Blank Summer Institute
About the Program
The Blank Summer Institute for the Arts & Sciences (BSI) is a prestigious one-week residential summer program for Iowa's most talented 7th- and 8th-grade students, nominated by their schools. BSI provides curious and talented students with an intensive educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth.
Each student selected for BSI will receive a $900 Blank Scholarship to cover the majority of the Institute's costs.
Dates
- Session 1: June 14-19, 2026
- Session 2: June 21-26, 2026
Daily Life
BSI students stay on campus in university residence halls for the week. Days are filled with challenging academic classes, hands-on workshops, and field trips. Evenings include recreational activities, social events, and time to bond with fellow students.
BSI on IG
Current middle schoolers, future engineers. 😎
Creativity abounds at the Belin-Blank Center. 🎨
"Life is but a stage" at the Belin-Blank Center. 🎭✨
A special shoutout to this year's Blank Summer Institute (BSI) Resident Assistants! We literally couldn't have done it without you. 💛🖤
Our Blank Summer Institute (BSI) Lab Science students were (figuratively) on fire last week! 🔥
Today was officially the last day of the 2025 Blank Summer Institute (BSI). These students worked hard to get into the program, gave their a…
...and the winner of last night's BSI Wacky Olympics? The "Dark Red" team! 🏅
Blank Summer Institute (BSI) students enjoyed following clues in a scavenger hunt around the University of Iowa campus! 🏛️
Blank Summer Institute (BSI) STEM students competed in the "Wacky Olympics" almost one week ago today — and we're sure that the humanities s…
Follow @belinblank on Instagram
See more ›Nominate a Student
BSI students are nominated by their schools. Teachers and counselors who know of talented 7th- and 8th-grade students should contact us for nomination information.
Available Sessions
No sessions are currently available. Check back soon!
How to Apply
After receiving a nomination, students will complete the BSI application process, which includes an application form and supporting materials.
Contact
Blank Summer Institute
Belin-Blank Center
600 Blank Honors Center, Iowa City, IA 52242
Email: belinblank@uiowa.edu
Phone: 319-335-6148