Still have questions about KEEP? Check out these frequently asked questions.
The Kenyon Educational Enrichment Program is a selective 4-year scholarship program aimed at recruiting, retaining, and insuring the success of underrepresented students of color and first-generation college students. The program equips participants with skills for the rigor of Kenyon courses, acclimates them to the campus, and fosters friendships between program participants as they explore Ohio on weekends. The ultimate goal is to create future leaders within and outside the classroom. Students who are selected come from diverse ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, cultural and geographical backgrounds. They possess strong academic abilities and share a passion for social justice.
Participation in KEEP is a four-year commitment that begins with a 5.5 week intensive academic summer experience, divided between two courses: data analysis and analytical writing. Participants earn 0.5 units of academic credit on their college transcript for completing the summer courses. Outside of class, scholars have the opportunity to have fun, relax, and plan activities. After completing the required summer experience immediately following high school graduation, Scholars are expected to participate in KEEP meetings, workshops and events all four years of study.
Scholars may only participate in the KEEP summer experience during the summer between their high school graduation and Kenyon matriculation.
The focus of the summer experience is first and foremost academic. The second is to create space and opportunities for scholars to bond as a cohort and acclimate themselves to the Kenyon community. As such, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) coordinates all co-curricular activities for scholars and live-in student staff.
If you live outside of Ohio, KEEP will cover the cost of airfare to and from Kenyon. If you live in Ohio but still need help getting to campus, KEEP will either reimburse the mileage for the person who drives you or will help you arrange it directly. Upon being admitted to KEEP, you will receive information from the KEEP director on transportation, a packing list, orientation, medical forms and the summer schedule.
Unfortunately, no. We need time to clean the halls and to prepare for arrivals. Furthermore, it is important for you to return home for a few weeks and recharge after an intensive summer experience.
You are welcome to spend your $1000 stipend as you like. However, we have some suggestions for expenses that you may have: tuition and fees, travel home for holidays, toiletries, snacks, dorm room items, medication and computer programs. All of these are expenses for which you will be responsible during your four years at Kenyon, so consider wisely how you will spend your stipend.
Yes, all scholars must take the writing and the data courses. The techniques and strategies that you learn in these courses will help you succeed in all of your Kenyon courses. Regardless of your academic strengths, you will develop skills that will help you in classes across the curriculum. Ultimately, you will learn how to work with your peers and your professors, and you will have an established network of leaders when you enter on day one. We hope you use this network and this comfort to help others in the transition to Kenyon.
Participation in KEEP is completely free of charge. KEEP will cover transportation, room and board, and tuition for the summer experience. As for Kenyon's cost of attendance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 740-427-5340.