Summer Program, Lifelong Impact

(HS)² prepared Ginika Chukwumah for Princeton and life beyond

(HS)² is looking forward to its 19th summer session at CRMS! If you're located in the Roaring Fork Valley, we'd love to have you join us for our Third Years’ Graduation on the CRMS campus on July 25 — a special celebration of our students’ growth and bright futures.

Below is a brief interview with one the program's 2024 graduates, Ginikachukwu Chukwumah from Denver, who will begin at Princeton University in September 2025 on a full-ride scholarship. Ginika's words profoundly illustrate the impact of the (HS)2 Program at CRMS.

Q: How did (HS)² impact you academically?

A: (HS)² opened doors for me by providing strong academic support that not only helped me do better in school, but also boosted my confidence. I learned how to tackle new skills without fear, and I became more comfortable making mistakes and asking for help, something I wasn’t used to before. It created a safe space for growth that really changed how I approach learning.

Q: What new subjects did you explore?

A: Over the course of my three summers at (HS)², I was introduced to the world of STEM in a way I had never experienced before. I took Biomed classes and got hands-on coding opportunities that my local high school simply couldn’t offer. Those experiences sparked new interests and showed me that I was capable of going far in those fields.

Q: How did that affect your performance?

A: Exposure to new subjects and academic challenges helped me get better grades and constantly push myself. Even when I faced setbacks, I learned that I could improve with effort and support. It was no longer about being perfect—it was about growing, and that mindset made a huge difference.

Q: What role did college counseling play?

A: One of the biggest impacts was being connected with my amazing college counselor, Betsy. She helped me every step of the way—from brainstorming essays to navigating the Common App. I truly believe that without her constant support and guidance, I wouldn’t have known how to manage the college process, let alone get into Princeton with a full ride.

Q: Where are you now?

A: Thanks to everything I gained through (HS)²—the academics, the community, and the mentorship—I’m now starting at Princeton on a full scholarship. It’s been a whirlwind of an experience, but I’d do it ten times over for the people I met and the support I received. And I know I’ll continue to lean on that support as I begin this new chapter in college.