student Success Plan, Oregon Department of Education Multilingual and Migrant Education, Oregon Community Foundation Reed and Carolee Walker Fund, and The Joe and Frances Naumes Family Foundation.
