Colleges offer summer academics for eager high school students

For those who can’t bear the thought of school being over, summer academic opportunities are in store.

“I went to a summer enrichment program where we took lots of different classes. It introduced me to different subjects that I never knew I was interested in,” said Emma Karns.
Students interested in business can sign up for Business Horizons. This is a one-week program that helps students gain a deeper understanding of economics. It also strives to teach the personal skills needed to be successful in today’s business environment. The program runs from July 15 to July 19 and is for all students in 9th through 12th grade. It is hosted at Central College. The cost is $350 and includes housing, meals and needed materials.

Those wishing to seek some culture over the summer break can host an international student over the summer. Twenty six youth from eighteen countries will be in Iowa in June and July. Interested students should contact Bill Tjaden at 319-464-2047.

The Student Conservation Association invites students to attend a summer volunteer experience. Students will work outdoors and with others in cooperation with the National Park Service and other partners. The crews are helping to better the environment.

The University of Iowa offers four summer programs for high schoolers. These programs include the National Institute in Forensics, All-State Music Camp, Journalism Workshops and Iowa Writers Studios. More information on all these programs can be found on uiowa.edu.

Art students can stay involved over the summer as well. The University of South Dakota hosts a week-long art institute. Students can take classes in many different areas including drawing, photography, print making and sculpture.

Loras College in Dubuque has teamed up with LeadAmerica. Through this program, students will get a feel for college life. The goal of the program is to prepare competitive teens for college. More information can be found on loras.edu.

“I attended the National Youth Leadership Forum a couple years ago and if you ever get the opportunity to go, you definitely should because I made friends there that I still talk to. I was interested in medicine before, but going to this camp helped me see what different options I had going into medicine,” said Abby Burgart.

For more information on many other opportunities, visit the Cedar Falls counseling website.