FutureU@KU Summer Camp
Join us for a 3-day, 2-night residential college experience for rising seniors and 2026 graduates with intellectual disabilities (ID). Explore college opportunities, career paths, and campus activities.
2026 FutureU@KU Camp
June 8 – 10
6 spots available!
Apply before April 26, 2026
We Can See FutureU@KU!
Sponsored by KU TPE, this is:
- a 3-day, 2-night residential camp
- designed for rising 12th grade students and 2026 graduates
- who have an intellectual disability
- and want to explore college.
Campers will:
- stay in KU dorms,
- sample college classes,
- have fun activities with KU students,
- explore campus, and
- practice skills to get ready for college!
When: June 8 – 10, 2026
Where: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Cost: $25 non-refundable application fee. If accepted, it is applied to the $250 camp fee.
Review the details below before you apply, so you know what to expect. Both the student camper and their parent/guardian will need to complete the application.
Focus of Camp
The goal of FutureU@KU is to have students with ID explore college and what becoming a Jayhawk can be like! Students will:
- Stay in KU dorms and eat in the dining halls
- Take classes, career activities, and student life
- Explore campus such as Ambler Rec Center, unions, libraries, and social hotspots
- Hang out with current KU students
- Meet others who want to go to college
Trained TPE staff and Camp Counselors (current KU students and recent TPE graduates) will be present 24 hours a day throughout camp.
Students will be encouraged to make decisions and practice independence throughout camp. Activities, meals and accommodations are for students only. Parents/guardians get to have fun elsewhere!
We will be accepting 6 students for Summer 2026. A non-refundable $25 application fee is required. If accepted into FutureU@KU, this will be applied to your $250 registration fee.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for FutureU@KU, students must:
- Be entering their 12th grade/last year in high school in fall 2026 OR a 2026 graduate.
- Have a documented intellectual disability (ID). KU TPE is federally funded and must meet certain guidelines. See KU TPE eligibility information for more information or email us: kutpe@ku.edu.
- Be interested in going to college and want to attend camp
- Be independent in basic personal care, including:
- Bathing/showering
- Taking medications
- Dressing
- Eating
- Using the restroom
- Be able to adapt to changes in routine and participate in daily group activities
- Show no history of significant behavioral or emotional concerns that would interfere with participation
- Be able to function in a supervised campus setting without one-on-one support
These criteria help ensure that students are a good fit for FutureU@KU and can participate meaningfully in all aspects of the experience.
Admission and Cost
We will be accepting 6 students for Summer 2026.
Applications due by April 26.
Admission packets will be sent in early May.
A non-refundable $25 application fee is required. If accepted into FutureU@KU, this will go towards your $250 camp fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
A documented intellectual disability is required. Intellectual disability is defined by AAIDD as significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. This diagnosis may be confirmed in an IEP, cumulative file, physician’s documentation, Social Security Administration files, vocational rehabilitation documentation... Please email kutpe@ku.edu with “CAMP” in subject line, with eligibility questions before submitting application. All eligibility documents may be requested prior to acceptance.
Campers must be independent in basic personal care (bathing, dressing, eating, restroom), participate in activities, follow instructions and community guidelines, treat others with kindness and respect, and show no history of significant behavioral or emotional concerns that might interfere with participation.
Applications are due April 26 by 11:59pm
We will send out acceptance packets in early-May.
Required materials for camp activities include a personal computer and cell phone. You will receive a complete packing list in advance of camp.
Required materials for camp activities include a personal computer and cell phone. You will receive a complete packing list in advance of camp.
Casual clothes including shorts, t-shirts, pants, socks, athletic shoes etc. Students will do a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
3 days of activities, 2 nights in the dorms, and all meals at the dining halls. Additional snacks and souvenirs can be purchased on campus with credit and debit cards.
- Go to college classes and learn about programs at KU
- Discover career paths and practice job skills
- Explore KU campus and activities
- Socialize with other students
- Learn about inclusive postsecondary education opportunities in Kansas
