Expanding Rigor and Access Through AP Bootcamp
College of the Holy Cross
Institution Type: Private, liberal arts, Jesuit
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Founded: 1843
Student Body: ~3,300 undergraduates
Known For:
Highly selective liberal arts education
Jesuit tradition of service and leadership
Strong humanities and pre-health programs
#27 U.S. News National Liberal Arts Colleges
Deep community engagement in Central Massachusetts
In Worcester, Massachusetts—home to one of New England’s most economically and racially diverse school districts—College of the Holy Cross is redefining what it means to be a good neighbor and an access-minded institution. Through a creative pre-college program called AP Boot Camp, Holy Cross supports local high school students as they prepare for Advanced Placement coursework and the college application process.
Launched as a pilot program, AP Boot Camp is now entering its fourth year and continues to evolve based on student feedback and community need. The week-long, on-campus experience pairs content-specific academic instruction with structured college application and transition support, dedicating half of each day to each component. Students receive direct guidance from admissions officers alongside academic enrichment. With transportation, meals, and instruction fully covered, the program removes practical barriers to access while building critical confidence for academic success.
The outcomes speak volumes: 55% of participants apply to Holy Cross, 81% are admitted, and nearly one in four chooses to enroll. Beyond the numbers, the program has sparked new campus partnerships, deepened ties with Worcester Public Schools, and created a self-sustaining ecosystem of student volunteers and mentors.
Program Highlights and Outcomes
Early Exposure to AP Rigor: The program boosts student preparedness for AP coursework through intensive subject-based instruction and hands-on practice.
College Admissions Prep: Students also receive guidance on essay writing, interviewing, and financial aid, helping demystify the college application process.
High-Impact Outcomes: Post-program surveys and test score comparisons show growth in student confidence and performance—particularly in subjects like AP Calculus.
Student-Led Support Model: Holy Cross students act as instructors and mentors, developing leadership skills, earning credit, and engaging directly with Worcester Public Schools students in a meaningful community partnership.
“AP Boot Camp equips students with both the academic tools and the confidence needed to succeed in Advanced Placement courses. By providing early support, the program helps them recognize what is possible. As a result, when they return to their classrooms, they already have a strong foundation to build on."
Cornell B. LeSane II
Vice President for Enrollment ManagementCollege of the Holy Cross