University Jumpstart is a summer four-week academic skills enhancement program for University Outreach students, immediately following completion of grade 8. This program is a bridge between junior high and high school. In math, students review algebra I concepts and are introduced to geometry. In science, students study biology and learn laboratory procedures. Students also receive instruction in personal development, including public speaking.

This camp is generally held on a college campus to give students a first-hand experience of a simulated college life. Although they commute from home daily, lunch is provided in a campus cafeteria, allowing outreach students to dine along with summer college students. Once per week, students go on a field trip that is relevant to the subject studied during the week.

The camp culminates with an overnight campus visit to The University of Texas-Austin. At this event, students from the five University Outreach Centers compete in teams testing their knowledge of the subjects taught during the camp. This “Academic Challenge” is a competition similar to a traditional college-bowl. The teams win first, second, and third place medals. In addition, individual students compete in the speech competition and are awarded first, second, or third place medals.

University Jumpstart is the signature program for the University Outreach Centers.