Are Scholars required to attend the entire program?

Yes, and we require that full commitment up front with your application.

We take our invitation and your desire to attend DECATS seriously. From our mentors, who commit several months to building curriculum, to you, the participants, who commit a month of your summer to come to DECATS, one of the defining strengths of our community is an intense dedication so that the program will be as educationally enriching, engaging, fun and successful as possible for all involved.

To gain the most benefit from the program, and because there is likewise very high demand to be admitted, nominees may only apply if they are committed to attending the entire three-week program.

Absences for illness that occur during DECATS may be excused. Routine medical appointments and non-emergency surgery or procedures may not be scheduled during DECATS hours. Any planned absence must be approved in advance by program administration. Unapproved absences not due to illness or emergency may result in my Scholar not being allowed to complete the current summer session and could result in the forfeiture of the opportunity to return to DECATS in future years.