The Willamette Academy is a college preparatory program designed to foster education and leadership skills in traditionally underrepresented communities. The Academy provides a wide range of academic support for talented, intelligent, and creative 7th-12th grade students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in order to help them achieve their full potential. This support includes a residential summer session and subsequent access to tutoring and information technology every school day of the year. Students participate in the Academy for five years, beginning in the summer prior to their 8th grade school year and continuing through their high school graduation.