Summer Training Institute

51�Թ� Summer Training Institute

July 27–31, 2026

The five-day virtual Summer Training Institute is designed for those who are in the early stages of working as an independent educational consultant (IEC), and for those who are considering becoming an IEC. The Institute will set you up for success as you learn more about managing and promoting a business, working effectively with students and families, building a knowledge of the wide range of options available to students, and establishing a professional, competent, and ethical practice.

Registration for the 51�Թ� 2026 Summer Training Institute is now open.

About the STI Program

Curriculum

Comprehensive Curriculum

Being successful as an IEC requires knowledge in three core areas: counseling and communication skills, small business management, and knowledge within one’s specialty. Whether your interest area is colleges, K-12 schools, graduate schools, or programs for teens with behavioral, learning, or emotional issues, our faculty has extensive knowledge of what it takes to be successful. From intake and assessment to the structure of the consulting practice, all attendees will get the training they need.

Being a successful IEC also demands small business management skills. Marketing, liability, communication, and ethical practices are explored in large group sessions as well as in activities, discussions, and small group work.

The extensive Institute notebook has been developed from the faculty’s many years of experience working with students and families. The material coordinates with the seminars and visual presentations throughout the Institute. Many of the sample documents are provided for reference purposes as attendees develop their own business documents.

Schedule

Faculty

Session leaders have been carefully chosen from among the nation’s most experienced and successful IECs. Each faculty member specializes in the topics they are scheduled to present, and most have served on past faculties. In the words of a recent participant: “I'm so impressed. The faculty members were incredibly knowledgeable and had a genuine love and passion for helping us; they want us to succeed. I felt so empowered through their support.”

Cost

$1,195 ($995 for 51�Թ� Professional and Associate Members)
The program fee includes all materials provided electronically, as well as a large notebook that will be mailed to you two weeks prior to the Institute for your use both during the program and long after.

You must submit a $250 deposit with your application using a credit card in the online application system. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with directions to pay the remaining balance due via our online payment system or via a mailed check. If your application is not approved, you will receive a full refund of the $250 deposit.

If you become an 51�Թ� Associate or Professional member prior to the start of the institute, you will receive the discounted member rate of $995. If you have already paid in full at that time, the $200 difference will be refunded to you.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Summer Training Institute Live Lounge Sponsors

Summer Training Institute Recorded Spotlight Sponsors

Feedback from Recent STI Participants

“As a seasoned admission professional with experience both on the college and high school side as a college counselor, I was hesitant to attend STI, doubting I would learn much. Just a few hours in, I was blown away! My notebook is full, my brain is on overdrive, and I still have presentations to watch, re-watch, and so much more to learn! Thank you for an incredible experience and showing me once more that there is always something new to learn in this field.”

“I learned so much from each one of these presenters and their presentations. The presenters spoke in ways I could grasp and understand the content; I could envision myself utilizing the information. I am thankful to have slides and handouts for follow-up reminders of the presentation content.”

“The whole program was well worth the time and money!”

“I have done so much professional development in my career, and this was by far the most impressive, from start to finish. It's clear how much care, planning, and effort goes into the creation of STI, and the impact on the participant is utterly profound. I am SO glad I did this - I feel more confident in my skills and path forward, and I feel like there's a true community I can lean on. I've also never seen more supportive colleagues who are willing to help. Truly, truly, this was one of the best professional experiences I've had.”

“By far, the most practical and useful professional development I've had in 20 years!”

“The generosity of the knowledge shared and the resources provided were way beyond expectations!”

“My knowledge has exponentially increased, and I am so much more confident to be guiding students and families through the many facets of college admissions.”

“I expected to learn a lot this week, but you did outstrip my expectations. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been going back to sessions and listening to them again and going over handouts. I feel motivated and excited about the community I will find as an IEC, something I did not expect at all. Truly an excellent program.”

“Thank you for the hard work behind the scenes that goes into an excellent training institute. 51�Թ� is clearly an organization of great integrity and sincere passion for its purpose. I’m proud to have participated in STI.“

“I've been in various training programs since starting my professional career in school counseling many years ago, and I have to say that this training has been the BEST! It was organized, the presenters were professional and knowledgeable, and everyone was so friendly, including the participants. I loved the flexibility of watching pre-recorded sessions during times that fit each participant's schedule, as well as the well-timed live sessions.”

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