The WashU Rural Scholars Academy is a weeklong, all-expenses-paid pre-college program designed for high school sophomores from rural and small-town communities across the United States. Hosted on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, the program aims to connect students with the university and the St. Louis community while providing insight into the college admissions process. Participants will engage in a range of activities designed to develop interpersonal, leadership, and academic skills. The curriculum includes a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. Students will explore design thinking, an experiential process of identifying and implementing solutions to problems, and will be introduced to the university admissions process through workshops led by WashU admissions officers. The program also includes group activities and social events that showcase the cultural and professional opportunities available in an urban center like St. Louis. The program is delivered in-person, with participants residing in on-campus housing throughout the duration. Running for a week in July, the program covers all food, housing, and activities at no cost to the participants. Eligibility criteria include being a current high school sophomore, at least 15 years old by July, and attending a rural or small-town high school in the United States. Instructors include faculty from WashU's Communication Design department, such as Amy Auman and Audra Hubbell, and admissions officers like Dacoda Scarlett and Phil Layfield. Participants will gain valuable skills in leadership, academic preparedness, and cultural engagement, providing a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors.