PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars

June 8 – July 17, 2026, 8:10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program, formerly known as the Multicultural Summer Honors Program, is a six-week, five-period, full-scholarship summer program that includes academic enrichment, creative arts, experiential education, and community building. Current 4th-grade students from all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The summer scholars program fosters a joy of learning through creativity and an appreciation for other cultures; students live the Albuquerque Academy experience through academically challenging courses that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving and make Albuquerque Academy a nationally renowned institution.

The 2026 VCSS application closed on January 22, 2026.

The Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program honors the legacy of Vincent Cordova, Albuquerque Academy’s pioneer in diversity, equity, and inclusion. For over four decades, Mr. Cordova advocated for underrepresented students, and his vision continues to shape this program, which provides academically talented and motivated rising 5th graders with an enriching summer experience.

The Garcia family started this endowed fund to honor Mr. Cordova for the mentorship and leadership he provided to each of the five Garcia siblings who attended the Academy, which made a profound impact on their lives.

More About VCSS

Founded in the mid-1980s as part of the Academy’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, the Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program has since evolved into a vital outreach initiative, offering scholarships to up to 60 students annually. Through a six-week, five-period schedule, students engage in challenging courses that strengthen their skills in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking. In addition, the program fosters a love for learning and broadens students’ worldviews through cultural exploration. For those with financial need, the Schmider Opportunity Fund extends their day with additional programming and care options.

The program’s core mission is outreach and enrichment. Summer scholars connect with students from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds, many of whom may not have had prior exposure to Albuquerque Academy. It introduces them to the Academy’s values and community, creating meaningful experiences and helping them prepare for their academic futures.

The Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program is grounded in Albuquerque Academy’s mission to foster a lifelong passion for learning and reflection. The Academy is committed to creating a caring, inclusive, and just community that embraces diversity, using the Southwest’s rich geography and culture to inspire creativity, balance, and a connection to the natural world. Furthermore, VCSS is one way the Academy devotes its resources to ensure economic accessibility and to support the wider community through outreach and service.

Through this program, we continue Vincent Cordova’s legacy, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally in a supportive and enriching environment. The program is a testament to Albuquerque Academy’s belief that education has the power to change lives and communities.

Full Scholarships Available for All Participants

We believe in accessibility. We realize that paying tuition at an independent school may make the Academy feel financially inaccessible to many in our community. Financial barriers should not prevent talented, motivated students from attending, belonging, and succeeding at our school. Our commitment to this principle in the summer honors program is demonstrated in the full scholarships for the first five periods, 8:10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, that we will provide to all accepted scholars regardless of their financial circumstances.

If you are interested in a full-day program, all scholars also are invited and encouraged to register for classes during the 1:30-3:30 p.m. block, extending the program to a full day of learning and exploration. There is need-based financial assistance available to cover the additional two classes and afternoon, which can include Think Summer programming until 3:30 p.m. There is also beforecare starting at 7:15 a.m. and extended care until 5:30 p.m.

An Inclusive and Caring Community

The Academy believes that our student body should represent the diversity of our city and state. Diversity – across all spectrums of race, gender, orientation, political beliefs, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, age, experience, or religion – adds value to our community and makes us all better. We welcome youth from underrepresented and marginalized populations, including African American, Asian American, Indigenous, and Hispanic, in our summer honors program to expand the reach of our mission. We want to help fulfill the potential of talented young people in Albuquerque and expose them to what we offer.

A Diverse Slate of Engaging Courses

Current 4th-grade students from all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Up to 60 students are selected from the applicant pool for this six-week, full-day program, which includes academic enrichment, creative arts, interactive electives, experiential education, racquet sports, and community building. The summer scholars program fosters a joy of learning through creativity and an appreciation for other cultures; students live the Albuquerque Academy experience through academically challenging courses that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving and make Albuquerque Academy a nationally renowned institution.

What do students do at the Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program?

Summer scholars are introduced to Albuquerque Academy through academically challenging courses that not only encourage critical thinking and problem-solving strategies but also enhance and refine each student’s proficiency in core academic subjects. Classes are kept small to facilitate student-teacher interaction and to give students the opportunity to receive individual attention.

Culture Through the Arts: Students study Native American, African American, Hispanic, and other cultures from a unique anthropological perspective that emphasizes hands-on projects and the joy of creative self-expression. This course deepens students’ awareness of their own cultures while encouraging them to grow in their understanding of other cultures.
Math & Science: Students receive grade and/or skill-appropriate enrichments in these areas.
Writing, Reading & Literature Workshop: Based on the highly successful National Writing Project and Six Traits of Writing models, this workshop emphasizes reading and writing as integrated activities to develop independent writers.
Advisory: In addition to weekly check-ins with their advisers, students will engage in team-building activities, social-emotional learning, and study skills lessons.
Common Time: Once per week, students will meet as an entire cohort to hear, learn, and interact with various aspects of campus life, including admission, athletics, performing arts, clubs, affinity groups, counseling and human development, the Desert Oasis Teaching Garden, and more.
Experiential Education: Three times per week, students will participate in outdoor activities to explore nature and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for our beautiful state.

Program Details

Dates & Hours

The 2026 VCSS program begins on Monday, June 8, and ends on Friday, July 17. VCSS classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Optional 6th- and 7th-period classes are available through 3:30 p.m. Beforecare will be available starting at 7:15 a.m., and optional extended care will be available through 5:30 p.m. Our MSHP orientation for families will take place on Sunday, June 7.

Here’s what a sample day might look like:

Albuquerque Academy students engaging in arts and learning activities.

Tuition

This is a full-scholarship program. The total value of the program is $1,500 per student. Upon acceptance to the Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program, families can opt to enroll in additional Think Summer programming including 6th- and 7th-period classes plus beforecare and extended care. We offer additional need-based scholarships for these opportunities to families who qualify.

Admission

Summer scholars applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, character ratings, teacher recommendation(s), and the applicant’s essay. Admission decisions will be announced in February.

A student may attend the Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars Program only once.

Class Size

Classes are kept small to facilitate student-teacher interactions and to give students the opportunity to receive individual attention.

Transportation

Students must provide their own transportation to Albuquerque Academy.

Health & Safety

Albuquerque Academy’s health and safety protocols meet or exceed DOH/PED requirements.

2026 Program: Monday, June 8 – Friday, July 17

Questions? For more information about this outreach program for academically strong current 4th graders, please feel free to contact us.

Think Academy Office Hours
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

Peter Gloyd ’98, M.B.A., M.Ed.
Director of Diversity, Culture & Belonging
Call (505) 858-8824 or send an email.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS Vincent Cordova Summer Scholars