Support the REAL Program
Founded in 1998, the Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership (REAL) Program has been transforming the first-year experience for St. Thomas students for more than two decades.
Founded in 1998, the Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership (REAL) Program has been transforming the first-year experience for St. Thomas students for more than two decades.
Designed to replicate a typical semester at St. Thomas, REAL introduces participants to the academic rigor, campus resources, and supportive community that will carry them through their college journey. Each summer, 16 students are welcomed into the program, where they earn five tuition-free credits by completing two courses required of all students (FYEX 100 and HIST 112).
Beyond the classroom, students live, learn, and work together, building strong peer connections and experiencing what it means to be a Tommie before the fall semester begins. Over its 24-year history, the REAL Program has served more than 400 students, the majority of whom successfully persist into their second year and beyond.
REAL Program participantThe REAL program gave us the perfect taste — the perfect taste of the resources we can use as students, the perfect taste of balancing a job, school, and fun. I am walking away feeling more knowledgeable. This is by far the best program on campus.