Summer Launch
June 23 – 25, 2026
Summer Launch welcomes incoming freshmen into HCU by preparing them academically for the rigors of college and connecting them to students, faculty, and staff before fall classes begin.
The program includes 2 nights in the HCU residence halls, engagement with HCU professors and staff, daily breakout groups with HCU student mentors, campus exploration, preparation for the rigors of HCU academics, and the development of relationships with other HCU students.
Summer Launch Video
Registration and Cost
Registration opens February 1, 2026 .
Cost: $50 ($400 value) – HCU covers majority of cost, but spots are limited!
Dates: June 23 – 25, 2026
See the refund schedule .
Register for Summer Launch
What Should You Expect?
Sample Schedule
Program Pictures
Registration Forms
What Should You Expect? At Summer Launch, you will:
Experience life as an on-campus resident, spending two nights in the HCU residence halls and eating meals in the Baugh Center
Learn time management and study strategies
Enjoy the vibrant city of Houston on off-campus excursions
Make friends with other incoming freshmen
Sample Schedule This is just a sample schedule. Exact time for check-in will be announced before the program begins.
Day 1 Sample
9:00am – 10:00am: Student Check-In
10:00am – 11:30am: Welcome Session & Mentor Reveal
11:30am – 12:00pm: Breakout Group 1
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch in HCU Baugh Center
1:00pm – 1:45pm: Future First (Session 1)
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Career Exploration (Interactive)
2:45pm – 3:45pm: Student Success (Session 2)
3:45pm – 4:15pm: Meet Your Student Success Specialist (Interactive)
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Breakout Group 2
5:00pm – 5:30pm: Free Time
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Dinner in the HCU Baugh Center
6:30pm – 9:30pm: Campus Takeover
9:30pm – 11:00pm: Free-Time/Optional Group Activities
11:00pm: Curfew
Day 2 Sample
8:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast in HCU Baugh Center
9:30am – 10:00am: Optional Bible Study
10:00am – 11:00am: Metacognition (Session 3)
11:00am – 12:00pm: Retrieval Practice (Session 4)
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch in HCU Baugh Center
1:00pm – 1:45pm: Reading and Writing in College (Session 5)
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Research and Library Services (Interactive)
2:45pm – 3:45pm: Grit (Session 6)
3:45pm – 4:15pm: Growth Mindset (Interactive)
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Breakout Group 3
5:00pm – 5:30pm: Free Time
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Dinner in the HCU Baugh Center
6:30pm – 9:30pm: Field Day
9:30pm – 11:00pm: Free-Time/Optional Group Activities
11:00pm: Curfew
Day 3 Sample
8:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast in HCU Baugh Center
9:30am – 10:00am: Optional Bible Study
10:00am – 11:00am: Faith and Academics (Session 11)
11:00am – 11:30am: Breakout Group 5
11:30am – 12:00pm: Closing Session
12:00pm – 12:30pm: Check-Out
Registration Forms If you are under 18 years old at the time of registration, you will need to complete the Summer Launch Waiver and email it to summerlaunch@HC.edu .