While your current thoughts may be about how to keep your pre-college students entertained for spring break, it’s important to start thinking about the summer break as well. Why? Many pre-college summer programs at universities and community organizations have application deadlines between February and April! Here are tips and resources to help you make the most of summer 2020:

1. Finding the Right Fit – One of the best ways to ensure that students have memorable summer experiences is to find the right fit. Pre-college summer programs are often structured to serve students who are in specific age ranges or grade levels and who have an interest in a particular field, such as athletics, Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), music, or arts. However, other considerations are just as important to make together. For instance, does your student want a residential experience where they stay on-site for the duration of the summer program? Or would they prefer programs that take place during the day and can share their experiences each evening at home? These considerations, plus location, transportation, and program costs, will impact your decision. Helpful hint: If you have a concern about the cost of a program, ask the organizers if there are scholarships or fee waivers that you can apply for to help reduce costs.
2. Completing Application Requirements – Once you and your student have settled on programs that fit your interests and budget, you will likely need to complete an application for admission into the program. Applications vary in length and details so be sure to read the requirements carefully to ensure you have the best chance for successful submissions. Many programs require demographic and contact information to be able to communicate important information as you prepare for your pre-college summer experience. Others may also require essays, letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors, and transcripts. One of the best pieces of advice in applying for summer programs is to pay careful attention to deadlines. Don’t miss out on amazing opportunities due to missed deadlines!
3. Preparing for Your Experience – Congratulations, your student has been accepted into their chosen pre-college summer program(s)! What now? Now is the time to prepare yourself and your student to get the most out of the experience. Double-check that there aren’t any final application materials that need to be submitted, such as acceptance forms, medical consent forms, and photo releases. Next, figure out what you need to pack, especially if they are staying at a residential/overnight program. Ask relatives and friends to borrow items, like sleeping bags, to further cut down on any program costs. Finally, plan how you are going to get there. Will you, a family member or other guardian be able to drop your student off and pick them up at the appointed times? Does your student have friends who are going too and can carpool with?

Important Deadlines You Don’t Want to Miss

IU offers a wide range of programs year-round for students of all ages and interests, from pre-K through high school. Whatever your goals, there is a pre-college program for you!  For a complete list, view our campus websites.

• Spring Shadow
  High School, IU Bloomington, 812-856-5935
  Get an early look at IU and all that it has to offer by staying in IU residence halls and shadowing a current IU student through classes, work, study, and extracurricular activities.
  Program Dates: April 5-7, 2020
  Application Deadline: February 28, 2020
  Learn more here
• Summer Experience in Sustainability and the Environment (SESE)
  High School, IU Bloomington,
  Participants explore the environmental field through educational and recreational activities and learn about college and career opportunities at IU from current students, staff, and faculty.
  Program Dates: June 18-21, 2020
  Application Deadline: March 31, 2020
  Learn more here
• James Holland Summer Enrichment Program
  Grades 8, 9, & 10, IU Bloomington, 812-856-3984
  Broaden your horizons in science with dynamic lectures, discussions, and laboratory experiences.
  Program Dates: July 19-24, 2020
  Application Deadline: April 13, 2020
  Learn more here
• African American Arts Institute Camp S.O.U.L.
  High School, IU Bloomington, 812-855-0816
  Spend six days studying African American musical art forms, including spirituals, blues, and hip-hop.
  Program Dates: June 14-19, 2020
  Application Deadline: April 21, 2020
  Learn more here
• Third Grade Academy
  Grade 3, IU East, 765-973-8311
  Participants take part in reading adventures and learning activities on the IU East campus.
  Program Dates: Anticipated for June 2020
  Contact the IU East Library for more details
• STEM Summer Camp
  Grades 10, 11, and 12, IU Northwest, 888-968-7486
  Experience and learn firsthand about the exciting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
  Program Dates: Anticipated for August 2020
  Learn more here
• 2020 Summer Reading Programs for Children and Adults
  Ages 4 and up, IU South Bend and surrounding areas, 800-964-8888
  Since 1996, this program has helped students in our community to build strong reading skills and develop a deep love of books and reading.
  Learn more here
• Project AHEAD
  Grades 2-10, IU Southeast, 812-941-2385
  Students explore new ideas, strengthen current interests or skills, and interact with other kids who love learning.
  Learn more here
• Nursing Camps
  Ages 6-11 years, IU Kokomo, 765-455-9478
  Children have a 45-minute health lesson each day (on diabetes, asthma, or nutrition and fitness), and the rest of the day the children participate in sports activities and arts and crafts.
  Learn more here