Well having been a Pell grant recipient and now in a top income level, I have strong feeling about the power of financial aid. Thank you to the people who gave many decades ago so that I could attend a great college. I would have to say that it is very very difficult if you are “poor” and not an URM to participate in many Summer programs today. Most stipulate that you must be URM and low income boosting up this group ( who may well need a boost) and holding others in a static position. I am all for need blind, no hooks at all admissions but it will never happen. Sad to think of all those middle class folks sweating out how their talented kids will get into college. I sometimes look up programs for my kids and I am very surprised how many are based on things kids have no influence over ( wealth, race, location) and how few are based on merit.
So kids with high incomes go to very expensive Summer programs and get a boost. The rest are left fighting over a very limited number of spots in free quality programs.