The Excel programs are sponsored by Putney Student Travel, now in its fifth decade of offering educational programs for high school students. Excel emphasizes growth and education through the challenges of hands-on learning by doing, exploring and adapting to new experiences, working cooperatively in small groups, and setting and achieving high personal expectations. Students select two areas of study and work in small seminars, undertaking extensive field trips and projects related to their subject areas. Each course culminates in a final project depending on the course. Course work is intellectually challenging, but credit is not offered and grades are not given since Excel students typically attend high-pressure schools during the academic year and want to focus in a more informal context during the summer on subjects that genuinely interest them. Outside the classroom, Excel offers a variety of athletic and cultural activities, many are organized by students themselves. Students best suited for the program are those who are motivated to stretch themselves intellectually, artistically, and physically and, in so doing, have fun!